An agreement had been reached between Nepal and China to expedite the completion of pending projects previously announced by the Chinese government in 2018 and 2019 under the controversial Belt and Road Initiative. The purpose of this initiative was to enhance infrastructure in Nepal, which is a landlocked Himalayan nation. During a meeting between Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha, the vice chairman of Nepal's National Planning Commission (NPC), and Chong Liang, the vice chairman of the Chinese government's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the agreement was made. It was reported that both parties discussed the progress in implementing various programs and projects announced by the Chinese government. They emphasised the need to expedite the preparatory work on both sides to accelerate major connectivity projects in accordance with the commitments previously agreed upon. The meeting, which took place in Beijing, involved comprehensive discussions regarding the pending tasks to be carried out by the governments of Nepal and China. China has been actively investing in numerous infrastructure projects in Nepal to foster closer cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. It is expected that Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will visit China in September. Nepal's Foreign Minister N P Saud provided an update on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement signed between Nepal and China, stating that it has not been implemented yet but discussions are underway for its implementation. On May 12, 2017, Nepal and China signed a memorandum of understanding on One Belt One Road, later known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The agreement aims to facilitate transit transport, logistics, transport network security, and related infrastructure development through joint study. It also seeks to promote cross-border projects including railway, road, civil aviation, power grid, and information and communication. Also read: Kerala coastal highway sparks protests over displacement Police demand toll plazas be removed on Ajmer-Jaipur