Finance Minister held discussion with ADB president

Minister for Finance Dr Ram Sharan Mahat on Saturday met with Haruhiko Kuroda, president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the sidelines of the ADB's 40th Annual Meeting being held in Kyoto, Japan. 

During the meeting, Dr Mahat, who is also Nepal's Governor to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed with ADB president Kuroda in the areas of mutual interest and about the implementation of ADB-funded projects in Nepal, states a press release issued by Ministry of Finance (MoF).

“Dr Mahat underscored on the need to establish a separate Asian Development Fund (ADF) to assist countries like Nepal. He also stressed on the need to execute more of the huge infrastructure related projects such as the Rural Infrastructure Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (RIRR), West Seti Hydro, Fast Track Road and Melamchi Water Supply Project,” states the release.

Kuroda, on the other hand, raised concerns over the delay in 'finalizing the management contract of Kathmandu Valley Water Supply and Sanitation Program', adds the release.

“He said that the successful implementation of the Melamchi Project is not possible without handing over the management,” states the release.

In response, Minister Dr Mahat said that the government was making efforts to address the problem.