The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is fully committed to working closely with the government of Nepal and stakeholders in supporting Nepal’s poverty reduction and development critical for lasting peace and stability, said Sultan H. Rahman, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Department, at the end of a three-day official visit to Nepal.


Rahman added that ADB had been closely following recent developments in Nepal and was aware of the challenging and complex political transition the country was undergoing.


“It is important for the government to stay focused on the nation’s strategic development goals, while taking the peace and constitution drafting process forward,” he said.


During his visit with high level government officials, including prime minister, finance minister, other ministers and secretaries, Rahman reiterated ADB’s commitment to Nepal’s development and nderscored the need for effective delivery of basic services to the people of Nepal.


In particular, he underscored the importance of improving the quality of education to support Nepal’s social and economic redevelopment.


Rahman, who used to head ADB’s Resident Mission in Nepal from 2003 to 2006, noted the progress made in the Melamchi Water Support project but stressed the need to speed up project implementation much more while monitoring safety and environmental issues.