BIRATNAGAR, Jan 26: Experts have stressed for the government’s diplomatic initiative to take the maximum benefit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They made such remarks during a provincial seminar on the topic, “China’s Role in Nepal’s Infrastructural Development” organised in Biratnagar, Morang, on Friday by the Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), a not-for-profit research organization that focuses on good governance.
According to the organiser, the event aimed to decentralize foreign policy discussions and share CESIF’s research findings on China’s involvement in Nepal’s infrastructure and non-governmental organization (NGO) sectors at the sub-national level.
A press statement issued by the CESIF Nepal stated that the seminar commenced with welcoming remarks by Elite Club Biratnagar President, Vishwanath Rijal, followed by an introduction from CESIF Executive Chairperson Vijay Kant Karna. Karna highlighted the strategic implications of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in advancing China's vision for an alternative global order. He stressed the importance of Nepal’s diplomacy in negotiating beneficial agreements with China while expressing caution about the potential risks associated with the BRI.
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The statement reads, “CESIF Research Fellow Pawan Adhikari presented research findings, noting a shift in China’s engagement towards smaller projects and people-to-people exchanges, while also pointing out mixed results in the performance of Chinese contractors. He emphasized that China's NGO activities in Nepal are expected to grow, aiming to cultivate friendly networks and favorable environments for bilateral engagement.”
Former Defense Minister, Dr Minendra Rijal, criticized Nepal’s joint statement with China during Prime Minister Oli’s visit, particularly regarding Taiwan and Tibet-related terminologies. He stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relations with India and China while safeguarding Nepal’s national interests, the statement mentions.
The statement further reads, “Ambassador Madhuraman Acharya highlighted the tendency of Nepali leaders to appease global powers, often at the expense of national interests. He called for a deeper understanding of China’s strategic ambitions, emphasizing the need for calculated diplomacy.”
Academicians such as Prof Dr Krishna Pokharel and Prof Dr Bhesh Prasad Dhamala stressed the importance of skilled negotiators, thorough preparation, and strategic planning for infrastructure agreements. Indira Parsai emphasized Nepal's geopolitical significance and the need to leverage this position amid growing global competition, according to the statement.
The seminar saw active participation from over 100 policymakers, politicians, experts, academics, journalists, and students, fostering robust discussions on Nepal-China relations and the future of infrastructural development in Nepal.
