Reporters Club Event: “I clearly remember the day of the declaration when the United States Congress passed the Millennium Challenge Corporation plan,” said Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat former Finance Minister and senior leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress Party (NC). Speaking at a special interaction program regarding the issue of MCC and its acceptance by the Government of Nepal (GoN) at the Reporters Club, Dr. Mahat clarified that the MCC had nothing to do with the Indo-Pacific strategy.  

“The MCC was established to eradicate poverty for those eligible nations fulfilling a set of criteria. Economically weaker nations who fulfilled certain criterions of human rights, political rights, citizenship rights, and democratization in administration along with a responsible government were given the opportunity to apply for the MCC aid from the government of the United States”.    

“Nepal applied through an open competition of over 80 other developing nations, while numerous other nations have benefitted from the MCC aid in the previous years. Our score for the compact agreement was extremely high and we were one of the top nations on the list”.  

 “It was under my Ministry that the office of the MCC opened in Nepal. Back in 2015, we had an agreement, and a detailed project study was carried out by the agency. In 2017 after a conclusive and detailed study, it showed that Nepal could develop rapidly in the areas of Hydropower, Energy, and Transportation. A 318 KV transmission line will be set up from Butwal to Gorakhpur of India. We have had a separate agreement with India to this regard and there is no question of controversy”. 

“There is a baseless rumor that MCC is a part of the Indo-Pacific strategy which is misinformation. There is no military alliance of any sort. The intention of the MCC is purely related to the development aspect and poverty reduction. It wants the Nation receiving the aid to transform the lives of people. It is a program where there are strict regulations, financial planning, and inclusiveness”.  

“The MCC only has a developmental side to it. It has kept in mind inclusivity, gender equality, and environment protection. These were criterions that we fulfilled as a nation while applying for the aid. It has a specified term of 5 years and has no relationship with the IPS. There are no terms and conditions or clause that goes against our national interest or mentions any military alliance. We are a non-aligned nation and this is not in our policy. We will work for our national interest, and not go against any third nation, we never have, and never will go against any third nation or make any agreement of sort” 

“The grant amount that was decided was between United States Dollar (USD) 300-700 million. This aid will be utilized for the purpose of hydropower, energy, and the transportation sector which will enable Nepal to have that financial growth that it needs” 

Dr. Mahat has requested to GoN to act swiftly in this matter in order to formalize the agreement and begin the process of receiving the aid. He said “the purpose of the MCC is to raise the standard of living of the people. I request the GoN to pass this, as I personally know there is nothing in the MCC that is against our national interest. We have worked hard for this and fulfilled all the criterions set by the US in order to receive the aid. This is not against our national interest, it is for the financial prosperity of the country, and it will develop and reduce poverty in the country”.  

KATHMANDU, Oct 7: The high-level visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping is close to confirmation. Preparations are underway by the Government of Nepal in order to welcome President Xi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government officials and security personnel have been closely coordinating with one another. The final date of President Xi’s arrival is not confirmed yet.

President Xi will be going to India too, but it is not confirmed whether he will come to Nepal before or after his visit. His visit to India has been confirmed where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second unofficial meeting, where both leaders share a personal rapport with one another. The sources at the Indian media say that the date for President Xi’s visit to India will take another 2-3 days to finalize.

The coastal town of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu is all set to welcome President Xi. The meeting is said to further the ties between India China relations. Diplomatic channels are working to make this visit a grand success.

Before his visit to India, President Xi will be meeting the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan according to the sources in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Pakistani Prime Minister will be heading to Beijing this week and will meet President Xi, as stated by the sources.

This will be the second informal meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the previous one was held in PM Modi’s hometown in Gujarat last year.

KATHMANDU, OCT 2: In order to boost Germany’s investment in Nepal, the first of its kind conference has begun in the capital city starting today. The conference jointly organized by the Investment Board, Embassy of Germany and the Nepal-German Chamber of Commerce is being attended by various industrialists, project experts, and other technocrats. A special 14 member delegation led by Hans- Werner Brauch Deputy Head of Cologne is in the capital for the event.

Speaking at the program the Ambassador of Germany to Nepal Roland Schafer said, “there is a lot of opportunities and potential for development, and that Nepal is now on the path to economic prosperity along with political stability”. He was hopeful that the Nepal Germany partnership can be enhanced in the areas of infrastructural development, cultural exchange and tourism, he also said that “private business will be an added advantage and will be a new dimension altogether”.

