China’s Belt and Road ‘Initiative brings new opportunities to Nepal’

China’s Belt and Road Initiative can contribute to realising the dream of the Asian Century through enhancing regional economic integration, Nepali experts have said.Speaking at a seminar entitled “Belt and Road Initiative: Economic Development in South Asia,” Nepalese former ambassador to China Tanka Karki felt that China and South Asian countries should work together to promote the initiative.“Creation of the Asian Century is a dream of the people in South Asia. I believe that this dream can be realised through the Belt and Road Initiative by enhancing economic integration in the region. The stronger partnership between China and India will also be in the interest of countries like Nepal who are their good neighbours,” Karki said.The Belt and Road Initiative is an open and inclusive concept creating a win-win situation between China and those countries who become part of it, the former ambassador said.Senior lawyer Biswakanta Mainali said that Nepal’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has brought new opportunities to the country to achieve socioeconomic development.“Nepal is marching ahead to achieve economic growth after a prolonged political transition. Construction of mega infrastructure projects like railways and highways are crucial for us. Thus, I believe that Nepal’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative will greatly contribute to transforming the economy,” he said.Dr Yubaraj Sangroula, a former attorney general of Nepal, said that Nepal can act as a vibrant bridge between two ancient civilisations of Asia, namely China and India, under the Belt and Road Initiative.“I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China will help to realise the dream of creating the Asian century. Stronger partnership between China and South Asia will be important for securing peace and stability in the region,” he said.