'China's Emergence in Nepal's Infrastructure' book launched

KATHMANDU, July 28: The book 'China's Emergence in Nepal's Infrastructure: Status, Issues and Challenges' containing the history of Chinese investment in Nepal was launched on Friday in a national seminar organized by the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism (CESIF) at the Square Hotel. In the seminar, key findings of the report for wider civic engagement and discussion were also shared.

The book published by CESIF is written by Amishraj Mulmi, Arpan Gelal, Anil Giri, Raunav Singh Khatri and Milan Acharya. The authors of the book and former secretaries of the government Lal Shankar Ghimire, and Dipendra Nath Sharma, Director of IIDS Dr. Sucheta Pyakuryal, former Senior External Affairs Officer at the World Bank Rajib Upadhyay, Executive Chairman of CESIF Vijay Kant Karna and Research Advisor of CESIF Ajaya Bhadra Khanal and others jointly launched the book.

Divided into 6 chapters, the frightening aspect of Chinese involvement in Nepal's infrastructure sector is analyzed in the book with facts.

The book launch was followed by a discussion on the theme, ‘China’s Emergence in Nepal’s Infrastructure: Status, Issues and Challenges.’

On the occasion, CESIF Chairman Karna said, "Realizing the lack of a comprehensive research on China's involvement in Nepal's infrastructure sector, CESIF conducted research on the said topic, the report of which we are launching today. The report is expected to provide insights into the patterns of Chinese engagement in Nepal's infrastructure. The report also discusses the nexus between the local agents of Chinese contractors and Nepali decision makers.”

Author Amish Raj Mulmi presented key findings and analysis of the book. Author Mulmi discussed the mechanisms of the Chinese infrastructure engagement in Nepal, and then provided a succinct comparison of the infrastructural investment by China, India and Japan in Nepal, in which he commended Japan’s debt relief practices. 

Ajaybhadra Khanal discussed foreign investment in Nepal along with former Secretary Lal Shankar Ghimire, Deependra Nath Sharma, Director of IIDS Dr. Sucheta Pyakuryal, and former Senior External Affairs Officer at the World Bank Rajib Upadhyay.

The speakers of the discussion expressed the opinion that no country should invest without self-interest. During the agreement, the investors alleged that they had overstepped their constitution but bowed to Nepal in the name of attracting investment.