ADB responds immediately to Nepal floods with $5 million grant

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to fund urgent rescue and relief operations after devastating floods and debris flows struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.
"This $5 million grant is a promise kept," said ADB President Masato Kanda, who had recently visited Nepal. "When people in our member countries need us, we will be there for them," he said, adding that families along these rivers have lost loved ones, homes, and the basic services their communities need. "Help cannot wait. The losses are devastating and are still being counted but this will help get food, safe water, shelter, medicine, and other urgent support to people who need it now. When disaster strikes, ADB moves."
The disaster has caused widespread loss of life, injuries, displacement, and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The government has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response operations. Search and rescue operations and assessments of the damage and community needs are continuing.
The grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help pay for search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilisation work, and logistical support.
ADB is working closely with the government of Nepal, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), United Nations (UN) agencies, and development partners to assess the changing situation and support the country’s response and recovery, accordng to a press note issued by the ADB.
ADB is processing up to $150,000 through a second window of the disaster response fund to support a post-disaster needs assessment, recovery planning, and preparation for possible recovery and reconstruction investments, it reads, adding, "At the government’s request, the assessment will measure damage and losses, identify needs across affected sectors, and help set priorities for recovery and reconstruction."
ADB has long supported Nepal’s efforts to reduce disaster risks and withstand through stronger infrastructure, institutions, and emergency preparedness. ADB will continue working with the government and people of Nepal through the emergency response and the recovery and reconstruction that follow, it has added.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members - 50 from the region.

ADB supports Nepal’s digital transformation toward high‑impact services

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $40 million concessional loan to help Nepal accelerate its digital transformation agenda and expand access to high‑impact digital services for citizens and businesses.
The Nepal Digital Transformation Project - the first in South Asia to be co-financed under the ADB–World Bank Full Mutual Reliance Framework (FMRF) - will strengthen the country’s data hosting and cybersecurity infrastructure to enhance government-wide digital security and resilience, along with core digital public infrastructure for modern, user‑centric services, according to a press note issued by the ADB. "It will support key initiatives such as developing an integrated citizen service portal, improving the national social registry, establishing a secure government-wide data exchange platform for safe and efficient information sharing, and digitalizing about 11 high‑impact government services, according to a press release issued by the multilateral lender."
“Digital transformation is no longer optional - it is critical for improving public service delivery and supporting Nepal’s economic development,” said ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois. “The reforms supported by ADB and the World Bank will make key services easier to access, reduce waiting times and administrative barriers, and enhance transparency in government processes - helping build greater trust between citizens and public institutions.
The project will be implemented by Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It aligns with Nepal’s Digital Nepal Framework 2.0, Sixteenth National Plan, e‑Governance Blueprint, and ADB’s country partnership strategy for Nepal, 2025–2029, which identifies digital transformation as a core crosscutting priority, the press note reads.
The FMRF is an innovative co-financing arrangement between ADB and the World Bank designed to streamline project preparation, reduce duplication, and deliver faster and more effective development support. The World Bank is the lead lender for the Nepal Digital Transformation Project, approving its $50 million concessional loan in February this year.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members - 50 from the region.

Nepal, ADB sign loan and grant agreements amounting to Rs 105.59 billion

The government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed loan and grant agreements amounting to $777.6 million (equivalent to Rs 105.59 billion), at the Finance Ministry, for the implementation of three projects and a programme.

The Financing agreement for the implementation of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project (phase 2), South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Electricity Transmission and Distribution Strengthening Project and Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) Programme were signed, according to a press note issued by the Finance Ministry.

Finance secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire and Country Director of the Nepal Resident Mission ADB, Arnaud Cauchois signed the agreement on the behalf of the government and ADB, respectively.

The project—Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project (phase 2) aims to secure safe and reliable water supply services for people in the Kathmandu Valley, the press note reads, adding that tt includes the relocation and construction of the Melamchi intake, construction of long tunnel and the expansion of the Sundarijal Water Treatment Plant.

The project cost of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Improvement Project (Phase 2) will be $240 million (equivalent to Rs 32.59 billion). The ADB will support $15 million (equivalent to Rs 2.03 billion) grant and $170 million (equivalent to Rs 23,08 billion) concessional loan, Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and Pacific (JFPR) will support $3 million (equivalent to Rs 407.46 million) grant and the government contributes $52 million (equivalent to Rs 7.06 billion) for it, it adds.

Similarly, the project—SASEC Electricity Transmission and Distribution Strengthening Project focuses on meeting Nepal's growing energy demands while supporting green electricity exports. It will be $537 million (equivalent to Rs 72.93 billion). ADB will support $30 million (equivalent to Rs 4.07 billion) grant and $311 million (equivalent to Rs 42.24 billion) concessional loan, EU will support $22.6 million (equivalent to Rs 3.06 billion) grant, Norway will support $31 million (equivalent to Rs 4.21 billion) grant, Strategic Climate Fund will support $10 million (equivalent to Rs 1.35 billion) and the government contributes $132.4 million (equivalent to Rs 17.98 billion) for the execution of this project.

The construction of 290 kilometers of transmission lines, five new substations, and the upgrading of two existing ones are key components of this project, the press note adds.

Likewise, the GRID programme aims to assist in implementing the Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development approach by addressing policy, regulatory and institutional barriers to unlock sustainable investment opportunities across various sectors. The programme's objective is to ensure that development activities are environmentally sustainable, resilient and inclusive.

The ADB will support $100 million (equivalent to Rs 13.58 billion) for GRID Programme as a budget support.

The Irrigation Modernization Enhancement Project (IMEP) focuses on modernising surface water irrigation systems of Nepal and piloting hill lift irrigation. It will directly benefit families of project area enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

After signing the agreement, finance secretary Ghimire expressed his heartfelt appreciation to ADB for its consistent support and partnership. He emphasised that these initiatives would not only improve irrigation system, water security and agriculture but also strengthen climate resilience in Nepal's most affected communities and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

Country Director of ABD Arnaud Cauchois, on the occasion, emphasised the key features of these projects, including their financing structures and significance for Nepal's economy.

