[The Himalayan nation, largely reliant on
India for most of its needs, suffered an undeclared blockade that lasted for
several months in 2015. Following the siege, Nepal sought other options to
avoid such a situation in the future. Rail and road links that opened in the
north will not only reduce dependence on its southern neighbor, but actually
open the doors to opportunities. During the visit, MOUs on Nepal-China rail
corridor, feasibility study and Keyrung-Kathmandu railway will be signed,
according to reports.]
By Yogeshwar Romkhami*
Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's visit to China from June
19-24 carries immense importance for bilateral relations, with a slew of
agreements lined up in trade, commerce and infrastructure. Various ministries are
working to do the homework, mainly on energy, railway and trade.
The prime focus would be on implementing an
accord with China signed by Oli during his last visit in 2016. The Nepalese leader will meet Chinese
President Xi Jinping.
According to reports, rail and road links,
energy, petroleum storage facilities, transit and transportation systems would
also feature on the agenda. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) on launching a
joint feasibility study on Nepal-China free trade agreement and a MOU on
investment and production capacity are expected to be signed. The pact on joint
coordination and implementation mechanism is in its final stages. An agreement
on oil storage facility is also on the cards.
The Himalayan nation, largely reliant on
India for most of its needs, suffered an undeclared blockade that lasted for
several months in 2015. Following the siege, Nepal sought other options to
avoid such a situation in the future. Rail and road links that opened in the
north will not only reduce dependence on its southern neighbor, but actually
open the doors to opportunities. During the visit, MOUs on Nepal-China rail
corridor, feasibility study and Keyrung-Kathmandu railway will be signed,
according to reports.
Nepal established diplomatic relations with
China in 1955. According to historical records, the country was the transit
point for economic activity between China and India during the Licchavi
dynasty's rule in Nepal. Ancestors of both countries have had the wisdom to
harness mutual respect that was handed down to the present generation. This
visit can be made an exemplary one by the execution of past agreements and
further understanding.
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The author at Band E Mir lake, Bamyan Province,
Afghanistan.
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A transit point will open opportunities for
social and cultural exchange and will bring in lots of projects and plans in
the future. Nepal as a hub can play a central role in bringing immense
possibilities of development to the region.
Investment in hydro power plant, tourism,
banking, medicines, herbs and agriculture-based industries are the areas that
should be given priority. Nepal has one of the largest hydro power capacities
in the world.
China has already expressed interest and
applied for a license to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and
Irrigation. Energy trading is another prospective area between Nepal and China.
Proper harnessing of hydro power resources will boost Nepal's development.
Besides, Nepal should urge both its neighbors to invest in the creation of an
economic zone and market for necessities.
Evidently, discussions on the Belt and Road
initiative (BRI) will be another key feature of the visit.
Infrastructure and geography have always been
a challenge for Nepal. Lack of consistency in policies and dearth of political
commitment are the biggest factors that hold up development processes.
Long-term strategic plans need institutionalization.
Nepal-China relations should be driven by
long-term strategy based on mutual understanding and cooperation. Geographical
difficulties can be transformed into opportunities by cleverly dealing with the
situation.
And, agreements signed
during the previous visit need effective execution. Oli was applauded for his
last visit to Nepal's northern neighbor. So the expectations from this visit
inside Nepal are high. The people of Nepal are watching this historic
opportunity with some apprehension and great expectations.
* The author is a PhD candidate at the South
West University of Political Science and Law. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn
