China-Nepal relations benefit the region

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli undertook an official visit to China from Dec 2 to 5. The visit aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations and contribute to the development and prosperity of South Asia, government officials and experts say.

"China has long been a steadfast friend and reliable development partner for Nepal. Our relationship is grounded in mutual trust and respect, with numerous fruitful collaborative projects to show for it," Oli remarked during a reception in Beijing on Wednesday.

The prime minister pointed out that Nepal and China signed a bilateral trade and transit transport agreement in 2016. "This agreement has redefined Nepal from a 'landlocked' country to a 'land-linked' one, significantly improving livelihoods and economic prospects," he said.

During the visit, the two countries committed to strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and laying the groundwork for more impactful projects.

According to official data, bilateral trade between China and Nepal reached $1.8 billion in 2023, marking a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase.

"China is now Nepal's second-largest trading partner and one of its major foreign investors. The prime minister's visit is poised to expand collaboration across investment, connectivity, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," said Arzu Rana Deuba, the foreign minister of Nepal.

As Nepal and China prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, both countries plan to host a series of commemorative activities and enhance high-level BRI collaboration.

Gao Liang, deputy director of the Nepal Study Center at the Institute of South Asian Studies at Sichuan University, noted a strong consensus in Nepal regarding the BRI's potential to enhance external connectivity and boost trade relations with China and beyond.

"The BRI will accelerate the development of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, facilitating the large-scale movement of goods and people," Gao said.

Liu Le, an associate professor at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that China's comparative advantages will turn Nepal's development visions into reality.

"China-Nepal cooperation under the BRI will enhance 'hard connectivity' through infrastructure, 'soft connectivity' through standards, and people-to-people ties. These synergies will build a new platform for Nepal to be more effectively involved in the global value chain," he said.