China to set up first consulate in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug 22: Due to the growing trade between the two neighbours,

will set up its first

in Nepal even as the Himalayan nation is preparing to open a third consulate in China.

Nepal has been preparing to set up its consulate general's office in Guangzhou while China has proposed to establish the office in Pokhara, a tourist hub in western Nepal, Xinhua reported.

So far, Nepal has three diplomatic missions in China - the embassy of Nepal in Beijing and consulates in Lhasa and Hong Kong.

Nepal's trade with China has significantly increased through Guangzhou, making the city a trade hub for Nepal in recent times.

A decision will be taken at a bilateral meeting in Beijing Sunday.

"The establishment of the office of consulate general in both countries will be the major agenda of discussion," Nepal's foreign secretary Arjun Thapa said.

Nepal's ministry of commerce and supplies has been lobbying the government to propose to the Chinese government for the establishment of a consulate in Guangzhou.

IANS