KATHMANDU: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has highlighted the need to make Nepal’s cooperation with China more effective and to invest in areas of mutual interest to achieve sustainable development.
Speaking at the ‘Kashthamandap Dialogue’ on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Nepal-China cooperation, organized by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism, Ghimire highlighted the importance of identifying investment opportunities and prioritizing new projects under the BRI.
Ghimire stated that Nepal takes pride in China’s progress and seeks to benefit from its development and prosperity through a comprehensive economic partnership.
He expressed gratitude for China’s continued support and assistance in Nepal’s development efforts, particularly as the country moves toward graduating from the list of least developed countries by 2026.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, Ghimire noted that Nepal-China relations are built on mutual trust, understanding, and friendly cooperation. He stressed that the BRI should not only be seen as a means of infrastructure development but also as a gateway to economic growth.
He highlighted Nepal’s potential to become a transit hub, given its strategic geographical location, and called for investments in infrastructure, transportation, energy, information technology, and trade cooperation.
Reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to the ‘One China Principle’, Ghimire underscored the country’s dedication to strengthening its ties with China based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, or Panchasheel. He acknowledged China as a reliable and important development partner, recognizing its long-standing support in various sectors.
Former Prime Minister and senior leader of the Unified Socialist, Jhalanath Khanal, also addressed the dialogue, describing the BRI as a global development project that offers unprecedented opportunities for infrastructure development and the expansion of communication networks.
Dismissing concerns about the BRI being a Chinese debt trap, Khanal argued that the initiative has proven beneficial to most participating countries, offering Nepal a chance for significant progress and prosperity.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, spoke on the advancements made in infrastructure, information technology, industrialization, and innovation under the BRI. He reiterated China’s positive stance towards Nepal’s development aspirations and welcomed collaboration between the two nations.
During the dialogue, Nepali and Chinese businessmen, academics, and experts are expected to discuss the opportunities and challenges of BRI implementation in Nepal.
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