It is my great honor and privilege to be invited by BRI institute of such a prestigious university in a symposium on a topic that is the most widely discussed globally in the recent years. BRI in my mind is the largest public good that has been ever initiated in the history of mankind. Today, the world is inextricably interconnected, be it through communication channels or through transportation networks. The interconnections are deepened and widened in the fields of cultural and people to people contacts as well. No any part of the world can survive in isolation today. Globalization in past seven decades or more has brought in profound changes in every aspect of global landscapes and the people’s life throughout the world. The magnitude of changes in global economy, the global capital investment, global food production, and of course movement of people are unimaginably large. The global GDP in 2015 is 11 times more than the GDP in 1950, the global agriculture production is increased from 600 million tons in 1950 to 2300 million tons in 2012 and the number of tourists were increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1019 million in 2015. The innovation and the technological changes have been occurred in an unprecedented pace and magnitude during this period. Globalization has not only brought in virtues but also there are challenges and pitfalls of globalization that the contemporary world is facing. Uunbalanced development between the nations and within a nation, environmental degradation even in a level of threatening human survival, the inter and intra national conflicts, digital divide, unilateralism and homogenization of culture and identity of people are some of the prominent issues linked with globalization. De-globalization, on the other hand, would distract the development discourse. Therefore, the right way of better future for humankind is better-globalization or inclusion and sustainable globalization and harmonious globalization. On such circumstances in 2013 H. E. President Xi Jinping propounded a new global driver that prompts countries and communities to work for better connectivity, synergy of efforts, inclusion in development and sharing benefits, honor and respect the differences of countries, political system and culture, people to people contact and ensure the inclusive development deliverables. This is in my mind is BRI which promotes connectivity and exchanges are promoted by the enhanced level of connectivity. The enhanced level of connectivity also promotes understanding and the harmony evolves from better understanding. The notion of BRI is also founded on the principles that our future or destiny is interconnected that, big or small, rich or poor, no one is immune of global challenges and risks. We need to face challenges and risks together and grow together. BRI further enumerate that we can create better future by collaboration and cooperation not by confrontation and isolation. Asia is world’s most resourceful region that embraces 60% of the global population. The region was in the center of power, economy and knowledge until the beginning of 17th century. This is the region where the world’s most of the advanced ancient civilizations were evolved. The downfall of the Asian civilization and economy commensurate with the industrial revolution in Europe has continued during the past 300 years of time. Now a days this region of the world is the most vibrant in economic development in the globe and has highest potential to grow further. The Asian societies inherit the distinctive social and family values than the west. The compassion, harmony, tolerance, and the quest for inner peace than the outer luxuries are the core values of Asian societies. These values include the primacy of the family and society over individual as well as social harmony and order. Each country or society has its unique historical background, social system, and cultural tradition and norms. The provenance of social and ethical norms goes long back to the origin of a society. Therefore, it is not fair to impose a specific set of norms, values or systems on other society without considering the specific circumstances immanent to the society in question. As Chinese President Xi Jinping rightly pointed out in his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations a few days ago, all civilizations are unique, beautiful and rich in their own ways, and to see them as confronting against each other for the supremacy of only one civilization or one specific set of norms and values would be a big mistake. The BRI which encompasses the concept of shared future for humankind has linkages with the oriental values of life as mentioned above. Dialogue among the nations and interactions among the people of different countries, religions, strata and ethnicity would enhance understanding among the societies and will reduce the risks of conflicts and promote harmony as envisioned in BRI. China is out major development partner which is supporting our development endeavors without preconditions. China’s development is an opportunity for us. China’s continued stability and development is vitally important for global stability and development. Stability and continued development of China is extremely important for Nepal as an immediate good neighbor. Therefore, we are committed to strictly follow one China policy and not to tolerate any activities against China in our soil. This fundamental pillar of our foreign policy. For China’s neighbors like Nepal, BRI is even more important. Through infrastructure development and boosting connectivity, BRI will remove the barriers for a seamless movement of people, goods and services. We believe that the development of critical infrastructure along the trans-Himalayan region will benefit Nepal and beyond. Moreover, the improvement in transportation and promotion of other connectivity will help all the countries in the region to integrate their markets, and reap the benefits of expanded tourism, trade, investment and innovation. With the development of key transport infrastructure, Nepal will be poised to transform transnational connectivity between South Asia and China. Geographically, Nepal falls on the shortest commercial route from China to South Asia. A study conducted by a Singapore-based university indicates that the current geographical distances between the different inland cities of China and South Asia can be reduced by at least half to two third of the current length. The direct inland connectivity, most conveniently via Nepal would not only bring enormous direct benefits in terms of reduced cost of transactions and increase in the flows of tourists but also trigger innovations and entrepreneurship with the interactions between the 3 billion people on both sides of the Himalayas. In sum, we highly value the Belt and Road Initiative for its focus on growth-stimulating policies, and hope that the Initiative will contribute to Nepal’s drive for socio-economic transformation and achieve the goal of prosperous Nepal Happy Nepali. The connectivity initiatives alone can revitalizing our civilizational linkages, our cultural traditions and values. We are indeed very proud of our cultural and civilizational legacies that see the entire world as our own. In Sanskrit, we say बसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्: In this context, President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind is highly relevant to rebuilding the world order for greater harmony among the nations of the world. This approach to foreign policy is reflective of China’s reaching out to the global community with the objective of deepening friendship and collective prosperity, while respecting the right of every country to determine its political, social and economic systems as per its own needs and circumstances. As a close neighbor, Nepal highly appreciates the willingness of China to take along other nations on a collective march towards greater prosperity and development. We can work together to advance the cause of a better future for humankind where countries live together in harmony and prosper in unison. We believe China will play a leading role in reforming and developing the global governance system, and shape an international order based on mutual co-operation, inclusion and respect. It will help achieve the aspiration of a new global and economic order that is fair, equitable and inclusive which further would take into consideration the special needs of developing countries. For Nepal, our priorities are on special and differential treatment to least developed and landlocked countries to help them integrate into global value chains, as well as on global action on migration management and further improving governance of multilateral institutions to enhance the voice and choices of the developing world. We believe that BRI can provide a platform for a country like Nepal from where it can derive benefit by socio-economic transformation of its society and also contribute for regional development , peace and harmony. Thank you all for your kind attention and patience.
