SATV 24 May, Kathmandu: The SCO Demonstration Zone (Nepal) Cultural, Tourism, and Economic-Trade Promotion Conference was grandly held in Kathmandu, marking a new level of pragmatic cooperation across multiple sectors. The conference attracted wide participation from Chinese and Nepali government representatives, business leaders, cultural and tourism institutions, and media organizations.
The promotion event was graced by the presence of Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, Li Gang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee of the China SCO Demonstration Zone, and various other known personalities and dignitaries.
Speaking at the Nepal–China Culture, Tourism, Economy, and Trade Promotion Conference organized by SCODA (Nepal) in Kathmandu, Minister Bhandari stated that the Government of Nepal is eager to welcome Chinese investment and technology. Highlighting the significant trade imbalance between Nepal and China, Minister Bhandari said that various recent treaties and agreements between the leaders of the two countries would help reduce the trade deficit. He mentioned that the zero percent customs duty provided by China on goods exported from Nepal has encouraged Nepali entrepreneurs and will contribute to reducing the trade imbalance between the two countries. He also stated that Chinese investment and technology are essential for the development of Nepal’s economy, and policy reforms will be made to welcome Chinese investors.
Li Gang, in his speech, introduced that the SCO Demonstration Zone is supported by the development of "Four Centers" and aims to build a new institutional platform for openness under the Belt and Road Initiative. He proposed three areas for deepening cooperation with Nepal: corridor construction, cultural and tourism collaboration, and mutual cultural exchange.
Following the speeches, representatives from Chinese and Nepali enterprises presented their projects. Companies such as Qingdao Shanghe Cultural Tourism Industry Co., Ltd., Himalaya International Logistics, and Sathi Travel Agency engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as cross-border tourism product development, logistics network expansion, and cultural experience activities, showcasing broad prospects for cooperation.
In the conference, Qingdao SCO Cultural Tourism Industry Co., Ltd., the SCO Pearl International Expo Center Nepal Pavilion, and Nepal Tea Garden signed an agreement to promote easier access for Chinese consumers to understand and purchase Nepali tea products likewise Shanghe Holding International Travel Service (Qindao) Co., Ltd. and Sathi Nepal Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd. agreed to cooperate on developing high-quality two-way tourism routes between China and Nepal.
As a key platform for jointly building the Belt and Road between China and Nepal, this promotion event not only deepened mutual trust and exchange in the fields of culture, tourism, and trade, but also laid a solid foundation for future multi-level and multi-sector cooperation.
The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of China-Nepal diplomatic relations, and both sides will continue to expand the scope of cooperation and work together toward a mutually beneficial and win-win future.
