China accords high priority to the construction of the proposed Koshi-Lhasa Highway linking Nepal's eastern zones with China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sun Heping, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, said in Kathmandu Tuesday.

 

"We have given this highway a high priority," Sun said at an interaction program organized by the Morang Trade Association, a non-government organization.

 

Among the 10 highways that link Nepal with China, this was the most important highway, Sun noted, adding, "However, the Nepali government needed to request the Chinese authorities officially for the construction of the highway."

 

China was always for the establishment of peace in Nepal and would continue to help developmental activities here, Sun added.

 

The request to open a Consulate General's office at eastern Biratnagar city of Nepal, some 400 km east of Kathmandu, could be considered after consultations with the government, Sun noted.

 

"If the proposal comes to the embassy, it can be negotiated with the Foreign Ministry of Nepal," Sun added.

 

All of the businessmen of eastern zones have been calling for Chinese help in the construction of the highway because it will benefit trade between China and eastern Nepal, said Kishor Pradhan, central member of Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest federal non-government organization of Nepal.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2006)