USAID Administrator Samantha Power Continues Her Visit to Nepal

On February 8, Administrator Samantha Power began her day with a trail run with Mira Rai, a former child soldier, world champion trail runner, and 2017 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. They ran through forested trails to the Kopan Monastery, a Buddhist monastery overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. The Administrator highlighted USAID’s support for Nepal’s tourism sector, praising Nepal’s world class tourism offerings and their potential to boost the economy and create jobs.

Administrator Power then met with Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. The two discussed USAID’s long standing partnership for development in Nepal as well as the development challenges still confronting the country. Administrator Power and Finance Minister Paudel agreed on the importance of attracting increased foreign direct investment to Nepal, and the Administrator emphasized the importance of streamlining bureaucracy and improving the business enabling environment in this regard. They also discussed the importance of working directly with local organizations and with the government of Nepal to achieve inclusive development.

At the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Administrator Power held a town hall and thanked Embassy staff for their commitment to the United States’ work to advance democracy, increase economic development, and help Nepalis most in need every day. The Administrator also met separately with USAID’s foreign service nationals to convey her appreciation for their work and engage in an open dialogue.

Administrator Power then met with recently-elected Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Administrator Power reiterated USAID’s enduring support for Nepal’s democratic resiliency and long-term inclusive economic prosperity, underscoring the 75 years of partnership between the U.S. and Nepal. Prime Minister Dahal praised the very successful relationship between USAID and Nepal, recalling his own experience working on a USAID agriculture project as a young man. The Administrator recognized Prime Minister Dahal’s important role in Nepal’s transition to peace and democracy, and urged him to deliver on the promises of this historic period, including in relation to social inclusion, institutional strengthening, and transitional justice. Prime Minister Dahal and Administrator Power discussed Nepal’s significant economic potential in areas such as agriculture, clean energy, and tourism, and agreed on the need to facilitate greater investment in Nepal.

Administrator Power also met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. They discussed ways to continue the close working relationship between USAID and the European Union and alignment on development efforts in Nepal and other parts of the world.

Finally, the Administrator held a press conference for Nepali and international journalists where she reflected on her visit to Kathmandu and spoke about the enduring strength of the United States-Nepal friendship.