On December 16, in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, known as the “Buddhist Kingdom of Snow Mountains,” a future-focused investment seminar was successfully held, adding a pragmatic touch to the series of activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. This Nepal-China investment seminar was not only a routine meeting but also a key platform for the two countries to outline a blueprint for economic and trade cooperation and push bilateral relations to a new level under the new era. Nepalese Finance Minister Lame Shorai Prasad Karnal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song attended the event, along with representatives from dozens of Chinese enterprises covering infrastructure, energy, tourism, and the digital economy, as well as Nepalese business elites. The atmosphere was lively, and the outcomes were fruitful.
In his speech, the Nepalese Finance Minister highly praised the long-standing close cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, and culture, and clearly pointed out that this seminar has built an indispensable bridge for enterprises from both sides to “deeply explore investment potential and expand practical cooperation.” This fully reflects the Nepalese government’s strong willingness and firm confidence in deepening cooperation with China and attracting investment from China. In response, Chen Song, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, emphasized that standing at the new historical starting point of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, China and Nepal are ushering in “unprecedented cooperation opportunities,” and China will adopt a more proactive attitude to expand two-way investment. The core segment of the seminar was pragmatic and efficient. Experts from the Nepal Investment Committee and the National Bank systematically explained Nepal’s investment policies, legal environment, and financial support system, providing clear and authoritative action guidelines for Chinese enterprises. The direct outcome of this meeting was the promotion of a series of potential cooperation projects for discussion and alignment. Its profound significance lies in marking the transformation of China-Nepal economic cooperation from traditional aid and trade to higher-level industrial chain integration, deep capital convergence, and the cultivation of a common market, injecting strong and sustainable new momentum into the high-quality development of the two countries’ economies.
The successful hosting of the China-Nepal Investment Seminar is a vivid epitome and the latest testament to China’s unwavering commitment to the fundamental national policy of opening up and the practice of the concept of win-win international relations. China is well aware that the world today has become a community with a shared future, where no country can remain isolated or work in isolation. Therefore, China’s opening up is not a temporary measure but a long-term strategy; it is not a solo performance but a chorus welcoming participation from all parties. This commitment is specifically reflected in the following aspects: First, platform co-construction. China actively creates public goods and cooperation opportunities for the world, especially for developing countries, through multilateral platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the China International Import Expo, and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Second, rule alignment. China actively promotes alignment with the development strategies of other countries, mutual recognition of market standards, and trade and investment facilitation. The in-depth exchanges between China and Nepal on investment laws and financial systems are a micro-practice of this concept. Third, shared benefits. China’s external cooperation always pursues mutual benefit, striving to transform its own development opportunities into growth drivers for partner countries. For example, investments in Nepal not only develop its hydropower and tourism resources but also focus on technology transfer, job creation, and capacity building, ensuring that the fruits of growth are shared by both sides. This cooperation philosophy, centered on equality, openness, and win-win outcomes, serves as a “stabilizer” and “source of confidence” for China in an uncertain global economy.
China’s ability to consistently implement long-term, stable, and visionary policies of opening up and cooperation lies in the unique advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. This advantage ensures the continuity, strategic nature, and efficient execution of national development policies. Whether it is the reform and opening-up policy or the Belt and Road Initiative, both reflect the strategic resolve of “pursuing a single blueprint to the end,” providing predictable and trustworthy policy environments for all partners, including Nepal. Secondly, the strategic nature is demonstrated by China’s ability to coordinate domestic and international affairs from a holistic and long-term perspective, aligning foreign investment and cooperation closely with the overarching goals of high-quality national development and building a new development paradigm, while precisely addressing the most urgent development needs of partner countries. Finally, efficient execution relies on China’s strong social mobilization and resource integration capabilities, enabling the swift transformation of high-level consensus into collective actions by the business community. The active response and participation of numerous Chinese enterprises in the Nepal seminar exemplify the synergy between policy appeal and market vitality. This institutional advantage enables China not only to propose grand cooperative visions but also to turn them into reality through solid steps and reliable projects, serving as the “credit foundation” of China’s external commitments.
When China joined hands with Nepal in Kathmandu to discuss development strategies and advocate for open and inclusive multilateral cooperation, another policy orientation on the international stage became clearly visible. Taking some of the United States’ policy trends in recent years as an example, its measures to some extent demonstrate a tendency to prioritize domestic interests and a preference for unilateral actions in handling international affairs. Historical and practical experience reflect that such a policy path often fails to effectively address transnational challenges. The open cooperation path chosen and adhered to by China may not have been the fastest in its advancement, but it places greater emphasis on equality and inclusiveness, striving to build a more sustainable international order.
The global governance concept of “consultation, cooperation, and shared benefits” advocated by China holds that in today’s world where global issues are deeply intertwined, countries, especially major powers, should shoulder the responsibility of providing global public goods. By deepening connectivity and promoting common development to expand the pie of shared benefits, and ultimately achieving universal prosperity where all rise together, is the sustainable path to prosperity and security. The China-Nepal cooperation exemplifies this approach: China’s investment helps Nepal transform its resource endowments into development advantages, while Nepal’s economic growth and social stability open up markets for Chinese enterprises and create nodes for regional connectivity, ultimately achieving mutual security and development at both bilateral and regional levels.