Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has returned to Nepal after completing a two-day visit to the United States at the invitation of World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. During his stay in Washington, Wagle discussed Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction needs following the Bhote Koshi flood, broader economic reform priorities, and the possibility of mobilizing around USD 1 billion in resources for reconstruction, insurance and social protection.

Wagle also participated in a World Bank programme titled “Fireside chat on the economic outlook and policy priorities for South Asia and the impacts and opportunities of AI for the region,” organized in connection with the October 2026 edition of the South Asia Economic Update. The engagement focused on South Asia’s economic outlook, policy priorities and the growing role of artificial intelligence in the region.

During the visit, the finance minister also held discussions with senior officials of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and other American institutions. His meetings included exchanges with companies and experts working in artificial intelligence, including Firebird AI, representatives of NVIDIA, and researchers and intellectuals associated with Harvard University’s Growth Lab.

The Finance Ministry said the visit combined Nepal’s immediate reconstruction and financing priorities with longer-term efforts to attract high-value investment, deepen development partnerships and explore emerging opportunities in technology and artificial intelligence.