Nepal interested in welcoming Chinese investment: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is presently on a four-day official visit to China since Monday, has said Nepal is interested in welcoming investments from China.
In his address to a reception organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade today, the Prime Minister said the atmosphere is favorable for investment in Nepal which has made its way towards an era of political stability and prosperity.
"We will facilitate the investments for realizing the national aspiration 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'. We are committed to investment security," he said. The PM also invited Chinese investors to visit Nepal gifted by its natural beauty and seek investment opportunities.
The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing on December 2 at the Invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang.
He is scheduled to return home tomorrow, Thursday.
Nepal will reap benefits from BRI: PM
Visiting Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal would reap benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In his address to a program held at Peking University, PM Oli expressed the belief that China has strongly supported Nepal's development and the BRI project initiated under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping would further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China in 2025, PM Oli said that high-level visits would be exchanged between the two countries to add a new dimension to the bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister further said that an old university like Peking could also contribute to the educational development of Nepal.
PM Oli was welcomed by University Chair Prof Gong Qihuang. Other members of the prime minister-led delegation were also present on the occasion.
Prime Minister Oli is also scheduled to address the Nepal China Business Forum today itself.
PM to deliver speech on dimensions of Nepal-China relations today
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently on an official visit to China, is scheduled to deliver a speech on 'various dimensions of Nepal-China relations' at Peking University on Wednesday.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will also address the Nepal-China Business Forum, jointly organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, today.
Prime Minister Oli paid a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. On the same day, he held separate meetings with his counterpart Li Qiang and Chairman of the People's Congress of China Zhao Leji.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation in nine areas was signed after talks between the delegations led by the two prime ministers at the Great Hall of the People.
PM Oli meets Zhao Leji, Chair of Standing Committee of National People's Congress
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently on a four-day official visit to the People's Republic of China, beginning Monday, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, held a meeting today.
On the occasion, they discussed the matters relating to Nepal-China relations and mutual concerns.
Similarly, the two leaders exchanged views on activities of the CPN-UML, the political exchanges and future cooperation, according to the Prime Minister's Private Secretariat.
Prior to this, the Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Likewise, the Prime Minister's delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang.
Prime Minister Oli arrived in China at the friendly invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
PM Oli pays courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is presently on a four-day official visit to the People's Republic of China, beginning Monday, today paid a courtesy call on President of China, Xi Jinping.
During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on the issues relating to Nepal-China relations and mutual interests and concerns.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Prime Minister's Chief Political Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Economic Advisor Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Chief Secretary Eaknaryan Aryal, Acting Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Joint Secretary Krishna Prasad Dhakaal and Nepal's Ambassador to China Krishna Prasad Oli accompanied the Prime Minister during the meeting with the Chinese President.
The Prime Minister arrived in China at the friendly invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang.
Chinese Premier Li welcomes PM Oli in Beijing
Chinese Premier Li Qiang welcomed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. PM Oli is currently on an official visit to China.
On the occasion, the Chinese Liberation Army accorded a 'guard of honor' to PM Oli.
The welcome ceremony was attended by the Chinese leaders as well.
PM Oli introduced the Nepali delegation members on the occasion, while the Chinese Premier also introduced his leaders.
Later, the bilateral meeting and signing ceremony are scheduled between the two Prime Ministers. PM Oli is holding a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today itself.
The Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Oli arrived in China on Monday.
The entourage comprises PM's spouse Radhika Shakya, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal, PM's economic and development advisor Yubaraj Khatiwada, federal lawmakers, chief secretary, high level government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.
Prime Minister Oli in Beijing
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in Beijing on a four-day official visit to China on Monday.
He was received at the Beijing Capital International Airport by Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong.
The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing today at the friendly invitation of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the visit, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PM Oli leaves for China
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli left for Beijing, China on Monday.
He left for China at the cordial invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, Deputy Chief at the Nepal-based Chinese Embassy Wang Sin and chief of security agencies among others bade farewell to the Prime Minister.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Prime Minister Oli will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.
Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhao Leji is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Oli.
Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address a program at Peking University during the visit.
He is also scheduled to address the Nepal-China Business Forum to be jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
PM Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.
The Nepali delegation includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, parliamentarians, high-ranking government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.
The PM-led delegation is scheduled to return home on December 5.
PM Oli to embark on official visit to China today
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Beijing this morning on a four-day official visit to China.
At the cordial invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, PM Oli is embarking on the visit from December 2-5.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Prime Minister Oli will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on various issues of mutual interest.
Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhao Leji is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Oli.
Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address a program at Peking University during the visit.
He is also scheduled to address the Nepal-China Business Forum to be jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
PM Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.
The Nepali delegation includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, parliamentarians, high-ranking government officials, private sector representatives and media persons.
The PM-led delegation is scheduled to return home on December 5.
PM Oli China-bound amid uncertainty over BRI
The Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML seem to have agreed on a common position on how to approach China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the initiative has garnered support domestically, it remains uncertain whether China will accept Nepal's proposed terms, according to multiple sources.
A task force from the two parties has revised the draft of the BRI implementation plan initially proposed by the Chinese side in 2020. The document, now titled Framework for Cooperation instead of BRI Implementation Plan, has been sent to the Chinese side for initial negotiations, though it is yet to be finalized. The NC and UML are of the view that projects under the BRI should be funded through grants rather than loans. This condition may come up in high-level discussions, as BRI traditionally does not include provisions for grants.
During a meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba reiterated this same position agreed by the two coalition parties. However, Beijing has yet to formally respond. A senior Nepali official remarked, “The document prepared by the Nepali side is vague, but it is progress. It signals that Nepal is moving forward with the BRI, which might encourage the Chinese side to sign the document.” According to the official, the Chinese side is desperate to change the narrative that since the signing of the BRI framework in 2017, not a single project has been executed in Nepal.
A UML leader privy to the development said: “The document does not mention about the investment modality which will be settled during the project implementation phase.”
Given the great power rivalry which has also affected the BRI project, the Chinese officials may accept the document. China is reportedly eager to alter the perception of inaction regarding the BRI in Nepal. Beijing has highlighted the Pokhara International Airport as a BRI project, despite its unclear status within the initiative. During a recent meeting in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the progress in the joint construction of the BRI, including the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which he claimed benefits the Nepali people.
Under the BRI framework, Nepal and China will discuss areas such as connectivity, investment, trade, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development. If China agrees to Nepal’s proposed document, specific projects may be announced during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel suggested that the new agreement could pave the way for mobilizing Chinese resources for Nepal's development.
According to officials, Chinese officials have also emphasized implementing agreements reached over the past decade, including those signed during President Xi Jinping’s 2019 visit to Nepal, rather than pursuing entirely new ones. The two countries are also discussing potential cooperation in the energy sector, including the construction of cross-border transmission lines, a likely agenda item during Oli’s visit.
Additionally, Beijing is expected to seek renewed commitments from Nepal on the One-China policy. During her meeting with Wang, Foreign Minister Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s adherence to the policy, asserting that Tibet (Xizang) and Taiwan are integral parts of China. She also assured that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used for activities harming China’s interests, nor support foreign interference in China’s internal affairs.
Raunab Singh Khatri, co-founder of the Aranika Project, a research firm that studies Nepal-China relations, recently published an article commenting on the evolving nature of the BRI. He noted: “The area of China’s international engagement has diversified; from hard infrastructure under the BRI, the trend slowly and gradually shifted toward digital and health connectivity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Will the BRI projects even take off in Nepal? The consensus among Nepali politicians is that Nepal can only accept grants and not loans—but the dilemma is that BRI is, by and large, a commercial project that is backed by “The Big Four” Chinese policy banks, Silk Road Fund, EXIM Bank, CDB, etc.”
PM Oli leaving for China on December 2
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is paying an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from December 2-5 at the cordial invitation of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by his spouse Radha Shakya.
