Situated between two large economies of Asia--India and China--Nepal’s geo-political and socio-economic characteristics are unique. It is richly endowed with diverse agro-ecological resources and social-cultural milieu representing several caste and ethnic groups, languages and social traditions. These diversities coupled with the hard working nature of the people provide ample scope for fast economic growth. This potential however remains largely untapped. Poverty and deprivation is widespread among the majority people living mostly in rural areas.

The country has pursued a liberal economic policy since the mid-1980s. It has now acceded to the World Trade Organisation. As a least developed and land-locked country, in South Asia its politico-economic bases are weak and fragile. The country’s institutional and bureaucratic capacity is limited. Civil society organisations and the press have emerged to play a significant role only recently.

In order to tackle the multiple development challenges faced by the country, it needs capacity enhancement in the public, private and civil society sectors with regard to professionally sound policy analysis and identification of viable options for rapid economic transformation. This needs to be achieved in a dynamic context putting domestic policies in tune with those prevailing in neighbouring countries, particularly those with which it has significant trading interests, and compatible with the WTO provisions. Institutional capacity similarly needs strengthening to enable the country to effectively respond to the needs of the various stakeholders in the society as the world keeps changing fast. Presently, there are serious gaps in the country in this regard.

CPAD-Nepal was established in 2004 in response to the above context and country’s needs. It is registered both with the Government of Nepal and the Social Welfare Council.