BEIJING: The Embassy of Nepal in Beijing on Friday organized a tea-tasting event to further strengthen the cultural ties between Nepal and China.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
In his welcome address, the Ambassador of Nepal to China, Dr Krishna Prasad Oli, said both Nepal and China share. “This is the first event organized by the Nepali mission in Beijing to strengthen cultural ties between the two close and trusted neighbors as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations,” Oli said.
He also shared the history of Nepali tea, explaining that tea cultivation in Nepal began in 1863 when the Chinese emperor gifted tea seeds to the then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana. “160 years later, Nepal ranks 19th in the global tea market. In 2024, Nepal produced 25,000 tons of tea and exported 14,000 tons,” Oli added.
The ambassador added that promoting Nepali tea involves not just enhancing production but also supporting Nepali farmers and related communities. “The story of Nepali tea is not just about production; it is about the people. Thousands of farmers and artisans have put their heart and soul into tea cultivation,” he said.
Yuan Mindao, Vice President of China People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, said both China and Nepal have deep tea culture and traditions. “‘Have you had tea?’ in Nepal is equivalent to asking about someone’s well-being in daily life,” he told the Chinese audience.
Likewise, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song talked about tea culture in Nepal and China through a video message from Kathmandu.
Nepal’s tea exports to China increased by 12.5% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Xiamen Cha Tu Trade Company Ltd has branded Nepali tea into 28 varieties under six series based on quality and production. It has been organizing promotional activities across China.
Similarly, Song Ronghua, chairperson of Silk Road City Alliance – the co-organizer of the event, talked about the activities of his organization in promoting Nepal-China relations at the grassroots level.
The event began with cultural dances performed by Nepali students studying in China. Ambassadors from Pakistan and Myanmar, along with diplomatic staff from various countries, as well as Chinese business people attended the program. A Chinese artist mesmerized the audience with a performance with the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument.
Different types of Nepali tea were displayed on the occasion, and guests were treated to the taste and aroma of Nepali tea.
