HONG KONG, June 9 -- Chief Secretary of Government of Nepal on Monday said it is time to explore all ways to strengthen relations for mutual benefits between China and South Asian countries.

Addressing an international seminar on South Asia development in Hong Kong, Leela Mani Paudyal, Chief Secretary of Government of Nepal highlighted the importance of China and South Asia relations for the peace, stability and prosperity not only in the region but also in the world at large.

"There have been qualitative changes in China-South Asia relations in the 21st century. Both sides have given ample emphasis on strengthening these relations, " he said.

Taking Indo-China relations as an example, he said two countries' relations are expected to expand further after Narendra Modi came to power in India.

"It is particularly so taking into consideration a key role he had played in bilateral relationship between India and China while he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. China has also been giving much importance to its relations with India under the rubric of ' friendly relations with neighboring countries after the new leadership in China."

In view of importance of China's relations with South Asian countries, Leela Mani Paudyal said it is time to explore all ways and means to strengthen these relations for their mutual benefit as well as for peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

He said to develop comprehensive and cooperative security relations between China and South Asian countries, both sides need to stress on abiding by the basic norms of governing international relations stressing on respecting sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.

Also, there is a huge prospect of increasing trade and investment between China and South Asia.

"In order to realize the target of increased trade and investment between China and South Asia, it will be incumbent upon us to promote economic cooperation, focus on complementarities of their economies, dismantle trade barriers, increase exchanges between and among business persons, and expand and scale up trade infrastructures," he added.

"Close and cooperative relations between China and South Asia are inevitable in order to lead the much talked-about 'Asian Century'," He added.