Unified Voice of UML and Congress on BRI: "Implement the Projects on Time"

Leaders from the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress have expressed a unified stance on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing the timely implementation of its projects for Nepal's economic growth and bilateral relations with China.

During a discussion titled "Advancing Nepal-China Cooperation After the Prime Minister’s Visit to China," jointly organized by the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation for Democracy, Peace, and Development, the Madan Bhandari Foundation, and the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, political leaders and experts highlighted the importance of BRI for Nepal's infrastructure, education, communication, and tourism sectors.

Sujata Koirala, Chairperson of the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation, stressed that the BRI agreement is in the best interest of both Nepal and China. She called for its swift execution, noting the immense opportunities it offers for Nepal’s development. Similarly, UML Central Committee member Bishnu Rijal pointed out that the BRI agreement was made with a national consensus among major political parties and emphasized its role in strengthening Nepal's diplomatic ties and economic progress.

Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission Wang Xin urged against unnecessary propaganda surrounding BRI and requested Nepal to approach it as a cooperative initiative, similar to its engagements with other countries.

Experts at the event, including Sichuan University’s Vice Dean Huan Yunsong, underscored BRI's focus on regional partnership and non-profit investments aimed at uplifting the living standards of Nepalese citizens. Kalyan Raj Sharma, Chairperson of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, stated that the Prime Minister’s visit to China has opened new avenues for bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and infrastructure development.

The BRI framework agreement was signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's official visit to China from December 2 to 5. Nepal had expressed its commitment to BRI in principle in 2014 and signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2017.

Experts believe that the successful implementation of BRI projects will bring significant economic and social transformation to Nepal.