Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to visit China for a four-day visit starting today, December 2, aiming to secure grants for major infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). High on the agenda are railway connectivity, cross-border transmission line expansion, and road infrastructure development.
Nepal will propose immediate Chinese assistance for the Kimathanka-Khandbari road, an integral part of the Koshi Corridor, and seek grants for the expansion of the Kathmandu ring road and Tokha-Chhahare tunnel.
Efforts are underway to advance the 220 kV Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime transmission line project, initially agreed upon during former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's tenure. If completed, this project would diversify Nepal’s electricity export routes, reducing reliance on India. Nepal also plans to propose upgrading the Rasuwagadhi Dry Port and the Araniko Highway to bolster connectivity and trade.
The government is preparing to present new hydropower projects for potential Chinese investment, including the Kimathanka-Arun project, which had been proposed earlier. Additionally, Nepal will seek to establish a Commerce Secretary-level mechanism to facilitate bilateral trade, replacing the current Nepal-China Trade Facilitation Committee.
The visiting delegation, led by Prime Minister Oli, comprises Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, lawmakers, senior officials, and over three dozen private-sector representatives. While the size of the delegation has drawn criticism, Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung clarified that embassy staff and private-sector representatives contributed to its larger appearance. He emphasized that private-sector involvement is standard in high-level visits to neighboring countries like India and China.
During the four-day visit, Prime Minister Oli will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress. His schedule includes delivering a keynote address at Peking University and addressing the Nepal-China Business Forum, co-hosted by Nepal’s Embassy in Beijing, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
This visit is expected to strengthen Nepal-China relations and unlock support for critical infrastructure projects essential for Nepal’s economic growth.
