MCC CEO Albright arriving next week

Alice Albright, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is set to touch down in Kathmandu on Sunday for a pivotal five-day visit. This visit holds immense significance in strengthening the bilateral partnership between Nepal and the United States.

The timing aligns perfectly with the initiation of the MCC-Nepal Compact, which officially commenced on August 30. This milestone comes six years after the initial agreement between the United States and the Government of Nepal was forged.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu has confirmed CEO Alice Albright’s visit and her extended stay in Nepal to celebrate the successful launch of the MCC-Nepal Compact.

During her stay, CEO Alice Albright is scheduled to participate in courtesy meetings with senior leaders of the Nepal government. This will underscore MCC’s unwavering commitment as a dependable partner in addressing challenges linked to the compact’s implementation and ensuring that its benefits reach the people of Nepal.

CEO Alice Albright’s itinerary is slated to include meetings with prominent figures in the Nepali government, such as Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, Foreign Minister NP Saud, Energy Minister Shakti Basnet, and other high-ranking officials in Kathmandu.

The MCC-Nepal Compact recently entered its five-year implementation phase after receiving approval from the Parliament of Nepal, two years post its initial signing. However, complications tied to the contract process and land acquisition have cast uncertainties over the implementation process.

At present, a major challenge revolves around the construction of a transmission line, with the selected bidder hinting at potential cost overruns beyond the initial estimates, causing implementation hurdles. Furthermore, the selection of a contractor for the 315 km transmission line project, funded by MCC, has encountered issues due to exorbitant bids submitted by prospective contractors.

CEO Alice’s visit aims to confront these challenges head-on and streamline the implementation of MCC-supported projects. Anticipated discussions will focus on resolving issues concerning transmission lines and road upgrades, both of which have witnessed high bids from contractors, complicating the selection process.

This visit follows the earlier announcement of the MCC Nepal Compact’s implementation, during which MCC Vice President Cameron S. Alford paid a visit to Kathmandu.