Kathmandu — Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, held a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, on Wednesday at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Ambassador Chen congratulated the newly appointed minister and extended best wishes for his tenure. Discussions focused on Nepal–China road and power transmission connectivity, progress of road and electricity projects contracted to Chinese companies, cooperation in the energy sector, implementation of projects supported by Chinese aid, and prospects for Chinese investment.

Minister Ghising highlighted the importance of the Kathmandu–Kodari (Araniko) and Syaprubensi–Rasuwagadhi roads as vital but vulnerable trade routes due to landslides and fragile terrain. He requested Chinese technical assistance to repair and permanently maintain these roads.

He also urged the immediate start of work on the Kalanki–Basundhara section of the Ring Road expansion funded by Chinese grants, pushed for advancing another cross-border transmission line through Kimathanka to strengthen Nepal’s power market, and stressed the need to accelerate hydropower projects along the Arun River corridor.

Furthermore, he raised concerns over delays in the Kamala–Kanchanpur project contracted to a Chinese company, and sought support to speed up the Narayanghat–Butwal and Muglin–Pokhara road expansion works.

Ambassador Chen assured that China remains committed to supporting Nepal in its priority development areas. The meeting was also attended by ministry secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, chief of Development Assistance Coordination and Quality Division Sushil Babu Dhakal, Director General of the Department of Roads Bijay Jaishi, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.