He reiterated ADB's strong commitment to supporting Nepal's development priorities, particularly in climate adaptation, agricultural productivity and water resources management and support to achieve SDGs.

Nepal, ADB sign grant agreement of Rs 21.23 billion for two projects

The government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a concessional loan and grant agreement of $157 million (approximately Rs 21.23 billion), at the Finance Ministry, for the implementation of the Mechanised Irrigation Innovation Project (MIIP) and the Climate Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods Project (CRLLP).

The grant agreement amounting to $15 million and loan agreement amounting to $110 million for the implementation of MIIP was signed by finance secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire and Country Director of the Nepal Resident Mission ADB Arnaud Cauchois, on the behalf of the government and ADB, respectively, according to the Finance Ministry.

According to the agreement, the MIIP will introduce advanced irrigation technologies, including a prepaid card system allowing framers to access water based on their field's need. "The project will be enforced in the Rautahat and Sarlahi districts of Madhes Province, benefitting over 121,000 farmers."

The primary objectives of the project are to improve agricultural productivity, ensure year-round irrigation and contribute to food security. Additionally, this project will adopt Design, Build and Operate (DBO) modality and establish an irrigation management company for the long-term sustainability of groundwater irrigation system in the region.

Similarly, the grant amounting to $22 million and loan agreement amounting to $10 million for the implementation of CRLLP was also signed by joint-secretary at the Finance Ministry Dhani Ram Sharma and Country Director of Nepal Resident Mission, ADB Arnaud Cauchois, on the occasion.

The CRLLP stresses enhancement of climate resilient rural communities in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, a press note issued by the Finance Ministry reads. "The project is aimed at addressing water insecurity, promoting nature-based livelihoods and empowering local communities through the sustainable management of water resources." The project further stresses empowerment of communities to adapt to climate challenges by fostering sustainable water management, agroforestry, silviculture and forest management.

The project will also play a crucial role in improving water security by addressing the region's vulnerability to climate-induced challenges, it claims.

After the signing of the agreement, finance secretary Ghimire expressed his gratitude to ADB for its continued support and partnership. He emphasised that these projects would not only enhance irrigation infrastructure but also spur climate resilience among some of Nepal's most vulnerable communities.

Similarly, Country Director of ADB Cauchois, on the occasion, underlined the key features of these projects, the financing modalities and their importance to Nepal's economy, reaffirming ADB's commitment to supporting Nepal's development goals—particularly in the areas of climate adaptation, agricultural productivity and water security.

WePOWER launches National Chapter in Nepal to strengthen women’s roles in energy sector

The South Asia Women in Power Sector Professional Network (WePOWER) Nepal National Chapter (NNC) has been today officially launched at the World Bank Country Office in Kathmandu.

WePOWER is a coalition of almost 50 energy sector stakeholders—including utilities, universities and professional associations—and has national chapters in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The launch of the Nepal chapter is a crucial step in promoting new national and regional partnerships to foster skills for advanced jobs and leadership roles for women in Nepal’s energy sector, claims the World Bank.

“The World Bank is proud to serve as the interim secretariat for WePOWER and we are committed to creating more jobs for women in Nepal,"  World Bank Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka David Sislen said, adding that they want to see more women in the workforce and more women engaged in the critical policy dialogues that are shaping Nepal’s future.

The WePOWER NNC has five Nepali partners: Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Institute of Engineering-Tribhuvan University, National Association of Community Electricity Users-Nepal, Nepal Electricity Authority, and Nepal Engineers’ Association Women’s Committee.

"WePOWER is not just a network, it is also a commitment to empower women in energy," said chair of the NNC Dr Sangeeta Singh. "Through WePOWER, we are helping to promote equal representation and create a brighter, more sustainable, and resilient future for all."

Since 2019, when the first WePOWER Regional Conference was held in Kathmandu, WePOWER partners in Nepal have been instrumental in launching a range of gender-related activities benefitting 3,215 female professionals and students. These include hiring 214 women professionals, providing internships for 225 female students, organizing professional workshops/training for 1,584 women professionals, and supporting 32 women-friendly policies that benefitted 1,124 women professionals. Moving forward, the NNC will continue to support the participation of more women professionals in Nepal’s energy sector through its work plan.

“This milestone brings vital opportunities for women in the energy sector to build networks, develop leadership skills, and advance their careers," Country Director of the Asian Development Bank Nepal Arnaud Cauchois said, adding that the ADB is proud to support efforts that close gender gaps and promote women’s participation in key sectors.

Representatives from key energy sector utilities, development partners, private sector organizations, and academia attended the launch event. The event also included a roundtable discussion on how the NNC can foster skills for advanced jobs and leadership roles for women in Nepal’s energy sector. The speakers highlighted that the NNC has the potential to be a collective voice to advocate for change and push for more affirmative policies on caregiving, behaviour change, and other aspects that affect women’s abilities to take up leadership roles.

Economy to grow by 3.87 per cent, per capita income reaches $1456

The economy is going to grow by only 3.87 per cent at the consumer's price, in the current fiscal year.

According to National Statistics Office (NSO), the gross domestic production (GDP) is estimated to grow by 3.87 per cent despite the government's target of 6 per cent.

The economy will grow by 3.54 per cent at constant price in the current fiscal year, the report launched today reads.

Earlier, the government has projected the economy to grow by 4 per cent, whereas the World Bank (WB) has estimated it to grow by 3.3 per cent, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by 3.1 per cent and Asian Development Bank (ADB) by 3.6 per cent due to slowdown in the economy.

Nepal’s economy will be the size of Rs 5.704 trillion by the end of the current fiscal year from Rs 5.348 in the last fiscal year, the report reads, adding that the per capita income is also expected to increase by $51 to $1456 in the current fiscal year from last fiscal year's $1405.

The increase in income is too low as Nepal is graduating to Developing Country (DC) status by 2026 from current Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Due to the contraction in some sectors of the economy and the low capital expenditure has pulled the economic growth rate downwards, the report exposes.

Likewise, the report also shows that the share of service sector in the economy has reached 62.9 per cent. "The contribution of the secondary sector (industry-construction) is 12.5 per cent and the share of the primary sector (agriculture) is 24.6 per cent," it claims, adding that this fiscal year, the contribution of agriculture has increased slightly compared to last year, though the increase in agriculture sector alone cannot push the economic growth upwards.

