Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi has said that BRI has never been a "geopolitical strategy" but a road to development. 

Speaking at a virtual press conference on April 21, the Chinese Ambassador stated that BRI helps countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promote common development and prosperity. Speaking at the length, the Chinese diplomat clearly spelled out China's position on numerous bilateral issues that are in the public domain. 

She began her speech by highlighting the geopolitical conflicts that are surging across the world. 

At present, the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, geopolitical conflicts are resurging and the recovery of the economy remains sluggish and depressed. The peace, security, and development in the world are facing grave challenges, she said. 

"Despite the complex international and regional situation, the China-Nepal relationship led and cared by the two heads of state, has maintained steady growth." 

In recent years, the connotation and extension of China-Nepal’s BRI cooperation have been continuously deepened and expanded, the Chinese envoy added, a multi-dimensional promotion pattern featuring “hard connection”, “soft communication” and “heart exchange” and the all-around participation of the government, market and society is taking shape. 

“The Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network has gradually moved from a blueprint to reality. Since last year, the two sides have worked hard to overcome the huge difficulties caused by the pandemic and promoted the construction of BRI cooperation in various fields to achieve new progress,” she said.  

Asked about the lack of progress in selecting specific projects under BRI, the Chinese diplomat made it clear that there are various types of cooperation under the broader framework of BRI which is moving ahead. 

 She was of the view that some already completed and under-construction projects are also under the broader vision of BRI. BRI cooperation between China and Nepal has not gotten bogged down because of COVID-19; on the contrary, it has become a road of hope that bolsters resilience and boosts confidence, she said. 

When selecting and implementing specific projects, both governments and enterprises are required to follow the principles of openness, transparency, and friendly consultation with each other, she added. In recent years, China has paid more attention to the high-quality, green, and sustainable joint construction of BRI.

The Chinese Ambassador highlight the assistance provided by China to Nepal to fight Covid-19. Until now, China has provided around 20 million vaccines through grant assistance, commercial purchase, and other channels, making China the biggest supplier of the Covid-19 vaccine to Nepal.

Those vaccines have helped Nepal to fight against the pandemic and restored Nepali people’s life and work back to normal, she said. The Ambassador further stated that China will continue to provide vaccines and material support according to the demand of the Nepali side so as to help Nepal completely defeat the pandemic.

Over the past few years, there are criticisms that China is not cooperating with the smooth passage of Nepali cargo trucks at the border points, affecting the supply of goods. The Chinese envoy, however, dismissed such reports stating that trade between countries has not been much affected. 

“According to the Chinese side’s statistics, the total volume of trade between China and Nepal increased 67% and reached $1.977 bn in 2021, of which Nepal’s export to China increased 63%. Those data proved that the so-call “soft block” on Nepal is totally baseless,” she said.

There are reports that Nepal's trade deficit is increasing and facing difficulties to export goods to China. She further stated that China has provided duty-free treatment to the goods of Nepali origin covering 98 percent tariff lines. 

“Those are the efforts made by the Chinese side to increase Nepal’s export to China and will help relieve Nepal’s trade imbalance problem. We also welcome Nepal to attend China International Import Expo and actively promote the products that meet the demands of the Chinese market,” she remarked.

She elaborated in detail about the progress made so far in China-funded development projects.  Stating that the two sides have signed the technical assistance plan for the feasibility study project of the China-Nepal Cross-border Railway Project, she said that it will further advance the projects. Similarly, she pledged to support Nepal in the promotion of the power grid interconnection, and build a new channel for Nepal’s power export.  

She also shed light on the challenges of some development projects.  “It must be pointed out that these projects will come across many difficulties such as complex geological conditions, frequent natural disasters, and high construction costs. This requires both sides to formulate practical plans on technical standards, funding sources, and so on in the spirit of seeking truth from facts,” she said. 

About the early return of Nepali students and resumption of flights between the two countries, the Chinese Ambassador said that relevant authorities of both countries are working on it, and there will be positive progress soon. The Chinese envoy also raised the issues faced by Chinese enterprises in Nepal. Similarly, she raised concerns about the policy inconsistency in Nepal and its effects on bilateral cooperation. 

“I also hope that the Nepali side could provide a fair and transparent business environment, fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese enterprises, and help to solve their practical problems.” According to the envoy, currently, Chinese businessmen and enterprises in Nepal are facing many practical problems to carry out their work.

As China enters a new stage of development, we are actively implementing the new development philosophy and building the new development dynamic, she added, this will provide more development opportunities for countries around the world including Nepal.

China's development is also a contribution to the progress of all mankind. This is a common consensus of the international community and is supported and appreciated by the vast majority of countries, the envoy said.