MCC CEO Alice Albright Expresses Confidence in Timely Completion of MCC Project in Nepal

Alice Albright, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), expressed her optimism and confidence in the timely completion of the MCC project during a press conference in Kathmandu. She commended the dedicated efforts of the Nepal government and other stakeholders involved in the project’s implementation, highlighting the need for cooperation to overcome potential challenges. Albright emphasized that the responsibility for implementing MCC projects lies with MCA Nepal, a structure under the Nepal government.

CEO Albright, who leads the delegation, had high-level meetings with prominent Nepali leaders during her visit, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, and various ministers. She noted that the discussions during these meetings were fruitful and centered on ensuring the successful implementation of the MCC project.

Albright underscored the importance of the MCC project as a vital component of US foreign grants assistance, which has the potential to deepen Nepal-US relations. She expressed hope that the project would lead to the development of reliable electricity services, road networks, and the construction of transmission lines, paving the way for electricity exports. These projects, supported by grants, are expected to contribute significantly to Nepal’s economic growth.

CEO Albright acknowledged that the Nepal government had made investments in the project, highlighting its commitment by categorizing it as a matter of national pride. This investment, combined with the MCC compact, aims to bring about road improvements and provide Nepali citizens with access to clean and affordable energy. The projects will bolster Nepal’s energy and transportation sectors.

US Ambassador Dean Thompson and MCA Nepal’s Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bista also addressed questions from journalists during the event. They emphasized the importance of the MCC compact in enhancing infrastructure and energy access in Nepal.

The MCC compact officially entered execution on August 30. This compact was signed between the Nepal government and the MCC under the US government in September 2017. Following extensive parliamentary debate, the compact received approval last year. Notably, the compact outlines a provision for completing power transmission lines and road construction projects within five years from the project’s commencement.