A Chinese delegation has arrived in Nepal to observe and study the country's tea industry in collaboration with the Tea Alliance of Nepal and Ilam Municipality.
The team includes the Economic Advisor of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and other distinguished representatives. The delegation arrived in Ilam, a prominent tea-producing region, to gain insights into Nepal's tea cultivation practices and industry.
According to Tea Alliance Vice President Jeevan Neupane, the team will study various aspects of the tea industry, including cultivation techniques, green leaf processing methods, and the current state of the sector. The observation and study activities began on Sunday.
During a welcoming ceremony, Ilam Mayor Kedar Thapa highlighted the role of tea in strengthening Nepal-China relations. He emphasized that the historical, cultural, and trade ties between the two nations are deeply rooted, noting that Nepal's tea industry originated from seeds brought from China 150 years ago.
"Tea is our shared heritage, which has emotionally connected the people of both countries," Mayor Thapa said. He also underscored the importance of tea in establishing Nepal's international identity.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation with Nepal and supporting the growth of its tea industry. The Economic Advisor to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal stated that China is particularly interested in promoting tea produced in Ilam and Koshi Province.
Additionally, Vice President Neupane mentioned that the visit underscores the significance of a training program for Nepali tea entrepreneurs organized in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Zhangzhou College of Science and Technology, which took place in December 2024.
Stakeholders believe that the visit marks a step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering collaboration in the tea industry between Nepal and China. -- RSS
