Kathmandu, Nov 30: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is embarking for China for a four-day official trip starting Monday. As part of the preparations for this visit, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba is currently in China.
On Friday evening, Dr Rana held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Chengdu, discussing key topics, including agreements and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework to be addressed during Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit.
The BRI project has become a focal point of discussions. The central debate revolves around whether Nepal should sign the implementation agreement for the BRI projects. While the Chinese government has proposed Nepal sign the agreement, Nepal’s political parties have yet to reach a consensus. Reportedly, Prime Minister Oli is inclined to sign the agreement, but the coalition partner Nepali Congress insists on limiting to grant-based projects. A final decision is expected by Sunday, as the government must clarify its stance before the visit.
Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to leave for China on Monday. Several task forces and sub-committees have been working on the implementation agreement for BRI projects. An ultimate round of discussions is set to take place on Saturday between Prime Minister Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to finalize the framework.
The task forces have identified six potential projects to propose under the BRI. However, a new framework has also been developed, which Foreign Minister Dr Rana presented to her Chinese counterpart. The framework reportedly includes Nepal’s willingness to accept the BRI but emphasizes that the proposed projects should primarily be grant-based. The Chinese side has suggested Nepal finalize which projects would be grant-funded and which would involve loans, indicating this approach could lead to a “win-win” situation for both nations.
As part of the visit, China has decided to gift two projects to Nepal—one in Prime Minister Oli’s home district of Jhapa and another in Foreign Minister Deuba’s home district of Dadeldhura.
In Jhapa, an Industrial Friendship Park, a previously planned project, will be expanded to include a new sports stadium. Meanwhile, in Dadeldhura, a City Hall will be constructed. These two projects are seen as symbolic “gifts” from China, reflecting a gesture of goodwill toward the two leaders. #nepal #china #BRI
