According to the Tourism Ministry, the number of Chinese visitors doubled to 89,509 in 2013, up from 46,360 in 2010. Arrivals from China in 2012 amounted to 71,861.

Speaking at a talk programme organised by Nepal China Society on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, Wu said Chinese tourists would reach a quarter-million-mark in a few years, with increased flights between two countries and land connectivity with Rusuwa and cross Himalayan roads.

The rapid growth in Chinese arrivals is illustrated by the recently revised air services agreement (ASA). The new ASA permits Chinese carriers to operate 56 flights a week with any type of aircraft. Earlier, Chinese airlines were allowed to operate 14 flights every week.

At present, Air China and China Eastern operate daily scheduled flights to Nepal, while China Southern operates double daily flights.

China Southern links Kathmandu and Guangzhou, while China Eastern and Air China link Kathmandu with Kunming and Lhasa, respectively.

Recalling his meeting with Chinese tourists in Lumbini at more than 40 degree centigrade heat, the Chinese ambassador said they reached there because Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. “A huge number of Chinese tourists are visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara too,” he said.

China has also emerged as a big source of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal, as Chinese pledged the largest amount in the last fiscal year 2013-14.

China overtook India in terms of FDI commitment, with Chinese investors committing Rs 7.31 billion, against India’s Rs 6.54 billion, according to the Department of Industry. “China has invested in Nepal’s agriculture, hydropower, information technology, tourism and infrastructure,” said Wu.

During the event, former Prime Minister and senior UCPN (Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai stressed on the need for enhancing economic relations between the two countries, stating the relations in the current age are focussed on economic issues.

Highlighting the need for increasing connectivity between the two countries, Bhattarai said the China Railway, which is extending to Shigatse, must arrive to Nepal and there should also be increased road and air connectivity to increase trade and investment.

In a recent news story published by Global Times, a Chinese newspaper, Chinese government is planning to extend Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Nepal by 2020.

Emphasising on the need for trilateral cooperation between Nepal, China and India, the former Prime Minister said with both India and China talking about making the 21th century the era of Asia, Nepal should be a vibrant nation between the two economic giants to benefit from their economic development.

CPN (UML) Vice-chairman Bhim Rawal said there was a huge potential of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of tourism, commercial agriculture, hydropower and other areas.  

Speakers highlighted Nepal’s continued support for one China policy even at the height of cold war and Nepal’s important role in providing China the membership of the United Nations at the expense of Taiwan.

They also praised untroubled bilateral relations for years despite neighbouring countries and China’s policy of non-interference in internal affairs of another country.