By Srikrishna Shrestha
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to enhance global trade by connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of infrastructure projects. As China marks the 10th anniversary of its announcement of the Belt and Road Initiative, it was a moment of reflection and celebration. The 10th anniversary of BRI, along with the second China-Nepal Media Summit, was held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, 26 December.
The keynote speaker of the summit was Minster for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. Recalling the 68th anniversary of Nepal-China relations, Sharma said that Nepal should make strong efforts to bring more projects under BRI. Both countries will benefit from such projects, she said.
Nepal will see an increase in cross-border trade, opening new avenues for economic growth and diversification and tourism development, the Minister observed. BRI will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nepal’s journey towards progress in future, continued cooperation and thoughtful implementation will be key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative initiative, said Minister Sharma.
Wang Xin, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, urged for its active partnership in such projects. He also highlighted China’s historical achievements under XI’s leadership. The recent visit of President XI to Nepal has given the Sino-Nepalese relationship, a new height, he said.
Trade and economic cooperation have flourished as a result of the initiative, with upgraded streamlined transportation routes, he said.
The CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi shed light on tourism connectivity between the two countries. He mentioned the strategic role of GBIA and PRIA playing a pivotal role in driving tourism development in the country.
The Opening Ceremony of one of the China Central Television channels (CCTV-4) Kathmandu spectator club with a partnership of South Asia Network TV was announced at the summit by Wang Xin.
Hou Zhihong, founder of the South Asian Network TV, informed that the television is playing a role in bridging Nepal-China government-to-government and people-to-people relations by telecasting programs about Nepal for Chinese viewers and also Chinese programs for Nepali viewers.
Amidst the function, the “Belt and Road” China-added construction project reporting activity was jointly launched.
The commemorative event for the 10th anniversary of BRI and the Second Nepal-China Media Summit reached its conclusion with the presence of esteemed guests, and prominent journalists, along with the President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Bipul Pokhrel, Chairman of the Nepal-China Media Forum, Kishor Shrestha, among others. Their participation added a significant layer of importance to the program, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and mutual understanding fostered by the Belt and Road Initiative.
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