Nepal-China Ties

THE Fourth meeting of Nepal-China Non-Governmental Cooperation Forum that concluded in Wuxi of People’s Republic of China the other day agreed to further expanding bilateral cooperation in the filed of trade and investment between Nepal and China. The meet also decided to hold the fifth meeting of the forum in Pokhara. In order to promote Nepal-China trade and investment, the forum agreed to organise a Chinese exhibition in Nepal in December 2001. A 35-member Nepalese delegation headed by President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Pradip Kumar Shrestha participated in the forum’s meeting. The participants had an opportunities to study the Chinese experiences in the field of trade and industry and explore several areas of mutual cooperation and joint venture in Nepal. During the meet, Nepalese and Chinese delegations also signed joint venture agreements on herbal processing plants, agriculture and commercial farms, trade through land route and establishment of a pharmaceutical industry in Nepal. China is a large economy and an economically fast developing country from which Nepal can benefit a lot to not only improve its own economic, condition but also promote Chinese investment in Nepal.

Nepal and China always have cordial and cooperative relations throughout the history. These two countries never had any problems and both the countries have always proved to be good neighbours in time of need. There have been efforts to promote and strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation at the people’s level. Nepal-China Non-Governmental Cooperation Forum was created in 1996 with the objective of promoting and boosting relations and cooperation at the people’s level. Nepal is seeking foreign investment to improve its economy and China has always been a good partner in the social and economic development of Nepal. Now both Nepal and China have adopted liberal economy policy and the emphasis is on for the promotion of private sector’s participation and in investment for both the neighbours’ the sustainable economic development. There are a lot of opportunities for foreign investors including those from China, to invest in Nepal. Since strong economic relations and people-to-people cooperation are the foundations for further consolidating relations between any two countries. Nepal and China need to forward due assistance to the Nepal-China Non-Governmental Cooperation Forum so that it can play the role of catalyst in boosting Nepal-China ties and cooperation.

Poverty & Child Labour

AS the issue concerning child labour has received much attention in the country for the last few years, attempts have been made to combat and eliminate child labour problem from various sectors of economy in Nepal.

Several programmes and activities have been carried out from both government and non-governmental organisations and private sector to combat the problem of child labour. It is true that child labour is one of the social evils in the country. Many Nepalese children who are supposed to go to school and enjoy their rights are doing hard work for their survival. Although Nepal has already ratified several international instruments concerning child labour like UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO Conventions, child labour continues to exist in Nepal as one of the exploitative forms of labour. Some of the children are working in the most hazardous conditions. In view of this, the government, in collaboration with ILO, has launched several programmes under International Programmes on the Elimination on the Child Labour (IPEC). IPEC has currently focused its attention and activities to eliminate worst forms of child labour and rescue and rehabilitate children who are exposed to various kinds of hazards. There are several sectors and works, which are hazardous for children. IPEC is currently involved in building the capacity of different organisations and sectors and develop proper coordination among them to work more effectively for the elimination of worst forms of child labour in Nepal. A recent news story has it that some trade unions and professional organisations along with employers have jointly expressed their pledges to collectively work for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Trade Union Confederations and teachers organisations have reached an agreement recently to combat hazardous forms of child labour. This is a positive and encouraging development for all those working for the rights of the child. Child labour has emerged as a strong social and political agenda especially after the restoration of democracy in 1990. The government political parties and other social organisations have vowed to work for elimination of child labour. However, these pledges are yet to be translated into action so that all children, irrespective of their economic and social status, can enjoy their rights equally. However, massive poverty is the major stumbling block for the complete elimination of child labour in Nepal. Hence child labour cannot be eradicated from the country unless poverty is eliminated from the nation. Thus focus needs to be made to alleviate poverty and raise the overall social and economic standard of the people.