Kathmandu: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has highlighted the necessity of strengthening cooperation between Nepal and China to promote Nepal’s sustainable development, emphasizing an increase in investment to foster mutual interests. In his address at the Kasthamandap Dialogue organized by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism, the Speaker stressed the importance of this collaboration.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the dialogue focused on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Nepal-China cooperation, where Speaker Ghimire advocated for identifying new potential areas for collaboration and integrating them as projects under the BRI. He expressed Nepal’s pride in China’s progress and its aspiration to benefit from China’s development through a broader economic partnership. Ghimire appreciates China’s support for Nepal’s developmental goals and hopes for substantial assistance from China as Nepal aims to transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income country by 2026.
Ghimire emphasized that Nepal’s historic relationship with China is rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and friendship, strengthened by the BRI. He views the BRI as an opportunity for Nepal to explore new avenues for economic growth beyond infrastructure. He suggested that Nepal could leverage its geographical position to become a ‘transit hub’ and called for enhanced bilateral collaboration in physical infrastructure, such as roadways, railways, information technology, and trade relations.
Reflecting on the seven-decade-long diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, Ghimire affirmed that Nepal’s policies are guided by the five principles (Panchasheel) of peaceful coexistence. He reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the ‘One China Policy’ and described China as a significant development partner for Nepal.
Former Prime Minister and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal also spoke at the event, describing the BRI as a global development project offering abundant opportunities for infrastructure development and connectivity. He urged Nepal to capitalize on these potential benefits.
China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, discussed China’s achievements in various sectors and reiterated China’s strong support for Nepal’s developmental goals. During the dialogue, business communities and academics from Nepal and China were set to exchange views on the BRI’s implementation in Nepal, its opportunities, and challenges.