KATHMANDU, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Government officials from Nepal's Ministry of Education will start to learn Chinese language from Monday to enhance their understanding about China.
Some 25 officials took part in the opening ceremony of Chinese language course organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
They will be receiving 80-hour-long basic course under the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, starting from Monday.
"Nepal has a lot to learn from China in the sectors like technology, education system, culture, trade and tourism. Learning about these areas is possible only through language, so we felt it's necessary to train our officials first for knowledge and technology transfer," Hari Prasad Bashyal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Education told Xinhua.
The Ministry of Education is the fourth government entity in Nepal to introduce Chinese language learning. Prior to this, the Confucius Institute has already provided Chinese language course to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism and the Nepal Army.
"With deepening friendship between China and Nepal, both countries have made remarkable progress in politics, economy, culture, trade and some other fields," said Yu Hong, Chinese ambassador to Nepal.
"In this context, I am sure the language class will bring new experience and feeling for understanding China, its culture and language," said the ambassador.
According to statistics, more than 40 million people are learning Chinese language in the world through some 3,000 universities.
In Nepal, the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University has trained over 20,000 Nepalese since its establishment on June, 2007. It is regarded as the best base for the promotion of Chinese culture and language in the Himalayan country.
The Confucius Institute is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Nepal this year.
Currently, over 3,000 Nepali students are learning language in China.
Meanwhile, many government officials have received Chinese language training in China under government scholarship programs.
They believe that learning Chinese has helped them achieve fruitful results in their profession and beyond.
"Chinese language has played a significant role in my life. Besides my regular job, I work as an interpreter and tour guide in my part time. Through the language, I have received a new recognition," Devi Prasad Upadhyay, section officer at Ministry of Education, told Xinhua.
Upadhyay, who had learned Chinese language for two years in China under government scholarship since 2006, said that learning a new language provides an opportunity to enhance the people to people relations.
Bhola Poudel, officer at finance department at Ministry of Education echoed Upadhyay's remarks, saying that "learning new language is very essential for effective communication. I am so glad to be its part, especially it's a big chance for the government officials to understand their culture and strengthen our ties."
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