June 20, 2019
Fourth International Conference: Belt and Road for Development and Prosperity of South Asia
Date: June 20-21, 2019
Location: Kathmandu
Organized by: Nepal China Friendship Forum, Embassy of People's Republic of China in Nepal
The Belt and Road Initiative is a 2013 project to build road and maritime routes linking China with multiple countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Over 150 countries have joined this cooperation framework.
Context Highlights
- Nepal shares a 1,414 km border with China
- Both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on BRI cooperation in May 2017
- The Transit and Transport Agreement allows Nepal access to seven Chinese ports
- Two economic corridors engage South Asia: the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor
Primary Objectives
- Share country-specific BRI experiences from South Asian and ASEAN nations
- Discuss leveraging BRI for regional development
- Identify implementation strategies for SAARC countries
Criticisms and Research
The page acknowledges concerns about debt risks, citing Sri Lanka's Hambantota port controversy, while also noting research suggesting positive BRI impacts on reducing economic inequality.