Pokhara Airport may become Hambantota: Foreign Expert cautions Nepal on China’s debt trap diplomacy
Oct 19, 2023
Kathmandu (Nepal), October 19 (ANI): China’s project of cooperation with Nepal, the Pokhara International Airport might be approaching a dubious fate. Built largely with Chinese aid, the airport has come under scrutiny after an explosive investigative report by the New York Times. The much-hyped airport hasn’t seen any frequent international flights except for the chartered Chinese flights. Pokhara airport serves as a stark example of pitfalls associated with importing China's infrastructure development model. The project was contracted by China CAMC Engineering, which consistently dictated terms to maximise profits and protect interests. As a consequence, Nepal entangled itself in debt to Chinese creditors without an expected influx of passengers to repay loans. Upon formal inauguration, the Chinese Envoy claimed it to be part of BRI which was rejected by the Nepal Government. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is President Xi Jinping's ambitious infrastructure campaign. Already shaping itself into a financial trap, the international airport may become Nepal's Hambantota. Notably, China built the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and has acquired 65 percent of the port’s stakes for 35 years.
