Kathmandu, Aug. 28: A six-member Nepali delegation has returned from a two-week study visit to China, highlighting valuable lessons in customs modernization, trade facilitation, infrastructure development, urban planning, and civic responsibility that could contribute to Nepal’s future economic transformation.
The delegation participated in the “Seminar on Customs AEO Certification for Belt and Road Countries,” organized in Changzhou and Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, from July 9 to July 22, 2026. Representatives from Nepal joined delegates from Kazakhstan, Togo, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Kiribati to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation on international customs practices.
The seminar focused on China’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification system, customs administration, trade facilitation, and national development strategies. Alongside classroom sessions, participants visited ports, manufacturing industries, logistics facilities, agricultural enterprises, automobile industries, and cultural heritage sites, providing practical exposure to China’s rapid economic and technological advancement.
Insights into China’s Modern Customs System
One of the major highlights of the visit was China’s highly advanced customs management system. Delegates learned how the country has aligned its customs procedures with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, enabling secure and efficient international trade.
The delegation observed China’s digital customs operations, including automated risk management, smart container scanning, digital inventory tracking, and integrated inspection mechanisms that significantly reduce customs clearance time while maintaining regulatory compliance.
According to the delegation, China’s enterprise credit management and tier-based AEO certification system encourage businesses to maintain high compliance standards, resulting in faster customs processing and increased international competitiveness.
The Nepali participants believe these practices could serve as an important model for strengthening Nepal’s own AEO implementation, improving customs efficiency, and creating a more business-friendly trade environment.
Infrastructure Driving Economic Growth
The delegation also expressed admiration for China’s modern transportation network and infrastructure development.
Travelling by aircraft, high-speed rail, metro systems, conventional railways, and modern highways provided first-hand experience of China’s integrated transportation network.
A Chinese saying, “If you want to become prosperous, build roads first,” was reflected throughout the country’s development model.
Participants observed extensive road networks supported by well-designed flyovers, underpasses, tunnels, and advanced traffic management systems. Underground metro systems in Changzhou and Shanghai were identified as effective solutions for reducing urban congestion and improving mobility.
The delegation also noted China’s extensive use of automation and digital technologies in infrastructure management, requiring relatively limited human intervention while improving efficiency.
Modern urban planning, characterized by high-rise residential buildings, efficient land utilization, green spaces, and integrated public infrastructure, was highlighted as another key factor behind China’s rapid urban development.
Civic Discipline Leaves Strong Impression
Beyond physical infrastructure, the delegation was equally impressed by the civic responsibility and discipline demonstrated by Chinese citizens.
Public places were found to be remarkably clean, while people consistently respected public property and followed rules in buses, trains, metros, and airports.
Delegates also observed courteous behavior toward visitors, strong work ethics, health-conscious lifestyles, and responsible public communication.
They noted that media and social platforms appeared to encourage social harmony and constructive communication, contributing to an orderly public environment.
Valuable Lessons for Nepal
Based on the study visit, the delegation identified several areas where Nepal could benefit from adopting similar approaches.
They emphasized that Nepal should strengthen implementation of its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) system to facilitate exports, simplify customs procedures, and improve international trade competitiveness.
Given Nepal’s persistent trade deficit, they stressed the importance of promoting export-oriented industries, productive enterprises, foreign investment, and employment-generating sectors.
The delegation also recommended that Nepal seriously explore modern mass-transit systems, including underground metro rail in the Kathmandu Valley, alongside better-planned flyovers, underpasses, and efficient road networks to address increasing traffic congestion.
On a national level, they suggested that the feasibility of developing an East–West railway network should be examined as a long-term strategic infrastructure investment.
The report further highlighted China’s systematic land pooling, integrated urban planning, and coordinated development of roads, parks, rivers, drainage systems, electricity networks, and public spaces as examples worthy of consideration for Nepal’s rapidly growing cities.
Finally, the delegation emphasized that Nepal can also learn from China’s strong civic culture by promoting cleanliness, protecting public property, encouraging responsible social media use, and fostering greater public awareness and discipline.
The delegation concluded that while Nepal and China differ in geography, economy, and governance, many of China’s development experiences offer practical lessons that could be adapted to Nepal’s own development priorities, helping build a more competitive economy, efficient infrastructure, and a more responsible civic society.
