The visit to Nepal by a delegation from Tibet last week is expected to give a boost to trade and tourism between Nepal and China. Nepali tourism officials have asked to start helicopter services from Nepal to Mansarovar, and also to streamline fares and increase flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The trade delegation came to Kathmandu hard on the heels of the agreement between India and China two months ago to open Sikkim's Nathu La pass to trade. At present there is only one regular border crossing between Nepal and China, but trade has increased at Lo Manthang after a motorable road was built from Mustang to Tibet.

Tibetan officials have reportedly agreed to open new border posts at the historic border town of Kerung and Nangpa La above Namche. "The Tibetan delegation was very positive," said Shanker Koirala of the Ministry of Tourism who headed the Nepali side in the talks.