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Kathmandu,Nepal: The Nepali Congress has concluded that the Pokhara International Airport, constructed with a loan from China’s EXIM Bank, is unlikely to yield returns.
Speaking after a meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee at President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha on Sunday, spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat called the airport an example of poor investment.
"We’ve had a bad experience with Pokhara Airport. It’s now clear that the project will not generate returns. This has become a case of bad debt," Mahat told journalists.
Discussion on BRI and Financial Aid
The meeting also discussed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China, as well as other political topics, including by-election results. The Congress reiterated its stance that BRI projects should only be implemented through grants, not loans.
The party also highlighted China’s failure to advance previously committed grant projects, calling for more progress in this area. Congress believes that once these projects move forward, 10 additional BRI initiatives could also be implemented as grants.
"No project agreements will be made under loans," the party concluded during the meeting.
By-Election Results Satisfactory
Mahat stated that the party is satisfied with the by-election results, emphasizing Congress’s position as the leading political party.
"Local elections should not be interpreted as the mood of national politics. We have secured wins in key areas, and we are content with the outcome," Mahat said, adding that the party reviewed the results during the meeting.
The Nepali Congress expressed optimism about its continued influence in national politics while maintaining a cautious approach to international financial agreements.
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