Beijing — A Nepali businessman has been awarded the Friendship Award by the Zhejiang Provincial Government of China.

The "West Lake Friendship Award", given to foreigners by Zhejiang Province, was received by Bishnu Prasad Dumru from Bhaktapur, who has been conducting business in Yiwu city of Zhejiang Province.

The West Lake Friendship Award is an honor established by the provincial government to recognize foreign experts for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the economic construction and social development of Zhejiang Province. First awarded in 1997, this award is given once every two years.

West Lake (known as Xihu in Chinese) is a famous tourist area located in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. The award was named after this lake to honor and appreciate foreign experts.

For the past 25 years, Dumru has not only been involved in trade between Nepal and China but has also positioned himself as a facilitator and a business & cultural ambassador between the two countries. He serves as the President of the Nepalese Chamber of Commerce in China, Yiwu chapter.

Among thousands of foreigners, receiving this provincial-level Friendship Award has greatly encouraged him and feels like recognition for all Nepalis, Dumru says.

"It has given me encouragement to further elevate China-Nepal relations. I feel it is a great honor for all Nepalis. I hope in the future I may receive recognition at the national level as well, not just provincial. This award seems to encourage all-round efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries."

This time the award was given to three foreigners in Yiwu city: a Nepali, an Indian, and a Yemeni, for their contributions in their respective fields and role in developing bilateral relations.

Having lived and worked in Yiwu for 20 years, Dumru has witnessed the transformation of Yiwu from a small town to the world's largest market for small commodities and toys.

Currently, he is actively working to bring Nepali products to the Chinese market, providing consultation, sourcing assistance, and logistics support to Nepali traders in China.

In addition to business, his active involvement in promoting economic and social relations, e-commerce development, educational cooperation in e-commerce, application of the Yiwu model for local economic development, and participation in welfare activities as a volunteer made him a deserving candidate for the award.

In 2023 (Ashoj 2080 BS), Dumru had the opportunity to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping — possibly becoming the first Nepali businessman to do so.