Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Monday held his first meeting with the head of a major international development institution since taking office, receiving Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda for talks that underscored the new government’s engagement with one of Nepal’s longstanding development partners.
The half-hour courtesy meeting focused on strengthening the six-decade development partnership between Nepal and the ADB, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation, according to the Prime Minister’s Press and Research Adviser Deepa Dahal.
The meeting is significant as it marks the Shah’s first high-level engagement with a major multilateral development partner, signalling its intention to work closely with international institutions on its development priorities.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shah expressed confidence that Nepal would make a new leap in development through good governance and transparency in the coming years.
The two sides also held positive discussions on promoting hydropower and tourism as the backbone of Nepal’s economy, while expanding cooperation in digitalisation and tourism road infrastructure.
Kanda reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to expanding its development support in Nepal, saying the bank would continue to serve as a long-term partner in the country’s economic development and prosperity.
He also praised Nepal’s economic potential, its strong public mandate and young leadership, and reiterated the ADB’s commitment to supporting the country’s success. Kanda said Nepal’s young leadership and commitment to reforms were inspiring.