Agriculture sector will grow by 3.05 per cent, while the non-agriculture sector will grow by 3.75 per cent, it adds.

The industrial sector has also contracted for the second year in a row due to the inability to increase production, according to the report. "This year, the industrial sector has contracted by 1.60 per cent, wheras last year there was a contraction of 1.98 per cent."

In 2021-22, the growth of the industry was 6.70 per cent, the report added estimating that there will be a contraction in the production of industries as there has been no significant improvement in the economy globally due to various adverse factors created in the economy in recent times.

Government, developments partners agree on harmonisation of disbursement practices

The government and six Multilateral Developments Banks (MDBs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs)—Agence Française de Développement, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund for International Development, and the World Bank (WB)—agreed to work together to harmonise disbursement procedures and practices to help enhance operational efficiency and achieve Nepal’s development goals.

The agreement was reached at a two-day ‘MDBs Disbursement Harmonisation Workshop’ organised in Kathmandu on March 25-26 by the MDBs and IFIs, in close partnership with the Finance Ministry.

“Fostering a unified disbursement system among all MDBs will help facilitate allocation of funds, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure timely disbursement of funds to the government to achieve development results,” said finance secretary Dr Krishna Hari Pushkar, on the occasion.

According to a press note issued by the organisers, the government and MDB-IFIs agreed to focus on various future collaborations including harmonisation of flow of funds, reporting, legal and disbursement arrangements for the three-tier structure of government; standardisation of reporting templates across MDB-IFIs’ operations in Nepal to reduce the administrative burden on the government; and strengthening and aligning country system with MDBs-IFIs to the extent possible.

“Unprecedented challenges demand urgent action and the need for harmonisation among the MDB-IFIs," the World Bank vice president and controller Pamela O’Connell said, adding that the World Bank, in its continued efforts to improve operational efficiency and support better development results for its mutual clients, is committed to work with co-financing partners in the area of disbursement harmonisation.

On the occasion, government representatives and MDB-IFIs agreed to carry froward the momentum by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and MDB-IFIs, which will be prepared and implemented in a phased manner.

The Kathmandu Declaration would be a model to be emulated in other countries, according to the press note.

“To achieve sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction it is imperative that budget allocation is fully utilised," Financial Comptroller General Hari Prasad Mainali said, adding that the government is committed to strengthening reforms to build transparency and accountability of public financial management systems and strengthen service delivery.

The workshop was attended by high-level representatives from the government and MDB-IFIs.

Participants discussed disbursement and implementation-related opportunities and challenges, and the way forward to supporting MDB-IFIs operations in Nepal. In view of the federalism transition, legal and disbursement options available for project implementation at provincial and local levels were also discussed, and international experiences were shared.

World Bank and ADB join forces for sustainable development of Nepal’s hydropower sector

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced collaboration to strengthen Nepal’s hydropower sector specifically in the context of the proposed Upper Arun and Dudh Koshi hydropower projects.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) stipulating cooperation between the two institutions for an initial period of five years was signed today on the sidelines of COP28 by World Bank vice president for South Asia Martin Raiser and ADB vice president for Sectors and Themes Fatima Yasmin.

"The full potential of Nepal’s enormous hydropower resources cannot be realised without close partnership between the Nepali government, development partners and the private sector," World Bank vice president for South Asia Martin Raiser said, adding that with the MoU, the ADB and the World Bank are laying the foundations for closer collaboration in financing and policy advice in Nepal’s hydropower sector, with the aim to support the country’s green, sustainable and inclusive development for decades to come.

"This agreement between ADB and the World Bank is a significant step in strengthening Nepal's energy security amid rising demands from population growth and urbanisation," ADB vice president for Sectors and Themes Fatima Yasmin said, adding that it also fosters power trade with neighbouring countries, promoting regional cooperation, economic growth, and green and inclusive development. "ADB is committed to promoting clean energy solutions that align with climate action goals. Our commitment goes beyond generating power; it's also about creating positive impacts on communities, livelihoods, and the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future for all."

The MoU specifically targets three critical areas for collaboration: enhancing country-level collaboration, strengthening co-financing, and boosting joint action on climate change. The pilot approach between the two multilateral development banks provides opportunities for collaboration in knowledge and experience sharing to ensure common understanding of the hydropower sector in Nepal, joint analytical studies, and consultation in support of the development of the hydropower sector.

Under the MoU, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank will also work together on strengthening the institutional capacity of Nepal’s executing and implementing agencies in the development of large hydropower projects, and the preparation and financing of projects in the energy sector. 

This is the first MoU signed between ADB and the World Bank following the joint statement on strengthening collaboration for greater impact issued by the heads of multilateral development banks at the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech in October, 2023.

Increased cost-of-living crisis undermines progress on poverty alleviation in Asia and Pacific

 The increased cost-of-living crisis sparked by surging inflation last year, combined with the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, is continuing to push people in Asia and the Pacific into extreme poverty, according to a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

An estimated 155.2 million people in developing Asia and the Pacific, or 3.9 per cent of the region’s population, lived in extreme poverty as of last year, according to Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2023, released today. The number is 67.8 million greater than it would have been without the pandemic and the increased cost of living crisis, according to the report. Extreme poverty is defined as living on less than $2.15-a-day, based on 2017 prices and adjusted for purchasing power and inflation.

“Asia and the Pacific is steadily recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, but the increased cost-of-living crisis is undermining progress toward eliminating poverty,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park. “By strengthening social safety nets for the poor and fostering investment and innovation that creates opportunities for growth and employment, governments in the region can get back on track.”

Poor people have been hurt the most by the increased cost-of-living crisis, as they are less able to pay higher prices for necessities such as food and fuel. Increases in the price of basic goods and services leave many poor people unable to save money, pay for health care, or invest in education and other opportunities that can improve their condition in the longer term. Women may have also been disproportionately affected, as they tend to earn less than men while also being subject to unpaid work.

