Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General for South Asia Kenichi Yokoyama visited Nepal on 16–19 March. During his visit, Mr. Yokoyama reaffirmed ADB’s strong support to the Government of Nepal’s development agenda. He served as Country Director for Nepal from 2012 to 2017.
“I am very happy to be back in Kathmandu and to meet with senior government officials to discuss ADB operations in the country, our partnerships, and key strategic directions. ADB is committed to supporting Nepal in its green, resilient, and inclusive recovery from the pandemic to achieve high and sustainable economic growth, improve the lives of Nepali people and build resilience to climate change impact,” said Mr Yokoyama.
“The focus now should be on structural reforms and quality investments in infrastructure and human capital to further stimulate private sector investments, including foreign direct investments, while devolving services to the local level. These will raise productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, and services— prerequisites to achieving higher economic growth,” he added.
At his meeting with Nepal Finance Minister Janardan Sharma “Prabhakar”, Mr Yokoyama applauded the government’s efforts to control the spread of the COVID and manage its impact on public health, welfare, and the economy, as well as progress in vaccination program, with more than 80% of the target population receiving two doses. He sought the continued leadership of the Ministry to accelerate timely, efficient, and quality implementation of the development programs and reforms.
During his 4-day visit, Mr. Yokoyama also met with Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale; Minister of Water Supply Umakanta Chaudhari; Minister of Urban Development Ram Kumari Jhakri; Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal; and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Renu Kumari Yadav. He also met with secretaries of these ministries and other senior government officials, project staff, and development partners.
Mr. Yokoyama also visited the ADB-supported Kathmandu Valley Wastewater Management Project site. The $137 million project is helping to modernize and expand the wastewater treatment facilities and systems in the Kathmandu Valley.