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Top leaders of major political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing projects under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They underscored the critical importance of Nepal’s relationship with its northern neighbor, China, for the nation’s economic development and long-term prosperity.

Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal, speaking at a high-profile event in the capital, highlighted his party’s preference for grants under the BRI framework. However, he clarified that this does not mean Nepal should rely solely on grants. “We have shared a long-standing relationship with China, built on mutual trust, and we aim to nurture this bond in the years to come,” Rijal stated. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of foreign debt when securing loans from any country.

Rijal also stressed Nepal’s sovereignty, asserting that the country is free to make independent decisions regarding its partnerships. “Our relationship with China is pivotal, and we seek to benefit from China’s remarkable development trajectory,” he said. The NC leader advocated for project-specific negotiations, adding, “Conditions need not be uniform for all projects. Rijal also expressed support for connectivity projects with China.

Senior Vice-chairperson of CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, echoed the commitment to the BRI, citing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s signing of the BRI agreement with China as a clear endorsement. “Our party fully supports the BRI and its potential to drive Nepal’s development,” Pandey said. “All parties are united on BRI, which was evident during the signing of the BRI framework.”

He, however, pointed out several critical issues that need resolution before projects can move forward.

“Key concerns include the interest rates on loans, the repayment period, the selection of construction companies—whether Nepali or Chinese—and the sourcing of raw materials,” Pandey explained. He criticized the Nepali Congress’s stance on accepting only grants as impractical, urging a more pragmatic approach. “Let’s begin with one project. Its success will provide valuable lessons for future endeavors,” he suggested.

CPN (Maoist Center) senior leader Dev Gurung called for immediate action, emphasizing that delays in BRI implementation are largely attributable to the Nepali side. “There should be no further delays. The BRI holds immense potential to transform Nepal from a landlocked nation into a land-linked hub, bolstering our sovereignty and economic prospects,” Gurung asserted.

The BRI, with its focus on infrastructure and connectivity, is seen as a game-changer for Nepal. Leaders across the political spectrum agree that the initiative could unlock new opportunities, fostering economic growth and strengthening Nepal’s geopolitical standing.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire has pointed out the need to further strengthen our cooperation with India for Nepal's sustainable development with a focus on an investment increase for promotion of mutual interests. 

In his address to the Kasthamandap Dialogue organised by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism, here today, the Speaker stressed this. 

In the Dialogue centered on Belt and Road Initiate (BRI) and Nepal-China cooperation, the Speaker called for identifying new potential areas for Nepal-China cooperation and include them as projects under the BRI. 

As a close neighbor and good friend of China, Nepal takes pride in China's remarkable progress and aims to benefit from its extraordinary development through a broader economic partnership, Ghimire remarked. "We highly appreciate China's support and cooperation in Nepal's developmental endeavors," he added, expressing hope for significant assistance from the northern neighbor as Nepal moves towards graduating from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income country by 2026 and also for the sustainability of this status.

Ghimire further highlighted that Nepal's historic relationship with China, based on mutual trust, understanding, and friendship, has been strengthened through the BRI. "This initiative is not just about infrastructure for Nepal; it should be viewed as an opportunity for Nepal to explore new avenues for economic growth," he said.

He also suggested that Nepal, leveraging its geographical position, has the potential to be developed into a 'transit hub.' To realize this, Ghimire stressed the need for enhancing bilateral collaboration on physical infrastructure, including roadways, railways, information technology, and trade relations.

Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, which have flourished over the past seven decades, Ghimire affirmed that Nepal’s policies are guided by the five principles (Panchasheel) of peaceful coexistence. "We are always ready to take steps to deepen the cordial relations between our two nations," he added. He also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the 'One China Policy' and described China as a reliable and significant development partner for Nepal.

Former Prime Minister and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the BRI as a global development project that offers abundant opportunities for infrastructure development and expanding connectivity. "It is a boon for many countries around the world," he said, urging Nepal to ensure it capitalizes on the potential benefits.

China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, shared about China's achievements in infrastructure development, information technology, industrialization, innovation, and research. He reiterated China’s strong support for Nepal’s developmental goals.

During the Dialogue, business communities and academics from Nepal and China are scheduled to exchange views on the implementation of the BRI in Nepal, its opportunities, and challenges.

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to put poverty alleviation on first priority by increasing production, productivity and entrepreneurship.

