The Nepalese government has formally requested China to convert the loan used for the construction of the Pokhara Regional International Airport into a grant. This appeal was conveyed through an official communiqué sent by Nepal’s Ministry of Finance to the Chinese authorities.

Dhaniram Sharma, Chief of the International Financial Aid Coordination Division under the Ministry of Finance, delivered the request letter to Yang Weigun, Vice Chair of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), during a program held at Nepal’s Ministry of Finance on Thursday. At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel urged China to consider converting the loan into a grant, citing Nepal’s current economic situation and the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

In addition to this request, the event also witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements between the two countries. These agreements cover the construction of an 8.2 km road segment from Kalanki to Bashundhara and Maharajgunj along Kathmandu’s Ring Road, the upgrading of the Hilsa-Simikot road section to two lanes, the construction of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) and Inland Container Depot (ICD) at the Korala transit point in Mustang, and a feasibility study for the maintenance and improvement of the Araniko Highway, including landslide control measures.

These agreements were signed by Finance Secretary Dr. Ghimire on behalf of the Nepalese government and Yang Weigun representing CIDCA.

Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)