Asia Pacific Exchange and Co-operation Foundation

The Asia Pacific Exchange and Co-operation Foundation (APECF) is a Chinese-government-backed organisation, based in Hong Kong. It is controversially planning to invest US$3 billion in the small Nepalese town of Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha, to create a 'Mecca' for Buddhists of all strands. The investment is enormous, constituting almost ten percent of Nepal's gross domestic product. However, neither the Nepalese government nor the local authorities were consulted about the project, they say.

Asia Pacific Exchange and Co-operation Foundation

The Asia Pacific Exchange and Co-operation Foundation (APECF) is a Chinese-government-backed organisation, based in Hong Kong. It is controversially planning to invest US$3 billion in the small Nepalese town of Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha, to create a 'Mecca' for Buddhists of all strands. The investment is enormous, constituting almost ten percent of Nepal's gross domestic product. However, neither the Nepalese government nor the local authorities were consulted about the project, they say.