RSP advises govt to seek BRI support to build three strategic roads

KATHMANDU: Rastiya Swatantra Party (RSP) has put forth a series of suggestions aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing critical issues between Nepal and China ahead of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China.

Applauding China’s efforts in poverty alleviation, particularly its strong focus on agriculture, the RSP has urged the government to draw lessons from China’s successful food production campaign and modernize its agricultural practices. Stating that only three out of the six designated international trade points—Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi, and Hilsa— are in operation currently, RSP has called on the government to request China to reopen these critical border points at the earliest.

Likewise, the RSP has suggested the government to seek Chinese support, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), for the development of connectivity along three main corridors: the Koshi Corridor, Gandaki Corridor, and Karnali Corridor. The party believes that these corridors hold immense potential for trade and economic growth, linking regions in both countries.

To harness Nepal’s electricity generation capacity, the RSP has suggested that the government propose a joint project with China to build the Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Galchhi-Ratmate 400kv Transmission Line. This project, already in the feasibility stage, aims to export electricity from Nepal to China.

Additionally, the RSP has recommended that the government prioritize the operation of flights to its two new airports during Prime Minister Dahal’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart. Furthermore, it has urged the government to engage in talks with China to find ways to reduce Nepal’s growing trade deficit with China.

RSP has also suggested the government to raise the issue of China’s new map, which includes Nepal’s old map, with the Chinese government during Dahal’s visit. “If the border or other similar bilateral diplomatic issues cannot be brought to the negotiation table and clarified before they spread, it may not be meaningful later,” the RSP has said in its suggestions to the government.