Not only do the poor earn less income—they also pay a premium to access many essential goods and services while being forced to make choices that can be more expensive in the long term, the report reads. For instance, low-income households often have to buy commodities in smaller quantities, which may be more expensive than buying in bulk. They may also be forced to live in informal settlements where they are exposed to greater health hazards, increasing their health care costs, and they may have longer and less convenient commutes.

ADB estimated in 2021 that the pandemic had pushed an additional 75 million to 80 million people into extreme poverty as of the previous year, compared with pre-pandemic projections. Extreme poverty was then defined as living on less than $1.90-a-day based on 2011 prices.

Economies in developing Asia and the Pacific are projected to continue making progress against poverty. Nonetheless, by 2030, an estimated 30.3 per cent of the region’s population—or about 1.26 billion people—will still be considered economically vulnerable, defined as living on $3.65 to $6.85-a-day, based on 2017 prices.

To help address the increased cost-of-living crisis, governments in Asia and the Pacific can strengthen social protection systems, increase their support for agricultural development, improve people’s access to financial services, prioritise infrastructure investments, and promote technological innovation and human capital development, according to the report.

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.

Government, stakeholders discuss actions and investment priorities for GRID

The World Bank and Finance Ministry convened a high-level roundtable meeting today on investment priorities and enabling policies to operationalise Nepal’s vision for Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID).

Government officials and development partners including Asian Development Bank (ADB), France, Australia, UK, Republic of Korea, European Union (EU), Germany, Japan, Finland, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Norway, Switzerland, the United States of America (USA), United Nations (UN, World Bank Group, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and Association of International NGOs; as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, youth groups, and think tanks participated in the event and took stock of efforts to implement GRID since the government and development partners endorsed the Kathmandu Declaration on GRID in September 2021.

“Nepal formally adopted the integrated approach to green, resilient, and inclusive development, or GRID, as its national development vision,” said chief secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, on the occasion. "This approach can be an engine of sustainable growth, good jobs and livelihood opportunities, and resilience in the face of multiple risks.”

The Roundtable also reviewed priority actions in the government’s emerging draft GRID strategic action plan including managing land, water, and forests in a more productive, sustainable, and integrated way; equipping people with new skills and resilient livelihoods; greening urban development; scaling up water supply and sanitation, managing pollution and waste; scaling up renewable energy; boosting the sustainability and resilience of the transportation system; strengthening disaster risk management and financing; and enhancing social protection to be responsive to shocks, according to a press note issued by the World Bank.

“Green, resilient, and inclusive development is about lifting incomes, improving opportunities for all, and achieving growth in harmony with nature,” World Bank vice president for the South Asia Region Martin Raiser said, adding that the World Bank and development partners are fully committed to supporting Nepal's GRID priorities and we are excited to see the impactful outcomes of GRID unfold.

Nepal’s draft GRID strategic action plan defines an economy-wide shift to a GRID development path, and specifies a set of high-priority investments with ready financing and a set of priority policy commitments. The priorities in the strategic action plan derive from Nepal’s key development, climate, environmental, and sector strategies. Financing sources include public expenditure from the government, overseas development assistance, innovative financing such as carbon finance, and private sector investment.

The event also served to consolidate the GRID partnership led by the government, which has grown to 20 development partners. In addition, the event was a milestone for the government to begin consultations with provincial and local governments and other stakeholders on the emerging strategic action plan. "It is anticipated the strategic action plan will be further refined and finalized this year," the press note reads.

हरित, उत्थानशील र समावेशी विकासका कार्य र लगानी प्राथमिकतामाथि छलफल

विश्व बैंक र अर्थ मन्त्रालयले नेपालको हरित, उत्थानशील र समावेशी विकास (ग्रिड) सम्बन्धी दृष्टिकोणको प्रभावकारी कार्यान्वयनका लागि आवश्यक पर्ने लगानी प्राथमिकता र अनुकूल नीतिहरूबारे छलफल गर्न आज काठमाडौंमा एक उच्चस्तरीय गोलमेच बैठक आयोजना गर्यो । 

कार्यक्रममा सरकार र विकास साझेदारहरूका साथै नागरिक समाज, निजी क्षेत्र, युवा समूह र प्रबुद्ध वर्गका प्रतिनिधिहरूको सहभागिता रहेको थियो । सो अवसरमा सहभागी प्रतिनिधिहरूले नेपाल सरकार र विकास साझेदारहरूबाट असोज २०७८ मा ग्रिड सम्बन्धी “काठमाडौं घोषणापत्र” संयुक्त रूपमा अनुमोदन गरिएयता भएका कार्यान्वयन प्रयासहरूको लेखाजोखा गरेका थिए ।

विकास साझेदारहरूमा हाल एसियाली विकास बैंक, फ्रान्स, अष्ट्रेलिया, संयुक्त अधिराज्य, गणतन्त्र कोरिया, युरोपेली संघ, जर्मनी, जापान, फिनल्याण्ड, अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मुद्रा कोष, नर्वे, स्विट्जरल्याण्ड, संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका, संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघ, विश्व बैंक समूह, अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय एकीकृत पर्वतीय विकास केन्द्र (इसिमोड), अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय गैरसरकारी संस्था संघ लगायत बैठकमा उपस्थित थिए।

नेपालले  राष्ट्रिय विकासको दूरदृष्टिका रूपमा हरित, उत्थानशील र समावेशी विकास (ग्रिड) सम्बन्धी अवधारणालाई औपचारिक रूपमै अंगीकार गरेको मुख्य सचिव शंकर दास बैरागीले बताए । “विभिन्न जोखिमहरूका बीच यो अवधारणा समृद्धि, दिगो आर्थिक वृद्धि, राम्रा रोजगारी र जीविकोपार्जनका अवसर एवं उत्थानशीलताको एउटा साधन बन्न सक्छ,” उनले भने । 

