Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal and China have expressed commitment to accelerate consultation to finalize the text on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Implementation Plan at the earliest.
Issuing a joint statement after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Chinese Premier Li Qian in Beijing on Monday, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. The joint statement also states that Nepal supports the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China, and will consider joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
The two sides agreed to strengthen connectivity in areas such areas as ports, roads, railways, airways and grids in an orderly manner, jointly build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, work together to ensure the safety of the cooperation projects and company personnel of the two countries, and contribute to Nepal’s realization of its development agenda including graduating from the least developed country status at an early date.
Likewise, the Chinese side has agreed to improve the facilities on the Nepali side of the Lizi-Nechung port (Korala) at the earliest possible as well as work for the early reopening of eligible traditional China-Nepal border trade points. The two sides also agreed to continue talks for the opening of Chentang-Kimathanka, Riwu-Olangchungola.
China has also expressed willingness to implement the fourth phase of the Araniko Highway Maintenance project and rehabilitate the Syabrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Road once the Nepali side clears existing infrastructure on the road section.
Likewise, the two sides have agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Tokha-Chahare tunnel project and expedite the implementation of the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road Project (Kalanki to Chabahil).
China has expressed willingness to help Nepal train railway professionals and plan. Similarly, both sides have agreed to hold the 8th WOrking Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation.
Nepal and China have agreed to begin construction of the Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime 220 kV cross-border transmission line. Likewise, Chian has said that it would consider Nepal’s request to provide grid supply to electricity its northern remote villages from the Xizang Autonomous Region of China.
In the field of agriculture, both countries have expressed commitment to deepening their cooperation and exploring opportunities for the joint development of an Agriculture Industrial Demonstration Park. Efforts to address tariff-related issues are underway, with both sides taking measures to reduce trade imbalances and promote the export of Nepali products to China.
Collaboration in the breeding and standardized scale culture of Yak, Nak, and mountain goats represents another avenue of cooperation between the two countries. Both sides have said that they are eager to expand exchanges and cooperation in poverty alleviation, development, livelihood improvement, and rural revitalization.
China has expressed commitment to expedite the installation of a Bone Marrow Transplant Service at the B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital.
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