APD | Nepal will try its best to maintain a balanced foreign policy

Author：Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Member of Parliament/ Leader, CPN Maoist Centre/Former Minister

It has just been few days for the new political developments in Nepal. The major focus of this government currently is maintaining political and economic stability in the country. Besides, it will also pay equal attention to the completion of remaining tasks of peace process. Our coalition has a comfortable majority in the Parliament with 169 votes, and more will be added gradually. We want to take the major opposition Nepali Congress in confidence. We as the ruling side will fulfill our roles, while the opposition Congress should also do their part. For this, there is a need of coordination. It’s not about sideling any party. Whenever required, we should forge cooperation.

Foremost, there is a need of giving full shape to the government. Unless it is sorted, we cannot move ahead. As you know, this government is formed on the foundation of partnership with the CPN UML and other parties. The domestic political situation will be determined by this partnership. Everything is built upon trust and mutual understanding. There is no shortcut or measure for now. We need to work on maintaining rule of law, ending corruption, strengthening federalism. The Nepali Congress has to act accordingly.

Regarding economy, our foremost priority for now is to improve the economy. The government will also work together with the private sector for economic development. The government’s focus will be on expediting the derailed projects. There are many industries that have been in sorry state since long, while infrastructure projects are pending, thus they might be revived. The government needs to work on foreign currency earning by focusing on exports, tourism and foreign investments. The government wants to attract mor foreign investments.

It is not the first time that Prachanda has become the Prime Minister of Nepal, it is his third time. So, he is well aware about the geopolitical scenario. We and China have a friendly relation since long. China is a development partner of Nepal and can play a major role to help Nepal achieve prosperity. Nepal is always committed to one China policy. Thus, the current government will move forward with the same spirit. Besides, Chinese market offers huge possibilities for Nepal. There are many areas to explore further for cooperation.

Nepal signed the BRI framework agreement in 2017, and since then, Nepal has always supported this initiative. But there were delays in implementation part due to COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. For instance, Nepali people has some expectations that China would increase the grant to Nepal or would reduce the interest rates to carry out the projects. In terms of our economy, Nepal cannot sustain high interest rates. Discissions on BRI will take place once the full government is formalized.

Definitely, there will be China visit from the Prime Minister in future, but it is not certain when. Any state visit reflects a deep diplomatic message. Many raises question on where he will visit first, India or China, but in my opinion, this shouldn’t be the priority of discussion. The content or the discussion during the visit is more important.

We are aware about the tensions between China and India. Both the neighbors are rising economies and huge in terms of geography and population and offer tremendous possibilities for Nepal. If the two countries keep engaging in conflict, it will also suffer Nepal. If the two countries have good relations, Nepal can also benefit. Thus, Nepal will try its best to maintain a balanced foreign policy. Nepal is not in a position to do anything significant, but it should play a constructive role to help ease the tensions based on its own capacity. Nepal cannot take sides, but we can work as a bridge. We are always open for direct and regular communication and necessary support.

(APD News)