China envoy nominee Sharma's hearing: focus on trade deficit, border points and economic diplomacy

Dr Kalyan Raj Sharma, the proposed ambassador to China, has put forward a strategy of manufacturing and branding Nepali goods within Nepal before selling them in the Chinese market.

Presenting his action plan to the parliamentary Hearing Committee on Monday, he said his main goal was to protect political trust while delivering practical benefits to citizens and the government. He reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the One-China policy, the Panchsheel principles and non-alignment.

Under his action plan, Sharma said he would give special priority to the Araniko Highway, the Rasuwagadhi Bridge, the Kathmandu Ring Road, the Kimathanka road, the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, and the Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime transmission line.

He also outlined plans to make maximum use of the Chinese sea and dry ports granted to Nepal under the transit agreement, and to regularize operations at traditional border trade points. He said the Consulate General in Lhasa would be made a hub for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, border trade and assistance to Nepali citizens.

During the hearing, RSP lawmaker Madhu Kumar Chaulagain asked whether his priorities would reflect China's interests or Nepal's. Other lawmakers asked about ways to reduce the trade deficit, alternatives to the Tatopani border point, and the structure of BRI investment.

Lawmaker Padma Aryal asked about the ambassador's role in operating the Chinese-funded Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports, noting that despite China's readiness to invest, Nepal has failed to make use of it. She also urged him to seriously address the problem of Nepali women stranded in China under the guise of marriage.