China to provide Rs 180 million to Nepal

Kathmandu, Mar 17 (UNI) China has agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 180 million to invest in ''mutually agreed'' projects in Nepal.

The Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce and the acting Foreign Secretary of Nepal Hira Thapa, signed the agreement to this effect in Kathmandu during the visit of Tang Jiaxuan, State Councillor of China, to Nepal.

The two countries also signed duty-free access for all Nepalese goods to the Chinese market.

Nepal has sent a list of 1,550 items for this purpose, Kantipur quoted Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Bharat Thapa as saying.

China will determine the final list. Goods will be exported to three major Chinese markets - Tibet, mainland China and Hong Kong, he said.

Meanwhile, Tang Jiaxuan has said that China wants to see a peaceful and prosperous Nepal by ending Nepal's present difficulties through reconciliation among the constitutional forces.

''We sincerely hope that all constitutional forces in Nepal will set store by the fundamental interests of the country and people, and seek to appropriately settle the current difficulties and problems through dialogues based on the maintenance of Nepal's independence, sovereignty and national unification,'' he said while speaking at programme in Chinese embassy in Kathmandu this evening.

With peace, reconciliation and amity, enjoying stability, development and prosperity, Nepal will promote regional peace, stability and development, he said.

''We believe that the Nepalese government and people have the political wisdom and capabilities to solve their own problems,'' he said.

The Chinese senior official said China follows the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It has never interfered with the internal affairs of Nepal and highly respects the mode of development chosen by the Nepalese people.

''We consistently support Nepal in its effort to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Nepal is a sovereign country and its internal affairs shall not be interfered with in any way by any outside forces,'' Mr Tang said.

Beijing continues to place high importance on developing comprehensive and friendly relations with Nepal, he said, ''China will never change its friendly policy towards Nepal irrespective of the changes both internationally and in our two countries''.

Mr Tang also appreciated a strong support by Nepal to China over the years on the questions of Taiwan and Tibet and other major issues related to ''China's sovereign rights and interests''.

UNI XC ARB KP1900