KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The recent developments in Nepal reflect a nation in recovery mode following the widespread Gen Z protests that disrupted major sectors, including finance, infrastructure, and commerce. The reopening of the Nepal Stock Exchange and the resumption of government payments signal a gradual return to economic stability, while key appointments—such as Rameswar Khanal as interim Finance Minister and Kulman Ghising as Energy Minister—suggest efforts to rebuild administrative and fiscal momentum.
However, the impact of the unrest is still deeply felt, with damages to telecom infrastructure, halted transport services, and threats to private sector morale and employment. Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Nepal Rastra Bank’s support for the private sector, affordable food outlets, and IPO launches indicate that the public and private sectors are pushing ahead to stabilize the economy and restore public confidence.
Stock market set to reopen Wednesday after week-long shutdown
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) will resume operations on Wednesday following discussions with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). After SEBON issues an official notice, NEPSE will make a public announcement. Although the market was initially scheduled to remain closed until September 18, that decision has now been reversed. Trading had been suspended since September 9 (Bhadra 23) due to extensive damage caused during the Gen Z-led protests in Kathmandu and other cities.
Rameswar Khanal appointed interim Finance Minister
Former Finance Secretary Rameswar Khanal has assumed the role of Finance Minister in the newly formed interim government, led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. This administration replaced the previous one led by KP Sharma Oli, which was dismissed following the Gen Z protests. Khanal had recently led a high-level economic reform panel formed under Oli’s leadership.
Energy minister Ghising orders swift recovery of unpaid dues
Kulman Ghising, the newly appointed Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, has instructed officials to immediately begin collecting unpaid dues from users of dedicated and trunk electricity lines. Upon assuming office, Ghising emphasized the importance of national solidarity during the ongoing crisis and suggested creating a reconstruction fund to gather support from across the nation.
Gold and silver prices edge up in Nepali market
The prices of gold and silver in Nepal saw a slight rise on Monday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold increased by Rs 100 per tola from the previous day, reaching Rs 215,200 per tola. Silver also went up slightly, from Rs 2,570 to Rs 2,575 per tola.
Nepal Rastra Bank pledges support for private sector recovery
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is taking steps to help the private sector recover from recent disruptions. Governor Biswo Poudel held discussions with private sector representatives and expressed willingness to ease certain monetary policies. The move comes after the Gen Z protests inflicted major losses on both businesses and government institutions.
Government restarts essential payments
The government has resumed processing essential payments after a brief disruption last Thursday. According to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office, payments for salaries, allowances, fuel, and other obligatory expenditures resumed on Sunday. Office spokesperson Om Prasad Rijal confirmed that mandatory payments are now being made.
Nepal Airlines to begin direct flights to Guangzhou
Nepal Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Kathmandu and Guangzhou, China. The service will begin with promotional flights along the Kathmandu–Guangzhou–Kathmandu route. Currently, China Southern and Himalaya Airlines also operate regular flights between Nepal and China.
Transport department suspends license printing after protests
Damage from the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9 led to a fire at the Department of Transport Management’s central office in Minbhawan, severely affecting its servers and printing equipment. As a result, all license-related services, including printing and distribution, have been suspended indefinitely, according to a public notice issued Sunday.
Commerce department warns against hoarding goods
The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection has advised against stockpiling consumer goods, saying that such practices could disrupt the balance of supply, demand, and pricing. The department assured that there is no shortage of essential items in the market and called on all parties in the supply chain to avoid unnecessary hoarding.
Engineers association offers free help to assess damaged buildings
The Nepal Engineers Association has pledged to provide free technical support for evaluating and rebuilding structures damaged during the Gen Z protests. In a public statement, General Secretary Binod Prakash Pandit said the initiative aims to assist in the safe reconstruction of physical infrastructure.
Korala border reopens as goods start flowing in
Trade through the Korala checkpoint has resumed, allowing long-delayed goods to enter Nepal. With the major border crossings at Rasuwa-Kerung and Tatopani-Sindhupalchok closed for two months due to flooding and landslides, imports have shifted to Korala, increasing activity at the alternative route.
Dashain travel rush grows as more buses depart from valley
Passenger traffic leaving Kathmandu Valley has surged ahead of Dashain. By Sunday evening, 180 buses had departed from the Gongabu New Bus Park toward various destinations. However, transport companies reported a shortage of vehicles due to delays in buses arriving from other regions, limiting capacity to accommodate more travelers.
Hotel sector hit hard by protests, 2,000 jobs in danger
Around 25 hotels were damaged during the recent protests, placing approximately 2,000 hospitality jobs at risk, according to Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah. As World Tourism Day approaches on September 27, Shah urged Prime Minister Sushila Karki to send a global message assuring tourists of their safety and reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to rebuilding its tourism sector.
Advance Dashain tickets to be issued after clearing backlog
Sales of advance Dashain tickets will begin only after stranded passengers across the country are accommodated, said Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation. Bus services resumed Sunday to help clear the backlog following a temporary halt. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has coordinated with stakeholders to manage the flow of travelers.
Affordable goods outlet opens in Kathmandu ahead of festivals
With Dashain and Tihar around the corner, Nepal Food Corporation has launched a low-price store at its Thapathali office in Kathmandu. The corporation traditionally opens such outlets during major festivals to provide essential items at subsidized rates. Since opening, the store has seen a steady flow of customers from early morning.
Koshi Province business owners raise alarm over protest impacts
Entrepreneurs in Koshi Province have voiced concern about recurring protests disrupting private businesses. They criticized the government’s failure to ensure safety during demonstrations, warning that this has demoralized investors and may lead to capital flight. Business owners stressed that without adequate protection for families and businesses, industrial activity cannot thrive. They urged the government to step in and restore confidence in the private sector.
New 500-bed teaching hospital set to open in Ghorahi
A 500-bed teaching hospital is nearing completion in Ghorahi, Dang. Sanjeevani Teaching Hospital, located in Bargadwa, Bhanpur (Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–3), is being built with private sector investment. CEO Deepak Roka confirmed that infrastructure construction is complete and the facility is expected to begin operations in early Ashwin.
Ncell offices heavily damaged during recent protests
Telecom company Ncell reported significant damage to its headquarters in Kathmandu and regional offices in Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, and Pokhara during the Gen Z protests. The company raised concerns over employee safety and service disruptions but reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide service. In response to the crisis, Ncell offered three days of free calls, texts, and internet, and said the attacks caused deep concern.
NADA issues statement on ongoing national unrest
The Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) released a statement expressing serious concern over the countrywide protests. NADA extended condolences to those who lost their lives and wished recovery for the injured. Highlighting the importance of the auto sector to Nepal’s economy, NADA said the unrest has directly disrupted trade, employment, and industrial stability.
Universal Power Company proposes bonus and cash dividend
Universal Power Company’s board has proposed a 9% bonus share along with a Rs 0.4737 per share cash dividend (for tax purposes), pending approval at the upcoming general assembly. The company has also decided to issue 100% rights shares, as per the decision made at the board meeting on September 14.
Sagar Distillery opens IPO to general public
Sagar Distillery Limited has launched its initial public offering (IPO) for general investors starting Monday. Previously, the IPO was issued to Nepalis working abroad. A total of 1,190,640 shares are now available to the public, with the subscription period running until September 18.
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