KATHMANDU: Economic Digest presents a brief yet comprehensive roundup of major business developments in Nepal, delivered in clear and accessible summaries.
Nepal’s economic landscape presents a mixed picture, with modest stock market gains, rising gold prices, expanding investment opportunities and renewed efforts to strengthen public institutions and infrastructure. While the NEPSE index edged up marginally to 2,665.53 points, turnover increased to Rs 7.43 billion, suggesting sustained trading activity despite a larger number of declining stocks than advancing ones.
The sharp rise in Nepal Reinsurance shares following the government’s approval of additional investment highlights how policy decisions can influence investor sentiment. Meanwhile, gold prices continued to climb, reflecting divergent movements in the domestic precious metals market.
Beyond the financial sector, several government initiatives point to efforts to stimulate economic growth through structural reforms. Plans to provide subsidised loans to women entrepreneurs, promote private investment in renewable energy and expand digital public services indicate growing recognition of the need for inclusive and sustainable development. The introduction of digital systems in health insurance, aviation trade and Nepal Oil Corporation also reflects a gradual shift towards technology-driven governance and operational efficiency.
Revenue collection at Bhairahawa Customs exceeding its quarterly target offers an encouraging sign of improved trade activity. However, persistent delays in infrastructure projects remain a concern, despite the government’s move to terminate underperforming contracts and strengthen monitoring.
Tourism promotion abroad and the recovery of trekking destinations are positive developments for the service sector. Similarly, the growing interest in commercial floriculture highlights opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurship and import substitution.
Overall, these developments suggest that Nepal has opportunities to strengthen economic growth through investment, innovation and institutional reform. However, translating policy announcements into measurable outcomes, ensuring effective implementation and maintaining investor confidence will be crucial to sustaining this momentum.
NEPSE edges up 1.40 points as turnover reaches Rs 7.43 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index posted a marginal gain of 1.40 points to close at 2,665.53 points on Wednesday, with total turnover reaching Rs 7.43 billion. The benchmark index had closed at 2,664.13 points on Tuesday after gaining 6.62 points. However, daily turnover increased from Rs 5.65 billion on Tuesday to Rs 7.43 billion on Wednesday, compared with Rs 7.18 billion on Monday. Shares of 358 companies were traded through 59,185 transactions, with 21.22 million shares changing hands. Share prices of 98 companies advanced, while 171 declined and nine remained unchanged. Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited emerged as the day’s top gainer, with its share price rising 15 percent to Rs 921.70. The surge followed Tuesday’s Cabinet approval of investment in the company’s right shares. Himalayan Reinsurance Limited also gained 11.48 percent. Swet Ganga Hydropower and Construction Limited topped the turnover chart with transactions worth Rs 858.4 million. Ghorahi Cement Limited followed with Rs 512.4 million, while Himalayan Reinsurance recorded a turnover of Rs 360.3 million. Among sectoral indices, the Others group recorded the highest gain of 6.81 percent.
Gold rises Rs 600 per tola, while silver falls Rs 20
The price of gold increased by Rs 600 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday, while silver declined by Rs 20, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations. Fine gold was traded at Rs 275,600 per tola on Wednesday, up from Rs 275,000 on Tuesday. In contrast, silver was priced at Rs 3,655 per tola, down from Rs 3,675 in the previous trading session. The latest movement indicates divergent price trends in the domestic precious metals market, with gold gaining value while silver recorded a decline.
Industry minister announces subsidised loans and incentives for women entrepreneurs
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Deepak Kumar Shah has announced a range of policy incentives, including collateral-free concessional loans, tax benefits and simplified technology transfer procedures, to promote women-led enterprises. Speaking at a national workshop in Lalitpur on Wednesday, Shah emphasised the need for strong government support during the initial stages of business development. Comparing startups with newborn children who require special care, he said emerging enterprises needed adequate state support to become sustainable and competitive. He announced that small and medium-sized industries registered under women entrepreneurs would be eligible for preferential startup loans at a subsidised interest rate of 3 percent. The minister also highlighted the need to address administrative hurdles and barriers to accessing finance that continue to discourage women from entering entrepreneurship. He urged government agencies and other stakeholders to work together to create an enabling environment for women-led businesses, generate employment and promote inclusive economic growth.
