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By APD writer Shristi Kafle
The theme forum of 2021 China (Guangdong) 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo, co-organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, and undertaken by the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality, will be held in Guangzhou, Guangdong on September 24. On the eve of this forum, Jhalanath Khanal, former Prime Minister of Nepal, gave an exclusive interview to the Asia Pacific Daily, during which he discussed the Nepal-China cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Nepal benefits from BRI
Khanal believes that China’s BRI aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, which will contribute to economic transformation worldwide. He said that the BRI, as the most important initiative in the world, will help boost economy of all partner countries. Nepal, as a member of BRI and a close neighbor of China, expects to reap benefits from the initiative. Since it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation under the BRI with China in 2017, Nepal has gained huge benefits from infrastructure projects. Khanal believes that BRI projects will help improve Nepal’s trade and economy situation as it is striving to be a developing country from the least developed country.
Khanal said that China is not only a friendly country of Nepal, but also a close neighbor with ancient ties. Nepal regards China as a true friend, which is always there in Nepal's need, and ready to support Nepal's all development endeavors. As an old saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. China has proved this time and again. After decades of efforts, China has become the world’s second largest economy, which is vital to Nepal. Nepal has big expectations from China, particularly in infrastructure and technology development. It is willing to enhance cooperation with China in different fields, and welcomes Chinese investment to different sectors of Nepal. It will not only benefit Nepal, but also bring closer ties between the two countries.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is Window Between China and World
The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a major national strategy of China. The region, especially Guangdong Province, has unique advantages under the BRI.
Khanal said the Greater Bay Area would be China's large window to expand the linkage to the rest of the world and it should grasp the opportunities. With advancement in technology and communication, the Greater Bay Area, especially Guangdong, will be more prosperous. Khanal said the Greater Bay Area could contribute more to the fast development of China.
Khanal also said Nepal has close trade relations with Guangdong. The transit protocol signed by the two countries allows Nepal to gain access to seven Chinese sea and land ports for third-country trade, which would bring Nepal closer to Guangdong and enhance bilateral trade and economic relations. Nepal has broad investment prospects which could be tapped by investors from Guangdong, which will be beneficial for both sides.
Khanal attended the previous Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo before. He recalled that many friends from around the world gathered and shared their ideas at the expo. Some said that a new and connected world should be built considering the need of today’s world. The Nepalese former official said that attendees agreed that everyone should participate in this new world, where the connectivity would be developed, so that the world will be likely to be developed in an equitable way. He said that he was deeply impressed by this idea.
Speaking of his impression of Guangzhou, Khanal said that Guangzhou is a vibrant and flourishing city. There were so many varieties or uniqueness in each and every corner of the city. He said that Guangzhou boosts a good system of communication and technology along with trade.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
