KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Nepal’s recent economic and institutional developments reflect a mix of opportunity, instability, and policy challenges. The stock market delivered a notable gain of NPR 66.5 billion in investor wealth, signaling strong investor confidence, while the tourism sector received a boost from high-end international visitors.
However, systemic vulnerabilities persist: the Health Insurance Board faces a severe funding shortfall, the CT scan procurement was canceled despite budget allocation, and the delayed appointment of a new NRB Governor raises concerns over governance.
Meanwhile, regulatory changes from NRB and diplomatic wins such as India’s recognition of Nepal’s food certification signal structural shifts.
Amid these developments, rising civic activism, including protests against ministerial decisions and demands for greater inclusion in policy processes, highlight growing public engagement with economic and institutional accountability.
Stock investors gain NPR 66.5 billion in market value
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) on Sunday saw investor wealth rise by NPR 66.5 billion over the past week. The index climbed an average of 40 points, bringing total market capitalization to NPR 44.89 trillion—up from NPR 44.22 trillion the previous Thursday.
Trading occurred over four days, with the index gaining nearly 57 points over Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while dropping by 17 points on Tuesday. NEPSE ended the week at 2,703.39 points, up from 2,663.30.
Governor Adhikari’s tenure concludes amid delayed successor appointment
Maha Prasad Adhikari’s five-year term as the 17th Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank came to an end today. Although regulations require a new governor to be appointed at least a month in advance, delays occurred due to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s overseas commitments.
The selection committee, headed by Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, has yet to convene. If a new appointment is not finalized, the senior deputy governor may temporarily take over, although legal provisions for such a scenario remain unclear. Among the top contenders are Neelam Dhungana, Rabindra Pandey, and Rajendra Kishor Chhetri, with age restrictions reportedly waived for eligibility.
Gold price falls by NPR 1,900 per tola
The price of gold in Nepal dropped by NPR 1,900 per tola on Sunday, with hallmark gold now priced at NPR 174,500. This marks a decrease from Friday’s rate of NPR 176,400. Silver prices also declined to NPR 1,800 per tola from NPR 1,870.
National Geographic charter brings high-end tourists to Nepal
A group of 77 affluent travelers arrived in Nepal aboard a luxurious National Geographic-chartered Boeing 757 as part of a heritage-focused world tour.
Organized by Yeti Holidays, the experience—costing about $500 per day per person—offered VIP treatment, including a stay at Dwarika’s Hotel and visits to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Pashupati.
The elderly tourists, mainly retired professionals, are also visiting India and Bhutan. Tourism authorities view this as a boost for Nepal’s high-value tourism sector.
Health Insurance Board Faces NPR 16.45 Billion Deficit
The Health Insurance Board disclosed that it still owes NPR 16.45 billion in unpaid claims to hospitals under its scheme. Executive Director Dr. Raghuraj Kafle noted that the debt may reach NPR 24 billion by mid-July due to limited manpower and funding.
With only NPR 1 billion currently in the Board’s account, the program faces serious challenges. Monthly expenses on service providers reportedly exceed revenue by a factor of 15.
Air travel resumes in Taplejung after four-month suspension
Flight services at Suketar Airport in Taplejung resumed today after a four-month break. Operations were halted in December 2024 due to maintenance issues with Nepal Airlines Corporation aircraft. A flight from Kathmandu carrying five passengers returned with six, marking the revival of air connectivity that had left locals and tourists stranded.
Dr. Koirala warns against political meddling in economy
Dr. Shekhar Koirala of the Nepali Congress cautioned the government against interfering with economic institutions, following reports that intermediaries may be influencing the selection of the new NRB Governor.
He stressed that such actions could jeopardize the government’s credibility and harm the national interest. Speaking at the launch of Katroma Khaltī by Dr. Suman Koirala in Kathmandu, he also criticized the government’s failure to uphold good governance.
Delegation urges budget for Khaptad Engineering Campus
A group of representatives from Doti submitted a formal request to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, calling for budget allocation to support the operation of Khaptad Engineering Campus. During a meeting at Baluwatar, the delegation emphasized the need for infrastructure and educational investment in the underdeveloped district.
Migrant workers favor IPOs over savings bonds
Nepali migrant workers have shown significant interest in IPOs, fully subscribing to all five offerings targeted at them this fiscal year. However, only 10.84% of the Rs 500 million allocated for foreign employment savings bonds has been purchased. Analysts point to low purchasing power in Gulf countries and limited interest from workers in wealthier nations.
NRB caps cooperative borrowing and deposits
Nepal Rastra Bank’s new directives limit cooperatives to borrowing no more than 5% of their total assets from financial institutions. Cooperatives are also restricted in how much they can collect from members: NPR 1 million for single-district operations, NPR 2.5 million for multi-districts, and NPR 5 million for operations spanning provinces.
Mt Everest climbing season kicks off with 67 permits
The spring climbing season has begun, with 67 climbers—17 women and 50 men—from seven expedition teams receiving permits to scale Mount Everest. According to the Department of Tourism, permits have also been issued for 29 other peaks, and many climbers are already en route to base camps.
Protests demand Energy Minister’s resignation, Ghising’s reinstatement
Demonstrators rallied in Maitighar Mandala, Kathmandu, demanding the resignation of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka and the reinstatement of Kulman Ghising as Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. Organized by the Kulman Ghising Reinstatement Joint Struggle Committee, the protest condemned Ghising’s dismissal as unjust.
India recognizes Nepal’s food and herbal certification
India has agreed to recognize Nepal’s food and herbal testing certificates, eliminating the need for Nepali exporters to seek additional approval from Indian labs. The move is expected to save time and cost, with Nepal’s National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory now formally acknowledged by India’s FSSAI and NABL.
Over 7,000 visit Pathibhara Temple in one day
Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung witnessed a major surge in pilgrims on Saturday, with 7,146 devotees making the journey. This marks the highest single-day turnout since Dashain and Tihar, underscoring the temple’s enduring spiritual and cultural appeal.
CT scan procurement canceled in Sankhuwasabha despite dudget
Plans to install a CT scan machine at Sankhuwasabha District Hospital have been scrapped, despite an NPR 70 million allocation by the Koshi Province Government. A directive from the Ministry of Health instructed the hospital to halt the procurement following a ministerial-level decision.
NADA recognizes new auto group NAIMA
The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal has formally acknowledged the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), formed earlier this year by 10 auto companies. A joint statement outlined mutual areas of operation, signaling potential cooperation between the two associations.
Medical providers seek role in migrant worker health oversight
Organizations offering medical exams for outbound migrant workers are demanding inclusion in the Labor Ministry’s monitoring committee. The Nepal Health Professionals Federation stated that a five-member committee of service providers has been formed to push for greater representation in policy and oversight.
Kaligandaki river excavation resumes after court lifts ban
Excavation activities in the Kaligandaki River have resumed after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition that had stalled operations since 2021. The petition cited environmental and legal concerns, but a joint bench ruled in favor of resuming resource extraction across multiple districts.
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