KATHMANDU: Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Vice Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has said that the party’s is not against China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but stressed the need for clarity regarding its framework.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s office in Chaumati, Wagle stated that both Nepal and China should present clear positions before formal discussions can proceed.
“We are not against BRI, but there must be transparency. The distinctions between grants and loans should be clear, and Nepal’s stance on BRI must be defined,” Wagle said. He underscored the need for detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for BRI-related projects.
His comments come ahead of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s scheduled visit to China on December 2, where discussions on BRI are anticipated.
Wagle also stressed that the government should share its position on BRI with the RSP, Nepal’s fourth-largest party, to ensure informed dialogue. “We are awaiting a clear framework and terms from both sides,” he added.
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