Government urges development partners to implement financial aid promises

Kathmandu, Nov 25: The government on Wednesday held regular discussions with representatives of its development partners.

During the discussions held at the Ministry of Finance, Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Poudel briefed the donor representatives about post-earthquake reconstruction efforts and impact of the Indian unofficial blockade on the people’s daily life.

“The Reconstruction Bill is in the parliament for approval. The government is making sincere and utmost efforts to get the bill enacted. Soon after the bill is passed, the Reconstruction Authority will be formed and the government has assigned the National Planning Commission to take charge of reconstruction works for interim arrangements,” the Finance Minister told the representatives of development partners.

Immediate priority of the government was to avert the current problem of Tarai-Madhes through dialogues and use of diplomatic channels, he briefed, adding efforts are being made to normalise border-based supply system and take the country to the path of economic progress by maintaining political stability.

On the occasion, the government urged the development partners to put into actions the announcements they made to provide Nepal with financial assistance during the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction hosted in the aftermath of the major earthquake that struck the country last April.

NPC Vice Chair Dr Yubraj Khatiwada called on the development partners to provide subsidy on alternative energy as an immediate assistance since the country was hit hard by a severe fuel crisis. Nepal was in a process of formulating development-friendly acts and laws, he said.

Finance Secretary Lokdarshan Regmi said the post-quake reconstruction was the priority of the government and expressed his hope that genuine cooperation from the development partners would help boost up nation’s economy.

Representatives from development partners showed their concerns about the present situation of Nepal. They urged the government to determine the sectors of priorities for foreign assistance.

Representatives from United Nations Development Programme, World Bank and Asian Development Bank were present on the occasion. RSS