Also at the program, the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Baikuntha Aryal said that ” the government has modified existing laws in order to attract more foreign investment into the country. We are also making institutional arrangements in order to facilitate newer investment opportunities. Germany is the third-largest country in terms of export of Nepalese goods and they are an important partner”.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Board Maha Prasad Adhikari said that in order for Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali, the government has to create a favorable environment for attracting foreign investment which is much needed in order to fulfill the aspirations and objectives of the people. He said that it would be fundamental to the economic prosperity of the country.

Anup Malla, President of the Nepal-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry laid emphasis on trade and investment growth in order to build a smart and green economy. He urged the industrialists of Germany to invest in producing technical and skilled manpower.

Sanjiv Shakya, the founder of the Nepal Economic Forum, said that Nepal has enormous potential for prosperity due to its geography, population, and environment.

Similary the Deputy head of Cologne, said “there is a lot of potential for German investment in Nepal, adding that he will cooperate with the municipality in the coming days. He also said that diplomatic ties between Germany and Nepal have expanded over the years”.

Deputy Head Brauch also visited the historic sites of Lalitpur and Kirtipur praising the historical and cultural significance and importance of ancient history.

KATHMANDU: Speaking at the completion of one year of his appointment as the Commander- in- Chief of the Nepalese Army, Purna Chandra Thapa gave an address of optimism, dynamism, and hope to lay out in detail what had been achieved over the past year and the Nepalese Army future course of action.

He also made a declaration of the property that he owns. Speaking at a press conference on the 11th Chief Thapa’s speech was well determined and well concentrated on the aims and objectives of the Nepalese Army.

Chief Thapa said that our nation has finally crossed over to stability after a long period of internal conflict.

This transition cannot be taken lightly as security challenges remain, and the Nepal Army should be able to discharge its duties in line with its constitutional obligations as an institution. He also said that a Nation will be strong if it has a strong army and vice versa hence we have to look at the nation’s security and interest and work accordingly.

(Commander-in-Chief Purna Chandra Thapa) 

Commander- in- Chief Thapa also said that the military was one of the prime powers and a strong pillar for a nation, making it one of the major elements of national power.

He also further went on to thank the Nepal Army for its services rendered for the people at home and missions abroad.

The entire speech was well covered with the completion of his first tenure toward various programs Civil-Military Cooperation, Quick Impact Project, Mobile Medical Camp, and International Military Sports Council.

He spoke about the value the Nepal Army brings, and which is ready to sacrifice for the nation’s sovereignty and dignity. It is a belief that is held closely with the aspirations of the nation.

He laid out the vision for the Nepal Army, (NA Vision 2030, and Welfare Vision 2030). He added that Nepal Army personnel should seek to serve as long as they are enlisted, there would be a time when they would have to give up their responsibilities, and this is only the system that is to be followed leaving behind work for the future, leaving behind knowledge and experience for newer members that would continue the fine tradition of service to the nation.

Chief Thapa also spoke about the various development efforts within the Nepal Army, Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) as guidelines and delegation of duty, the refurbishment of the Nepal Army digital portal, Oversight cell and establishing a formal Chain of Command. He said the Nepal Army is moving towards more responsibility and transparency through full-fledged digitization.

The Nepal Army was also expected to grow through various educational methods and newer courses, such as the creation of an Instructor Pool, Comprehensive Instructor Development Program, making it attractive and dignified in order for the future development of the Nepalese Army. They would be further guided by a conceptual framework and communication exercise in the near future.

The Chief spoke about the need to further improve the quality of life of Army personnel. They are aggressive toward developing the Cantonment system with a master plan that would eventually be a huge benefit in terms of infrastructure and residential living for the Nepalese Army. There would be a measurable quality of unit life which would be an improvised version as compared to what exists.

The Commander in Chief also stated about various measures being taken for civilian and military partnership through the Quick Impact Project. It was also essential for the Army to get into Defense production in order to reduce the burden on the national economy and at the same time reverse corruption within the Army. In order to achieve these, there would be a Contract Management Unit, along with a Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Team that would be observing and keeping an account of all the activities making it transparent and authentic. There would be a Specification Preparation Team for procuring contracts for the Nepal Army for its various projects, and each project will be specified with a particular budget. There would also be a requirement based on budgeting.

A National Defense University (NDU) will be set up in the near future. The Nepalese Army will also have further access to modernized weapons and training methods in order to be a part of UN Missions abroad, and as one of the prime troop-contributing countries, it would enable its soldiers to be well equipped and well trained.

Commander in Chief Thapa spoke on selfless service keeping personal interests aside, and taking up the national cause in line with the constitution. He said to come out of the comfort zone mentality that we may possess once in power, but we should not forget our duty, and hence he requested everyone to be more proactive in fulfilling their duties for the greater cause of the nation and her people.

