Friday, March 22, 2019

SDC pledges $130 million to Nepal

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has announced $130 million aid for Nepal through 2021.
The Swiss Cooperation Strategy for Nepal 2018-2021 foresees total disbursements in Nepal of approximately $130 million (equivalent to Rs 14.7 billion) for four years, according to a press note from the SDC Office Kathmandu. "The Swiss cooperation emphasises on inclusive federal state building, promotion of employment and income, and contribution to safety of Nepali migrant workers."
"Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, and Disaster Risk Reduction are also included in Swiss programme portfolio in a cross-cutting manner," the note reads, adding that it focuses on interventions mainly at the state and local levels, fostering in particular the socio-economic development of women and members of disadvantaged population groups, and building sustainable and inclusive institutions. "The SDC will help promote inclusive growth through the use of innovation and Swiss know-how, as well as new financing models and increased cooperation with the private sector."
The promotion of peace, stability and human rights will remain important pillars of Swiss engagement in Nepal, SDC Ddirector general ambassador Manuel Sager said at a press meet at the conclusion of his five-day Nepal visit today.
Within the light of 60 years of the Swiss Development Cooperation in Nepal, ambassador Sager was on a five-day visit to Nepal from March 18 to March 22. He was accompanied by head of South Asia Division at SDC Dr Derek Müller.
During his visit, ambassador Sager also held high-level meetings with the finance minister Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada and foreign secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, apart from representatives of international development partners. Ambassador Sager also visited Swiss funded projects in and around Ramechhap district
Switzerland will continue to support Nepal’s ongoing federal state building process as a competent and innovative partner, the press note further reads, adding that it will remain engaged in building the systems, institutions and capacities at sub-national levels. "At the same time, SDC will fully support initiative taken on vocational education by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepal government."

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