Friends of Silk Road Club–Nepal Hosts Seminar on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Its Relevance for Nepal

Kathmandu – The Friends of Silk Road Club–Nepal (FOSR-Nepal) successfully organized a high-level national seminar titled “Understanding China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and Its Relevance for Nepal’s Development Path” at Hotel Malla, Lainchaur, Kathmandu. The event brought together senior policymakers, economists, academicians, political analysts, private sector representatives, journalists, and youth leaders to examine China’s upcoming national development strategy and discuss its potential lessons for Nepal.

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, adopted during the Fourth Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee in October 2025, focuses on high-quality development, technological self-reliance, and green transformation under the Beautiful China Initiative. The plan emphasizes “new quality productive forces,” prioritizing advancements in frontier technologies including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors, aerospace, and renewable energy. It also strengthens China’s “dual circulation” model, aimed at boosting domestic demand while promoting international cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

For Nepal, which is preparing its 16th Periodic Plan (2026–2031), the seminar provided a timely platform to reflect on China’s strategies in innovation, sustainability, and long-term planning, and to explore how such experiences can inform Nepal’s own economic and industrial development.

The seminar opened with remarks from Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, Chairperson of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum and General Secretary of FOSR-Nepal, who stressed the importance of understanding China’s policy evolution. “Nepal can learn valuable lessons from China’s consistent and evidence-based approach to long-term planning, innovation ecosystems, and development governance,” he said, highlighting the club’s ongoing initiatives in promoting academic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and bilateral dialogue.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, former Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission. Dr. Shrestha noted that while Nepal’s 16th Plan emphasizes employment, quality education, and healthcare, its implementation remains a challenge. He underscored opportunities for Nepal to benefit from technological innovation and BRI cooperation and highlighted key areas for collaboration including digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable trade.

The seminar featured presentations from distinguished experts, including:

• Mr. Gadesh Paudel, who discussed youth-driven innovation and Nepal–China cooperation in technology and entrepreneurship.
• Mr. Jhalak Subedi, who analyzed regional dynamics, political economy, and policy coherence for sustainable bilateral partnerships.
• Prof. Sanjay Acharya, who explored economic opportunities for Nepal through green financing, industrial upgrading, and institutional reforms.

A panel discussion followed, engaging participants from government ministries, research institutions, private sector organizations, and youth groups. Discussions emphasized translating lessons from China into actionable strategies for Nepal, particularly in infrastructure, technology exchange, renewable energy, and regional connectivity.

The seminar concluded with remarks from Ms. Shiwani Thapa, expressing gratitude to all speakers and participants and highlighting the event’s success in fostering intellectual exchange and policy dialogue. A networking dinner provided further opportunities for collaboration among policymakers, experts, and entrepreneurs.

Expected Outcomes of the Seminar Include:

• Enhanced understanding of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its global significance.
• Identification of best practices applicable to Nepal’s 16th Periodic Plan in economic restructuring, industrial development, and sustainability.
• Strengthened dialogue between Nepali and Chinese institutions on technology, trade, and green growth.
• Policy recommendations for innovation, infrastructure, and renewable energy cooperation.
• Foundations for ongoing research and policy exchange between academic and development institutions of both countries.

The seminar is seen as a significant step toward deepening Nepal–China cooperation and guiding Nepal’s strategic planning in the coming decade.