March 30: Nepal and China have inked an understanding to fully resume bilateral trade and people's movement through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border from April 1. 

The first meeting of Nepal-China Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation held in Lhasa of Tibet on Wednesday agreed to open the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border, according to Consulate General of Nepal in China. 

Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and Executive Vice-Chair Chen Yongqi of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) government had led the delegations from Nepal and China respectively. 

The two sides held discussion on cross-border trade, resuming people's movement, trade facilitation, customs cooperation, development of trade related infrastructures, border trade and cooperation. 

The Chinese side has agreed to establish multi-faceted lab in Nepal-China border at the request of Nepal. Similarly, the Chinese side has also given assurance to open seasonal trade transit point, according to the Consulate General of Nepal. 

Stressing on the need of resuming Kathmandu-Lhasa direct flight, Secretary Marasini urged the Chinese side to resume the direct flight soon. Both sides laid emphasis to increase cooperation to improve living standard of the people in bordering districts of Nepal. 

Likewise, both sides agreed to change the name of Nepal-China Joint Pandemic Prevention and Control Mechanism to Nepal-China Cooperation Mechanism related to Border Trade and Cooperation. 

In the same manner, Secretary Marasini paid a courtesy call on Chairperson Yan Jinhai of Tibet Autonomous Region government.  The meeting dwelt on various issues including promotion of bilateral economic cooperation and mutual interest.