Nepal and China have reaffirmed their commitment to advance projects under the Trans-Himalayan Multi Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN), a Beijing-led concept the two sides agreed on in April 2018.

During a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing on Thursday, the two leaders reiterated their determination to push forward projects under the network, according to the statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing.

As a major component of the Belt and Road Initiative, the THMDCN encompasses a range of connectivity projects, such as ports, roads, railways, aviation, tunnels, digital connectivity, and connections among diverse communities. The concept was initially agreed upon by then foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in April 2018. The concept of a THMDCN, with a long-term perspective, was announced on April 19, 2018.

The two leaders further agreed to advance projects under the network, particularly Kathmandu-Kerung railway, cross-border transmission line, Kimathanka-Hile and Hilsa-Simikot roads, said the statement by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations.

Although the Chinese side has been pushing to execute connectivity-related projects under the network, Nepali has long been mired in confusion. On his last day in the government, outgoing prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in mid-July agreed to sign the memorandum of understanding on the THMDCN with China, but no progress has since been made.

The outcome document from the second Belt and Road conference in 2019 had incorporated the Nepal-China THMDCN, featuring a cross-border railway.

During Thursday’s meeting with Vice Premier Ding, Paudel stressed the need to work together to accelerate the implementation of the agreements between the two governments and leaders in a time-bound manner, according to the statement issued by the Nepali embassy.

Appreciating the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, Ding emphasised the importance of practical cooperation between Nepal and China for mutual benefit. He also responded positively to the proposal of time-bound implementation of agreements, according to officials.

According to Xinhua, China’s state-owned news agency, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China is ready to work with Nepal to deepen exchange and cooperation in various fields, build a high-quality Belt and Road, consolidate popular support for the bilateral friendship, and elevate China-Nepal relations.

Paudel said Nepal firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding its core interests, hopes to strengthen the exchange of governance experience with China, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, the Chinese news agency said.

Prior to the meeting, Paudel met Luo Zhaohui, chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and discussed various aspects of Nepal-China development cooperation. During the meeting, Paudel highlighted the need to deepen cooperation in infrastructure development, connectivity, trade and transport, dry ports, among other areas, the statement issued by the embassy said.

Luo expressed China’s willingness to support the ongoing projects as well as projects relating to livelihood and good governance. CIDCA is China’s external aid agency that executes various projects in Nepal including small projects in 15 northern districts of Nepal bordering Tibet.

Paudel and Luo also discussed cooperation on agricultural and industrial parks as well as Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, said the embassy statement.

China is willing to work with Nepal to implement important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to promote the joint construction of high-quality “Belt and Road” and implementation of global development initiatives, build a three-dimensional cross-Himalayan interconnection network, coordinate the promotion of major landmark projects and “small and beautiful” projects, and promote the Nepal-China strategic cooperative partnership for generations, said a statement issued by CIDCA in Chinese language.

Paudel, on his part, thanked China for its long-term support to Nepal’s economic and social development and improvement of people’s livelihood.

“He said that Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and inject new impetus into the friendly development of bilateral relations,” said the statement. “The two sides also had a full exchange of views on promoting cooperation on specific projects.”

Oli, Wang meet
Meanwhile, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on Prime Minister KP Oli in New York on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, Oli said Nepal and China have centuries-old relations and ancient saints and the Buddhist followers contributed to expanding ties at the people’s level.

The prime minister expected big Chinese support for Nepal’s prosperity and development, said a brief statement issued after the meeting by the Nepali side. The Chinese minister said his country, as an ‘old friend’, was ready to extend all possible help for Nepal’s prosperity.

China has always prioritised Nepal in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and is committed to building a closer China-Nepal community with a shared future, Xinhua quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

Wang said that China will continue to support Nepal in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and hopes Nepal will find a successful development path that suits its national conditions, as per the news report.

According to the CGTN, the Chinese state-owned television channel, Wang called on China and Nepal to promote Belt and Road cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

Wang appreciated Nepal’s affirmation that it would not allow any force to use Nepal’s territory for anti-China activities. He said China is ready to plan a series of activities with Nepal in order to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, according to CGTN.

Oli said the Nepali government, along with all political parties and the people fully support Nepal-China friendship, firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and will not allow anyone to use its territory for anti-China activities. Nepal is committed to strengthening cooperation with China, and jointly building a Nepal-China community with a shared future, he said.

China’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to about 8,000 goods originating from least developed countries will help more Nepali specialty products to enter China, Wang added, according to Xinhua.