KATHMANDU, Jan 24: Nepal and Germany have signed Financial and Technical Cooperation Agreements totaling 56 million Euros.
Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, and Thomas Prinz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal, signed Financial and Technical Cooperation Agreements on behalf of their respective governments for a grant assistance totalling up to 56,000,000 Euros (Fifty-six million Euros) from the German government on Tuesday. The grant was the sum pledged by the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022.
Germany to provide 36 million euros in next two years
According to a press statement issued by the German Embassy, Kathmandu, the Financial Cooperation Agreement shall support the private and public sector to expand energy transmission lines, to promote solar energy, gender equality and to improve maternal care and childcare in remote areas in Nepal.
The Technical Cooperation Agreement focuses to support gender equality and social inclusion in Nepal and local and provincial economic development - especially in Western Nepal (together with the European Union and Finland). Moreover, the Agreement shall promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, strengthen quality infrastructure for sustainable economic development and support the health sector strategy in Nepal, as mentioned in the statement.
The statement reads, “2023 marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Germany. The Federal Republic of Germany has consistently contributed to Nepal’s development efforts in diverse ways over the years. It has been actively contributing to the fields of energy, health, good governance as well as aiding Nepal in meeting its Sustainable Development Goals. Through this grant, the German Government targets to further enhance its commitment and continue its valuable support to the people of Nepal.”
“Our friendship with Nepal is deeply cherished. Germany has been supporting Nepal’s hydropower and energy endeavors, among others, since long. Through collaboration and support, we aim to contribute to its continued progress and prosperity,” the statement quotes Ambassador Thomas Prinz as saying.
