Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, who is in the United States, held meetings with US officials and representatives of various donor agencies during his participation in the annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings in Washington DC.

Khanal discussed enhancing bilateral trade and investment with the representative of the US Department of Commerce and requested an extension of the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTTP). He also held talks with representatives of the US Department of State on strengthening relations and advancing mutual interests.

In separate meetings, Khanal urged the Saudi Fund for Development and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to increase investment in Nepal’s infrastructure and human development sectors. The Saudi Fund for Development representative informed the minister about their plan for funding for irrigation and hydropower projects.

Discussions with JICA focused on accelerating the reconstruction of the BP Highway, the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel road, and the Koteshwar section projects.

Khanal also met with Krishna Srinivasan, director of the Asia and Pacific Department at the IMF, to discuss the continued implementation of Nepal’s Extended Credit Facility programme. Both sides exchanged views on amendments to the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, commercial bank credit portfolio studies, and maintaining financial stability. Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Nath Poudel was present during the meeting.