Kathmandu, Oct 21: Leaders of Communist Party of China (CPC) have asked the political parties in Nepal to come up with a common development agenda and partnership in regard to Nepal-China cooperation.  

The CPC leaders made such remarks in the First Conference of Nepal-China Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism on Belt and Road Cooperation for Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network organized by the International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC).

In the Conference, former prime minister and Nepal Communist Party’s Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, former prime Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Chairman of National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timsina, former deputy prime minister CP Mainali, Chief of IDCPC Song Tao and other top leaders shared their common aspirations while calling for broader partnership between the two countries to foster the relations.

On the occasion, President Bidya Devi Bhandari sent a message to the Conference by reaffirming her firm commitment to deepen Nepal-China relations. She stressed the need that infrastructure and technological development with adequate financial investment was necessary to realize the national campaign of 'prosperous Nepal: happy Nepali'. Nepal government is committed to forwarding cooperation with China under the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network which is the part of Belt and Road Initiatives, the President reiterated.

Likewise, PM KP Sharma Oli said that Nepal and China are now working on finalizing the implementation of the BRI and for building Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. “The MoU on cooperation under BRI signed between the two countries in 2017 aims to strengthen cooperation in connectivity sectors including transit transport, logistic systems, transport network security and related infrastructures development such a railway, road, civil aviation, power grid, information and communication,” according to the PM.

In his keynote speech, former Prime Minister and Chairman of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) ‘Prachanda’ said that bilateral relationship between Nepal and China is characterized by good neighborliness, harmonious coexistence, equality, ever-lasting friendship, trust and cooperation.

He also reiterated the NCP’s firm commitment to One China policy, acknowledging that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang affairs are China’s internal affairs. “We are determined on not allowing any anti-China activities on our soil. I also would like to thank Chinese side for firm support to Nepal in upholding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nepal,” the former PM added in his address.

Saying that Nepal and China agreed to intensify implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation under the BRI to enhance connectivity, encompassing such vital components as ports, roads, railways, aviation and communications, Prachanda said that the BRI was an important opportunity to deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation jointly pursue common prosperity between us and dedicate ourselves in maintaining peace, stability and development in the region. 

Chairman Prachanda added that the exchanges between two friendly communist parties will be reinvigorated in all respects to match the changing needs of hours.

As Nepal government’s policies will be directed towards socialist oriented economy and China is marching towards socialism, he argued that both the countries can exchange experiences, learn from each-others and move towards building a community of shared future for mankind on this circumstances.

Chief of IDCPC Song Tao said that COVID-19 was a serious test for mankind. “In this inter-connected world, only through cooperation can we tide over the difficulties together. China will continue to provide assistance to Nepal to the best of our ability. We will work with Nepal and other neighboring countries along the path of solidarity and cooperation.”

Arguing that the BRI was an important platform for building a global community, Tao said that the CPC was ready to work with political parties of Nepal to shoulder the responsibility of political parties, contribute our wisdoms and offer our solutions so that the BRI will better align with the national development plans of our two countries and bring more benefit to our two peoples.

Also speaking at the same programme, former Prime Minister and leader of Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal Dr Baburam Bhattarai said that the BRI will undoubtedly give benefit to many countries in the region and eventually Nepal would also be able to benefit out of the innovation, productivity and advancement of China. “Given the prospect for the financial integration and policy coordination between the two countries, BRI is an instrument for Nepal to get access to the global value chain,” he added.

The Trans-Himalayan Railway project carries much attraction for the Nepalis people because it could be an economic and geopolitical game-changer, Dr Bhattarai argued.

Nepali Congress leader Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, RPP leader Prof Dr. Geeta Bhakta Joshi, General Secretary of CPN (ML) CP Mainali, NCP party’s leader Ananda Pokharel, Nepal Workers’ Peasant Party’s leader Surendra Raj Gosai, Vice Minister of IDCPC Guo Yezhou and Secretary of Tibet Committee Wu Yingjie and other leaders expressed their opinions at the virtual conference.

Similarly, representative of Huawei Nepal, Vice President of China CAMC Engineering Company, Executive Vice President of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation Wang Xingzui and others too shared their cooperation areas at the conference.

Vice-president of China CAMC Engineering, the Chinese state-owned company that is working for the construction of Pokhara Regional International Airport Project, said that his company was trying its best to deliver Nepali people a modern international airport so as to promote the tourism industry and economic development. 

"After completing the Pokhara Airport, we plan to invest in more tourism facilities such as hotel in Pokhara and otehr cities in Npeal, to attract more tourists from all over the world and boost a dynamic tourism economy," he said.

In the question-answer session, representatives of the Chinese enterprises association said that they were truly committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nepal and were also working for the cause of society’s greater good.