Nepal has initiated its first vegetable export to Qatar, facilitated by Chinese expertise and financial aid. The shipment, comprising 1,500 kilograms of red cherry pepper chillies, flat beans, and bitter gourds, was cultivated by 20 farmers from Dakshinkali Municipality. This venture represents the beginning of a continuous 30-day export phase to the Gulf nation.
At Tribhuvan International Airport, a ceremony saw Zou Zhiqiang of the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) presenting a vegetable box to the Qatari Ambassador to Nepal, Mishaal Bin Mohamed Ali Al-Ansari, signifying the commencement of this export initiative. Ambassador Al-Ansari remarked on the importance of this fresh produce for Qatar, especially during its hot, dry season, and anticipated more imports of Nepali agricultural goods in the future, aiming to boost Qatar's market and fortify bilateral trade relations.
Wang Xin from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal praised CFRD's contribution to Nepal's sustainable rural development and highlighted the potential application of China's poverty alleviation strategies in Nepal. He pointed out the significance of this export opportunity for Nepali agricultural products in the Gulf market. Narahari Prasad Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, saw this export as an encouraging development for Nepali farmers to increase their production.
Zou Zhiqiang stated that CFRD has been sharing China's disaster prevention, poverty alleviation, and rural development strategies with Nepal since 2015, aiming to enhance agricultural techniques and connect local farmers to international markets. This export to Qatar is noted as a key milestone in introducing these practices in Nepal.
Source: The Kathmandu Post