China will donate 300,000 COVID-19 Sinopharm vaccines, developed by its state-owned company, to Nepal, the Chinese embassy in Nepal confirmed. China said the prioritized vaccine grant showed the importance it attaches  to the China-Nepal friendship.

“Despite huge demand for the vaccines both in China domestically and across the world at present, the Chinese government had prioritized Nepal in providing the vaccines,” the embassy said in a statement.

The Chinese offer of vaccines came a week after Nepal received 1 million of Astra-Zeneca in donation from India. Nepal has already started inoculating its population. Soon after India started delivering the vaccines in the South Asia region, China offered its vaccines to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal.

The Sinopharm Covid vaccine has 79.34 percent efficiency. Around 24 million vaccines have already been administered, the press released said.

The vaccines will be delivered to Nepal; officials from both countries are in touch regarding it.  

“The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Nepali side to build a community of health for all and further strengthen and promote the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two countries,” the statement reads.