Nepal and ADB Expand Partnership for Economic Growth and Reforms
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between Nepal and the multilateral lender. During a courtesy meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Kathmandu, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in governance, economic reforms and infrastructure development to accelerate the country’s sustainable growth.
The discussions also focused on expanding collaboration in key sectors, including hydropower, tourism, digitalisation and road infrastructure. Prime Minister Shah expressed confidence that Nepal could enter a new phase of development through stronger governance, greater transparency and continued institutional reforms. He emphasised the importance of international partnerships in supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
ADB President Masato Kanda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s economic development and prosperity, describing the ADB as a dependable development partner. He praised Nepal’s economic potential, ongoing reform agenda and dynamic young leadership, while assuring continued assistance for the country’s priority development projects.
Kanda is currently on an official visit to Nepal and previously met Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle on Monday to discuss economic cooperation. The high-level meeting follows the signing of a USD 165 million concessional loan agreement between Nepal and the ADB, valued at approximately Rs 25 billion, to support key national development programmes. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of both sides to advancing Nepal’s infrastructure, governance reforms and long-term economic progress.
