The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has paved the way for increased collaboration between Nepal and China, focusing on infrastructure development. The initiative, designed to boost connectivity and foster economic cooperation, aligns with the shared goals of the two nations. Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the BRI in facilitating partnerships, emphasizing infrastructure development as a key aspect of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
Nepal is on the verge of signing the implementation plan of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China, marking a significant development after nearly seven years since the initial agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, during an event linked to the Silk Road Youth Forum and South Asian Cooperation Conference, announced the imminent signing of the BRI implementation plan. Once this plan is signed, the focus will shift towards practical execution. Shrestha emphasized the importance of this step for negotiating and launching ambitious infrastructure projects backed by Beijing.
The BRI, designed to boost connectivity and economic collaboration, has created new opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Nepal and China, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development. Despite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the BRI in 2017, no projects under this initiative, championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, have been implemented or formally negotiated. The latest announcement aligns with ongoing discussions during the visit of Sun Haiyan, a senior leader of China’s ruling Communist Party, to Nepal, where meetings with top leaders are underway.
The forthcoming signing of the BRI implementation plan holds the key to advancing collaborative projects and realizing the broader goals of the initiative. As a cornerstone of Nepal-China cooperation, infrastructure development remains a focal point for enhancing connectivity and economic ties between the two nations. The upcoming phase of implementation is anticipated to bring momentum to the ambitious projects envisaged under the BRI, contributing to strengthened ties and shared development objectives between Nepal and China.
Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, highlighted the transformative potential of initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for landlocked nations such as Nepal, emphasizing the prospects for enhanced connectivity. Positioned in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal envisions economic transformation through improved connectivity, with China’s support playing a crucial role in building critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and energy projects. Shrestha acknowledged China’s instrumental role in propelling Nepal towards economic growth and stability. The signing of the BRI implementation plan between Nepal and China has been a prime agenda since early 2020, but an agreement has been elusive due to differences over investment modalities.
During an interaction program in Nepal, Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, urged stakeholders not to be swayed by attempts from other countries to disrupt China-Nepal relations. Without naming specific nations, Sun emphasized that the enduring impact of such activities is borne by the people of Nepal and China. He called for unity in the face of challenges and practical cooperation.
Senior leader of the ruling Nepali Congress, Shashanka Koirala, expressed his party’s willingness to collaborate with China in Nepal’s development. He conveyed gratitude for China’s assistance during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The signing of the BRI implementation plan remains a critical step for negotiating and executing projects under the initiative. While Nepal and China signed a memorandum of understanding on the BRI in 2017, no projects under this initiative, which is a key project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, have been implemented to date. The upcoming phase of signing the agreement is expected to usher in the implementation phase, moving towards practical collaboration and shared development objectives between Nepal and China. As both nations navigate challenges, the focus remains on strengthening ties, fostering cooperation, and realizing the potential benefits of initiatives like the BRI for economic growth and stability in Nepal.