NRB to sell gold coins and silver medallions for Tihar
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will sell gold coins and silver medallions on November 5 and 6 in view of the Tihar festival. The Mint Division under the central bank’s Currency Management Department will sell the coins and medallions from its Babarmahal office between 11 am and 3 pm, subject to availability. Each customer will be allowed to purchase one 25-gram gold coin and up to two 10-gram silver medallions bearing the images of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh. Buyers must be physically present and submit a copy of their citizenship certificate, national identity card or another identification document containing their identification number. Payments can be made either in cash or through QR code. The central bank said sales would begin each day after the prices of the gold coins and silver medallions were fixed at around 11 am.
Energy minister calls for private investment to drive renewable energy growth
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has called for greater private-sector investment to establish renewable energy as a key driver of employment generation, production and economic growth. Addressing a programme organised on Wednesday to mark the 30th anniversary of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Shrestha stressed the need to link renewable energy projects, including solar power, micro-hydropower, biogas and biomass, with agriculture, industry and tourism. He also directed the AEPC to develop plans to make local governments free from dependence on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Highlighting the centre’s achievements over the past three decades, Shrestha said more than 3.7 million households had benefited from its programmes. He emphasised the importance of decentralised energy systems in reducing vulnerability to climate-related disasters, particularly floods and extreme rainfall. Shrestha also described the proposed Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill as an important step towards strengthening the legal framework governing the sector. He called for greater mobilisation of international climate finance, carbon trading opportunities and technology partnerships to accelerate Nepal’s transition towards sustainable energy.
Nepal Oil Corporation reaches final handover stage of Rs 228.7 million ERP project
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reached the final handover stage of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, nearly five and a half years after signing the initial contract for the digital transformation project. The system was developed by Neoteric Neo Software JV following a contract agreement signed around mid-2020. Valued at Rs 228.7 million, the project has received cumulative payments of Rs 194.1 million so far. The ERP platform integrates the corporation’s major operational functions, including administration, finance, procurement and inventory management. According to the project details, the system connects around 1,500 fuel dealers, 60 bottling plants and 60 airlines, enabling more integrated management of the corporation’s operations. The project also facilitates automated procurement-related coordination with Indian Oil Corporation. The system underwent independent evaluation by Uniconsult of Kathmandu University before reaching the final handover stage. The digital platform is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen institutional transparency and reduce manual processes across the corporation.
Infrastructure ministry moves to terminate six delayed construction contracts
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has decided to terminate six long-delayed and underperforming construction contracts under the Department of Local Infrastructure. The decision was taken at a performance review meeting held on Wednesday to assess the progress of public infrastructure projects and address persistent implementation delays. According to the ministry, 19 stalled projects had been identified across regional divisions for review. Administrative action has been initiated against six contracts involving projects considered unlikely to be completed within the stipulated timeframe. Meanwhile, the ministry said six previously delayed infrastructure projects had been completed following closer monitoring and intervention. Construction work has also resumed at five other project sites where activities had previously come to a halt. The ministry further announced plans to revise operational guidelines for local infrastructure development to improve project implementation, strengthen monitoring and accelerate construction.
Health Insurance Board launches online portal for institutional enrolment
The Health Insurance Board has launched a digital platform, HIB E-Portal, to facilitate bulk enrolment and renewal of health insurance policies through provincial and local governments. The portal was initially introduced in collaboration with Gokarneshwor Municipality in Kathmandu and Kapilvastu Municipality in Kapilvastu. The new system is designed to replace time-consuming paper-based procedures and simplify the process of enrolling large groups of beneficiaries in the national health insurance programme. Through customised digital dashboards, local governments can upload beneficiary details, generate insurance membership cards and process premium payments online. The platform is also expected to eliminate the need for repeated visits to district-level administrative offices, reducing paperwork, processing time and administrative costs. The initiative is expected to make health insurance services more accessible and efficient, particularly for people living in remote areas.
Insurance Authority proposes new engineering insurance directive
The Nepal Insurance Authority has published a draft of the Engineering Insurance Directive, 2025, proposing standardised rules for risk assessment, premium determination and claims settlement in the engineering insurance sector. The proposed directive seeks to introduce mandatory site inspections and professional risk assessment reports for construction and erection insurance contracts with coverage exceeding Rs 10 million. It also proposes similar requirements for annual machinery insurance policies valued at more than Rs 1 million. The draft covers six categories of engineering insurance, including contractors’ all-risks insurance and machinery breakdown coverage. It also proposes standardised policy wordings, provisions for premium payments in instalments within a 60-day period and minimum premium rates. The authority said the proposed provisions are aimed at improving risk assessment, promoting transparency and ensuring consistency in insurance practices. The introduction of minimum premium rates is also intended to discourage unhealthy competition and excessive undercutting among insurance companies. The draft directive is expected to establish a more consistent regulatory framework for engineering insurance and strengthen policyholder protection.
Customs Department and Civil Aviation Authority introduce digital clearance system for aircraft imports
The Department of Customs and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal have signed an agreement to simplify and digitise import and export clearance procedures for aircraft and aviation-related spare parts. The agreement, signed on Wednesday, provides for the integration of their services through the National Single Window system, allowing aviation operators to obtain required regulatory clearances and import recommendations online. The digital system will cover goods classified under customs tariff headings 8801 and 8802, which relate to aircraft and associated aviation equipment. The arrangement is expected to eliminate the need for physical paperwork and reduce delays caused by having to visit multiple government offices for regulatory approvals. The integration will also facilitate faster information sharing and coordination between the two agencies, improving transparency and efficiency in aviation-related trade procedures. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to expand digital public services and simplify trade-related administrative processes.
122 depositors receive refunds from seven troubled cooperatives
A total of 122 depositors of seven financially troubled cooperatives have received refunds through funds recovered from outstanding loans, according to the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee. Of the total beneficiaries, 23 depositors of Nepal Cooperative Financial Cooperative, Ideal Yamuna Hamro Multipurpose Cooperative and Shiv Shikhar Cooperative received full refunds. Meanwhile, 99 depositors of Kantipur Cooperative, Gautamshree Multipurpose Cooperative, Agriculture Development Multipurpose Cooperative and Shree Laligurans Multipurpose Cooperative received partial refunds. The committee said the payments were made using funds recovered from loans owed to the troubled cooperatives. It has prioritised depositors with relatively smaller savings as part of its initial refund process. According to the committee, the remaining refunds will be distributed in phases, with depositors categorised according to the amounts they had deposited. The recovery of outstanding loans and management of assets belonging to troubled cooperatives are continuing in accordance with existing laws to generate funds for repaying depositors.
Bhairahawa customs office exceeds quarterly revenue target by 13.86%
The Bhairahawa Customs Office collected Rs 33.34 billion in revenue during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026/27, exceeding its target by 13.86 percent. The office had set a revenue target of Rs 29.28 billion for the period ending October 1. Its actual collection was also 20.10 percent higher than the Rs 27.76 billion collected during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. According to the chief customs officer, the increase in revenue was largely driven by higher imports of vehicles, particularly unassembled motorcycles and electric cars. He attributed the growth in imports partly to changes in supply routes following disruptions along northern trade corridors.
Tourism minister promotes Nepal at WTM London 2026
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has held discussions with international counterparts and tourism representatives on expanding Nepal’s global tourism presence, improving air connectivity and attracting foreign investment. During his participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2026 in London, Paudel met tourism officials from India and the United Arab Emirates, as well as parliamentary representatives, to explore opportunities for greater cooperation. The minister highlighted Nepal’s potential in Himalayan adventure tourism, cultural heritage and wellness tourism, stressing the need to strengthen international partnerships to attract more visitors. The Nepali delegation also promoted preparations for Nepal Wellness Tourism Year 2027 and highlighted the country’s tourism attractions through the ‘Nepal is Open’ campaign. A total of 32 Nepali tourism enterprises are participating in the event at stall number N8-530, showcasing Nepal’s tourism products and services to international visitors. The delegation also sought to reassure prospective travellers about accessibility to major tourist destinations following recent flood-related disruptions.
Land revenue office employee arrested with Rs 100,000 bribe in Sarlahi
An employee of the Land Revenue Office in Sarlahi has been arrested on suspicion of accepting a Rs 100,000 bribe from a service seeker in exchange for facilitating a land-related administrative process. A team from the Bardibas office of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Nirmal Timilsina, a non-gazetted first-class officer, from the office’s administration section at around 10 am on Wednesday. According to the CIAA, Timilsina allegedly accepted the money after promising to resolve an issue related to land tenancy rights. The commission confirmed the arrest and said further investigation into the alleged bribery was underway.
