KATHMANDU: Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey returned to Pokhara today after completing a week-long official visit to China. The trip was made at the invitation of the Tibet Autonomous Region Government to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.

During the visit, Pandey participated in an official program organized by the Tibetan authorities. He held a high-level meeting with Wang Junzheng , Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the Tibet Autonomous Region. In the meeting, Pandey proposed the regular operation of the Korala border crossing, aiming to enhance cross-border trade and tourism between Gandaki Province and Tibet.

He also discussed facilitating pilgrimages to Mansarovar for both Nepali and international visitors via the Tibetan route. Other key proposals included the addition of direct flights between major Chinese cities and Kathmandu or Pokhara, expanding investment and tourism partnerships between Tibet and Gandaki, offering tax incentives for major Chinese investors, and easing visa and entry pass procedures for tourists arriving in Pokhara via Lhasa.

Pandey expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure support from China, along with tourism cooperation initiatives, would further strengthen Gandaki’s relationship with Tibet. He said Nepal values China’s past contributions to infrastructure development and expects the cooperation to deepen further.

Wang Junzheng responded positively, noting that the Tibetan government is aware of Gandaki’s efforts to operationalize the Korala crossing and views it as a promising opportunity. He reaffirmed Tibet’s willingness to cooperate in tourism, agriculture, and industry. Wang recalled his visit to Gandaki Province in November 2023 and emphasized the importance of continued bilateral exchanges to enhance cooperation.

In Linzhi, Pandey met with Ao Liuquan, Party Secretary of the CPC Linzhi Municipal Committee, and Mayor Bata. The leaders discussed strengthening ties between Linzhi and Pokhara, particularly in tourism, sports, and trade. Pandey thanked Linzhi city for its continued cooperation and support.

Both sides agreed the visit was productive and committed to further collaboration between the Gandaki Province Government and the Tibet Autonomous Region.