ADB Unveils New Five-Year Country Partnership Strategy for Growth, Jobs, and Resilience

Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched Nepal’s new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for 2025–2029, which was approved by the ADB Board of Directors on 17 June. The CPS was formally unveiled on Tuesday in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel.

The CPS focuses on promoting private sector–led growth, boosting youth employment, and strengthening environmental sustainability and climate and disaster resilience. Over the next five years, ADB will provide $670 million to implement the CPS.

Finance Ministry Joint Secretary and Chief, International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division Dhani Ram Sharma, ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois, and World Bank Operations Manager for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka Preeti Arora also participated in the unveiling of the CPS. Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya gave the closing remarks. For the first time in Nepal, the CPS was developed jointly with the World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework, marking a significant milestone in collaborative development planning.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said, 'The launch of ADB’s new Country Partnership Strategy marks a new chapter in our six-decade partnership. Aligned with Nepal’s 16th Plan, it supports inclusive growth, climate resilience, and quality job creation—especially for our youth. We deeply appreciate ADB’s continued support in our journey toward economic transformation.'

'The CPS reflects ADB’s continued strong commitment in supporting Nepal’s development goals and sets a comprehensive agenda for inclusive, resilient, green, and employment-intensive economic growth,' said Cauchois. 'We appreciate the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and the deep collaboration with the World Bank Group. ADB remains committed to working with all stakeholders to implement the CPS effectively through a combination of investment projects, policy-based lending, and sector development programs that integrate policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure investments.'

The CPS incorporates cross-cutting priorities such as digital transformation, good governance and capacity building for federalism, and the empowerment of women and disadvantaged and vulnerable groups—ensuring inclusive and equitable development outcomes. 

ADB Principal Economist Jan Hansen and Programs Officer Shreejana Rajbhandari presented the CPS’s key strategic priorities and flagship projects. A short video showcased the extensive joint country consultations by ADB and the World Bank Group that shaped the strategy, including engagement with stakeholders across all seven provinces and federal agencies.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.