CPN-UML leader Ananda Prasad Pokharel has said China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents both opportunities and challenges for Nepal.

"On the one hand, Nepal stands to benefit from increased investment in infrastructure development, which could help address some of the country's pressing needs, such as improving road and transportation networks and enhancing energy security," Pokharel, a politburo member of the UML, said while addressing the Silk Road and Asian Civilisation Forum held in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia on Thursday. "The BRI also offers opportunities for Nepal to expand its trade ties with neighbouring countries and beyond, opening up new markets for Nepali products and services."

He also shed light on the other side of the project. "This opportunity is being challenged by the geopolitical interests of the West where the Indo-Pacific strategy has been promoted to counter these historical opportunities created by the BRI and trans-Himalayan connectivity."

He was of the view that Nepal and other Asian countries in the region must find ways to avoid such geopolitical pressures and help these countries in fostering their own development paths.

He stressed the need for learning lessons of the Silk Road to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring that the values of cooperation, mutual respect, and cultural exchange continue to guide its path forward.

He underscored the successful implementation of BRI in South Asian and Asian countries.

"The cross border railway line across the Himalaya is at the heart of regional connectivity," he said. "This needs to be at the highest priority for all sides."

He also proposed creating a strong Friends of Silk Road Club Forum involving intellectuals from Asian and South Asian countries, which will act as a think tank for the overall implementation of various projects in respective countries.