From December 19 to 20, the 2024 Phewa Dialogue, jointly organized by Sichuan University (SCU) and Tribhuvan University of Nepal and hosted by SCU China Center for South Asian Studies (CCSAS), was successfully held in Pokhara, Nepal. Bidya Devi Bhandari (former President of Nepal), Yuba Raj Khatiwada (Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister), Kamal Thapa (former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister), Pradeep Gyawali (former Foreign Minister), Chen Song (Chinese Ambassador to Nepal ), Abrar H Hashmi (Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal), Ong Tee Keat (former Malaysian Minister of Transport), Yao Leye (Deputy Director of SCU Affairs Council), Prof. Keshar Jung Baral (Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University), with over 100 former political leaders, officials, and scholars from South Asia and Southeast Asia attended this event.

Nepal's Former President Bhandari with Attendees

The dialogue, with the theme of “South Asia’s Options under Global Industrial Transfer”, aimed to provide a high-level second-track platform for exchanges among academia, government, and industry in South Asia, promoting regional cooperation and interaction.

This forum delved into several critical topics, including:

- “Global Industrial Transfer and Its Impact on South Asia”

- “The Industrialization Process in South Asia: Past, Present, and Future”

- “Green Development and Digital Economy in South Asia: Opportunities and Challenges”

- “East and Southeast Asian Experience: Integrated Development”

- “Development Strategy Options in South Asia: New Concepts and New Paths”

- “Unprecedented Global Change and Nepal's Opportunities”

Bhandari with SCU Delegation

On December 18, ahead of the dialogue’s opening, former President of Nepal Bhandari met with SCU delegation. She commended SCU’s dedication to organizing the forum and emphasized its significance as a concrete step to implement the consensus between the Chinese and Nepali leadership. She highlighted the dialogue's role in deepening China-Nepal strategic partnership for development and prosperity. Bhandari expressed her hope for SCU to enhance its collaboration with Tribhuvan University in areas such as academic exchanges, research, mutual visits, contributing to the lasting friendship between the two countries.