POKHARA: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated that he is working to convert Chinese loans taken to build Pokhara International Airport into grants.
Speaking to the media in Pokhara on Sunday, Dahal mentioned that there is a possibility of converting 25% of the loan amount into a grant. “All my efforts are aimed at formalizing this,” he added.
Inaugurated on January 1 last year, the international airport has yet to see any commercial international flights. It has only handled a few chartered flights so far.
The airport was constructed using a $215 million loan from the China EXIM Bank and is capable of accommodating medium-sized jets such as the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.
“I have heard comments stating that the airport is only burdening the country with loans. This is not true. The airport will play a significant role with the declaration of Pokhara as the tourism capital of the country,” he added.
Himal Press
17 Mar 2024
