The Government of Nepal has accepted a concessional loan of US$150 million (approximately Rs 20.12 billion) from the World Bank. In a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, the government also decided to form a negotiation team, led by the joint secretary of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss an additional US$135 million loan for promoting green, sustainable, and inclusive development.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the Cabinet’s decisions on Sunday, highlighting the approval to exempt customs duties on grant-funded goods intended for disaster relief and reconstruction.
The Cabinet also confirmed the re-appointment of Ashish Gajurel as the executive director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board. In another decision, the government approved a survey to assess the organization and management of quarantine offices under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The government pledged immediate relief to 71 local governments across 20 districts impacted by recent floods and landslides. Additionally, it approved the establishment of an immigration office at the Korala checkpoint in Mustang district and authorized the use of national forest land in Taplejung for hydropower project construction.
To enhance Nepal’s civil aviation sector, the Cabinet formed a high-level study committee. Furthermore, the government decided to gift a pair of elephants from Hattisar, Chitwan National Park, to the Government of Qatar as part of diplomatic efforts.