Finance Minister Pun addresses annual meetings of WB, IMF
KATHMANDU , SEP 24 -
Minister for Finance Barsha Man Pun has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to concentrate on large and mega projects like large hydropower projects, roads and river, water management projects and help create employment for multiple development impact in the poor countries like Nepal.
Addressing the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in Washington, USA, on Friday, Minister Pun urged to extend support in mega projects saying that, "We have realized from our long experience that aid effectiveness has not been directly visible where aid is scattered."
Saying the growth performance of the Nepalese economy in the recent years was not encouraging due to frequent changes in the government, energy problem, low efficiency in the use of resources and absence of conducive industrial environment, Minister Pun added "The present Government is committed to address all these problems and to this effect various programs have already been initiated."
He said many of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators have improved and poverty levels are declining. "Inclusion and representation have received increased policy attention, but capacity building of marginalized communities still remains far from satisfactory despite the pressure on government expenditure to meet emerging needs of the people, we have maintained macro-economic stability in the country."
Stating Nepal is still struggling hard to take the peace process to a logical end, draft the new constitution, and institutionalize political stability in the country, the Finance Minister made it clear that political consensus among the major political parties was needed to accomplish all the tasks.
Pun also expressed government's commitment to the new constitution and lasting peace in the country within the stipulated timeframe adding that the UCPN (Maoist) had publicly announced to finalize the integration and rehabilitation of its army combatants within 45 days prior to the formation of the Maoist-led government.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Pun said, "We are encouraged by the World Bank Group’s focus on strengthening governance to increase transparency and accountability of the member governments and the Bank itself. We highly appreciate the World Bank’s support for Nepal’s participation in regional and multilateral global initiatives including Climate Investment Fund Pilot Programs and other projects with the joint support of Asian Development Bank, International Development Association and the International Finance Corporation."
On the occasion, he assured the international communities to meet expectations of the Nepalese people for peace, stability, and progress through a democratic and inclusive constitution to pave the way for economic development and improvement of the living standard of the people.
Source: Kantipur
Minister for Finance Barsha Man Pun has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to concentrate on large and mega projects like large hydropower projects, roads and river, water management projects and help create employment for multiple development impact in the poor countries like Nepal.
Addressing the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF in Washington, USA, on Friday, Minister Pun urged to extend support in mega projects saying that, "We have realized from our long experience that aid effectiveness has not been directly visible where aid is scattered."
Saying the growth performance of the Nepalese economy in the recent years was not encouraging due to frequent changes in the government, energy problem, low efficiency in the use of resources and absence of conducive industrial environment, Minister Pun added "The present Government is committed to address all these problems and to this effect various programs have already been initiated."
He said many of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators have improved and poverty levels are declining. "Inclusion and representation have received increased policy attention, but capacity building of marginalized communities still remains far from satisfactory despite the pressure on government expenditure to meet emerging needs of the people, we have maintained macro-economic stability in the country."
Stating Nepal is still struggling hard to take the peace process to a logical end, draft the new constitution, and institutionalize political stability in the country, the Finance Minister made it clear that political consensus among the major political parties was needed to accomplish all the tasks.
Pun also expressed government's commitment to the new constitution and lasting peace in the country within the stipulated timeframe adding that the UCPN (Maoist) had publicly announced to finalize the integration and rehabilitation of its army combatants within 45 days prior to the formation of the Maoist-led government.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Pun said, "We are encouraged by the World Bank Group’s focus on strengthening governance to increase transparency and accountability of the member governments and the Bank itself. We highly appreciate the World Bank’s support for Nepal’s participation in regional and multilateral global initiatives including Climate Investment Fund Pilot Programs and other projects with the joint support of Asian Development Bank, International Development Association and the International Finance Corporation."
On the occasion, he assured the international communities to meet expectations of the Nepalese people for peace, stability, and progress through a democratic and inclusive constitution to pave the way for economic development and improvement of the living standard of the people.
Source: Kantipur
