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ADB rep expresses ‘cautious optimism’ over Nepal’s economic prospects

Asian Development Bank’s Director General for South Asia, Kunio Senga, has expressed cautious optimism over Nepal’s mid-term prospects for economic development based on the Nepal government’s continued commitment to the reform process.

Issuing a statement at the end of his five-day official visit to Nepal Wednesday, Senga also expressed concern over the security situation of the country and said that this kind of uncertain environment “could affect implementation of development activities.”

The ADB rep said there were significant risks in the run up to the Constituent Assembly elections and urged the government to try its utmost to maintain an environment conducive for effective delivery of development assistance.

Senga also reiterated ADB’s commitment to assist Nepal’s development but underscored that effective and safe implementation of development projects depends on the ground realities.

During his visit Senga had met with the Finance Minister, Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Vice-Chairman and members of the National Planning Commission, Chief Secretary, other senior Government officials, development partners, and members of civil society

Apart from the current situation in Nepal, the future of the Melamchi Water Supply Project were discussed during the meetings. nepalnews.com ag Sep 12 07