KATHMANDU, March 28, 2014 – Mr. Philippe Le Houérou, the World Bank Vice President for South Asia, concluded a four day official visit to Nepal today.
During his visit Mr. Le Houérou discussed the government’s development priorities with the Prime Minister of Nepal including opportunities, challenges and areas of potential collaboration. He also met with the Finance Minister and senior officials of the Government of Nepal including the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, the Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary. During these meetings Mr. Le Houérou welcomed the government’s renewed focus on economic reforms. He reaffirmed the Bank’s willingness to help Nepal scale up its development efforts and improve the delivery of public services. He noted that the World Bank Group is currently developing a partnership strategy for Nepal for the first time in six years.
“I believe we are at the beginning of a very productive period in Nepal,” said Mr. Le Houérou. “My conversations have been very energizing and I am reassured that our new strategy is fully aligned with the priorities of the new government which is mandated to implement economic reforms and to deliver to its citizens. The strategy will reflect the vision of Nepal’s leaders and signal that the country has passed the phase of uncertainty,” he said.
During his stay Mr. Le Houérou visited several projects supported by the World Bank and held discussions with project beneficiaries. These included a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation scheme in Bhaktapur and a hydropower turbine testing lab at Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel. He also met with development partners and representatives of civil society, academia and the private sector.
