On August 29, MCC Vice President Cameron Alford and Minister of Finance Prakash Sharan Mahat held a symbolic exchange of letters which marked the official start of the five-year countdown to complete the $500 million compact. The compact includes the construction of the Nepali portion of a 400kv interconnection with India that will increase the availability and reliability of electricity in Nepal and facilitate cross-border power trade. For more than three years, ENR provided essential human capital support and capacity building to the Electricity Regulatory Commission. The establishment of a functional regulator was a condition for the compact to enter into force. ENR will continue regulatory support and plans to hold a Clean EDGE Asia Energy Spotlight to deepen engagement.