KATHMANDU, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's former deputy prime minister Sujata Koirala said on Sunday that China's ongoing rapid economic development is a role model for Nepal as the Himalayan country is aspiring to achieve prosperity through socio-economic transformation.

Koirala, who is also a leader of the Nepali Congress party, highly praised the remarkable development of China at a seminar organized by Kathmandu School of Law in Bhaktapur of Nepal.

"China has achieved astounding economic growth while at the same it has reduced the poverty rate significantly in recent years. These positive transformations in China are exemplary especially for other least developed and smaller countries like Nepal which are struggling hard to achieve socio-economic growth," she said.

Koirala, who is also a former foreign minister, said China's long-standing policy of non-interference in other country's internal affairs is commendable.

Koirala said the relationship between China and most of the South Asian countries including Nepal is growing smooth and steadfast, noting that China has been helping them to build infrastructure and connectivity projects in recent years.

Khadga KC, a professor in international relations, said that Nepal can benefit from the peaceful rise of China. "Nepal can follow China's economic model," he said.