KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Despite a slight dip in the NEPSE index by 5.99 points, Nepal’s financial and economic activities showed signs of growing momentum, with daily market turnover nearing Rs 8 billion and key investment decisions gaining traction.
Notable developments included SEBON’s directive for NEPSE to allocate 30% of its shares to the public, new government rules to curb black money in real estate, and significant infrastructure investments such as the Muktinath cable car and a hydropower-inclusive Sikta Irrigation Project.
Meanwhile, regulatory and institutional reforms are underway—from monetary policy consultations and budget preparations to deregistering non-compliant health centers and revising anti-money laundering directives.
Agricultural and industrial issues remain pressing, as seen in delayed payments to milk suppliers and petroleum import declines. In the banking and business sectors, leadership changes and eco-friendly initiatives like Global IME’s EV charger mark a pivot toward modernization.
NEPSE falls by 5.99 points, turnover nears Rs 8 billion
On the final trading day (Thursday) of the week, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 5.99 points, closing at 2,640. Despite the drop in the index, market activity surged with total transactions reaching nearly Rs 8 billion—up from Rs 5.16 billion the previous day. Among the traded companies, prices rose for 94, declined for 153, and remained unchanged for 1. While most sector indices declined, the hydropower sector gained 1.13%, reflecting strong investor interest. The investment subgroup also edged up by 0.03%.
Gold prices rise slightly while silver remains stable in Nepal
Gold prices saw a modest rise in Nepal on Thursday. Hallmark gold was priced at NPR 193,700 per tola, up from NPR 193,200 on Wednesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Meanwhile, silver prices held steady at NPR 2,075 per tola.
SEBON tells NEPSE to issue 30% shares to the public
The Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) has instructed the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) to allocate 30% of its shares to the public. This move follows a recommendation from the Capital Market Reform Committee, headed by former NRB board member Chintamani Siwakoti. Sebon issued the directive based on a letter from the Ministry of Finance, according to Sebon official Tolakant Neupane.
Govt tightens rules to check black money in property deals
To curb the use of black money in real estate, the government has introduced stricter regulations. The Department of Land Management and Archives has issued a directive aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This instruction has already been sent to all land revenue offices across the country. Nepal was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2025.
PM Oli chairs Investment Board meeting, Muktinath cable car project approved
The 64th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at his Baluwatar residence, approved several projects including the Muktinath Cable Car. The Board gave the green light to invest in an 81.041-km-long cable car with seven stations, running from Serafant in Parbat to Muktinath in Mustang. The project, to be developed under the BOOT model by Muktinath Darshan Pvt. Ltd., is estimated to cost Rs 5.764 billion.
Nepal Reinsurance releases Q2 report, profit up by 57%
Nepal Reinsurance Company has published its second quarterly report, showing a net profit of Rs 532.69 million for the first six months of the current fiscal year—a 57% increase from the Rs 337.7 million earned in the same period last year. The company’s annual earnings per share (EPS) is Rs 3.97. The profit increase is credited to a rise in net premium income, which grew from Rs 3.03 billion to Rs 4 billion.
Directive on money laundering rules to be revised
Following concerns from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Department of Land Management and Archives is revising its directive on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. The directive, issued earlier this week, required submission of bank statements and KYC documents for property transactions. After high-level meetings, revisions are set to be finalized by Thursday.
Finance Ministry calls for return of unspent grants for fiscal year 081/82
The Ministry of Finance has asked provincial and local governments to return conditional, supplementary, and special grants that remain unused in the current fiscal year 081/82. As per Section 22(3) of the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2076, any unspent federal funds must be returned to the federal consolidated fund by year-end.
Finance Ministry begins preparations for next fiscal year budget rollout
The Ministry of Finance has begun groundwork for the implementation of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. At a preparatory meeting, discussions focused on aligning policies, budgets, and milestones. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel urged swift preparations for procurement to ensure prompt execution of budgeted programs and projects.
Petroleum imports worth Rs 16.19 billion through Kakarbhitta in 10 months
In the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2081/82, petroleum imports via Kakarbhitta totaled Rs 16.19 billion. The imports included petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF, and kerosene. According to Mechi Customs Office Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain, this marks a 5.4% (Rs 917.7 million) drop compared to the same period last year.
