The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Nepal’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) today launched a photo exhibit to commemorate 50years of partnership that started when Nepal became a founding member of ADB in 1966.

The photo exhibit, which runs until 25 January in Kathmandu and between 30 January and 1 February in Pokhara, showcases ADB’s operations in Asia and the Pacific with a particular focus on Nepal. It was opened jointly by MoF Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi and ADB Nepal Resident Mission Country Director Kenichi Yokoyama.

“The exhibit is a fitting tribute to ADB’s assistance in driving socio-economic growth and development in Nepal,” said Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi. “It highlights the long-standing and solid relationship between Nepal and the ADB.”

ADB Nepal Resident Mission Country Director Kenichi Yokoyama said, “These photos show the core of ADB’s work in Asia, and particularly in Nepal, to respond to the region’s development needs. The exclusive sections for Nepal capture the essence of ADB’s support in energy, transport, urban infrastructure, human development, and agriculture. It also presents how the projects have brought together the critical agendas of governance, gender and social inclusion, and environment and climate change.”

He added, “We look forward to expanding and deepening our partnership with Nepal for the country's accelerated and inclusive development, jointly building essential physical infrastructure and human capital, and transforming agriculture, while substantially enhancing implementation capacities.”

Over the course of its partnership with Nepal, ADB has provided the country with $5 billion in public and private sector loans, technical assistance and grants. In its early years, the partnership focused on improving agriculture. It has since evolved to support energy, education, agriculture, transport, urban infrastructure, and governance. ADB has responded quickly to the country’s needs in times of crisis, for example by providing grants for immediate relief and loans for reconstruction after the 2015 earthquakes.

The exhibit includes nearly 100images focusing on the human impact of ADB operations across its member countries, including Nepal.