KATHMANDU: Political leaders, scholars, and stakeholders are urging the rapid implementation of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Nepal following the recent signing of a cooperation framework during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China. The initiative is seen as pivotal for Nepal’s development and the realization of the national vision, “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”
According to National News Agency Nepal, at a program titled “Advancing Nepal-China Cooperation after the Prime Minister’s Visit to China,” organized by the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, Madan Bhandari Foundation, and Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation for Democracy Peace and Development, speakers emphasized the importance of advancing BRI projects. They argued that these projects would not only strengthen Nepal-China relations but also transform Nepal’s development landscape. The speakers highlighted the necessity of building a connectivity network to ensure a seamless supply of goods and commodities, thereby promoting economic partnerships between the two countries.
The consensus among participants was that Nepal should leverage the BRI framework to explore enhanced cooperation in sectors such as trade, infrastructure, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity. Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala described the BRI as an ambitious vision for shared prosperity, emphasizing its potential to foster connectivity, enhance trade routes, and promote cultural exchanges. Koirala underscored the importance of timely implementation of agreements between Nepal and China to strengthen political mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
CPN (UML) leader Bishnu Rijal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the BRI cooperation framework resulted from a consensus among national parties. He identified the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network and the development of a cross-border transmission line as crucial projects under the BRI framework, calling for their expedited advancement.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of China in Nepal, Wang Xin, emphasized that the BRI should be viewed as a win-win partnership for Nepal and China, free from controversy. Prof. Lin Minwang of Fudan University and Prof. Huang Yunsong of Sichuan University highlighted the necessity of comprehensive connectivity between Nepal and China, noting that existing infrastructure in Nepal is insufficient for economic development and transit facilities.
Chairman of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, spoke of the immense potential for prosperity through investments in socio-economic development, infrastructure, market integration, cultural exchanges, and robust people-to-people relationships. The event saw participation from policymakers, academicians, diplomats, industry experts, university professors, and rights activists.