National
‘Nepalis eager for OBOR implementation’
Scholars participating in a discussion programme organised by the Nepal Council of World Affairs said on Thursday that the Nepalis were eagerly looking forward to the earliest implementation of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.Rastriya Samachar Samiti
Scholars participating in a discussion programme organised by the Nepal Council of World Affairs said on Thursday that the Nepalis were eagerly looking forward to the earliest implementation of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.
Initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the strategic concept aims to revive the Maritime Silk Road trade routes dating back to Hang dynasty. Xi has pledged $124 billion in financial assistance, double of what the World Bank lent in 2016, for OBOR. The plan involves building six economic corridors, spanning some 65 countries and has so far garnered support from more than 100 countries and international organisations.
In the event themed ‘Promoting People to People Relation’s: Ideas on One Belt, One Road Initiative’, the scholars also held the view that the evocation of OBOR would largely benefit Nepal weakened by the excessive import of the foreign goods and excessive export of the labour.
According to them, the revival of the Silk Route would enhance railroad connectivity, attract investment and promote the trade and commence of those countries signatory to OBOR.
Nepal signed a framework agreement on OBOR on May 12. Council’s Chair Hemanta Kharel asserted that expansion of Nepal’s ties with China would help create many economic opportunities.
Stressing the earliest implementation of OBOR, he expressed confidence that it would further strengthen the friendly ties and cooperation between Nepal and China.
Speaking at the programme, Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding Liu Hongcai lauded Nepal’s stance on China’s One-China policy and reiterated that China wishes Nepal to be peaceful, prosperous and developed.
He was of the view that OBOR would be a bridge to enhance the mutual cooperation among the signatory countries.