Top leaders of major political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing projects under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They underscored the critical importance of Nepal’s relationship with its northern neighbor, China, for the nation’s economic development and long-term prosperity.
Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal, speaking at a high-profile event in the capital, highlighted his party’s preference for grants under the BRI framework. However, he clarified that this does not mean Nepal should rely solely on grants. “We have shared a long-standing relationship with China, built on mutual trust, and we aim to nurture this bond in the years to come,” Rijal stated. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of foreign debt when securing loans from any country.
Rijal also stressed Nepal’s sovereignty, asserting that the country is free to make independent decisions regarding its partnerships. “Our relationship with China is pivotal, and we seek to benefit from China’s remarkable development trajectory,” he said. The NC leader advocated for project-specific negotiations, adding, “Conditions need not be uniform for all projects. Rijal also expressed support for connectivity projects with China.
Senior Vice-chairperson of CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, echoed the commitment to the BRI, citing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s signing of the BRI agreement with China as a clear endorsement. “Our party fully supports the BRI and its potential to drive Nepal’s development,” Pandey said. “All parties are united on BRI, which was evident during the signing of the BRI framework.”
He, however, pointed out several critical issues that need resolution before projects can move forward.
“Key concerns include the interest rates on loans, the repayment period, the selection of construction companies—whether Nepali or Chinese—and the sourcing of raw materials,” Pandey explained. He criticized the Nepali Congress’s stance on accepting only grants as impractical, urging a more pragmatic approach. “Let’s begin with one project. Its success will provide valuable lessons for future endeavors,” he suggested.
CPN (Maoist Center) senior leader Dev Gurung called for immediate action, emphasizing that delays in BRI implementation are largely attributable to the Nepali side. “There should be no further delays. The BRI holds immense potential to transform Nepal from a landlocked nation into a land-linked hub, bolstering our sovereignty and economic prospects,” Gurung asserted.
The BRI, with its focus on infrastructure and connectivity, is seen as a game-changer for Nepal. Leaders across the political spectrum agree that the initiative could unlock new opportunities, fostering economic growth and strengthening Nepal’s geopolitical standing.
