Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will attend the upcoming second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. Since the end of Nepal's 250-year-old monarchy in 2008, Bhandari will be the country's first head of state to visit Beijing, an event coinciding with one of China's most important diplomatic events of 2019. 

Bhandari's participation at the forum is Nepal's northward gesture. An overwhelming majority in Nepal view the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a milestone for domestic infrastructure development and prosperity.

High-level delegations might be a new phenomenon, but expeditions from Kathmandu to Beijing have been happening for centuries. The iconic Miaoying Temple in Beijing reminds one of the journey made by legendary Nepali artist Araniko along the Ancient Silk Road in the 13th century. 

The Buddhist White Stupa in Beijing resembles the architecture of Kathmandu and is a symbol of the artistic exchanges between both countries connected by the world's tallest peak Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest.

Emperor Kublai Khan of Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) was astounded by Araniko's skill when the artist repaired a damaged reproduction of the human body outlining nerves, arteries and veins used for acupuncture treatment, a gift to the emperor from Mongolia. Reminiscent of the past, after more than 700 years, the Nepalese now look north for a reciprocal magical touch of world's fastest-growing model of Chinese craftsmanship on infrastructure development in the Himalayan nation. 

President Bhandari will embody Nepal's BRI optimism since it first participated in the forum two years ago. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said the BRI originated in China, but its benefits are shared by the world. It is the best platform for China and Nepal to realize common aspirations in a win-win manner.

Given its geographical advantage, Nepal plays a vital role in connecting South Asian countries with China. Furthermore, Nepal can benefit from Chinese technological advancements, while both sides can identify key projects in transportation infrastructure, energy, and tourism within the BRI framework. Further development will include roads, railroads, inter-city highways, cross-border economic zones and airports. 

The BRI is the accumulation of four decades of China's opening-up and reform and serves as a lesson for developing nations. China has cultivated experiences through different economic growth and development models, which have left Western economists puzzled. 

The transformation of the Chinese economy over the last 40 years is illustrated by the BRI. Until 1978, China was similar to other poverty-stricken countries and received aid until the 1990s. Now, China has a different story to tell. 

In the past six years, millions have been pulled out of poverty, a true wonder to the world thanks to the strong leadership of President Xi. The country is on course with its 2020 deadline to eliminate poverty, an amazing accomplishment for all humankind. 

Nepal can learn from China's approach to poverty alleviation and economic development. China has taken a homegrown approach using geographical diversity, population, production, and weather patterns of each province during poverty alleviation efforts and infrastructure development. Nepal borders China's Tibet Autonomous Region and features the same geography, which Nepal can use as an ideal example. 

The Tibet Autonomous Region has experienced the strongest economic growth in China. Until the mid-1990s, consumer goods in Tibet were imported from Nepal. Now, Nepal receives goods from Tibet. 

Nepal has proposed the Kerung-Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini railway under the BRI framework. Should this come to fruition, Nepal can hope for further development and a flourishing economy. 

The two countries have signed multiple agreements to be included in Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network. The network will comprise of roads, civil aviation and communications.  

Some analysts believe Nepal has not promoted enough its agenda on development cooperation with the Chinese leadership and Nepal is missing out on the potential to harness possibilities on economic cooperation between both nations. But by inviting President Bhandari to the BRI forum, China has made it clear that Nepal's participation is important. The visit could be taken as reciprocate spirit from the Nepalese side. 

To seize BRI opportunities, now is the time for Nepal to build sustainable trust with Chinese leadership and put forward the specific areas and projects of cooperation. 

Content with Chinese policies on noninterference in other countries' domestic affairs, Nepal will always look to Beijing with eyes full of hope.  

The author is associated with Nepal's AP1HD Television. He writes on international relations and diplomacy from Kathmandu. He can be followed on Twitter @gautam_sarose. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn