"If Nepal has been able to develop its air service in a credible way, we would not have to face shortage of essential goods during blockade in the southern border," Nepalese Tourism Minister Ananda Prasad Pokharel said.
He was referring to the blockade led by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who are opposed to the new Constitution.
Pokharel said that the government is working in partnership with the government of China to develop and expand airports in the country so as to improve its air service.
China has agreed to provide USD 210 million soft loan to construct Pokhara Airport as a regional airport, he said. Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal, is considered as tourism capital of the country.
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Once the loan agreement is signed between Nepal and China this year, the airport will be completed within four years, he said.
He was speaking at a symposium on Nepal-China cooperation in civil aviation sector organised by Asia Pacific Daily to mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said that China is eager to assist and help Nepal in strengtheningher civil aviation sector.
China wants to share benefits of its economic growth with its neighbours, he said.
China can assist Nepal in capacity building, infrastructure development and air safety, he pointed out.
China has gifted 2.5 million of petroleum products to Nepal and also agreed to supply one third of its petroleum demands, breaking 40-year monopoly enjoyed by India in petroleum sector.
Sanjiv Gautam, Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said that China has provided two small and medium aircraft to Nepal on grants.
These include a 50 seater MA 60 aircraft and another 413 E 19 seater aircraft.
China has also agreed to supply four more aircraft on soft loan to strengthen the capacity of the Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier of the country, which is facing shortage of aircraft.