US Committed to Provide More Financial Assistance to Nepal in Future: Donald Lu

Donald Lu, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, stated on Monday, December 9, that the United States is committed to providing increased financial assistance to Nepal in the coming days.  

Lu, who arrived in Nepal on Sunday, made the remarks during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Paudel at Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, according to the state-owned news agency RSS. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, effectively implementing projects under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and USAID, advancing development finance, and mobilising private sector investment.  

The US diplomat's statement comes shortly after Nepal signed the "BRI Cooperation Framework" with China during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's four-day official visit to Beijing from December 2–5.  

Dhaniram Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, noted that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has been investing in Nepal’s private sector. “We discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of these investments, expand them, and attract additional capital,” the RSS quoted Sharma as saying.

Finance Minister Paudel urged Lu to broaden US assistance to further support Nepal's economic growth. Lu commended Nepal’s steady economic progress at a time when countries in the region are going through a challenging situation.

Although Lu has yet to meet with Prime Minister Oli, he held discussions with Bishnu Rimal and Yubaraj Khatiwada, the prime minister’s political and economic advisors, respectively. Rimal shared details of their conversation on the social media platform X, noting their discussions on mutual interests and ways to strengthen Nepal-US relations.  

“Had a fruitful courtesy meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Donald Lu,” Rimal’s post read. “Discussed various matters of mutual interest and ways to strengthen Nepal-US relations. Grateful for the continued partnership and support.”  

On Sunday, Lu also met with former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal at their respective residences.  

As part of his visit, Lu is scheduled to engage with civil society members and youth representatives. His trip to Nepal follows visits to India and Sri Lanka.  

(With inputs from RSS)