Experts have stressed on the need for developing required infrastructure in Nepal for effective implementation of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) framework envisioned by the Chinese government.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat said the Nepal government was committed to strategic cooperation and connectivity enhancement. “Nepal stands by and abides by the agreements forged by the previous government with China,” he said at the first edition of the One Belt One Road Nepal Conference 2017 organised by BP Koirala School of Public Policy here on Thursday.

OBOR, also known as Belt and Road initiative, is a strategy and framework proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping after taking helm of the Chinese leadership in 2013. The strategy focuses on connectivity and cooperation of China with the Eurasian region.

Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, underscored the need for establishing a bank with Chinese joint venture in Nepal. “Such institutions bank can help enhance trade, connectivity and business between the two neighbouring countries,” he said. 

Prem Raj Joshi, chairman of BP Koirala School of Public Policy, said OBOR is a framework for socioeconomic development which could help Nepal in larger extent. 

Li Tao, executive director of South Asia Studies at Sichuan University, urged for developing a strong people-to-people connection to foster Nepal-China relationship. “As Nepal is a gateway for China to enter the South Asia, China cannot undermine the role of Nepal in fulfilling the motive of OBOR initiative.”