A new direct air route has been launched, linking Lhasa, the capital city of Xizang Autonomous Region in China, and Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal.
On Monday, the maiden flight left Lhasa with 107 passengers on board. It is the second direct passenger air route from Lhasa to Nepal, with the other linking Lhasa to Kathmandu.
The air service is operated by Himalaya Airlines, with the outbound trip occurring on Monday and the return flight on Tuesday.
"I guess that will increase the tourism for both Lhasa and Pokhara, Nepal," said Umesh Budhathoki, a tourist.
The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nepal.
As a new achievement in boosting the interconnectedness between China and Nepal under the Belt and Road Initiative, the inauguration of the Lhasa to Pokhara flight route is an important measure to enhance Xizang's high-level opening-up.
"The primary significance to launch the flight route between Lhasa and Pokhara is to set up an air bridge between people of China and Nepal. Next, we will continue deepening cooperation with other agencies, so as to jointly promote the construction of airline network among countries along the Belt and Road," said Huang Shan, marketing development assistant of Xizang Airport Group's aviation marketing department.
New direct air route links China's Lhasa, Nepal's Pokhara
New direct air route links China's Lhasa, Nepal's Pokhara
Starting this year, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will feature a fixed schedule and venue, with a focus on showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as AI and humanoid robots, as announced during Thursday’s press conference in Beijing.
The 2025 CIFTIS will be held from Sept 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. This year's fair will highlight the latest trends in service trade development and will hold a global service trade summit, exhibitions, forums, business negotiations, achievements releases, among other supporting activities.
"In order to further stabilize the expectations of exhibitors and visitors, starting from this session, the CIFTIS will be held annually on the Wednesday of the second week of September, lasting for five days. The venue will also be permanently fixed at the Shougang Park," said Yin Liang, deputy director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Affairs Center.
Australia, as the guest of honor, will form the largest service trade delegation since the launch of CIFTIS.
Over 30 countries and international organizations, including Norway, Japan, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, have expressed their intention to set up exhibitions and hold events. Among them, Canada will participate for the first time by setting up an online exhibition under its government's name.
"In terms of thematic exhibitions, this year's CIFTIS will continue the nine major themes from previous years while aligning with the development trends of service trade. The focus will be on showcasing solutions in the service trade sector, highlighting technologies and applications such as AI and humanoid robots, and promoting Chinese service products and brands," said Yin.
Beijing's CIFTIS unveils schedule, venue for future editions
