Kathmandu: Professor Huang Zheng Duo, the Director of the Nepal Study Centre at Sichuan University, China, expressed his enduring fascination with Nepal’s natural beauty in an interview with Madhu Shahi, a sub-editor of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS). Prof. Duo, who also studied at Johns Hopkins University in the USA, frequently visits Nepal for research and participation in various programs, particularly those celebrating the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China relations.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Prof. Duo has visited Nepal over 20 times, considering it his second home. His visits are often linked to research endeavors and participation in educational seminars and workshops. Prof. Duo highlighted the allure of Nepal’s diverse locales such as Janakpur, Chitwan, Lumbini, Pokhara, and Manang, with a special fondness for Lumbini due to its significance as the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and its connection to Buddhism.
Addressing tourism, Prof. Duo noted the high number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal, drawn by its natural splendor and cultural heritage sites. He suggested improvements in offering spiritual and original gifts at Lumbini and recommended reducing ticket prices for tourist attractions to enhance visitor experiences and potentially increase Chinese tourist numbers.
Discussing diplomatic relations, Prof. Duo emphasized the importance of high-level visits and continuous dialogue to strengthen emotional and diplomatic bonds. He remarked on the expanding people-to-people relations and the exchange of students as beneficial for mutual understanding between China and Nepal.
Reflecting on 70 years of diplomatic relations, Prof. Duo outlined the historical ties of coexistence and cooperation between Nepal and China. He advocated for political stability in Nepal to foster long-term, result-oriented bilateral ties. He also highlighted potential collaboration in hydropower projects and digital partnerships, given Nepal’s new AI policy and China’s advancements in technology.
On strengthening diplomatic relations, Prof. Duo identified economic development as a crucial factor, suggesting that China’s experience in economic growth and poverty reduction could be beneficial for Nepal. He also addressed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underscoring its potential to enhance Nepal’s connectivity and development, albeit acknowledging geopolitical challenges in the region.
Prof. Duo advised Nepal to maintain a spirit of goodwill and cooperation between its powerful neighbors, China and India, to navigate its geopolitical position effectively. He noted the increasing number of Nepali students in China as a positive trend, emphasizing their role in cultural exchange and educational development, which strengthens bilateral relations.
In conclusion, Prof. Duo praised Nepal’s beauty in terms of nature, culture, and religion, and expressed admiration for its multi-dimensional society characterized by open ideological debates and interactive culture.