Transit and transport deal with China adds new chapter in Nepal-China relations

Kathmandu, March 22: Various foreign affairs experts have observed that different agreements including transit and transport signed between Nepal and China have added new chapter to the Nepal-China relations.

They said that the agreements would have a long-term importance in the economic development of Nepal.

A 10-point deal was signed on Monday in the presence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Chinese counterpart Li Kequing, during PM Oli’s visit.

Foreign Affairs expert, Hiranyalal Shrestha, said “The transit and transport agreement signed with China has a long-term importance for the landlocked country Nepal. A situation of depending on a single country has ended. This pact has added new chapter. We can now use Chinese port. We can exchange business with third countries.”

Shrestha argued that the transit agreement signed with China has opened the way for supply from mid-Asia, from border of Pakistan and of Myanmar.

The agreements have been made at a time when both China and India are ready to increase business among the countries via Nepal.

Stating that PM Oli’s China visit has become very successful, another foreign affairs expert and CPN (UML) lawmaker Dr Rajan Bhattarai, reminded that economic and infrastructure development has been going positive after the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.

Dr Bhattarai said, “The issue of petroleum product is the matter linked with national security. Searching alternative to the problems that we faced in past six months is not unnatural. It is not the agreement signed against any another country.”

Similarly, another foreign affairs expert Dr Dinesh Bhattarai, however said, “We cannot take benefit at the earliest due to long-distance road. We should see profit on the basis of comparative benefit while doing business.”

Moreover, Foreign Department member of the UCPN (Maoist), Yubraj Chaulagain, observed that there was a policy-level transformation in foreign relations and economic development of Nepal due to the agreement signed with China.

He said, “The PM’s China visit would be further successful if further issues including fuel and silk route was raised.” RSS