Director General of the South Asia Department of theAsian Development Bank (ADB) Kunio Senga is arriving in Kathmandu on Thursday for a three-day official visit.

According to a news release issued by ADB Nepal resident mission, during his visit, Senga is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.

He will hold consultations on the country's peace process and the improved environment for development in light of the recent changes in Nepal, according to the release.

In his meetings with finance minister Ram Sharan Mahat and government officials, Senga will consult on the government's budget priorities and medium-term reform and development issues.

He will also discuss ADB's ongoing assistance and possible new assistance commitments for 2006-2007.

Senga will meet with Lyonpo Chenkyab Dorji, secretary general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and representatives of other development partners to discuss development and regional cooperation issues.

He will also visit ADB-assisted project sites during his stay in Nepal.

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development and good governance.

Established in 1966, it is owned by 66 members, 46 from the region.

In 2005, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling 6. 95 billion U.S. dollars, and technical assistance amounting to 198. 8 million dollars, according to the release.

Source: Xinhua