Nepal, China agree for swift execution of bilateral projects and agreements

 Kathmandu, Dec. 3

Nepal and China have agreed to ensure timely and swift implementation of the agreements signed, consensus reached, and decisions made as well as completion of the programs, projects and activities being carried out jointly by the two countries.

The two sides agreed to strengthen the synergy of their development strategies, and pursue deeper and even more concrete high-quality Belt and Road (BRI) cooperation, reads a joint statement between Nepal and China issued following the bilateral meeting between the prime ministers of Nepal and China – KP Sharma Oli and Li Qiang in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

Through the joint statement, the two countries expressed their readiness to sign the MoU on building the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network and the Framework for Belt and Road Cooperation. These MoUs will be signed between the two governments as soon as possible, reads the statement.

Both the countries also expressed their commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two countries in such areas as ports, roads, railways, aviation, power grids and telecommunication, to help Nepal transform from a land-locked country to a land-linked country.

“The two sides agreed to jointly advance the fourth phase of the China-aided Araniko Highway maintenance project and the Hilsa-Simikot Road project, implement the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project， and welcome the signing of the Letters of Exchange for the Approval of the China-aid Project of Feasibility Study for the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel,” reads the document.

While promoting the project of repairing the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway, both sides agreed to expedite the removal of obstacles along the highway and its subsequent construction, and share the view that these projects will enhance the level of connectivity between the two countries.

Likewise, Nepal and China have also agreed to expedite the construction of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali economic corridors connecting north and south borders of Nepal. Chinese President, Xi Jinping, during his visit of Nepal in 2019, had expressed commitment to undertake study on the possibility of cooperation for the development of these corridors.

They agreed to strengthen development of port of entry, enhance facilitation for customs clearance and two-way travel, promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and boost social and economic development of border areas. Meanwhile, China will facilitate the construction of the China-aided Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) and Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Korala, Mustang.

“The two sides expressed willingness to steadily advance the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway, and planned to hold the 9^th Working Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation. The Chinese side will continue to help Nepal train professionals in the field of railway,” reads the joint statement.

Nepal has requested China to expedite the works of further developing Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, and construct a sports stadium in Damak, Jhapa and Amargadhi City Hall Complex in Dadeldhura.

As per the joint statement, the two neighbours have also agreed to further deepen pragmatic cooperation in such fields such as economy and trade, connectivity, infrastructure, investment, agriculture, industry, health, disaster relief and poverty alleviation to promote common development.

While welcoming the signing of the MoU on trade promotion cooperation, they pledged to further strengthen trade exchanges to elevate the scale and level of two-way trade. Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with China. The two countries also agreed to further deepen cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of forestry, wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection, and convene the fifth meeting of the China-Nepal forestry working group at an appropriate time.

Other areas of cooperation mentioned in joint statement are health and medical cooperation, emergency disaster relief, poverty alleviation, development, livelihood improvement and rural revitalization. China has pledged its support to help Nepal in strengthening the capacity building of personnel in relevant fields, continue to carry out poverty reduction demonstration projects, and support Nepal in improving people's livelihood.

The two countries have also agreed to continue consultations on the protocol on establishing a three-tiered boundary contact system, so as to elevate the level of border management and cooperation between the two countries.

According to the joint statement there will be more high-level exchanges in 2025 which marks the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal.

China has also said that it would support Nepal in holding promotional activities of the Nepal Visit Year 2025 in China, and will encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Nepal. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 December 2024.