Socialist Party of Nepal (Naya Shakti) Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai has suggested that Nepal should take full advantage of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
To rapidly develop our economy, we must leverage foreign trade, capital, technology, expertise, and goodwill. The BRI offers such an opportunity, similar to our past collaborations with India and the USA.
Posting a status on his X account, former Prime Minister Bhattarai said, "As we need foreign trade, capital, technology, knowhow and goodwill to kick-off our laggard economy to a developed stage at the shortest possible time, we must take advantage of whatever possibility the BRI of China offers us, as we have done with India and USA earlier."
Stating that he will not be able to attend the consultation meeting called by Prime Minister Oli today, Bhattarai suggested Nepal should be tactful in maintaining friendly ties with all countries for our national interests.
"Given Nepal's specific geo-strategic, geo-economic and geo-political positioning between two rising and competitive powers China and India , and closely monitored by the Super Power USA and its allies, we have to be adept in maintaining friendly relations with all for our own national interests," Bhattarai mentioned on X.
Bhattarai has further stated that Nepal has the inherent right and duty to uphold its sovereignty as it is the oldest independent and sovereign nation in South Asia and one of the oldest globally.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called a consultation meeting with former prime ministers and foreign ministers as part of preparation for his upcoming China visit.
The meeting is taking place at 11 am today.
Prime Minister Oli will embark on a China visit on December 2.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has canceled her medical trip to Japan citing preparation for the Prime Minister's China visit.
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