KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 8
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today stated that the implementation of the 'Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)' project would be given top priority.
He made these remarks during a seminar with the theme 'A Decade of BRI: Trade, Investment, and Connectivity,' organized by the Nepal-China Friendship Forum on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the BRI.
The PM emphasized that the BRI is not merely a list of wishes but a project deserving of full implementation. He highlighted the government's clear commitment to advancing development projects by selecting and implementing initiatives under the BRI.
He acknowledged that questions and concerns have arisen regarding project delays, attributing these delays to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and infrastructure limitations. Nevertheless, he expressed Nepal's strong desire to accelerate development and prosperity through the BRI.
PM Dahal also endorsed Chinese President Xi Jinping's statement that Nepal would transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country. He stressed the need for collective efforts to turn this vision into reality, particularly by discussing the financial investment model for such projects. He expressed hope that China would consider adopting a policy of grants and assistance for specific projects in Nepal.
PM Dahal commended China's remarkable development as an exemplary nation and a friendly neighbor to Nepal. He reiterated Nepal's commitment to achieving rapid development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development, all in alignment with China's principles of common prosperity.
PM Dahal noted Nepal's need for significant infrastructure investments and emphasized that traditional sources alone cannot fulfill this need. He highlighted the importance of accelerating work through joint mechanisms and adherence to timetables for projects.
Reiterating Nepal's commitment to the one-China principle, PM Dahal stated unequivocally that Nepali territories would not be used for anti-Chinese activities. He thanked the Government of China for its support in Nepal's economic and social development and emphasized the importance of Nepal-China relations based on the principles of the United Nations and Panchasheel for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
PM Dahal discussed his efforts to communicate these priorities to Chinese leaders, academics, and the business community. He emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial relations between the two countries and encouraged the transformation of possibilities into opportunities.
Reflecting on Chinese President Xi's 2019 visit to Nepal and subsequent bilateral visits, PM Dahal affirmed Nepal's commitment to advancing BRI projects. He described the BRI as a 21st-century initiative focused on infrastructure and economic development and highlighted its impact on global trade, investment, and connectivity.
The PM expressed confidence in the seminar's role in disseminating information about the multifaceted aspects of the BRI and its inclusive development principles based on win-win cooperation. He acknowledged President Xi Jinping's introduction of the BRI in 2013.
PM Dahal anticipated that the program's conclusions would serve as a vital reference point for both governments and the private sector. These conclusions would guide efforts to expand trans-Himalayan multi-dimensional connectivity between Nepal and China, promote mutual prosperity, strengthen collaboration between the two nations, and address mutual concerns and interests.
He further elaborated on discussions with Chinese President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang during his recent official visit to China. He believed that the various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, as well as the Joint Statement, would play a crucial role in strengthening economic, social, cultural, political, and people-to-people relations.
PM Dahal expressed confidence that his visit would elevate Nepal-China relations to new heights. He anticipated increased collaboration between the Chinese side and Nepal's private sector, resulting in more investments.
He affirmed the government's commitment to supporting such collaborations, which would benefit both countries through technology transfer and investment in areas of comparative advantage.
