Prime Minister Prachanda declared Pokhara as the “tourism capital of Nepal” during an announcement made in the city itself. This designation highlights Pokhara’s significance as a major tourist destination within the country.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal conveyed Nepal’s intention to seek China’s assistance in development during a statement on Sunday. He indicated plans to propose that China consider treating the Pokhara International Airport as a “grant project” and support regular commercial flights between Nepal and China.
Prime Minister Prachanda declared Pokhara as the “tourism capital of Nepal” during an announcement made in the city itself. This designation underscores Pokhara’s newfound status as a pivotal hub for tourism within Nepal.
The Pokhara international airport, constructed by China, was deemed ready for commercial operation in January 2022. However, it has remained unused since then due to disagreements between the governments of Nepal and China regarding its status under the Belt and Road Initiative. Nepal maintains that the airport is not a part of the initiative, leading to a stalemate in its utilization.
The announcement coincided with Nepal’s final preparations to secure Chinese aid for the construction of the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park, spanning nearly 4,000 acres. There’s potential for the project to expand to 6,600 acres in east Nepal’s Jhapa, near the border with North Bengal.
The establishment of the Nepal-China Industrial Friendship Park and a 327-MegaWatt upper Marsyangdi hydroenergy project is anticipated to be formalized during Kathmandu’s Investment Summit scheduled for April 29-30. This information was disclosed by Pradhyunna Upadhyaya, spokesperson of the Nepal Investment Board, in an interview with The Indian Express.
