Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle Arrives in Washington, Set to Meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and World Bank Chief Ajay Banga

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has arrived in Washington, DC, leading a two-member Nepali delegation for a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening Nepal’s economic partnerships and international cooperation.

Wagle arrived in the US on Saturday. He was welcomed at the airport by Sharad Raj Aran, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, along with other embassy officials.

The Finance Minister is scheduled to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga during his visit. The meetings are expected to focus on Nepal’s economic cooperation with the United States and international development partners.

Reconstruction and Economic Cooperation

According to information released by the Nepali side, discussions will cover ways to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and mobilize additional assistance for reconstruction and resilient development following recent flood damage in the Bhotekoshi area.

The talks are also expected to address investment in major infrastructure projects, including roads and electricity transmission lines, with the aim of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in Nepal.

Wagle’s visit comes as Nepal continues to seek greater support from development partners for post-disaster reconstruction and infrastructure recovery.

FATF Grey List Exit and Economic Reforms

The meetings will also cover Nepal’s efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, along with broader economic reforms.

Nepal has been working to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework as part of its efforts to meet FATF requirements.

The discussions with US and World Bank officials are expected to provide an opportunity for Nepal to present its reform efforts and seek further international cooperation.

Investment and Private Sector Engagement

During his visit, Wagle is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior officials of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and leading private-sector investors.

The government is expected to seek greater development and private-sector investment in infrastructure and other areas that could expand employment and economic activity in Nepal.

The visit is therefore expected to focus not only on immediate reconstruction needs but also on longer-term economic cooperation, investment and development.

Wagle's Washington Visit

The Washington meetings will come as Nepal seeks to strengthen ties with major international financial and development institutions while addressing reconstruction needs and pursuing economic reforms.

The Embassy of Nepal said Wagle will hold other high-level meetings during the visit aimed at strengthening Nepal’s economic partnerships and cooperation.