General Rajendra Chhetri, former Chief of Army Staff of Nepal, gives an interview with China.org.cn. on April 18, 2024 in Beijing. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China.org.cn]

"Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, I think one important project is the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network between China and Nepal," remarked General Rajendra Chhetri, former Chief of Army Staff of Nepal, emphasizing the project's potential to provide the landlocked country with access to the global arena.

In an exclusive interview with China.org.cn on Thursday, General Chhetri stressed the importance of further enhancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Nepal, particularly through infrastructure development.

In 2017, China and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. More recently, a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and Nepal was signed last year, highlighting the commitment of both sides to advancing connectivity in various sectors such as ports, roads, railways, aviation and power grids. This collaborative effort aims to promote the construction of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, delivering more tangible benefits to both nations. 

General Chhetri also noted that establishing more transportation routes between China and Nepal could significantly enhance bilateral trade by reducing the time and processes required for Chinese goods to reach Nepal.

Tatopani-Zhangmu Port, located in China's Xizang autonomous region, is a first-class national land port for trade. After temporarily closing due to the Nepal earthquake in 2015, the port resumed two-way cargo transportation in May 2023.

Statistics indicate that in 2023, the import and export trade volume through Tatopani-Zhangmu Port reached 86,300 tons, valued at 1.767 billion yuan. During the first two months of this year, trade volume increased by 78% year-on-year, with trade value tripling.

China stands as Nepal's second-largest trading partner. Since last year, there has been a shift in the types of goods exported to Nepal, with a rise in high-value-added items being the most notable. For instance, while Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Port used to mainly export general merchandise, agricultural products, engineering materials and construction materials, there has been an increase in exports of new energy vehicles and large-scale machinery.

Improved infrastructure can also facilitate tourism between the two countries, General Chhetri emphasized. He said that enhanced transportation links would enable people from China and Nepal to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritages of both nations.