Corruption complaint filed against Nepal Airlines at CIAA
A complaint has been filed at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), demanding a probe into alleged corruption and irregularities at Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). The National Motherland Party submitted the complaint to CIAA Chief Prem Rai, asking for the withdrawal of the investigation report prepared by a NAC inquiry panel led by former CAAN MD Triratna Manandhar and calling for a new investigation.
Business associations begin submitting input for monetary policy
As Nepal Rastra Bank prepares the new monetary policy, industry representatives have started submitting their proposals. A delegation from the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), led by President Ritu Singh Baidya, met with Governor Dr. Biswo Poudel to present suggestions focused on issues and reforms needed in the automobile sector.
Labor Ministry deregisters three health centers for not renewing licenses
The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has removed three health institutions from its list of approved centers for migrant worker health screening. The facilities were deregistered after failing to renew their licenses on time. They include Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital (Swayambhu, Kathmandu), Rose International Medical Services (Gongabu, Kathmandu), and Golden Gate Polyclinic and Diabetes Center (Lalitpur).
Farmers yet to receive NPR 5 billion for milk sold to government and private dairies
Farmers are still waiting for payments totaling NPR 5 billion for milk supplied to both government-run and private dairy companies. The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC), a state-owned enterprise, and various private dairies owe farmers payments for milk procured over the last four to six months. According to the Central Dairy Producers Cooperative Union, the DDC alone is responsible for about NPR 1 billion, while private companies owe between NPR 3.5 to 4 billion. Union chairman Amar Kunwar stated that the delayed payments have placed a heavy burden on farmers.
Modi River in Parbat to get new arch bridge under Mid-Hill Highway project
A new arch bridge will be built over the Modi River in Parbat district as part of the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway initiative. The bridge will link Patichaur (Ward 2) and Dimuwa (Ward 6) of Modi Rural Municipality. Engineer Kalpana Mishra from the Mid-Hill Highway Project confirmed that the construction has been approved by the Bridge Department under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development.
NTB introduces ‘Travel Specialist – Basic Level’ online training for tourism sector
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has launched an online course titled “Travel Specialist – Basic Level” aimed at improving the expertise and service standards of tourism professionals. Developed in partnership with UNDP Nepal, the course was officially unveiled by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badriprasad Pandey during the Himalayan Travel Mart in Kathmandu.
Integrated agrivoltaic project planned for Udaypur by Investment Board
The Investment Board Nepal has decided to implement an ‘Integrated Agrivoltaic’ project in Koshi Tappu, Belka Municipality, Udaypur, using the ‘Swiss Challenge’ procurement model. The project will use land previously altered by the Koshi River’s course to simultaneously generate solar energy and support agriculture. A 1,000-megawatt battery storage solar plant is planned across around 3,000 bighas of land.
Sikta Irrigation Project includes hydropower firms in bid evaluation
In response to earlier disputes, the Sikta Irrigation Project has allowed firms experienced in hydropower to participate in the bidding process. Five companies have been shortlisted for Package 1 of the NPR 2.5 billion contract. Similarly, five firms have also been selected under Package 5, which covers the Duduwa Branch (Khajura and Manpur areas), for technical evaluation.
Federal government allocates over NPR 3 billion to Lamjung local bodies
Federal financial transfers to local governments in Lamjung district will exceed NPR 3 billion in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/083. A total of NPR 3.1776 billion has been earmarked for the district’s eight local levels, marking an increase of NPR 129.5 million compared to the current year. However, two local units will receive slightly less than they did in the previous fiscal period.
Global IME Bank opens EV charging station on World Environment Day
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Global IME Bank has set up an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its Kamaladi corporate office. The 40-kilowatt CCS2 single-gun charger was inaugurated jointly by Bank Director Krishna Prasad Sharma, Deputy CEO Suman Pokhrel, and Gadi Charge CEO Prisha Shrestha, in collaboration with Gadi Charge Pvt. Ltd.
Manoj Gyawali appointed CEO of Nabil Bank
Manoj Gyawali has been officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nabil Bank. The bank’s board confirmed the decision on Jestha 22 (June 5, 2025), with Gyawali set to serve a four-year term starting Thursday. He had been serving as acting CEO since March and previously held the roles of Senior Deputy CEO and Deputy General Manager since joining the bank in July 2020.
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