Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Shanker Sharma Tuesday unveiled an ambitious and delayed 10th Five-Year-Plan ranging from Rs.490 billion to Rs.640 billion after a meeting chaired by Chairman and Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand approved it.

Dr. Sharma unveiled it to newsmen in the presence of PM Chand and senior members of government and officials. Government expects to reduce the poverty level to 30 percent from 38 percent during the Plan period that began July 17 this year.

Growth grate is expected to grow by 4.3 to 6.2 percent although for the first time this year Nepal recorded a negative growth in 19 years. The non-agricultural sector in expected to grow by 5.2 to 7.5 percent while agriculture production is projected to increase by 2.8 to 4.1 percent.

Foreign funding for projects outlined in the Plan is expected to increase by seven to 11 percent. Foreign aid in expected to finance 58 percent of the total Plan outlay, figures released said.

“Reduction of poverty is the main theme of the Plan,” Dr. Sharma said.