Some 40 tourism professionals of Nepal on Wednesday graduated from basic Chinese language training course provided by the Chinese government.
The tourism professionals received six-month long language class in the capital city as per the agreement reached between the two countries during the then Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to China last March.
According to the agreement, China will provide language training course to 200 tourism professionals of Nepal within five years.
The first batch of training was organized under the coordination between Nepalese Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
The course was operated from July 12 last year to Jan. 10.
Addressing the graduation ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong said the training program will enhance the understanding and bonding between the people of two nations.
"At a time when the number of Chinese tourists are gradually increasing in Nepal after the earthquake, we are hopeful that this training program will play a significant role in reviving Nepal's tourism industry," she said.
China is the second largest tourism source market of the Himalayan country. According to official statistics, Nepal received over 125,000 Chinese tourists in 2014 while the number declined to 80,000 after the powerful earthquake in April 2015.
"Chinese tourism is booming in Nepal in the recent years. Amid such, Chinese language will be helpful for business opportunities, cultural exchanges and in communicating with the tourists," said Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board.
He hoped China will extend support in capacity building and infrastructure development in the tourism sector.
Sundar Adhikary, a tourist police who participated in the training, said "Within six months, I have been able to communicate fluently in Chinese language. It has helped me to know more about Chinese people and culture. I am glad to be a part of this training."
