Kathmandu [Nepal], August 7 – Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Friday said the country is well positioned to serve as a dynamic bridge between China and South Asia, calling for deeper economic, trade and people-to-people cooperation across the region.
Addressing an international conference in Lalitpur on “China and South Asia in a Multipolar World – China-India-Nepal Trilateral Relations in an Evolving Regional Order,” Khanal said. Nepal has consistently strengthened ties with both of its neighbours based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each other’s legitimate concerns.
He said Asia’s rapid economic transformation has created unprecedented opportunities for shared prosperity stressing that regional cooperation remains the most reliable path to sustainable development and long-term economic growth.
Khanal noted that the continued economic rise of China and India presents Nepal and other neighbouring countries with new opportunities to expand trade, attract investment, improve infrastructure and connectivity, promote tourism and deepen economic collaboration.
Describing economic diplomacy as the cornerstone of Nepal’s foreign policy, he said the government’s priority is to improve citizens’ living standards by creating opportunities in trade, investment, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
The minister acknowledged that South Asia’s economic integration has fallen short of its potential despite the region’s vast economic prospects. He said stronger connectivity, easier trade, increased investment flows and more resilient supply chains could unlock significant regional benefits.
Khanal also reiterated the government’s ambition to transform Nepal from a landlocked country into a vibrant transit bridge linking China and South Asia. He said Nepal remains committed to building partnerships based on trust, mutual respect and shared interests in an increasingly multipolar world.
