Nepal's Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, has arrived in the United States for two days of high-level meetings. He is leading a two-member delegation, and his main aim is to bring in more help to rebuild after the recent floods.
Wagle left Kathmandu on the evening of Friday, October 2, 2026, and reached Washington, D.C., over the weekend. He is visiting at the invitation of World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. The main meetings are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 5–6 (Ashoj 19 and 20), US time.
Wagle is set to meet Banga and other senior World Bank officials. He will also meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and senior officials of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). He will hold talks as well with leading private investors about putting money into Nepal's infrastructure.
Agenda
- Flood rebuilding: Wagle will seek more support to rebuild the roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged by the flash floods on the Bhotekoshi River on August 26, 2026.
- Investment: He will promote investment in roads and electricity transmission lines, which he hopes will create jobs and widen economic opportunities.
- Economic reforms and FATF: The talks will cover wider economic reforms and Nepal's path to getting off the FATF grey list.
- Ties with the US: Both sides are expected to discuss stronger economic and development cooperation between Nepal and the United States.
The Nepali embassy said the minister will hold other high-level meetings aimed at strengthening Nepal's economic partnerships. It is expected to help Nepal attract foreign direct investment into large projects and strengthen relations with its development partners.
