Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah held a courtesy meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Tuesday morning.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the six-decade-long development partnership between the Government of Nepal and the ADB, according to PM Shah’s Press and Research Adviser Deepa Dahal.
On the occasion, PM Shah expressed confidence that Nepal would achieve a new leap in development in the coming days through good governance and transparency.
The two sides held positive discussions on advancing hydropower and tourism as key pillars of Nepal’s economy, as well as on cooperation in digitalization and tourism-related road infrastructure.
On the occasion, ADB President Kanda reiterated the bank’s commitment to expanding development support in Nepal. He added that ADB would remain an active long-term partner in the country’s economic growth and prosperity.
Kanda also praised Nepal’s strong economic potential, decisive public mandate, and youthful leadership. He described Nepal’s young leadership and its commitment to reform as inspiring. In a tweet post after the meeting, Kanda said he affirmed ADB’s strong commitment to supporting his ambitious reforms towards economic transformation, job creation and investment during his meeting with PM Shah.
“ADB is stepping up as Nepal’s largest development partner, with additional support of $2.4 billion through 2029 to help translate the Prime Minister’s vision into results on the ground,” he added.
This marked the first time that Prime Minister Shah has met a foreign dignitary individually since assuming office on March 27.
Earlier, he granted a joint audience to ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community stationed in Nepal.
