China to develop Lumbini in Nepal with USD 3 bln investment

From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Aug 9 (PTI) China today said it has signed a USD 3 billion deal with Nepal to develop Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha by constructing an airport and other facilities in the southern region, adjoining India.Dismissing media reports about having a secret pact with Nepalese authorities, China has clarified that it has signed an agreement with Nepal’s Tourism Minister to launch the controversial mega project. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan told a Madhesi party that they had signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Tourism Minister Khagda Bahadur, also a Maoist leader, regarding the mega project involving construction of airport, roads, hotels and other facilities to develop the area of southern Nepal adjoined to India.