Kathmandu, March 18

Former Prime Minister and leader of the New Force Campaign Baburam Bhattarai today suggested to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to sign Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement with China.

Issuing a seven-point suggestion ahead of PM Oli’s upcoming visit to China, Bhattarai-led campaign has also urged him to raise the issues of transit and fuel supply with the northern neighbour.

It may be noted that Bhattarai had signed BIPPA with India when he was the prime minister although he had drawn flak from Unified CPN-Maoist, his previous party, for the move.

According to the press statement issued here today by Navaraj Subedi, coordinator of International Department of the New Force Campaign, Nepal should be established as a dynamic bridge between the two giant neighbours — India and China. “The visit should focus on linking Nepal and China with modern road and railway networks,” said Subedi.

“The PM should present a clear plan for the overall economic development of Nepal. He should seek soft loan for the development of infrastructures,” the release states.

Subedi further said it is clear that China’s special support is essential for the conservation of mountains at a time when the environment of the whole South Asia has been affected lately.

However, the New Force Campaign has stated that the Prime Minister should not sign any treaty or agreement against the national interest.

HLPCC briefed on visit preparations  

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday briefed the High Level Political Coordination Committee led by Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on preparations for his upcoming China visit. Following the meeting, HLPCC leaders suggested to the PM to sign deal on trade and transit with China. They also urged him to take initiatives for signing agreements on developing special economic zones and other development projects. The HLPCC meeting also wished for PM’s successful China visit, said Dahal.