China on Friday agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade reducing the landlocked country's dependence on India to conduct international commerce. Similarly, Nepal has been allowed to use Lanzhou, Lhasa and Xigatse land ports (dry ports) as well. The deal has paved the way for Nepal, which had been relying on Indian ports as of now, to diversify its access to seaports and alternative routes for third-country trade. Joint secretary Sainju and Director General of Transport Department of China, Wang Suiping, sign the agreement on Friday morning. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 had forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long term dependence on India.

Source: dna September 07, 2018 20:03 UTC