Truthful and useful advice in good time
By Madan Regmi
“Mend or End” is a new book by Zhou Shengping, Chief of Xinhua News Agency Kathmandu Bureau. An author of several books and a prolific writer, his deep understanding of politics as well as economics is clearly reflected in this collection. His concerns for the worsening state of affairs in Nepal but his love for Nepalis also run through the writing quite evidently. The book comprising five chapters with many interesting photos takes the readers closer to Nepali’s mindset. Having been able to observe this Himalyan nation first hand for over eight years, the book ‘Mend or End’, a collector’s item, is a truthful advice to Nepali people. He feels frustrated and sometimes sorry for the state of the political parties and their leaders who have not come to grips even after getting what they wanted--a democratic republic. In the first chapter ‘politics’, Zhou tries hard to figure out what really comprises Nepali dreams and what is the process in place to achieve it. Most leaders of major political parties are generally engaged in verbal war against each other. They speak of transforming Nepal to Switzerland of Asia, a vibrant bridge between the world’s second largest economy China and seventh economy India. But nobody seems to have seriously worked out as to how they will guide Nepal to its destination. Ever since he stepped his foot in Nepal, Zhou has met top political leaders-being fortunate to witness all parties that came to power, appear to be driven by lust for power, are not serious to go beyond political expediency for the good of Nepalis. At one time it was said that the dream of Nepali people was to establish a society with inclusiveness, non-discrimination, progressive and prosperous at its core. Some political leaders went further and said that the Chinese Dream, as created by President Xi Jinping would be beneficial for Nepal for achieving national independence, political stability and economic prosperity. While one leader showed his appreciation and inclination to China for Nepal’s development, the other believed that Nepal should follow India’s model for progress.
Patching of differences within each political party seems difficult as there seems to be entrenched factionalism in all parties and the Chinese journalist wonders how they will come to terms with each other to write a constitution that is “by the people, for the people, of the people”. Nevertheless, it happened in 2015 when a new constitution of Nepal
was promulgated through Constituent Assembly by almost over 90% of members voting for it. Nepal, undoubtedly, is full of wonders. Sadly though, it is still suffering from poverty, lack of development and, most of all, political instability and there is no vision for taking Nepal ahead even after full five years post constitution. In the second chapter, Zhou wants to know the status of Nepali economy and its drivers, the businesses and their leaders. He finds that there is an instance of high brain drain, unemployment as well as a high degree of corruption. Nepal’s potential in all sectors, hydropower, agriculture, medicinal herbs is left to the swinging moods of the government leaders regardless of the political parties they represent. Nepal’s air service is under utilized despite having agreements with three dozen of countries. In his interview with several influential business leaders from one Forbes billionaire to others, Zhou has all praises for late Mr. Prabhakar Rana, then Chairman Emeritus of the Soaltee Group for his forthright views and far sight. Zhou, in his words, says “A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month’s study of books”. Mr. Rana thinks that Nepalis business community has learnt commerce but industry is still not happening.Nepal can become a link and a hub for India and China that are roaring ahead with great momentum. Failure in hydropower development, lack of high value added agriculture, and continuation of present state might force Nepal losing a decade of development which it can ill afford. For present, Nepal could go bankrupt if there is a sudden disruption in remittances inflow. In the third chapter, the writer gives a glimpse of Nepali arts, cultures and festivals. Zhou further highlights the usefulness to the Nepali society by the Chinese Confucius Institute set up in Nepal. In the fourth chapter, he talks about environment in Nepal focusing on Mount Qomolanma (Mt. Sagarmatha) and its importance in the Nepal[1]China relations.
However, he is pained by the sight of littered bodies and traffic jams en route to Mt. Qomolanma and feels that it should be well regulated. Also in this chapter, discussing on environment, Zhou is aware that climate change seems to have hit Nepal hard alike other countries. Lesser snow covers on majestic mountains, glacier lakes forming as well as lack of fresh air in tourist sites could hurt Nepal badly in future. The writer lays out the love and bond of generations between the Nepali and Chinese people reflecting the strength of Nepal-China relations. The fifth chapter discusses about the erosion of Nepal’s sightseeing resources,safety of travel, both land route and air travel, and the enormous cost of tour takes away many potential tourists including the Chinese coming to Nepal. The reason why only one thousandth of Chinese outbound tourists are visiting Nepal despite physical proximity, close friendship and trust.
Nepal and China have come a long way in an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and understanding reaching many aspects of modern day activities. Recently, President Xi Jinping visited Nepal after a long gap following his neighborhood first policy calming the anxiousness of Nepalis. BRI, Chinese flagship mega project created by President Xi, has been signed by Nepal for improving her infrastructure and supporting her development. What Nepal needs now is to pay attention to her responsibility of seeing that they are put in motion. Dreaming is a good thing, but by dreams alone one does not achieve progress and prosperity. Also drawing from Zhou’s accounts of Nepal’s disorder in almost every sphere, politics, governance, social fields such as education, health, Nepali people and theirgovernments must spare no stones unturned to fix them. China must support Nepal as it has been doing so ever for stability and peace. It can come only with development and progress. May Nepal China friendship reach new heights in the days to come!
Mr. Regmi is the Chairman,
Nepal China Study Center
