China and Nepal embrace new era of friendship

China and Nepal should enhance communication and cooperation on all fronts to boost development for the two countries, scholars said.

They made these comments during a symposium on China-Nepal friendship held by the embassy of Nepal in Beijing on March 17.

In his opening remarks, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, ambassador of Nepal to China, said that Nepal is inspired by China achieving all its targets last year, setting a 5 percent economic growth rate target for this year and continuing to increase employment.

Recently, both Nepal and China have successfully elected their leadership. Nepal had completed elections on all three levels and a new government has been formed.

"We hope that the coincidence in the elections in both of our countries will open a new avenue to foster partnership with a long-term fruitful outlook," Shrestha said.

Rong Ying, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that China now is on its own way toward modernization and high-quality development, which will encourage developing countries around the world, including Nepal, to explore their own development paths in line with their conditions.

"The two close neighbors, connected by rivers and mountains, should strengthen cooperation not only in infrastructure, but also in new areas including green energy transaction and poverty alleviation," Rong said.

Nepal signed the MOU on Belt and Road Initiative in 2017. Under the BRI framework, the feasibility study of Kerung-Kathmandu railway project and the implementation of hydro-electricity transmission line are underway.

Chen Xiaochen, deputy director of the Institute of Area Studies of East China Normal University, said that the BRI aims to promote global peace and stability rather than intensifying geopolitical competition, and it will create more opportunities for Nepal to fully leverage its potential.

"Countries need to get united, not divided," Chen said, "and the BRI provides a platform for countries, including Nepal, to enhance mutual trust and understanding."