उक्त गोलमेच बैठकले सरकारको मस्यौदा ग्रिड रणनीतिक कार्ययोजनामा उल्लेखित प्राथमिकता प्राप्त कार्यहरूको समेत समीक्षा गर्यो । ती प्राथमिकताप्राप्त कार्यहरूमा जमिन, जल र वनलाई थप उत्पादनशील, दिगो र एकीकृत रूपमा व्यवस्थापन गर्ने, मानिसहरूलाई नयाँ सीप र उत्थानशील जीविकोपार्जनबाट सुसज्जित बनाउनेस सहरी विकासलाई हरित बनाउने, खानेपानी तथा सरसफाइको पहुँच र प्रदूषण तथा फोहोरमैला व्यवस्थापन अभिवृद्धि गर्ने, नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा विस्तार गर्ने, यातायात प्रणालीको दिगोपना र उत्थानशीलता बढाउने, विपद् जोखिम व्यवस्थापन र वित्तीय लगानी सुदृढ गर्ने र विपदबाट आइपर्ने आघातहरूप्रति अनुकूलन हुन सामाजिक सुरक्षालाई सबल बनाउने  रहेका छन् ।

हरित, उत्थानशील र समावेशी विकासले आयस्रोत बढाउने, सबैका लागि अवसरहरू सुधार गर्ने, र प्रकृतिसँगको सामन्जस्यतामा वृद्धि हासिल गर्ने कार्य गर्छ भन्दै दक्षिण एसिया क्षेत्रका लागि विश्व बैंकका उपाध्यक्ष मार्टिन रेजरले भने, “ग्रिड सम्बन्धी प्राथमिकताहरूलाई साकार पार्न विश्व बैंक लगायत अन्य विकास साझेदारहरू पूर्णरूपमा प्रतिवद्ध छौं र हामी नेपालमा यसको प्रभावकारी नतिजाहरू हेर्न उत्सुक छौं ।”

विश्व बैंकका अनुसार नेपालको मस्यौदा ग्रिड रणनीतिक कार्ययोजनाले ग्रिड विकासको मार्गतर्फ जान अर्थतन्त्रव्यापी परिवर्तनको व्यवस्था गर्नुका साथै तयारी अवस्थामा रहेका बित्तिय प्रावधान सहितको उच्च प्राथमिकताका लगानी र प्राथमिकता प्राप्त नीतिगत प्रतिवद्धताहरू निर्दिष्ट गरेको छ । रणनीतिक कार्ययोजनाका प्राथमिकताहरू नेपालका प्रमुख विकास, जलवायु, वातावरणीय र क्षेत्रगत रणनीतिहरूबाट साभार गरिएका छन् । यसका वित्तिय स्रोतहरूमा नेपाल सरकारको सार्वजनिक खर्च, वैदेशिक विकास सहायता, कार्बन वित्त जस्ता नवीनतम स्रोत र निजी क्षेत्र लगानी रहेका छन् ।

उक्त बैठकले नेपाल सरकारको नेतृत्वमा रहेको ग्रिड साझेदारीलाई थप मजबूत बनाएको छ । यसका २० वटा विकास साझेदार छन् । साथै, उक्त बैठक आसन्न रणनीतिक कार्ययोजनाका सम्बन्धमा प्रदेश तथा स्थानीय सरकार र अन्य सरोकारवालाहरूसँग परामर्श सुरू गर्न सरकारका लागि एउटा कोशेढुंगा बनेको पनि विश्व बैंकको बुझाइ छ । सो रणनीतिक कार्ययोजनालाई थप परिष्कृत गरी यसै वर्ष अन्तिम रूप दिने अपेक्षा पनि विश्व बैंकले गरेको छ ।

Improved performance key for development results: ADB director general Yokoyama

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) director general for South Asia Kenichi Yokoyama said improved portfolio performance is key for timely delivery of development results and securing higher and sustained concessional resource allocations.

“The Finance Ministry is proactively addressing issues to improve project implementation,” he said, speaking at the opening session of a 2-day country portfolio review meeting organised by the government and ADB to assess the progress of ADB-supported development projects today.

“Nepal needs to achieve at least $350 million to $450 million disbursement per year to be considered for higher concessional resource allocations based on ADB’s performance-based allocation system,” he said, adding that higher disbursement is doable with collective efforts of the government and ADB by pursuing higher implementation disciplines.

Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat chaired a session on sector and project performance, attended by secretaries of the government, senior officials, project directors, and staff from ADB’s Nepal Resident Mission. 

“We appreciate ADB’s support to Nepal’s development over the years,” said the finance minister Dr Mahat. “The government is committed to overcome the challenges related to project implementation and disbursements and improve capital expenditure for development impact on the ground for Nepali people.”

At a special ceremony held in conjunction with the meeting, revenue secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire presented awards to ADB-supported projects for their excellence in effective project management, gender equality, and social inclusion, environmental and social safeguards monitoring. The projects that were awarded include Urban Water Supply and Sanitation (Sector) Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project-Additional Financing, SASEC Highway Improvement Project, Rural Enterprise Financing Project, and Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project. 

As of December 31, 2022, ADB’s active portfolio in Nepal stands at around $3.2 billion supporting a broad range of key sectors: energy, transport, agriculture, water and urban infrastructure and services, rural development and natural resources, health, and education, according to the multilateral development partner. 

“In 2022, the overall portfolio performance in Nepal was lower than expected affected mainly due to insufficient project staff and high turnover, challenges in contract management, delays in environmental and land clearances, and disruption of construction supply chain,” said ADB country director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois. “Following the review, Finance Ministry and ADB will agree on specific actions to overcome the challenges and we are hopeful that project implementation and disbursement will pick up pace.”

Since the start of its operations in Nepal in 1969, ADB has provided about $7.6 billion in financial and technical assistance to the country. 

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.

Economy to moderately grow by 5.1 per cent

The World Bank has projected Nepal’s economy to grow by 5.1 per cent in the current fiscal year 2022-23, whereas it will grow by 4.9 per cent in the next fiscal year 2023-24.

The World Bank’s projection is lower than the government’s target of 8 per cent, whereas higher than Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) projection of 4.7 per cent.

Issuing its latest update ‘Global Economic Prospect Report’ today, the multilateral development partner projected that Nepal’s economic growth will be fourth among the South Asian nations. “In South Asia, the Maldives, India and Bangladesh have higher growth forecasts than Nepal with 8.2 per cent, 6.9 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively, whereas Bhutan and Pakistan are below Nepal with 4.1 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively,” according to the World Bank. “Sri Lanka is projected to have a negative growth rate of -4.2 per cent.”

