Kathmandu, June 16 (HS): China has urged Nepal to create a fair, transparent and favourable business environment for Chinese companies operating in the country.

According to a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, the issue figured prominently during talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal in Beijing on Monday.

Wang said China would continue to encourage its companies to invest in Nepal and expressed hope that Nepal would provide a more conducive business climate for foreign investors. Chinese investment and financial cooperation in Nepal are concentrated mainly in hydropower, airport infrastructure, cement production, roads and the energy sector.

The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation on multilateral platforms and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, the statement said.

Wang reiterated China's commitment to supporting Nepal under the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including cooperation in power transmission networks, roads, border infrastructure and air connectivity.

Describing China as a reliable neighbour and partner, Wang said Beijing would continue to support Nepal's development, prosperity and modernization efforts.

Recalling the establishment of the China-Nepal Strategic Cooperative Partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal in 2019, Wang said the understanding had provided a roadmap for elevating bilateral relations to a higher level.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar