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Development Project In Buddha's Birthplace
By KTM Metro Reporter
July 17, 2011: the state news agency of China: Xinhua has reported that United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF) has signed off "Memorandum of Understanding in Support for the Lumbini Special Cultural Zone and Assistance Project for the Framework Design of Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha) Special Development Zone (Nepal)" in Beijing on Friday, July 15, 2011.
At a news conference held following the signing ceremony, the Lumbini project is in compliance with the UNIDO's principles of "economy, environment and employment," said Hu Yuandong, Head of the UNIDO's China investment and technology promotion office. Hu also said that the UNIDO first proposed setting up the cultural zone 20 years ago, but that their efforts to do so have failed until now.
Vice-chairman of APECF, Xiao Wunan has said that the Nepalese government has given its full support for the creation of the Lumbini Special Cultural Zone, while a large number of institutions and individuals have also shown great interest in participating in the project.
Xiao has said that the development of infrastructure will be at the top of the agenda, because he himself has experienced "enormous inconvenience" during his recent tours of the Lumbini area. During the APECF delegation's visit to Lumbini, the Nepalese government had transported Xiao and his colleagues by helicopter because of poor road conditions in the area.
Xiao has said that great efforts must be made to build roads, telecommunications networks and tourist facilities in the area, in view of millions of pilgrims and tourists are expected to flood into the area once the cultural zone takes shape.
About 2,500 years ago, Buddha Sakyamuni was born in Lumbini, which has since become a sacred destination for Buddhists around the world. Lumbini is a world cultural heritage site designated by the United Nations.
The APECF is a Hong Kong-based non-government organization (NGO), with a goal of promoting economic, social and cultural exchanges and cooperation around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
