Eastern Relations
Author Bamdev Sigdel explains Nepal ’s relations with Japan and China
Being close neighbors, China and Nepal have always maintained cordial and warm relationship. Although Japan is far away from the Himalayan Kingdom, its contribution for Nepal’s economic development is immense.
Despite such importance, only a few have made efforts to highlight the importance of Nepal’s relations with Japan and China. At a time when Asia’s two major economic powers are moving ahead, Sigdel has made efforts to analyze all different aspects of the relations between the two countries.
The book provides a detailed description and analysis of impressive economic growth and performance of Japan in the post World War II period and China’s process of opening up the economy to the outside world since 1978.
“Written as a sequel to Japanese Economy and Economic Diplomacy (published in 1997) to which I had the honor of writing a foreword, the present book is about Nepal’s relation with two major world economic powers Japan and China. These countries stand as major partners of Nepal as seen from the perspective of historical relation and bilateral economic linkages,” writes Sri Ram Poudyal, Ph.D, professor, Department of Economics, Tribhuwan University, Chairman, Center for Policy Studies.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Sigdel, one can read about different aspects of economic and other relations of Nepal with China and Japan.
“This book is the outcome of several years of efforts of collecting information, assimilating data and writing it. The references, tables and other materials were gathered from various libraries, institutions, line agencies of HMG/Nepal and concerned persons as well as institutions of Nepal, India, Japan, China and the United States of America,” writes Sigdel in his preface. “This study is based on secondary as well as primary data made available through various institutions.”
The book consists of six chapters. The first focuses on Japanese economy, aid diplomacy and Japanese aid program to SAARC countries. The second and third describe Nepal-Japan economic relation, role of Japanese aid to Nepal, allocation of Japanese aid in Nepal, foreign aid, economic development and assessment of Japanese aid to Nepal. The fourth chapter analyses China’s economic development and Nepal- China socio-cultural, diplomatic, aid and trade relation. The fifth chapter discusses the situation and prospects of Nepal-China investment and tourism.
Based on enormous data, Sigdel discuses all different aspects of the relations with the two countries. From analyzing the historical background to Japan’s emergence as premier aid donor, Sigdel also analyzes the contribution of Japanese aid in economic development of Nepal.
Likewise in Nepal-China relations, Sigdel reviews from Mao’s perspective to the liberalized form of Chinese economy. In his analysis, Sigdel also discusses Nepal’s traditional relations with Tibet.
From investment perspective to tourism, Sigdel also explains volume and sectoral distribution of Chinese aid and Nepal-China trade relations. At a time when Chinese economy is booming, Nepal can reap many benefits from it.
“The book would be helpful to both the general readers trying to understand Nepal ’s relation with Japan and China and also to the governments of respective countries to adopt policies that will further enhance economic relation between Nepal-Japan and China . We at the center are honored by the opportunity to sponsor Dr. Sigdel’s this recent work,” said Poudyal.
Nepal’s Relation with Japan and China
By: Bamdev Sigdel
Published by: Centre for Policy Studies
Price: Rs. 300 or US$ 12.00 (Soft cover)
Rs. 400 and US$ 13 (hard cover)
First published: 2003
