Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle held a bilateral meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga in Washington, D.C. on October 5, 2026. Wagle briefed Banga on the severe physical and economic damage caused by the recent Bhote Koshi River flood and discussed Nepal’s reconstruction needs and the possibility of mobilizing additional resources for recovery.

Banga expressed sympathy over the losses caused by the disaster and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to support Nepal’s reconstruction efforts. He also welcomed reform measures being pursued by Nepal’s new government and emphasized the importance of expanding investment in priority infrastructure while generating employment opportunities within the country.

The meeting also covered broader development cooperation, with discussions on strengthening joint work between Nepal, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund in areas of shared national priority. The talks underlined the need for coordinated development financing and policy support to advance Nepal’s economic recovery and long-term growth.

According to the Finance Ministry, the meeting was the first bilateral engagement between Nepal’s finance minister and the World Bank president in roughly three decades. Senior World Bank officials, including Vice President Johannes Zutt and Juned Ahmed, also participated in the discussion.