Kathmandu, February 4
Nepal and China are preparing to sign the Protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement during the visit of Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari to Beijing to be held after around two months.
President Bhandari is scheduled to visit the Chinese capital to attend a conference on the Belt and Road Initiative.
Sources at the Ministry of Industries, Commerce and Supplies say the signing of the protocol will pave ways for the implementation of a transit and transport agreement the two countries signed two years ago.
After the protocol’s implementation, Nepal’s dependence on India for import and export activities will end practically. Nepal will be allowed to use its seven ports for international trade activities.
Likewise, it will allow Nepali vehicles to go upto Sigatse of Tibet to carry consignments.
The two countries had finalised the draft of protocol during a meeting held in Kathmandu in August-September.
“We were waiting for a high level visit to sign the document,” a joint secretary at the Ministry says, “Now, the President is going to China. We have been preparing for to sign the document during the visit.”
It is expected that Nepal will increase its trade with Japan and South Korea among other countries via China after the signing.
