KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The combined developments point to a broadly improving yet uneven economic landscape in Nepal, marked by rising financial market confidence, stronger commodity and export performance, and ongoing structural and policy challenges. The sharp rise in the NEPSE index alongside high turnover reflects renewed investor optimism across all sectors, while record-high gold and silver prices indicate both global currency pressures and domestic demand for safe assets.
Export data from Kakarbhitta and Nepalgunj show encouraging growth in agro-based and herb products, underscoring the increasing importance of high-value natural and agricultural commodities in trade. Institutional reforms, such as the trial of online customs valuation software, signal progress toward greater transparency and efficiency in trade administration.
At the same time, initiatives like the EU-backed green packaging grant and the strong response to the National Ghar Nirman Fest highlight growing momentum in sustainability-focused entrepreneurship and the construction sector. However, calls from the tourism industry for policy parity with manufacturing suggest that despite positive economic signals, gaps remain between policy commitments and implementation, particularly in sectors critical for employment and regional development.
NEPSE index rises by 47 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index on Sunday recorded a strong gain on Sunday, rising by 47.55 points to close at 2,633.42. According to NEPSE, a total of 13,467,145 shares of 328 companies were traded through 89,251 transactions, generating a total turnover of Rs 13.70 billion. All sectoral sub-indices posted gains during the session. The development bank, microfinance, and other sectors rose by more than two percent. Mid Solu Hydropower Limited registered the highest price gain of the day, with its share price increasing by 9.49 percent. Meanwhile, Bin Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited recorded the biggest decline. In terms of transaction value, Union Hydropower Limited led the market, with 554,921 shares traded worth Rs 276.35 million.
Gold and silver prices increase in Nepali market
The prices of gold and silver continued to rise in the local market over the past few days, with both metals seeing further increases today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of gold reached Rs. 270,600 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs. 4,835 per tola on Sunday, marking record highs for both metals. Analysts attribute the increase to the rising value of the US dollar.
Green gold: Cardamom becomes Kakarbhitta’s top export
In the first five months of the current fiscal year, cardamom has emerged as the leading export from the Kakarbhitta border customs office. Ishwar Kumar Humagain, information officer at the office, reported that cardamom exports to India during this period amounted to Rs 5.53 billion. Other major exports included tea worth Rs 1.86 billion, plywood totaling Rs 837 million, chhurpi valued at Rs 485 million, veneer sheets worth Rs 449 million, and ginger and sutho at Rs 374 million. Exports of amriso (broom grass) reached Rs 304 million, while cauliflower and cabbage exports totaled Rs 114 million. The customs data also showed lentils worth Rs 91 million and iron sheets valued at Rs 38 million were exported during this period.
Mechi Customs Office implements ‘Online Valuation Software’
The Mechi Customs Office at Kakarbhitta, the eastern border point, has begun trial implementation of the ‘Online Valuation Software’ system. Under the new system, the actual customs valuation of commercial goods will be determined on the basis of transaction prices rather than a reference price list, according to Shivalal Neupane, Chief Tax Officer at the Mechi Customs Office. The online valuation software is being tested at eight customs offices nationwide, including Mechi Customs. In Jhapa, the system has been implemented at both the Mechi and Bhadrapur customs offices since the second week of December.
Herb exports via Nepalgunj Customs rise in first five months of FY 2025/26
Exports of medicinal herbs through the Nepalgunj border customs point have increased during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to Pabitra Kumar Khadka, information officer at the Nepalgunj Customs Office, herbs worth around Rs 250 million were exported through the border point from the start of the fiscal year up to December 15. During this period, a total of 841,338 kilograms of various types of herbs were shipped abroad. The export value is about Rs 100 million higher than in the same period of the previous fiscal year, when herbs worth Rs 146.27 million were exported through the Nepalgunj border in the first five months.
EU-supported initiative announces Rs 700,000 grant for eco-friendly packaging concepts
The European Union has called on young entrepreneurs to submit proposals for a Rs 700,000 grant designed to encourage sustainable packaging innovations. The funding will go to an environmentally responsible packaging concept that can replace plastic bags. The programme is part of the GreenShift Nepal Project, implemented by Creasion Nepal with financial support from the EU. Applicants from Bagmati, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces are eligible, and proposals must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Creasion Nepal Programme Director Sujata Koirala said that, in addition to funding, the selected entrepreneur will receive technical guidance. This support will include help with identifying markets and connecting with potential investors to promote long-term business viability.
‘National Ghar Nirman Fest 2082’ attracts large turnout
The “National Ghar Nirman Fest 2082,” currently taking place at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, drew a strong crowd on its second day, Sunday, December 28. The four-day event, which concludes on Tuesday, December 30, aims to promote housing development, urban planning, and infrastructure. It brings together builders, material suppliers, architects, engineers, and aspiring homeowners at a single venue.
Exhibitors are presenting a wide range of construction materials, advanced building technologies, architectural designs, engineering services, and housing loan options from banks and financial institutions. Organisers say the exhibition encourages safe, affordable, and informed home construction by enabling direct interaction between experts and consumers. Organisers expect more than 40,000 visitors and estimate business transactions to surpass Rs 2 billion.
Tourism industry calls for equal treatment with industrial sector
Hotel entrepreneurs in Pokhara have appealed to the government to officially recognise tourism on par with industry, arguing that previous policy commitments have yet to be implemented. Laxman Subedi, Chairperson of Hotel Association Pokhara, Nepal (HAPN), submitted a five-point memorandum to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha on Saturday. The document urges the government to enforce the budget provision for the current fiscal year that places tourism and industry on equal footing. Subedi said the memorandum was intended to highlight the government’s continued inaction despite acknowledging the equal economic contribution of tourism and industry. The Association also called for regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport to major cities in India and China, along with expanded domestic air routes linking provincial cities to boost internal tourism and attract visitors from neighbouring countries.
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