The World Bank has also estimated 5.8 per cent economic growth in the last fiscal year 2021-22.

According to the report, growth in South Asia Region (SAR) is projected to slow to 5.5 per cent in 2023, from 6.1 per cent the previous year, on slowing external demand and tightening financial conditions, before picking up slightly to 5.8 per cent in 2024. “Growth is revised lower over the forecast horizon and is below the region’s 2000-19 average growth of 6.5 per cent,” it claims, adding that this pace reflects still robust growth in India, Maldives, and Nepal, offsetting the effects of the floods in Pakistan and the economic and political crises in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. “South Asia continues to be adversely affected by spillovers from the invasion of Ukraine, rising global interest rates, and weakening growth in key trading partners.”

Likewise, the World Bank also claimed that global economic growth rate would be squeezed to 1.7 per cent in the year 2023 which is 1.3 per cent lower than the earlier estimate. 

Six months before or in the month of June this year, it had made public an estimation of global economic growth rate of 3 per cent. In the year 2024, the global economic growth rate would remain 2.7 per cent, it claims, adding that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and Covid pandemic has been considered the main causes behind the lower economic growth rate. “High price hike, high interest rate and disruption in the supply chain have been identified as other causes behind the fall in the economic growth rate.”

The estimation of economic growth rate for the year 2023 is the third big recession in the last three decades,” it adds.

Public debt doubles in five years

 The public debt has been doubled in the last five years, coinciding with the first tenure after Nepal became a federal republic.

The significant increase has been recorded since the 2017 elections, when the full-fledged federal government came to power, with seven provincial and 753 local governments. However, the federalism has little contribution in whooping increase in public debt compared to lack of good governance and fiscal discipline.

According to Public Debt Management Office, the ratio of public debt to GDP is 41.38 per cent. "The ratio of external debt to total GDP is 21.64 per cent, whereas the ratio of internal debt to total GDP is 19.73 per cent."

Nepal's GDP is currently valued at Rs 4,851 billion, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

In the fiscal year 2017-2018, Nepal had around Rs 917 billion public debt. But the amount has steadily increased to Rs 1,048 billion in 2018-19; Rs 1,433 billion in 2019-20; Rs 1,737 billion in 2020-21, and finally reaching to Rs 2,013 billion in the last fiscal year 2021-22, according to the Public Debt Management Office data.

As of the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2022-23, the country’s public debt totals to Rs 2,007.84 billion.

Among, the public debt, the external and domestic debt are almost equal.

The external debt stands at Rs 1,050.23 billion, while domestic debt is at Rs 957.61 billion, according to the data.

The debt, however, decreased by 0.27 per cent as of mid-October, compared to the Rs 2,013.29 billion recorded in mid-June. "The external debt increased by Rs 24.38 billion during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, whereas domestic debt decreased by Rs 29.83 billion," the data revealed.

The government has received Rs 24.70 billion in debt from development partners, in the first three months of the current fiscal year. However, it has not mobilised domestic debt yet, but preparing.

The government has cleared a total of Rs 5.84 billion (approximately $51 million) external loans in the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2022-23. But the liability of foreign loans increased by Rs 5.52 billion due to depreciation of Nepali currency against the US dollar, according to the office.

Top 10 Creditors

International Development Association (IDA) -- Rs 526.18 billion

Asian Development Bank (ADB) -- Rs 323.64 billion

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) -- Rs 48.41 billion

International Monetary Fund (IMF) -- Rs 43.89 billion

EXIM Bank Line of Credit-India -- Rs 37.56 billion

Exim Bank of China -- Rs 33.51 billion

International Fund for Agricultural Development -- Rs 10.25 billion

OPEC Fund for International Development -- Rs 8.38 billion

Exim Bank, Korea -- Rs 5.62 billion

European Investment Bank (EIB) -- Rs 5.61 billion

Nepal to receive $200 million concessional loan from ADB

Nepal and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a concessional loan agreement amounting to $200 million (equivalent to Rs 26.51 billion) for supporting the first five years of the School Education Sector Plan (SESP-2022–2030) and a grant agreement of $12 million to implement the Strengthening Systems to Protect and Uplift Women Project.

According to a press note issued by the Finance Ministry, the project will benefit survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) across Madhesh, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschchim provinces through the establishment of long-term rehabilitation centers, development of survivor-friendly facilities for the Women, Children and Senior Citizen Service Centers within selected district and area police offices and strengthening of survivor-friendly services in these provinces. "The project will also build a new national long-term rehabilitation center in Bhaktapur," it adds.

Joint secretary at the ministry Ishwori Prasad Aryal, and ADB Officer-in-Charge for Nepal Saugata Dasgupta signed the agreements on behalf of their respective institutions. The proposed assistance is expected to support the implementation of the government’s School Education Sector Plan in a sector-wide approach supported by eight development partners, including ADB under the Joint Financing Arrangement.

“The programme will enhance learning provisions for basic and secondary schools, strengthen teaching and learning skills in schools, accelerate the recovery from learning losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and improve the capacity of local governments in education planning, monitoring and reporting,” the press note reads.

"Nepal has done significantly in terms of improving access to education in the past decades however, much more needs to be done to further improve equity of access and the quality of education," said Aryal after signing the agreement. The programme will be crucial to operationalising Nepal’s holistic approach in improving the overall learning outcomes."

"The agreement is a key part of ADB’s overall efforts to help Nepal accelerate reforms and transform the country’s education system to develop human capital, reduce social inequity, and attain sustainable growth," Dasgupta is quoted as saying, "The plan is designed towards eliminating inequities in access and participation in school education, and improving quality and resilience of school education."

ADB approves $200 million loan to strengthen education system in Nepal

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a $200 million concessional loan to help Nepal strengthen the equity, quality, and resilience of its school education.

The programme will assist the implementation of the first 5 years of the government’s School Education Sector Plan 2021–2030 in a sector wide approach supported by eight development partners, including ADB, according to a press note issued by the multilateral development partner. “The programme will enhance learning provisions for basic and secondary schools; strengthening teaching and learning in schools; accelerate the recovery from learning losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; and improve capacity of local governments in education planning, monitoring, and reporting,” it reads.

