Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged a total investment of US $2.3 billion (approximately Rs 313 billion) in Nepal over the next five years as part of a new strategic partnership with the Government of Nepal.
The announcement was made Tuesday during the launch of ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nepal 2025–2029, held in Kathmandu. The funds will be disbursed in the form of grants, loans, and technical assistance, with priority areas determined by the Nepali government.
The CPS sets a development roadmap focusing on private sector–driven growth, youth employment, environmental sustainability, and climate and disaster resilience. It also emphasizes cross-cutting goals such as digital transformation, good governance, capacity building for federalism, and the empowerment of women and vulnerable groups.
“This CPS reflects ADB’s continued strong commitment to supporting Nepal’s development goals,” said Arnaud Cauchois, ADB Country Director for Nepal. “It lays out a comprehensive agenda for inclusive, resilient, green, and employment-intensive economic growth.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel described the new strategy as a “new chapter” in Nepal and ADB’s six-decade partnership. “Aligned with Nepal’s 16th Plan, it supports inclusive growth, climate resilience, and quality job creation—especially for our youth,” he said.
Preeti Arora, Operations Manager for the World Bank in Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, also addressed the event. She acknowledged Nepal’s recent progress in poverty reduction but stressed the need for structural transformation. “The country lacks the structural shift needed for high productivity and job creation. This partnership will help reduce project duplication and improve development efficiency,” Arora noted.
The ADB plans to implement the CPS through a combination of investment projects, policy-based lending, and sector development programs aimed at integrating policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure development.