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Sumar provides updates on US-funded projects
The US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Regional Deputy Vice President for Compact Operations, Fatema Sumar, has provided updates to the Nepal government on feasibility studies of projects recently launched by MCC, an independent US government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.The US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Regional Deputy Vice President for Compact Operations, Fatema Sumar, has provided updates to the Nepal government on feasibility studies of projects recently launched by MCC, an independent US government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.
In meetings with officials—including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Energy Minister Janardan Sharma, and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ramesh Lekhak—Sumar updated the government on feasibility studies launched by MCC as part of a $10 million grant to the government for compact development, says a statement issued today by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
“The feasibility studies focus on electricity transmission line projects and will inform compact programme design and preparation,” says the statement. Sumar also provided updates on proposed investments in off-grid energy and road transport projects.
“MCC and the Government of Nepal have made significant progress toward developing a compact that will unlock widespread and sustainable economic growth,” the statement quotes Sumar as saying. “Through our partnership, we will continue to work together to finalise the compact agreement and power sector operational environment that supports the electricity and transport sectors and improve the lives of the people of Nepal.”
Nepal was first selected by MCC’s Board of Directors as eligible for a compact in December 2014. MCC and the government of Nepal are developing projects that tackle key constraints to economic growth in the country, including the inadequate supply of power and the high cost of transportation.