The Prime Minister is Scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Oli will hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister will hold a meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at Peking University.
The Prime Minister will address the Nepal-China Business Forum, which is being jointly hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, according to the statement.
The entourage of the Prime Minister will comprise Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, members of the Parliament, high-ranking government officials, representatives of the private sector and media persons.
The Prime Minister and his delegation will return to Kathmandu on December 5.
Brewing opinions on Oli, Balen and more
Min Bhavan
Nov 28
As I sipped my steaming cup of tea, the conversations among a group of men sitting nearby flowed effortlessly. Their back-and-forth transitioned smoothly from trivial topics to politics and the economy. The lively discussion was briefly interrupted when a man entered the tea shop. He was no stranger to the group or the shop owner; in fact, he was a district-level leader of the ruling CPN-UML. Addressing him as Dai (elder brother), the group warmly welcomed him and eagerly sought his opinion on the current political climate.
The UML leader, however, voiced dissatisfaction with both his party and the government. He began by criticizing the disorganization at the UML’s mass meeting at Durbarmarg on November 22. From there, he turned his attention to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s leadership, accusing a small circle of party leaders—many of whom had lost in the national elections—of monopolizing control over the party and the prime minister’s secretariat. According to him, this group had even restricted access for senior leaders to the party office and Baluwatar.
He also remarked that Oli’s impulsive public statements were tarnishing his reputation. To lighten the mood, he shared a witty observation: “Sher Bahadur Deuba gains by saying very little, Pushpa Kamal Dahal is losing weight from his inconsistent statements, and Oli cheapens himself by talking excessively—even on topics like complex medical issues he doesn’t understand.” The group erupted in laughter.
One participant offered a sobering comment: “The country is being run by ODD—Oli, Deuba, and Dahal—dashing all hopes for stability or progress.”
The conversation then shifted to the struggles of Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports, which are facing debt stress due to insufficient international flights. A participant familiar with the aviation sector suggested that Pokhara Airport’s main issue isn’t its debt but its operations. “If the government convinces China to schedule at least two weekly flights and boosts domestic traffic, the airport could start generating revenue and tackling its debt problems,” he said. Another agreed, cautioning that operational inefficiencies would keep the airport unsustainable even if China waived the loans.
The group’s attention turned to Oli’s upcoming visit to China and whether Nepal should focus on loans or grants under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “China’s inconsistent stance on the BRI doesn’t help clarify the matter,” one participant observed. The group didn’t dwell on the topic, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
Next, the discussion pivoted to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to fine the UML Rs. 100,000 for littering during its mass meeting at Durbarmarg. A taxi driver parked nearby joined in and voiced his opinion. “Even if Balen (the mayor) is wrong, the UML should have accepted the fine. It would set an example for everyone else,” he argued. He went on to share how his neighbor had been fined Rs. 5,000 for throwing waste on the street. Pointing to the Tinkune-Baneshwar area, he added, “Look how clean this stretch has become under Balen’s leadership. We should support him.”
A participant interjected with praise for Balen, suggesting that if Nepal had a directly elected prime minister or president, Balen would win easily. Another participant noted how Rabi Lamichhane had once enjoyed similar popularity but had since seen his reputation decline due to allegations of involvement in a cooperatives scam. By now, about ten people had gathered in the tea shop, many taking turns criticizing Rabi. One person exclaimed, “If Balen gets elected, he’ll turn Nepal into Switzerland in just a few years!”
As the group gradually dispersed, only three of us remained in the tea shop. One of the men began sharing his personal struggles, prompting his friend to offer comforting words: “Happiness isn’t something others give you. Find joy in what you earn. We can live contentedly within our means.” Reflecting on their hardships, he added, “Our generation has endured a lot, but at least our children are spared from the same difficulties.”
The conversation shifted to the growing trend of youth migration for work and education. “It’s not just international migration; internal migration is significant too. People are moving to cities,” one participant observed. “Kathmandu doesn’t feel as crowded as it did four or five years ago.”
