ADB unveils new five-year country partnership strategy for growth, jobs, and resilience

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel today launched the Asian Development Bank’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nepal, 2025–2029.  

Approved by the ADB Board of Directors on June 17 this year, the strategy sets out the bank’s strategic direction for Nepal over the next five years, with a focus on private sector-led growth, youth employment, environmental sustainability, and climate and disaster resilience.  

The launch was attended by Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya; ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois; and World Bank Operations Manager for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Preeti Arora. For the first time in Nepal, the CPS was developed jointly with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, marking a milestone in collaborative development planning.  

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Paudel said, “The launch of ADB’s new Country Partnership Strategy marks a new chapter in our six-decade partnership. Aligned with Nepal’s 16th Plan, it supports inclusive growth, climate resilience and quality job creation, especially for our youth. We deeply appreciate ADB’s continued support in our journey towards economic transformation.”  

Arnaud Cauchois said, “The CPS reflects ADB’s continued strong commitment to supporting Nepal’s development goals and sets a comprehensive agenda for inclusive, resilient, green, and employment-intensive economic growth. We appreciate the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and the deep collaboration with the World Bank Group. ADB will work with all stakeholders to implement the CPS effectively through investment projects, policy-based lending, and sector development programmes that integrate policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure investments.”  

The CPS incorporates cross-cutting priorities such as digital transformation, good governance, capacity building for federalism, and the empowerment of women and disadvantaged groups, ensuring inclusive and equitable development outcomes.  

ADB Principal Economist Jan Hansen and Programmes Officer Shreejana Rajbhandari presented the CPS’s key strategic priorities and flagship projects. A short video showcased extensive joint country consultations by ADB and the World Bank Group, including engagement with stakeholders across all seven provinces and federal agencies.  

Representatives from the Government of Nepal, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media attended the launch, which concluded with a panel discussion and interactive Q&A session.  

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1966, the bank is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.