Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Ananda Prasad Pokharel and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai jointly inaugurated symposium on Aviation Cooperation between Nepal and China Opportunities and challenges.

Organized by Asia Pacific Daily (APD) under China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, a half-day seminar on "Aviation Cooperation between Nepal and China: Opportunities and Challenges" discussed various issues regarding Nepal-China cooperation in aviation.

During the program, Nepal policymakers and private sectors discuss prospects of aviation cooperation and explore new avenues for the country by bringing together the aviation experts in a common platform.

Inaugurating the symposium, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Pokharel disclosed that the government has already taken initiative to imports remaining four Chinese aircrafts ordered by Nepal Airlines. “These aircrafts will help Nepal Airlines to strengthen its domestic service,” said Pokharel. “I am proud to say that Nepal is benefiting a lot from Chinese tourists. With the induction of two Chinese aircrafts, Nepal Airlines is providing services to different domestic sector.”

Chinese ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said that China is eager to provide any kinds of support to Nepal’s economic development. “Being close neighbor of China, we want to share our development with Nepal. China is ready to provide Nepal necessary support in infrastructure development including hydropower and aviation,” said ambassador Chuntai.

Managing Director of Nepal Airlines Sugat Ratna Kansakar hold the view that Nepal Airlines will induct remaining Chinese made aircraft to extend its domestic sector. “Nepal Airlines is planning to add two more wide body aircraft to increase its flights to major cities of China including Shanghai and Gunzhao,” said Kansakar.

President of Airlines Operation Association Rameshwor Thapa said there is a lot of possibility to enhance cooperation between Nepal and China in aviation sector given the rise of domestic market in Nepal.

Director General of Civil Aviation Authority Nepal Sajeev Gautam said Nepal needs Chinese support to modernize Nepal’s aviation sector.