“Nepal has done significantly well in terms of improving access to education, however, there is still a need to address remaining equity issues to access and importantly to take a holistic approach to address persistent challenge in improving learning outcomes,” ADB Principal Social Sector Specialist for South Asia Rudi Van Dael said, adding that the programme will help accelerate reforms and transform the country’s education system to develop human capital, reduce social inequity, and attain sustainable growth.

Selected secondary schools will be upgraded to increase opportunities to study science education in grades 11–12, especially for girls. The pro-poor scholarship scheme will be expanded from grades 9–12 to grades 6–12 to improve retention.

To mitigate learning loss from the Covid-19 pandemic, a recovery and accelerated learning program will be jointly implemented with community and civil society organisations. “To prepare schools against future learning disruptions, more and better accessible e-resources will be made available through the Sikai Chautari online learning portal,” ADB Senior Project Officer (Education) for South Asia Smita Gyawali said, adding that the programme will further strengthen local government’s capacity to deliver education in the federal system.

ADB will provide an additional $1 million technical assistance grant from its Technical Assistance Special Fund and administer equivalent of $600,000 grant from the Government of Norway to support capacity building activities, strengthen programme management and coordination, and improve the monitoring and reporting capability of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.

ADB to invest over Rs 10 billion in nuts and fruits farming

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is investing over Rs 10 billion for cultivation of nuts and fruits in the hilly area project.

The ADB will be providing grants of Rs 1.30 billion, while Rs 7.39 billion will be provided in concessional loans, according to the agreement signed by ADB country director Arnaud Cauchois and finance secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar today at the Finance Ministry, according to a press note issued by the Finance Ministry.

Likewise, the ADB will be funding Rs 1.17 billion from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme, it reads, adding that the government will invest Rs 1.88 billion, and the programme is expected to benefit 30,000 households from Province 1, Bagmati Province, Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province, mainly through the development of around 10,000 hectares of climate-resilient fruit and nut orchard.

The annual demand for walnuts and fruits that has been increasing in the past years in the country is met by the imports as the domestic production has been low. 

The commercial farming of fruits and nuts in Nepal remains marginal and the abandonment of cultivable land in hilly areas is increasing as people are switching to other off-farm employment and relying on external remittances. “In this context, the project will help to take an advantage of the country's favourable agro-climatic conditions to product quality horticulture crops and will support the government the government's declaration of the 2016-2026 Fruit Decade," said finance secretary Pushkar, after signing the agreement.

The agreement is a key part of the ADB's overall efforts to address potential risks on food, ADB country director Cauchois said adding that the ADB will support improving the livelihood and climate resilience of horticulture farmers in the hilly areas of the five provinces of Nepal through the project.

World Bank revises economic growth upward to 5.1 per cent

The World Bank (WB) revised Nepal’s economic growth rate upwards to 5.1 per cent for the current fiscal year 2022-23, which is way higher than the projection of 4.7 per cent estimation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and lower than the government projection of 8 per cent.

Unveiling the report ‘Latest Macroeconomic Update,’ the development partner, however, estimated the inflation rate to shoot up. 

The economy might grow higher at the back of a rebound in the tourism to support service sector and strong industrial growth triggered by increased hydroelectricity production, the report reads, adding that the economic growth rate for fiscal year 2023-24 will see 4.9 per cent. “While public debt levels are expected to stabilise and pressure on foreign exchange reserves is projected to ease, Nepal continues to face structural challenges relating to a modernisation of the tax system, the attraction of new sources of foreign exchange (especially FDI) and full implementation of fiscal federalism that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The economy is expected to grow, reflecting monetary policy normalisation, the end of pandemic-era monetary support measures, and still relatively high commodity prices, according to the World Bank.

The Nepal Development Update contains a special focus on ‘the Macroeconomic Impacts of Climate Change’. Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change and must adapt to global warming, even though it is a negligible contributor to global greenhouse gases, the analysis claims, adding that negative impacts are expected to accelerate sharply in the second half of the century, with GDP contracting 24 per cent relative to the baseline projections by 2100. A list of 32 actionable steps that Nepal can take now to reduce these impacts and reinforce its Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) pathway is also provided in the recently released Nepal Country Climate and Development Report. 

“Nepal’s GDP and other macroeconomic losses in the first three decades of the 21st century are small to begin with, but are expected to accelerate quickly in the second half of the century as temperatures and climate events reach higher levels of intensity,” World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad-Zervos said, adding that these findings underscore the urgency of implementing measures aligned with the country’s GRID pathway, to increase Nepal’s adaptive capacity to climate-related shocks.”

आर्थिक वृद्धिमा संकुचन आउने प्रक्षेपण

यसअघि आफैंले गरेको अनुमानलाई घटाएर एसियाली विकास बैंक (एडीबी)ले चालू आर्थिक वर्ष २०७९-०८० मा नेपालको आर्थिक वृद्धिदर ४.७ प्रतिशतमा सीमित हुने प्रक्षेपण गरेको छ । यसअघि एडीबीले अप्रिलमा नेपालले ५ प्रतिशतको आर्थिक वृद्धिदर प्राप्त गर्ने प्रक्षेपण गरेको थियो ।

गत आर्थिक वर्षमा ५.८ प्रतिशत रहेको आर्थिक वृद्धिदरमा चालू आर्थिक वर्षमा केही संकुचन आउने अनुमान गर्दै एडीबीले सरकारले हाल लिएका नीतिका कारण अर्थतन्त्रमा संकुचन आउने विश्लेषण गरेको हो । 

हाल विदेशी मुद्रा सञ्चितीमा दबाब परेको भन्दै सरकारले आयातमा प्रतिबन्ध लगाएको छ । तर, एडीबीका अनुसार आयातमा अंकुश लगाउँदा अर्थतन्त्रको विस्तारमा नकारात्मक असर पुग्नेछ ।

