Intensified cooperation stressed between Nepal and China

 Kathmandu, Nov. 5

Economists and analysts have stressed the need for intensified cooperation in technology transfer, renewable energy and education and research between Nepal and China.

Speaking at a seminar on 'Relevance of China's 15^th 5-year Plan for Nepal's development path' organised by Nepal-China Friendship Forum (NCFF) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, they said that collaborations between the universities and business groups as well as innovation institutions should be immediately promoted.

While people-to-people exchange and trade relations have boosted between the two countries, Nepal must learn from China's 'high-quality' development strategy, resource management and technological advancement, they said.

Professor Sanjay Acharya of the Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, said that Nepal should look for opportunities for collaboration, primarily through the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network.

 "China has interest in the development of this project so Nepal should devise infrastructure in line with this network. In this regard, development of the Nepali section of the China-Nepal Cross-Border Railway, Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel and Hilsa-Simikot Road Project are potential to improve physical connectivity and trade routes," he said.

According to Prof. Acharya, Nepal can leverage access to Chinese inland and maritime ports (Tianjin, Shenzhen, Lianyungang, and Zhanjiang) for third country trade.  

He highlighted Chinese policy on technological self-reliance, boosting domestic demand and industrial modernization, and said, "China has reinforced the dual circulation strategy to strengthen its internal economic drivers and expand domestic consumption. It has taken a significant policy departure by adopting 'looking inward' policy to find the market of China-made goods inside the country."

Prof. Acharya also said that massive investment in renewable energy and green technology, including the new energy vehicles are at the core of Chinese development strategy that will help it in reducing carbon emission in the long-run.

Jhalak Subedi, a political analyst, said that China has a successful model for optimum resource mobilisation which Nepal should learn. "Channelising resources to high-potential areas would support in enhancing competitiveness and job creation," he said.

According to him, Trans-Himalayan Connectivity project should be implemented at the earliest if Nepal had to take any benefit from the growth and progress of China. "However, we must keep our house in order and have good strategy to strengthen the bilateral relations with the northern neighbour," he maintained.

China offers good lessons on green development and clean energy projects. "We need to create Trans-Himalayan Clean Energy Corridor and replicate China's solar PV plus agriculture model in Tarai," said Ganesh Poudel, a youth who studied in China.

According to him, joint initiatives such as establishing a South Asian Skills Certification Centre, and introducing AR-based vocational training for herders and craftsman should be launched. 

China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) represents a decisive phase in its long-term vision to achieve socialist modernisation by 2035.

The Fourth Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee has adopted the plan in October 2025. The plan builds on the momentum of the previous plans, emphasising high-quality development, technological self-reliance, and a comprehensive green transformation under the Beautiful China initiative.

The plan envisions a new growth model led by innovation, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy, while maintaining stability and social welfare, read a note issued by the organiser. It promotes the concept of 'new quality productive forces', reflecting China’s drive to become a leader in frontier technologies such as AI, biotechnology, semiconductors, aerospace, and renewable energy. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 November 2025.