“[We] should implement more projects in areas such as agriculture, new energy, health and education to promote Nepal’s economic and social development and improve people’s livelihoods,” Chen was quoted as saying in a statement on the agency’s social media account on Wednesday.

Chen’s visit, which ended on Tuesday, comes as China has managed to repair ties with its regional rival India following a border clash in 2020.

But the two Asian giants are competing to win over partners such as Nepal for influence in the region.

Landlocked Nepal sits between India and China, with India traditionally seen as Nepal’s main ally because of their shared culture and proximity.

However, Nepal has drawn closer to China in recent years because of Beijing’s infrastructure investment. China has in recent years boosted economic interactions with the Himalayan nation by pumping millions of dollars into projects, ranging from roads to hydropower plants.