KATHMANDU — Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Shixin Chen met with Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today and reiterated ADB’s commitment to further strengthen its partnership with Nepal.
In his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. Chen
reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to continue to support Nepal, focusing on the
government’s reforms and investments in infrastructure and human development
while promoting gender equality and social inclusion and addressing climate
change impacts. ADB will also continue to assist with the implementation of
federalism for more effective and efficient delivery of services, including
those devolved to subnational governments.
“ADB’s operations in Nepal are aligned with the
government’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) Strategy, and
we stand ready to support the government’s commitment of achieving net-zero
climate emission target by 2045,” said Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen acknowledged the government’s leadership in
managing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. He commended the
government on the completion of Nepal’s second international airport, the
Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa in western Nepal, which is expected
to enhance air connectivity and boost tourism.
In his meeting with Nepal Finance Minister Janardan
Sharma “Prabhakar”, Mr. Chen noted the government’s efforts in accelerating the
implementation of development programs and reforms as well as project readiness
to ensure that planned commitments are implemented on time. He further noted
that it is imperative for Nepal to enhance the competitiveness of its economy,
including greater facilitation of foreign investment and innovative solutions.
Mr. Chen also met with private sector representatives
and said that ADB is seeking opportunities to expand its private sector
operations in the country and provide assistance to small, medium, and
women-led enterprises; climate-smart agriculture; and digitalization.
He visited ADB-supported Bagmati River Improvement
Project, Kathmandu Valley Wastewater Management Project, Melamchi Water Supply
Project, and Rural Enterprise Financing Project. He also visited an energy
sector project in Kavre and interacted with women entrepreneurs of Electricity
Users’ Cooperatives.
During his 7-day visit to the country from 13 to 19
April, Mr. Chen will meet with Minister of Urban Development Ram Kumari Jhakri;
Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal; Minister of
Education, Science, and Technology Devendra Poudel; and the secretaries of
these ministries. He also met with Nepal Rastra Bank Acting Governor Neelam
Dhungana, and is set to meet other senior government officials, and development
partners.
ADB’s cumulative assistance to Nepal since 1969
stands at $7.3 billion as of 31 December 2021. ADB’s operations in Nepal is
growing and as of the end of 2021, ADB’s active portfolio in the country stands
at around $3.4 billion with 30 investment projects.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous,
inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining
its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by
68 members—49 from the region.