सरकारले चालू आर्थिक वर्षमा ८ प्रतिशतको आर्थिक वृद्धिदरको लक्ष्य राखेको छ । तर, एडीबीले बुधबार एसियन डेभलपमेन्ट आउटलुक २०२२ सार्वजनिक गर्दै अर्थतन्त्रमा संकुचन आउने प्रक्ष्ोपण गरेको हो ।

सार्वजनिक प्रतिवदेनमा सन् २०२४ मा नेपालको वैदेशिक मुद्राको सञ्चितीमा अझ गिरावट आउने र मुद्रास्फितीमा थप दबाब पर्ने समेत जनाइएको छ । आयात नियन्त्रणका लागि सरकारले अपनाउने औजारहरुका कारण अर्थतन्त्रको वृद्धि खुम्चिने जोखिम बढ्ने पनि प्रतिवदेनको निष्कर्ष छ । आयात नियन्त्रणसँगै आन्तरिक उत्पादन र उपभोगसमेत घट्ने जोखिमतर्फ इंगित गर्दै एडीबीले यस्ता गतिविधिले चालू आर्थिक वर्षमा नेपालको आर्थिक वृद्धिलाई नकारात्मक प्रभाव पार्ने जनाएको छ ।

साथै, कडा मौद्रिक नीतिका कारण नेपालको कुल गार्हस्थ्य उत्पादन प्रभावित हुने भन्दै निर्यातमा जोड दिनुपर्ने पनि प्रतिवेदनले उल्लेख गरेको छ । प्रतिवेदन सार्वजनिक गर्दै नेपालका लागि एडीबीका कन्ट्री डाइरेक्टर आनो कुस्वाले कोभिड–१९ महामारीपछिको लकडाउन, डेंगु ज्वरोको प्रकोपलगायतले नेपालको स्वास्थ्य प्रणालीलाई कमजोर बनाइदिएको बताए । साथै, विभिन्न प्राकृतिक प्रकोपहरुबाट समेत जोखिम ब्येहोर्नु परिरहेको नेपालको भूराजनीतिक अवस्थाले पनि आर्थिक वृद्धिलाई कमजोर बनाउने उनको भनाइ छ ।

एडीबीका अनुसार सामान्य मनसुनका कारण कृषिको वृद्धिदर राम्रो हुने सम्भावना छ । तर, मलको अभावले धानको उत्पादनमा प्रतिकूल असर पर्ने अनुमान पनि एडीबीले गरेको छ । जलविद्युतको बढ्दो उत्पादन र उद्योगको क्षमता उपयोगमा वृद्धि हुने अनुमान गर्दै एडीबीले व्याजदरमा भएको वृद्धिले रियल इस्टेट, थोक तथा खुद्रा व्यापार प्रभावित हुने जनाएको छ ।

आउँदो निर्वाचनले खर्च बढाउने र अर्थतन्त्रको वृद्धिमा समेत सकारात्मक प्रभाव पर्ने अनुमान गर्दै एडीबीले चालू आवको बजेट कृषि, उद्योग, पूर्वाधार र सामाजिक सुरक्षाका क्षेत्रमा केन्द्रित रहेको भए पनि मुद्रास्फीति केही संकुचन हुन सक्ने प्रक्षेपण गरेको छ । गत आर्थिक वर्षमा ६.३ प्रतिशत रहेको मुद्रास्फीति चालू आवमा ६.१ मा सीमित हुने अनुमान पनि एडीबीले गरेको छ ।

यसैगरी, दक्षिण एसियामा श्रीलंकाको अर्थतन्त्रको विस्तार नकारात्मक रहने तर अन्य मुलुकको अर्थतन्त्रको विस्तार सकारात्मक रहने आकलन प्रतिवेदनको छ । श्रीलंकाको अर्थतन्त्र ३.३ प्रतिशतले नकारात्मक वृद्धि हुने, पाकिस्तानको ३.५ प्रतिशत सकारात्मक विस्तार देखिने, भुटानको ४ प्रतिशत र नेपालको ४.७ प्रतिशत विस्तार हुने अनुमान एडीबीको छ । यसका साथै बंगलादेशको ६.६ प्रतिशत, भारतको ७.२ प्रतिशत र माल्दिभ्सको सबैभन्दा धेरै १०.४ प्रतिशत अर्थतन्त्र विस्तारको प्रक्षेपण एडीबीले गरेको छ । 

ADB appoints new country director for Nepal

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Arnaud Cauchois as new country director for Nepal.

As country director, Cauchois will lead ADB operations in the country and policy dialogue with the government of Nepal and other development partners, according to a press note issued by the multilateral development partner. “He will oversee the implementation of ADB’s country partnership strategy for Nepal that focuses on the country’s long-term development needs through improved infrastructure for private sector-led growth, improved access to devolved services, and environmental sustainability and resilience, it reads further.

“ADB has been a long-term development partner of Nepal,” Cauchois said, adding, “I look forward to building on the strong partnership and working closely with the government, development partners, and other stakeholders in supporting Nepal’s development agenda and poverty reduction efforts.

“My immediate priority will be to support the Government of Nepal as it addresses both the immediate and longer-term health, economic, and social impacts of the Covid-19 crisis,” he adds.

In the medium term, Cauchois indicated the need to support the government with the development of integrated solutions by combining expertise across sectors and mixing public and private sector financing. Expansion of private sector operations, as well as green resilient and inclusive projects, will be pursued in close collaboration with the government and development partners.

Cauchois with almost three decades of professional experience, including over 15 years with ADB, is a French national, who joined ADB in 2005 as a Rural Development Specialist and has since held numerous leading positions. Prior to this appointment, he served as Principal Water Resources Specialist for India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and was outposted in ADB’s India Resident Mission. He was also assigned in ADB’s Nepal Resident Mission for 6 years and led the improvement of the water management systems in Nepal.

He has extensive experience of leading policy dialogue with governments on various aspects of development and has served the European Commission in Afghanistan as Rural Development Advisor prior to joining ADB.

“He holds a master of science degree in water resource management from the Superior School of Tropical Agronomy in Montpellier, France, the ADB press note adds.

Since its establishment in 1966, ADB has claimed to have provided over $7 billion in financial and technical assistance to Nepal. The assistance was provided in energy, transport, water supply and urban infrastructure services, agriculture and irrigation, and education.

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.