Academic

Project title : Third International Conference on “Belt and Road Initiative”

Organized by: Embassy of Peoples Republic of China in Nepal; Nepal China Friendship Forum

Organized On: 18-19 November, 2018

Introduction:

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was announced in 2013 as a project to build trade routes linking China with multiple countries. It has ambitions to reshape the global economy by connecting more than 60 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa through trade and infrastructures projects. In this regard, the Embassy of Peoples Republic of China in coordination with Nepal China Friendship Forum (NCFF) organized a two day conference entitled ‘Third International Conference on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in South Asia and Nepal: Trade, Investment and Connectivity Dynamics’ in Kathmandu from 18 – 19 November, 2018.

The conference was held with the objective to discuss the benefits of BRI in Nepal and South Asian countries. The specific objectives of the conference were:

  • To discuss on the country specific BRI experiences.
  • To explore possible regional contribution of BRI in South Asia.
  • To identify workable modalities for implementation of BRI projects in SAARC Countries.
  • To promote shared economic and development growth among countries through BRI.

Outcome: 

The conference was jointly inaugurated by Minister for Finance, Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada of the Government of Nepal and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, Yu Hong. It was attended by various academicians, experts, government officials, media persons, civil society and representatives from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

BRI formed a platform where experts from various nations discussed on issues of BRI related to trade and connectivity; people-to-people contact; special economic zones; agriculture; health and investment.

Experts discussed and presented on the economic issues of BRI. Opportunities and benefits of BRI in South Asia as well as individual nations were highlighted. The discussions gave clarity to the roles of the countries in BRI as well as BRI’s place in the national and regional development plans. Experts also emphasised on the linkages of BRI with Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, common grounds for SAARC regional cooperation growth and connectivity and people to people relations were also highlighted.

The discussions helped to better understand BRI in Nepal and build a network of professionals that are able to identify Nepal’s priorities within BRI. The conference was a platform to raise confusions regarding various issues related to BRI.

Project title: Knowing China Better

Organized by: Embassy of Peoples Republic of China in Nepal;

Nepal China Friendship Forum

Start date: August 2018

Introduction :

Even though the relationship between China and Nepal dates back from the ancient times, the knowledge of Nepalese students about China is still limited to only a few basics.

China has always been very supportive to Nepal on many grounds. However, to further enhance the relationship between the two nations it is very important to make the youths (students) aware about Chinese culture, economy and foreign policy. The knowledge will be beneficial in the days to come when these youngsters become professionals representing various government and private organizations.

In this regard, with the aim to make the students aware about Chinese culture, economy and foreign policies, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in coordination with Chinese Government, Nepal China Friendship Forum and several schools and universities introduced the project entitled “Knowing China Better”.

For the University level students, this knowledge is expected to help them discover the scope of trade, business and exchange between the two nations. This will increase and strengthen engagement and co-operation between Nepal and China.

The primary objectives of this project are as follows:

  • To teach Nepalese students about Chinese culture (including their origin and values)
  • To make students understand Chinese economy (their current status, growth pattern and strategies).

To make students aware about Chinese foreign policies (the policies and procedures, support to Nepal and bilateral relations with Nepal).