Kathmandu: The visiting ADB Vice-President Liqun Jin expressed the hope that Nepal could achieve a lasting peace to enable the country to focus on the challenging reform and development agenda of the Tenth Plan.
Mr. Jin was speaking at the end of a three-day official visit to Nepal, where he met with senior Government officials, development partners, civil society, media, and private sector representatives. He will return to Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday.
“ADB is concerned about the conflict and its adverse impact on Nepal’s development,” Mr. Jin said. “This has become the most serious impediment to sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. ADB hopes the Government will continue its efforts toward achieving a lasting peace. This is vital to achieve the economic and social progress Nepalis aspire to.”
In his meetings with Prime Minister Sher B. Deuba and senior officials in Government, Mr. Jin stressed the need to expedite governance reform since it is central to many of the challenges Nepal is facing. In particular, he stressed the need to make economic growth more broad based and inclusive, and strengthen anti-corruption efforts further. He assured continued support for Nepal’s development and poverty reduction.
“ADB’s new Country Strategy and Program for Nepal for 2005-2009 proposes to continue ADB’s strong support to achieving Nepal’s social and economic development goals,” He said. “Up to 50% of ADB’s assistance could be provided as grant beginning in 2005, if there is significant progress on governance reform and practices.” He also assured that “ADB stands with Nepal at this critical time, and remains committed to enhance its assistance should peace be restored. ”
Highlighting the full alignment of ADB’s new County Strategy and Program with the Tenth Plan, Mr. Jin welcomed the Government’s strong focus on outcomes and improving the effectiveness of development assistance.
Mr. Jin exchanged views on the development challenges facing Nepal in his consultations with civil society and private sector representatives. He emphasized the importance of economic development and good governance to lift the country from poverty.
ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance.