Final Preparations Underway for PM Oli’s China Visit; Focus on BRI Framework and Key Projects

As Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli gears up for his official visit to China from December 2 to 5, last-minute negotiations between Nepali and Chinese officials are in full swing. The visit, which includes a delegation of 87 members, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and finalize agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Ahead of the visit, Prime Minister Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba reviewed a revised text of the BRI framework, prepared by a joint task force comprising members of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa briefed the leaders on the framework, which has been renamed the “Framework for Cooperation” to emphasize economic collaboration while avoiding political and strategic connotations.

The revised document, which aligns with Nepal’s stance of negotiating projects on a case-by-case basis, has been submitted to the Chinese Embassy for consideration. Senior officials expressed optimism about the document, describing it as focused on economic cooperation, connectivity, and development.

Proposed Projects Under the BRI Framework

The draft framework lists 12 priority projects across various clusters:

Infrastructure and Connectivity:

Tokha-Chhahre Tunnel Road, linking Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Rasuwagadhi for enhanced trade.

Hilsa-Simikot Road and Kimathanka-Khandbari Road to strengthen the Koshi Corridor.

A memorandum for the Jilong/Kerung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway feasibility study.

Energy Development:

220kV Jilong/Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime Cross-Border Power Transmission Line.

Kathmandu Valley Transmission Line Upgrade to meet increasing energy demand.

Education and Health:

Construction of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology.

Establishment of the Kathmandu Science Museum and Education Centre.

Industrial and Trade Infrastructure:

Development of China-Nepal Friendship Park.

Jhapa Sports and Athletic Complex.

These projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure, are proposed to be funded primarily through Chinese grants.

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, following her recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Chengdu, emphasized Nepal’s priority for grants over loans. Discussions also covered connectivity projects such as roads, railways, and energy transmission under the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network.

Minister Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the “One China Principle” and pledged that Nepal would not permit any activities against China on its soil. Both sides reiterated their support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual non-interference.

During the visit, PM Oli is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang, and engage with Chairman Zhao Leji of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. Additionally, he will address events such as the Nepal-China Business Forum and a program at Peking University.

With significant groundwork laid, Nepali leaders are optimistic about the outcomes of PM Oli’s visit. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel described the revised BRI framework as a milestone for future collaboration, emphasizing its potential to expedite Nepal-China projects.

While final agreements are yet to be confirmed, the visit is expected to mark a new chapter in Nepal-China relations, focusing on economic development and mutual cooperation.