The Ministry of Finance has started the pre-consultation meeting with donors and stakeholders beginning Friday ahead of key conference with donors, which will be held on February 21 and 22 in the capital.

“We are holding thematic discussions on different subjects with the representatives of donors and other stakeholders such as media, NGOs etc,” said Bidyadhar Mallik, Secretary at the Finance Ministry.

He said that the government will be putting forth its agenda including three-year interim plan, peace process, reconstruction and development during these pre consultation and consultation meetings with development partners.

As per the schedule, the government held thematic discussion on Infrastructure Development (Roads and Water Resources) on Friday. On Sunday, similar discussions would be held on Economic Update and Reforms and Foreign Aid Policy. Likewise, on Monday, discussions would be held on Social Sector and Evolving Peace Process.

“The synthesis of these discussions would be taken up in the February 21 and 22 Donors Consultation Meeting,” said Secretary Mallik, adding that these conferences are not pledging conferences.

“We plan to hold Nepal Development Forum meeting in autumn of 2008 where we would be appealing for financial aid from the donors and development partners. We think we will need their assistance worth $ 1 billion every year for the coming five to eight years,” Mallik said. nepalnews.com sd Feb 02 08