During the meeting with NPC office-bearers including the Vice Chairperson at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, today regarding the NPC's performance and future course of action, PM Oli, also the Chairperson of the NPC, urged the planning commission officials to increase investment in skill development, entrepreneurship and employment creation as activities related to infrastructure development are in the phase of completion.

"We have to move ahead in the path of making the people self-reliant by increasing production. People should be motivated for hard work. Basis should be determined for utilizing the fundamental rights by identifying activities reducing poverty. Ministries should be asked to bring concrete plan for increasing production and productivity. There will be positive impact on country's economy once productivity increases," he mentioned.

The Prime Minister urged the NPC to carry out effective monitoring and evaluation of national-pride projects, development of entrepreneurship and making positive impacts on service delivery and good governance.

Similarly, NPC Vice Chairman Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari briefed PM Oli about various issues including implementation of the 16th Plan, its challenges, new criteria and revision of National Project Bank, systematic review upon incomplete projects, new criteria of project review, and amendment to procedure of supplementary and special grants.

Sharing that interaction was held with province and local levels about the revised criteria, Adhikari stressed the need of making local levels resourceful for effective implementation of fiscal federalism.

Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Affairs advisor to the Prime Minister, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, among others were present in the meeting.

Viral infection has gripped Solukhumbu district.

Number of patients suffering from viral fever, common cold and cough, asthma, pneumonia, headache, respiratory problems and diarrhea has been increasing at different places in the district since last week.

According to the District Health Office, the number of patients visiting Phaplu Hospital has increased all of sudden, creating problems in service delivery of the hospital.

More than a dozen patients suffering from viral infection visit Phaplu Hospital for treatment daily.

The 15-bed hospital has now been providing treatment admitting more than 50 patients, according to the hospital administration.

Officiating Chief of the hospital, Sani Sherpa, said they have been facing problems in managing human resources to attend to the patients following the increasing number of patients at the hospital.

Of the patients admitted in the hospital, most of them are patients of viral infection.

"We lack adequate human resources but the patient inflow is high. We have now been mobilizing all available means and resources," Sherpa mentioned.

Most of the patients visiting the hospital are in critical health condition and they have to be put under oxygen.

"All beds in the hospitals are packed. We have been providing treatment keeping the viral patients even in beds in the maternity room. A situation might occur wherein patients will have to be treated keeping them on the floor if the number of patients surges like this," shared the hospital's Dr Ram Babu Joshi.

The Socialist Front Nepal is to organize a massive rally in Kathmandu on March 28.

A meeting of the Socialist Front, which comprises four opposition parties, held on Friday morning made the decision to this effect.

Leader Khadga Bahadur Bishwokarma aka Prakand, who participated in the meeting, informed that the Front has decided to hold a massive rally in Kathmandu on March 28.

"The massive rally to be held on March 28 will be made grand. The decision has been made to ensure the participation of thousands of people," he said.

According to him, an interaction and consultation program will be held with intellectuals and civil society from 11 am tomorrow.

He said that the information about the massive rally will be provided at a press conference at 2:30 pm on Saturday.

Similarly, the meeting has concluded that the demonstration of the royalist held recently is to push the country into a full-blown crisis.

CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist), Netra Bikram Chand-led Nepal Communist Party and Mahendra Raya Yadav-led Nepal Samajbadi Party are in the Socialist Front.

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market today.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 4, 000 per tola and is being traded at Rs 174, 500 per tola. It was traded at Rs 170, 500 per tola on Thursday.

Likewise, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 050 per tola.

The Holi festival is being observed in Tarai districts today. Mutual harmony and happiness is shared with Holi greetings.

The festival revelers smear colors on each other's face in a jovial manner. The Holi festival was observed in the hilly districts yesterday.

Observed with the onset of Spring Season, the Holi festival is regarded as the symbol of victory of good over evil.

Literary writer Lil Bahadur Kshetri has passed away at the age of 92.

Kshetri, a permanent resident of Assam, India, breathed his last at Guwahati on Thursday night, chief editor of literary magazine 'Shabdapath', Murari Sigdel said.

Kshetri was honored with the Jagadambashree Award in recognition of his contribution to the enrichment of Nepali language and literature through literary writing.

He had penned novels such as 'Basain' and 'Atripta Ra Bahmaputrako Chheuchhau', and a collection of prose 'Assam Ma Nepali Bhashiko Sahrogahro' as well as short fiction, essays and plays.

Kshetri who had received various awards, including Bhanu Award was feted with the Padma Shri, India's highest civilian award, by the Government of India.