KATHMANDU, Sept 9: The two foreign ministers of Nepal and China met at the Yak and Yeti Hotel in Durbarmarg today. Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met for over an hour where China’s President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal was discussed.

(Delegates from Nepal-China meeting at Yak and Yeti Hotel) 

Along with the Chinese premiers visit other developmental aspects of Nepal China relations were also brought to the table. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and various other investments that are made by China in various developmental projects in Nepal.

Minister Gyawali proposed various initiatives like the Rasuwagadi-Kathmandu roadway, Galchhi-Rasuwagadi-Kerung electricity transmission line, and railway network between Kathmandu-Kerung were also discussed during the meeting.

During this meeting project, details regarding various areas of cooperation will be submitted according to internal sources at the foreign ministry. This meeting will be followed by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the presence of the foreign ministers and dignitaries.

( China Foreign Minister Wang Yi) 

His Excellency Wang Yi is on a three-day official visit to Kathmandu, he has also visited a major attraction site in the outer valley in Chandragiri Hills later in the day.

(Photos provided by Mukunda Kalikote / Reporters Club Nepal) 

BHARATPUR, Sept 4: Chairman of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ” Prachanda” stated that the country cannot afford to get into anarchy and destabilization. Addressing an interaction program organized by the stakeholders of the Bharatpur Airport Extension and Improvement part of the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation, he said, ” there were too many youths who are frustrated due to lack of opportunities”.

During the address, he laid emphasis on the development model for the country saying that strong action was necessary to take things forward in all the sectors for holistic progress. He also accused certain elements of misleading the public and opposing development. He also stated that Chitwan can be a new model for the country and its development is crucial to the progress of the country.

The former Prime Minister also said that there has been increasing frustration among the youth of the country and that there were no opportunities available for them. It is important to create opportunities for the younger generation to ease frustration and bring in a message that Nepal has truly moved into an era of rapid development.

He also said that the ” Bharatpur Airport should be expanded as an alternative especially for the surrounding areas of Nawalparasi, Makwanpur, Tanahun, Gorkha and Dhading districts. Not developing and expanding the Bharatpur airport will be a big risk he said, and that it would be a very viable alternative as an additional major airport.

SARACHCHANDRA BHANDARI, KATHMANDU, April 28: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) – a multilateral development agency founded to contribute towards lessening poverty and building prosperity of the region through physical infrastructure development – has entered 50 years of its operations.

The partnership between Nepal and ADB since its establishment in 1967 has consolidated the mutual cooperation in reducing country poverty, enhancing vocational skills and technical know-how and addressing natural calamities and emergency situation besides education, health and drinking water.

The Bank has so far invested billions of rupees to execute small, middle and mega development projects since 50 years backs in its bid to support Nepal to free from vicious circle of poverty.

It is noted that Nepal has received ADB cooperation in around 200 development projects.

Among the ongoing projects in operations with ADB technical support and funding are Melamchi Drinking Water, Hydropower Investment, South Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation, Roads Improvement, School Sector Improvement, Kathmandu Upatyaka Drinking Water Supply Improvement, Electricity Extension and Transmission Capacity Expansion and Engineering Higher Education Expansion.

On the occasion of the 50 years of its establishment, the Board of Governors of ADB are discussing development issues under ‘Building Together the Prosperity of Asia’ on the participation of over 3000 participants from 67 member countries.

The four-day seminar programme provides a vibrant platform to discuss economic, finance and development issues of current interests to ADB stakeholders. The topical discussion would be on Asia’s opportunities for the next 50 years, resilient cities, public private partnership progress and challenges in Asia and the Pacific, women leadership for inclusive and livable cities, transcending the middle income challenges and technology for development, among others.

A high-level Nepali delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara will apprise the international community of Nepal’s development aspirations, contemporary political development, local level elections and development projects and make efforts for further cooperation.

A separate meeting of the Finance Ministers of SAARC countries is also taking place in Yokohama on the same occasion. The meeting would discuss the agendas to make SAARC functional and take stock the programmes SAARC announced earlier on free trade, energy, road network and connectivity.

ADB is owned by 67 members including 48 from the Asia-pacific region. Nepal as a founder member of the Bank has invested 0.03 % of the total capital of ADB.

On Nepal’s 50 years partnership with ADB and its role, former Finance Minister and Foreign Affairs Minster Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said, “We need ADB as a reliable partner for the development of Nepal”. Lauding ADB cooperation in development infrastructure of Nepal, Dr Mahat said the importance of multilateral agencies such as ADB is high when we need more development cooperation for country’s prosperity.
Another former Finance Minster Surendra Pandey commented, “ADB cooperation is imperative for us to attain double digit economic growth rate”.