Nepal, Afghan tourism

KATHMANDU: A delegation from Afghanistan today held an interaction with officials of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on matters of partnership related to tourism development. The 20-member delegation arrived in Nepal on September 2 under the initiative of Asian Development Bank (ADB), and will study the achievements of Nepal in the sector of community forest, eco-tourism and natural means and resources. Fazia Asefi, director of Afghan Tourism Organisation, informed that the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan has destroyed large tracts of natural resources. —HNS

ADBL’s irrigation loan

KATHMANDU: Agriculture Development Bank Ltd (ADBL) extended Rs 1.21 million loan for 27 shallow tube well projects in two zones in the far western region, Seti and Mahakali during the fiscal year 2006-07. Under the project, 35 hectares of land have been irrigated which has benefitted 27 households, states a bank press release issued here today. The bank also recovered Rs 11.01 million in principal and Rs 19.6 million in interest from its loan investment in irrigation projects. —HNS