World Bank continue to support Nepal

A delegation of the World Bank's Executive Directors vowed to continue the bank's support to Nepal, irrespective to the change in guard in the government.
"The politics does not interfare in the decisions of the World Bank as its a non-political global institution representing 185 countries," they said, briefing the media, here before leaving for Washington today. "We respect the Nepali people's decision," they said.
They reviewed economic situation and social issues after the Constituent Assembly election before returning to Washington DC.
"It is a deliberate visit to Nepal to understand situation and challenges here," Michel Mordasini, one of the EDs, who looks after Switzerland said.
The 11 Executive Directors (EDs) — representing 91 countries — met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, some of the newly elected CA members, civil society and the donor community representatives.
"It was a very busy mission that held extensive discussions with government and reviewed economic situation and social issues after the successful CA polls," he said.
The high level delegation discussed possible future areas to contribute more like climate change, hydropower and infrastructure.
The delegates also met with Maoist Chairman Prachanda and second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai. At the end of a 'cordial' meeting the delegates laid stress on continuity of dialogue with the emerging powers in Nepal.
The delegation did not set any pre-conditions for the government in-waiting but they believe that its a process of a continued dialogue that they are looking forward to.
They will report to the bank's headquarters in Washington for the future course of action.
The EDs said they were impressed by the peaceful CA polls and the peace and development processes were on a satisfactory track. The bank is sending a strong committment for Nepal but it depends on the performance of the government, Mordasini clarified.

From the next financial year, the World Bank — multilateral donor institution — is bringing a Joint Country Strategy paper that will be a guideline for next four-five years, he said adding that the programme should be alligned with national development strategy like how to increase growth potential and create more jobs. "It will also go side-by-side with the government's three-year interim plan," he added.
"The focus of the new country strategy paper would be on ownership of the recipient country," Mordasini said.
The Bank is financing three new projects worth $127 million after its Board meeting on May 3. It has financed four projects worth $252 million within the last 10 months.
(picture: The World Bank executives, along with Nepal country director, Susan Goldmark, pose with the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and finance secretary Bidhyadhar Mallick, in the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar, Kathmandu.)