Voices

“The new Yatra route through the Nathula Pass has been operating for one year， during which time I have observed enhanced communication between our two peoples. The year 2015 witnessed a 21 percent increase in Chinese tourists to India after Prime Minister Modi announced the issue of e-visas for Chinese nationals， and the number of bilateral exchanges has for the first time exceeded one million. At the beginning of 2016， China was Guest of Honor at the Delhi International Book Fair， where it launched the grand opening ceremony of the ‘Visit China Year.All this attests to the bright future of people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.”

Chinese Ambassador to India Le Yucheng made the remarks at the Reception to Mark the First Anniversary on March 29， 2016 of the New Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Route via Nathula Pass.

“Chinas economy has entered a ‘new normal and embarked on another five-year journey which will bring new opportunities for the development of African countries， including Kenya. It is estimated that in the next five years， China will import goods worth US $10 trillion and invest over US $500 billion overseas. At the same time， outbound visits by Chinese people will exceed 500 million. We are willing to work together with African countries to share opportunities， promote win-win cooperation， and realize the dreams of the African people.”

An extract from the article “Steady Development of China， Great Opportunities for Kenya” by Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Liu Xianfa， published in The Standard on March 23 and the Daily Nation on March 24， 2016.