Emphasis on speeding up Chinese investment projects

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha and Foreign Minister Wang had only a general discussion about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) signed by Nepal in 2017. Although China has asked Nepal to sign an agreement on the BRI implementation plan, it has not been able to move forward so far. During the visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to China, both sides expressed their commitment to accelerate BRI. Also, it was mentioned in the joint statement issued at that time that the two parties will consult and finalize the proposal of the BRI implementation plan soon. Even though the proposal of the implementation plan was not finalized in the

meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha expressed his opinion on behalf of Nepal regarding BRI. The Belt and Road Initiative is conducive to the development and prosperity of the world. Nepal is willing to strengthen cooperation with China for the joint construction of the Belt and Road," Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha said. In response to that, Foreign Minister Wang said that China is willing to work with Nepal to advance the traditional friendship between China and Nepal, strengthen political mutual trust between the two sides, jointly build a high-quality 'Belt and Road' and promote mutual strategic cooperation partnership. .

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee, is considered an expert on Nepal affairs. He has made four official visits to Nepal. In the meeting, both the leaders evaluated the state of bilateral relations and expressed their commitment to work together to take the relations to a higher level. Foreign Minister Wang said that after the reorganization of the government in Nepal, the foreign minister's visit to China will strengthen the tradition of Nepal-China friendship and cooperation with China.

'China has always viewed Nepal as a friendly and strategic partner as well as an important close neighbor. It has been following the five principles of peaceful coexistence towards all of Nepal. It has always insisted that all countries, big or small, be equal," Chinese media quoted Wang as saying. He mentioned that in 2019, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Nepal, which brought the relationship between the two countries to a new height and said that the relationship between the two countries has progressed rapidly. Wang said that Prime Minister Prachanda's visit to China last year was also very successful.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha mentioned that there is traditional friendship and mutual dependence between Nepal and China in sustainable friendship for development and prosperity at a new and higher level. "China has selflessly helped Nepal in response to the earthquake and epidemic, which the government and people of Nepal will always remember," he said in the meeting, "The new government of Nepal has given great importance to the relationship with China." And, is willing to cooperate with China to continuously improve the level of development of bilateral relations. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also mentioned joining the group of Global Development Initiative (GDI). Nepal is already participating in this development program initiated by China.

Nepal and China have again agreed to open 14 traditional border trade points and strengthen practical cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and other fields as agreed earlier. The agreement has not yet been implemented. During the meeting, both sides also exchanged views on other matters of common concern.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha, who is on a 9-day visit to China, had separate meetings with Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau, Wang Huning, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Sun Hyen. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the discussion between them focused on economic development and prosperity, they expressed their commitment to help strengthen bilateral relations. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha will leave Chongqing on Wednesday after Beijing. Then there is a program to visit Lhasa and Chendu and return to Nepal.

Invitation to Chinese investors

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha has invited Chinese investors to participate in the third investment conference in Baisakh. Addressing the Chinese investors at a program held at the Nepali Embassy in Beijing on Tuesday, Shrestha called for enthusiastic participation in the upcoming investment conference. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha asserted that Nepal is an excellent destination for Chinese investors and said that the current government is ready to provide necessary facilities to Chinese investors.