On behalf of the organizers, allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone present here today. We are deeply honored to welcome esteemed representatives from the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation (GPK Foundation), the Madan Bhandari Foundation, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu, Professor Lin Minwang, Vice Dean of International Studies at Fudan University, as well as diplomats, politicians, scholars, researchers, colleagues, and friends. Thank you for joining us in this critical seminar on “Advancing Nepal–China Cooperation after the Prime Minister’s Visit to China.”
It is indeed a privilege to convene this distinguished gathering. The collaboration among the GPK Foundation, the Madan Bhandari Foundation, and the Nepal-China Friendship Forum (NCFF) represents a foundational effort to foster knowledge-sharing, deepen bilateral ties, and build bridges of mutual prosperity. We are privileged to engage in dialogue with you all and envision continuing these meaningful exchanges in the future. I urge everyone here to collaborate in creating a policy dialogue hub for economic cooperation with China and to work hand-in-hand in building a vibrant and enduring Nepal-China relationship and cooperation.
As we all have seen China’s development has proven that most dynamic economy of the world , eliminated the poverty , world largest Purchasing power, world’s longest railway network, highway, tunnel, hydropower/ energy, information, technology and innovation. These have contributing 30% of global economic growth. The development of the China is proven to the world, number of politicians, bureaucrats and professionals have been continuously visiting China and they are firsthand to witness China’s overall development in many sectors. I am sure every delegate are inspired by seeing its development. Unfortunately we have limitation to replicate this.
BRICS 2019 was landmark year for both country, both country’s reinforce bilateral relation cooperation marked by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari visit China to attend the second BRI forum for international COOPERATION as well President Xi Jin Ping visit Nepal at that time many both country shaped historical relationship and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Presidend Xi committed to cooperate Nepal and Nepal’s living standard development. He endorsed Nepal’s national vision of Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali (Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali), and affirmed China’s commitment to facilitating Nepal’s socio-economic ambitions. President Xi’s support marked an intensification of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), encompassing the trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. This initiative prioritizes infrastructure expansion across multiple sectors— roads, railways, aviation, and ICT—crucial for Nepal’s aspirations to exit the Least Developed Country (LDC) status and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 this commitments link Nepal to Land to sea .
Recently, Prime Minister KP Oli’s visit to China offers an unprecedented opportunity to address such limitations and catalyze stalled development initiatives agreed upon in prior engagements with Chinese leaders. This visit signal Nepal’s renewed resolve to expedite previously signed bilateral agreements.
Nepal and China hold immense potential to drive prosperity, advancing geography, and happiness for our people through investments in socio-economic development, market integration, cultural exchange, and tourism. Recent cooperation with China has already yielded significant results. For instance, Chinese expertise and technology have paved the way for transformative economic opportunities, such as the development of advanced buffalo farming initiatives. This initiative alone is projected to generate meaningful employment for 62% of Nepal’s agricultural workforce, with support for silage and haylage production. Notably, Shanghai Ziyan Food Co. of China has committed to importing over USD $1 billion worth of meat annually from Nepal and is further investing NRs 27 billion to advance buffalo farming and meat processing technology. This landmark achievement is a direct result of Prime Minister’s KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China, marking a new era of economic integration between Nepalese farmers and the Chinese market.Also agreements were secured for NRs 19 billion for hydropower) in foreign direct investment (FDI) within a remarkably short timeframe. Securing such a substantial amount of FDI Assistant Loan or Grand from traditional bilateral and multilateral donors is almost impossible in given time frame .
Regarding tourism China declared Visit Nepal 2025 in China. This mission of China government genuinely support tourism industry of Nepal, in this background Air Chian’s A 320 Air Bus special charter landing at Gautam Buddha International Airport with Buddhist pilgrims, as well Sichuan Airlines’ flight to Pokhara International Airport for the Dragon Boat Festival, signal transformative opportunities in tourism and cultural exchange. Likewise, Nanhai Buddhist roundtable meeting held in Kathmandu brining people from 28 countries and region. This program help us to introduce Nepal as a best location for the international seminar as well increase Nepal’s identity in international community .
Further, China is already facilitating on exporting fresh vegetables to Qatar, simliary Nepal already started exporting Nepali grass to China. These milestones reflect the genuine and pragmatic cooperation between Nepal – China.
Nepal stands at a critical juncture in its history. A significant portion of our productive population is demotivated by the lack of opportunities and hope, compelling many to seek livelihoods abroad. To reverse this trend, we must modernize Nepal’s economic system, create jobs, and foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. Nepal actively attract Chinese investment, proven expertise, markets, and technology to drive sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Initiatives like advanced buffalo farming, Nanhai Buddhist round-table meeting , Dragon Boat festival , Fewa Dialoges , exemplify the real economy’s potential to generate employment and foster economic resilience. These initatives immediate impacted to the local economy and people’s daily life . China’s policy emphasis, Sharing Economy Improves People’s Welfare reflect on above initative which that under BRI co operation frame work .
Today’s discussions are expected to highlight numerous opportunities for collaboration. However, dialogue alone is insufficient. We must translate these discussions into actionable strategies that deliver real, measurable results. Nepal’s development trajectory must pivot towards result-oriented economic opportunities, moving away from bureaucratic entanglements tied to traditional multilateral financing models, which often burden citizens with unsustainable borrowings.
Countries like Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and several African nations are already reaping the benefits of China’s open market policies. For instance, Thailand this year expecting exports of durian expected 4.5 billions USD. Nepal, too, must seize similar opportunities by leveraging its unique strengths and fostering innovation like buffalo meat, grass and vegetable
We have seen His excellency Ambassador Mr. Chen Song ‘s pivotal imitatives are directly impacting ordinary people’s livelihood which have been stated above . and without his pro active engagement given effort would not have been possible within short period of time . I extend my deepest appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador Cheng Song for implementing game changing projects in Nepal. Similarly, I am grateful to Madam Sujata Koirala of the GPK Foundation, the Madan Bhandari Foundation, and Professor Lin Minwang of Fudan University for their invaluable presence in and to making this seminar a success. Special thanks is also due to Bishnu Rijal, Central Committee Member of the UML, for his presence and support. I am greatful to Dr. Kailsh Bhandari for effort to realize this important seminar.
I am sure today’s seminar brings importance milestone advancing Nepal China co operation . #nepal
[Chairman of the Nepal China Friendship Society, Dr Kalyan Raj Sharma, was addressing a seminar titled “Advancing Nepal-China Cooperation after the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China at Kathmandu on December 30, 2024]
