Nepal’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, concluded a series of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., focusing on economic cooperation, recovery initiatives, and bilateral relations. Arriving in the U.S. capital on October 3, 2026, at the invitation of the World Bank Group President, Dr. Wagle met with World Bank President Ajay Banga at the organization’s headquarters. During their discussion, the Finance Minister expressed deep appreciation for the World Bank’s longstanding support and cooperation.
The talks with the World Bank heavily emphasized recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in response to the severe damage caused by recent devastating floods in Nepal. President Banga conveyed his sympathies to the Government of Nepal and affected families, while reaffirming the World Bank’s strong support for the nation’s recovery process.
In addition to his World Bank engagements, Dr. Wagle participated in key strategic discussions at the Embassy of Nepal. Jason Small, Acting Vice President for Operations at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), paid a courtesy call to discuss the status of implementation and timely completion of MCC Compact projects. Furthermore, Caroline Vik, Chief Policy Advisor of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), met with Dr. Wagle to explore avenues for enhanced economic cooperation, investment, and private-sector partnerships.
Concluding his itinerary, Dr. Wagle met with CDA a.i. Sharad Raj Aran and other embassy officials, who briefed him on diplomatic services and activities. The Finance Minister encouraged officials to prioritize economic diplomacy and continue strengthening bilateral relations with the United States before his scheduled departure for Kathmandu.
