BRI project has not been implemented in Nepal: Foreign Minister Saud

Foreign Minister NP Saud has refuted claims made by Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song regarding the implementation of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the country.

Minister Saud made his statement during a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Monday, clarifying that the BRI project has not been executed in Nepal thus far.

The Chinese Ambassador had previously asserted that the recently completed Pokhara International Airport was a result of the BRI project. However, Minister Saud categorically denied this, highlighting that despite Nepal signing an agreement with the Chinese government for the BRI in 2017, no concrete plans or initiatives have been undertaken in accordance with the agreement.

Minister Saud further revealed that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an American aid project, is set to move into the implementation phase from August of next year.