At that moment, a few more people entered the tea shop. One of them, a local from near the Pashupatinath Temple, brought up corruption in the temple’s management. “Anti-graft bodies are ignoring it,” he lamented. This led to a discussion about the role of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
“The CIAA has become toothless,” remarked one participant. “Political parties now rely on the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), which they manipulate for their own interests.”
As the tea shop returned to its usual hum, the conversations left me with a lasting impression of a country grappling with immense challenges yet full of voices ready to speak out.
PM Oli’s China visit approved
A meeting of the Council of Ministers held this evening approved Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to the People's Republic of China.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey said that the Cabinet meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister approved PM Oli's visit to China taking place from December 2-5.
"Agendas are being discussed about the PM's China visit. The agendas have not been finalized. Members of the PM's delegation and the PM's (China) visit have been approved," Minister Pandey said.
The private sector's presence will be significant during the visit but the government will not have any financial burden, Minister Pandey stated.
He shared that the next meeting of the Council of Ministers will finalize the agenda of the China visit.
NIC submits annual report to PM Oli
The National Information Commission (NIC) submitted an annual report of the fiscal year 2080/81 to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday.
Chief Information Commissioner, Mahendra Man Gurung, submitted the report to the PM at the latter's residence in Baluwatar. The document will be presented at the federal Parliament through the PM later.
On the occasion, PM Oli released the 'collection of important orders' that were issued during the five-year term of the current office bearers at NIC.
PM Oli observed that there should be cooperation between the government and NIC in providing necessary information to the concerned parties. He emphasized that anarchy should not run while working for democracy.
Chief Commissioner Gurung informed that a total of 5,182 appeals were received during his five-year term and of which, 95% were resolved.
Gurung and Information Commissioners Kamala Oli Thapa and Ratna Prasad Mainali's tenure is ending on December 8.
PM Oli directs ministries to deliver effectively
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Cabinet members and secretaries to ensure effective delivery.
During the first quarterly meeting on the implementation of the current fiscal year's policy, programs and budget on Wednesday, PM Oli stressed for changes in the present working style so that expected results can be achieved.
He, however, said it was not that easy to forward works as the previous government had brought the budget. The working style needs radical change, PM Oli stressed.
According to him, 11,000 fake projects were foisted under the government framework, which had to be corrected and anomalies wiped out. The multi-year budget planning must warrant proper homework not a random scattering of budget, he argued.
"Time has come to mull how we can bring sweeping change in production, agriculture, energy, information, and technology. Preaching does not work for national development and mobilization of the economy. Policy must be adopted in a way that creates jobs. Let's act boldly," he said, wondering why we could not think of giving responsibility to the able ones (private sectors) if the government fails to run the industries well.
The PM further reminded the top government officials that we had no time to delay work for economic strides. Government employees need to work with zeal.
The PM, minister and secretary can intervene for a positive result. The employees shirking responsibility not only deserves transfer but action, PM Oli directed.
Oli reiterated that the government's achievements must be reflected in practices.
Govt committed to forward broader scheme of social security: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is committed to the broader concept of social security.
Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of the 7th Social Security Day today, PM Oli informed that the government was working actively to run the social security scheme in a systematic way. "Now, there is no condition in the country that citizens feel the absence of protection and of guardians. For the citizen's welfare, there are states and governments," PM Oli reminded.
The PM argued that social justice and dignity were prioritized by the government in its journey to prosperity. The government has reflected its devotion to its people so no one would be left in helplessness.
According to him, social security has been provisioned as a fundamental right of the citizen in the Constitution. "As per the broader concept of social security, the government is preparing an action plan, programs and budget and enforcing these accordingly," PM Oli made it clear.
Moreover, he recalled that it was the government led by CPN-UML to launch social security in 2051BS that provided monthly allowance to the senior citizens, single women, and helpless people. The society security concept has now materialized the welfare state where there is social justice and equality.
"In our journey to present state, we have understood social security as an integral part of social life, state and social engineering," PM Oli viewed, adding that contribution-based social security scheme was launched lately by realizing individual's role in social security.