YOKOHAMA, JAPAN: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has expressed commitment to providing maximum support in physical infrastructure development of Nepal.

JICA expressed such commitment in course of meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara and high-officials of JICA today. DPM Mahara is here to participate in the 50th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Directors.

A team led by Executive Senior Vice-President of JICA Kazuhiko Koshikawa made the commitment to provide support to Nepal in three tiers of elections.

Expressing happiness over the progress in construction process of Nagdhunga-Kathmandu tunnel route, JICA said that construction task in this regard would be initiated as soon as possible.

It has expressed the belief that the concerned bodies would carry out the post-earthquake reconstruction task in a speedy manner, expressing concern over dillydallying in this regard.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Mahara said the incumbent government was working with the objective of organising all three tiers elections as stipulated in the constitution, and that the local level election is taking place this month in this connection. He added that the country was heading towards the conclusion of the political transition.

Stating that the government was committed to taking the country ahead on the path of rapid economic development institutionalising the democratic achievements, the Finance Minister expressed gratitude to Japan for the support it has extended in Nepal's infrastructure development and the post-quake reconstruction.

DPM Mahara told Rastriya Samachar Samiti that during his meeting with a team including JICA's South Asia Director Takeyuchi Takuro on matters pertaining to bilateral development assistance, reconstruction works undertaken with KICA assistance, energy development, social reform and economic development.

He also said discussions were held with the delegation on infrastructure development, transport, management of public transport and mass transit in the Kathmandu valley, the school sector reform programme, and topics of mutual interest and concern including health.

DPM Mahara informed that Executive Senior Vice President of JICA Kazuhiko pledged to provide every possible assistance for the development endeavours and prosperity with the establishment of peace in Nepal.

Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi, Joint Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, Charge d'Affaires of Nepal to Japan, Krishna Chandra Aryal among other officials were present in the meeting.

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