PM Shah outlines development priorities during meeting with ADB President Kanda

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that promoting good governance, achieving rapid economic growth, creating job opportunities and ensuring citizens’ access to quality public services are among the government’s top priorities.

PM Shah made the remarks during a meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda. The prime minister outlined plans to increase the effectiveness of public investment, accelerate economic growth in partnership with the private sector, speed up energy development, modernise infrastructure and advance digital transformation.

PM Shah said a stable policy environment and strong institutions are essential for sustainable and inclusive development. According to his press and research expert, Dipa Dahal, the talks concentrated on strengthening the Nepal‑ADB partnership.

Both sides highlighted the need for collaboration on clean energy production under the ADB’s energy strategy, noting Nepal’s substantial hydropower potential. Shah identified the Dudhkoshi Reservoir Hydropower Project, being developed with ADB assistance, as a priority for long‑term energy security and urged the prompt initiation of a financial management process for the project.

Discussions also covered further bilateral cooperation under the ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy, particularly in energy, connectivity, urban development and digital infrastructure. The meeting addressed priority sectors including drinking water, sanitation, urban infrastructure, youth employment, disaster risk management and digital governance.

On behalf of the government and people of Nepal, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the ADB for its long‑standing support and said he looked forward to continued cooperation.

The ADB, a key development partner for Nepal, has an active net portfolio of around $4.2 billion in the country, with 31 ADB‑funded projects in operation. Under its Policy‑Based Lending, the bank has allocated $150 million in support for Nepal in 2026.

The ADB president reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to continue supporting Nepal, welcomed the development of the country’s digital economy as a new driver of growth and employment, and pledged further assistance to strengthen digital infrastructure and digital public infrastructure.

By RSS