Pokhara Metropolitan City and USAID Partner for Development in Agriculture, Tourism, and IT Sectors

Pokhara, November 10: Pokhara Metropolitan City has entered into a strategic agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to foster development in the agriculture, tourism, and IT sectors through technical consultancy services. The memorandum of understanding, signed on Thursday, outlines a collaborative effort to boost Pokhara’s status as a tourist hub.

Agnes Luz, Project Manager on behalf of Dhanraj Acharya, Head of Pokhara Metropolitan City, and representatives from USAID signed the agreement. According to the terms, USAID’s Technical and Consultative (T&C) division will offer technical consultancy services for two years, starting from November 1, 2023, to December 30, 2025. The focus of the collaboration is to support the development of Pokhara’s tourism sector, and during this period, both short-term and long-term technical assistance will be provided to formulate a blueprint for increased public investment in tourism.

USAID T&C will extend essential technical and consultative support to Pokhara Metropolitan City to address challenges faced by tourism businesses and professionals, aiming to enhance tourism development in the region. The agreement also entails organizing necessary training sessions, investment forums, marketing and promotion programs to foster tourism development, with implementation facilitated by the Urban Planning Commission.

Dhanraj Acharya, Head of Pokhara Metropolitan City, emphasized that the technical consultation from USAID would be implemented according to the city’s requirements. He stated that Pokhara is in the final stages of being declared the tourism capital and assured that suggestions received regarding tourism infrastructure and tourism-friendly development would be implemented as per suitability. The agreement is expected to provide substantial support in advancing the quality of tourism in the region.

The event was attended by Manjudevi Gurung, Deputy Chief of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Shyamkrishna Thapa, Chief Administrative Officer, Premlal Lamichhane, Urban Planning Commission Vice Chairman, and other members.

USAID’s self-funded project supports diversification in high-quality and high-value exports, sustainable job growth, and stable construction. It plays a vital role in mobilizing new sources of financing and investment, including green growth financing, climate financing, domestic investment, and international partnerships.