The 6th “Belt and Road” Initiative International Forum and “Belt and Road” Cooperation and Partnership Model Agreement Conference (October 13-14, 2023)
Organized by: International Academy of the Belt and Road
Co-organizer: Zhejiang University Academy of International Strategy and Law & Asia Pacific Regional Office of Hague Conference
Good afternoon, friends!
It is a great opportunity for me to participate in the 6th “Belt and Road” Competition and Partnership Model Agreement Conference.
The speeches delivered by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Honorable John KC Lee, the President of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong SAR, Honorable Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, and Deputy Director of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Mr. Liu Guangyyan, were all inspiring. The keynote speech by the Secretary of Justice, Honorable Paul Lam, has further emphasized the points made by the earlier speakers. The Belt and Road Initiative is undoubtedly a public good that holds the promise of development and prosperity for all countries in the world.
My country, Nepal, has also taken a keen interest in the Belt and Road Initiative. It is viewed as a global phenomenon with the potential to impact almost every nation on Earth in various ways. In Nepal, infrastructure development symbolizes national progress. The Nepali government has expressed support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China and is considering joining the Group of Friends of the GDI.
For a platform as meaningful as the Belt and Road Initiative, it is vital to consider the special needs of developing countries. Nepal signed a framework agreement with China for the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017. However, both sides are still working on finalizing the implementation plan, which is crucial for agreeing on project funding modalities. The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2019 was attended by the then President of Nepal. The outcome document included the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network, which is considered part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has also shared a draft joint declaration titled “Initiative for Deepening Cooperation on Connectivity of the Upcoming Event” and has sought feedback from Nepali officials.
Nepal initially selected 35 projects to be implemented under the BRI, but negotiations on them are still ongoing. We expect these projects to commence in due course. Most importantly, the construction of the Trans-Himalayan Railways will be a milestone, linking Central Asia with South Asia through Nepal.
The Belt and Road Cooperation and Partnership Model Agreement released today certainly advances the global understanding of the legal and institutional relationships in the contractual process. It aims to resolve a range of issues that are important for every country, society, and individual.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the International Academy of the Belt and Road and the Zhejiang University Academy of International Strategy and Law, along with their leadership, for this remarkable achievement.
Thank you so much!
Prof. Bipin Adhikari, PhD
Kathmandu University School of Law (KUSOL)
October 13, 2023
