April 24: Government authorities of Nepal have urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to invest in projects which are productive and capable of creating jobs.    
National Planning Commission (NPC)’s Vice Chair Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha made such a request during a meeting with ADB Country Director Arnaud Cauchois at Singha Durbar on Monday.    
During the occasion, the NPC vice chair insisted on the need for increasing investment in the productive sector and employment-oriented projects in Nepal. He also thanked the regional bank for its support to Nepal's development endeavors, expressing his hope for the continuity of the ADB assistance in the days to come.    
During the meeting, the two discussed about the cooperation between the NPC and the ADB and the ADB-funded projects in Nepal. The ADB country director apprised the NPC Vice Chair that a 'portfolio review' of ADB investment in Nepal has improved. He added that the ADB is ready to invest in new projects launched by the government.    
The ADB's investment in Nepal is equivalent to USD 3.2 billion. As of the year 2022, the ADB has invested in energy, transport, agriculture, drinking water, urban development, service, rural development, health and education sectors and in the natural resources.    
It has invested in various projects including Melamchi Water Supply Project, Gautam Buddha International Airport and Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project.    
Last year, the ADB had provided a loan equivalent to USD 255 million to Nepal.    
During the portfolio review meeting, the ADB also awarded Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project, Rural Enterprise Financing Project and Electricity Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement Project. -- RSS