Minister Lamsal urges China to reopen Rasuwa border checkpoint

Kathmandu: Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal today.

During the meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Lamsal requested the Chinese government’s necessary support for rebuilding and developing infrastructure damaged by floods in Rasuwa, as well as for the resumption of operations at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung transit point.

On the occasion, Minister Lamsal mentioned that about 600 thousand Nepali citizens need connectivity with the state and smooth movement, and called for necessary coordination from the Chinese government regarding effective operations at Korala and Tatopani border crossings.

“The main trade point of Nepal, Rasuwagadhi, has been closed due to the flood in Bhotekoshi river on August 26. The Nepalese government is working day and night to provide relief to residents through temporary roads and transportation from the old location for the time being,” he said.

Minister Lamsal mentioned that the Chinese government’s help is necessary to immediately make the road section from Syaphrubesi to Rasuwagadhi operational and asked for their support for it.

He informed that the government has also moved forward with preparing a new detailed project report (DPR) for the long-term road infrastructure development from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi and Kerung, and is working on opening tracks where needed.

The Infrastructure Development Minister requested China’s government support and coordination for that work.

During the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Maoming said China is a good friend and neighbour of Nepal and that the Chinese government is ready to provide all possible support. He expressed the view that a special study should be conducted for the reconstruction and operation of Rasuwagadhi, which is Nepal’s main commercial centre, in order to build resilient and effective infrastructure.

Ambassador Maoming said that the Chinese government is positive about the operation of Korala and Tatopani border transit points, and expressed a commitment to take initiatives for necessary coordination and support if the Nepalese government sends a special proposal regarding the reconstruction and operation of Rasuwagadhi, the Secretariat of Minister Lamsal stated.

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