KATHMANDU, May 30 (Xinhua) — Nepal’s government on Tuesday decided to ask the Chinese government and the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for financial assistance for poverty alleviation program to be launched in 16 mountainous and hilly districts bordering China.
“A meeting of Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ decided to seek the Chinese assistance under the Belt and Road Initiative,” Chandra Kumar Ghimire, a board member of the PAF told Xinhua on Tuesday.
Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to be a part of the initiative on May 12 in Kathmandu.
The PAF headed by the prime minister is the special service vehicle of the Nepali government to bring the excluded communities into the mainstream of development, by involving the poor and disadvantaged groups themselves in the driving seat of development efforts.
According to PAF officials, the request will be made to China through the diplomatic channel.
Nahakul KC, executive director of PAF, told Xinhua on Tuesday that they have developed a proposal involving the activities like promoting cross-border trade, development of micro-hydro projects, development of medicinal herbs, livestock development and activities related to health and education for seeking Chinese assistance.