Finance Minister Paudel and U.S. Assistant Secretary Lu Discuss Strengthening Nepal-U.S. Relations

Kathmandu, December 9: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel held an important discussion with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu at the Ministry of Finance today.

The meeting focused on effective implementation of projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), bilateral economic cooperation, development financing, and expanding private sector investments.

“There was an extensive discussion on Nepal-U.S. relations and the implementation of ongoing projects,” said Dhaniram Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. “The meeting also explored opportunities to make U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investments in Nepal’s private sector more effective and to attract additional capital. The government has pledged its full support to encourage private sector investments.”

Minister Paudel emphasized that with political stability in Nepal, the country’s top priority is now economic prosperity. He urged for enhanced U.S. support to accelerate Nepal’s economic growth and development.

Assistant Secretary Lu expressed satisfaction, noting that Nepal has maintained economic stability and growth compared to other South Asian nations facing challenges. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to providing additional economic assistance to Nepal in the future.

This meeting is expected to further strengthen Nepal-U.S. relations and pave the way for deeper economic collaboration.