"Nepal is missing development opportunities; we are anxiously watching what is happening in Nepal. Nepal should have maintained the six percent growth it achieved in late 90s, but potential growth is not going below four percent," Rahaman told media persons.[break]
Talking about ADB´s commitment in supporting Nepal in different sectors, including hydropower and tourism, he suggested that the government undergo number of institutional reforms not only for power generation but also in regulating different projects in the country. Rahaman also said the ADB was serious about the necessity of good governance to effectively execute development works.
“The basis of our relationship and development assistance is to support the government´s development goal. As we have zero tolerance policy against corruption, the government has to build institutional capacity of government agencies to ensure effective utilization of the project fund,” he added.
He also said the Manila-based multi-national donor was closely working with the government and stakeholders in supporting Nepal´s poverty reduction and development programs. Rahaman added that the ADB was closely following political developments in Nepal and aware of the country´s challenging period of political transition.
“It is important for the government to stay focused on the nation´s strategic development goals while taking the peace and constitution drafting process forward,” he said.
Though other multi-national donors like World Bank and International Monetary Fund are putting Nepal in low priority, Rahaman said there was no policy deviation of ADB for Nepal. “We are strengthening the capacity of Nepali mission to review and monitor the situation in Nepal with additional human resources,” he added.
Talking about the Melamchi Water Supply Project, Rahaman said work progress of the mega project was not as per their expectations. “Though there has been some progress in the implementation of the project, it is still below our expectations and needs to be accelerated,” he added.
During his three-day visit, Rahaman met with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Vice-chairman of National Planning Commission Dr Dinesh Chandra Devkota and Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire among others.
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