By CGTN’s Wu Guoxiu
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal says China’s Belt and Road Initiative offers plenty of opportunities for collaboration.
In a speech to students and scholars at Beijing Foreign Studies University on Sunday, Prime Minister Dahal thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for coming up with the initiative, and elaborated on a little of the history behind it.
“Some of you may be aware, Nepal used to be an important thoroughfare in the ancient silk route. It was a vibrant trade entrépot that connected parts of Central Asia with South Asia.” Dahal shared with students.
Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, made a speech at the Beijing Foreign Studies University on March 26, 2017. /CGTN Photo
“We can build on that legacy, and create a modern success story. A success story of connectivity, of development, of mobility and of shared prosperity,” Dahal said.
He added that Nepal already signed a MOU on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2014, and is considering inking an extended MOU soon.
Belt and Road Initiative is a development strategy and framework, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. /China.org.cn Photo
China's Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, and aims to construct a trade and infrastructure network which connects Asia with Europe and Africa. So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have signalled their involvement.
Interestingly, topics related to the Belt and Road Initiative were the most asked questions posed by Chinese and Nepali students during a question and answer session with the Prime Minister. Potential related to the China-backed initiative was the hottest topic of the event.
A student at Beijing Foreign Studies University poses questions to Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. /CGTN photo
Speaking at the opening of a Center for Nepalese Studies, Dahal said Nepal welcomes further investment from China in hydropower projects, urban infrastructure and cross-border transmission lines.
Dahal also said that academic exchanges between China and Nepal can spark new ideas and connect the best minds from the two countries.
Dahal is on a five day visit to China. He is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping on March 27.
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