Kathmandu. KATHMANDU, Oct 14: Minister for Finance, Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, who is in Washington DC of the United States of America in course of attending the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, held discussions on the issues of mutual trade and investment between Nepal and the United States of America on October 29, and requested the government to extend the term for Nepal Trade Preference Program (ATTP).
Likewise, the meeting held talks with the representatives of US State Department on matters of mutual interest including strengthening bilateral relations. Minister Khanal also met with representatives of Saudi Fund and Japan Cooperation Agency (JICA) separately and urged them to increase investment in Nepal’s infrastructure and human development sectors.
Khanal informed that the SFD will invest in irrigation and hydropower in Nepal. During the meeting, discussions were held with the representatives of Japan Cooperation Agency regarding rehabilitation of the BP Highway, Nagdhunga tunnel way and Koteshwor section of the project.
Likewise, Finance Minister Khanal also held a meeting with the International Monetary Fund’s Asia Pacific Country Director Krishna Srinivasan on how to continue the implementation of the extended credit program operated with the assistance of the IMF today.
On the occasion, both sides exchanged views on amendment to Nepal Rastra Bank Act, study of loan portfolio of commercial banks and maintaining financial stability. Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Bishwanath Poudel was also present on the occasion.
