KATHMANDU: Former Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has been awarded with the Finance Minister of the Year.

The Banker magazine announced Mahat as the Global and Asia-Pacific Finance Minister of the Year on Monday.

"This decision was the outcome of our discussions here at the magazine, and a survey of views among bankers and economists. Many congratulations to you and your colleagues," read letter sent by the London-based magazine to Mahat.

"Survey respondents pointed to the significant work you and your team carried out following the catastrophic earthquakes this year, your pro-activity in making Nepal’s challenges known after the natural disasters, and the resilience of Nepal’s economy following these calamities."

"The Banker's Finance Minister of the Year 2016 awards celebrate the officials that have best managed to stimulate growth and stabilise their economy," the London-based magazine posted on its website.

Ram Sharan Mahat, #Nepal's former #FinMin, is our global and Asia-Pacific finance minister of the year https://t.co/LBDMY34vD2 @ramsmahat

— The Banker (@TheBanker) January 4, 2016

Mahat, a Nepali Congress leader, was the Finance Minister for Nepal since February 2014 to October 2015 in the Sushil Koirala-led government.

It was his sixth stint at the Ministry of Finance since 1994.

Mahat is credited for making significant contributions in garnering foreign aid to Nepal in aftermath of the devastating April 25 earthquake.