SEBON approves NIC Asia Bank’s Rs 7.46 billion rights share issue
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has approved NIC Asia Bank Limited’s proposal to issue rights shares equivalent to 50 percent of its existing paid-up capital. Under the approved plan, the bank will issue 74.58 million ordinary shares at a face value of Rs 100 each, raising approximately Rs 7.458 billion. The rights issue follows preliminary approval from Nepal Rastra Bank and is intended to strengthen the bank’s capital base and support its future business expansion. NIMB S Capital has been appointed as the issue manager for the offering. Eligible existing shareholders will be able to subscribe to the additional shares in accordance with the approved rights issue arrangements.
Nepal Reinsurance shares hit positive circuit limit after Cabinet approval
Shares of Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited surged 15 percent on Wednesday, hitting the positive circuit limit following the government’s decision to approve additional investment in the company through a rights share issue. The Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, approved the government’s participation in the proposed rights share investment, boosting investor confidence in the company. Following the decision, the company’s share price increased by Rs 120.20 to close at Rs 921.70 on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). The sharp rise reflects positive market sentiment surrounding the proposed capital injection and its potential implications for the company’s financial position.
Three young entrepreneurs turn flower farming into business in Nepalgunj
Three young graduates have ventured into commercial floriculture in Nepalgunj, turning their agricultural interests into a promising business ahead of the Tihar festival. Ved Raj Acharya, Asim Sigdel and Chetan KC have established Fit Farm on 3,386 square metres of land at Phutaha in Ward No. 19 of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. The trio began cultivation at the start of the current fiscal year using seeds brought from Chitwan. They selected suitable land and developed proper drainage facilities to minimise the risk of damage during the monsoon. The initiative has already generated flower sales worth around Rs 50,000, with advance bookings and retail orders received ahead of Tihar. The entrepreneurs have also received enquiries from Butwal, Dang, Kathmandu and Surkhet. They have been using social media platforms to promote their products and reach potential customers beyond the local market. The entrepreneurs plan to diversify their farming activities by adding watermelon and strawberry cultivation in the future. According to former Floriculture Association member Bindu Chharti Magar, commercial flower farming currently covers approximately 8.8 hectares, or 87,900 square metres, in Banke district. The growing interest among young entrepreneurs is expected to provide fresh momentum to commercial agriculture and create opportunities for local employment.
Tourism Department invites applications to upgrade small casino licences
The Department of Tourism has introduced simplified procedures allowing existing small-scale casino operators to upgrade their licences and expand their operations, subject to compliance with prescribed legal and regulatory requirements. Under the revised regulatory provisions, companies holding small casino licences can apply to upgrade to large-scale operations, expand their designated gaming areas or increase the number of gaming tables and electronic gaming machines. The department has invited eligible casino operators to submit applications through the prescribed administrative process. The revised arrangements are aimed at facilitating investment in the regulated entertainment and hospitality sector while ensuring that operators meet the necessary licensing standards. The department expects the changes to support the development of tourism-related businesses and strengthen regulatory compliance in the casino industry.
Tourism rebounds in Langtang and Gosaikunda after trail restoration
Tourism activities in Langtang and Gosaikunda have begun recovering following the restoration of roads and trekking trails damaged by the September 1 flash flood. The reopening of key transportation routes and trekking paths has encouraged domestic and international visitors to return to the popular Himalayan destinations during the autumn tourist season. According to the Langtang National Park conservation office, the construction of a Bailey bridge at Betrawati has restored an important transportation link, helping facilitate the movement of visitors. Tourism entrepreneurs have also reported an encouraging flow of tourists, with restored trails and the region’s scenic Himalayan landscapes attracting trekkers. The recovery of access routes is expected to provide a much-needed boost to tourism businesses and local livelihoods in Rasuwa, which were affected by the disaster.
CAAN forms five-member panel to probe helicopter collision in Solukhumbu
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has formed a five-member investigation committee to examine Tuesday’s collision between two helicopters at Pheriche in Solukhumbu district. An Air Dynasty helicopter bearing registration number 9N-AOD and a Fishtail Air helicopter registered as 9N-AJR collided at Pheriche, leaving one person dead and two pilots and a passenger injured. The investigation committee is coordinated by CAAN Director Prabhakar Chandra Mallik and includes pilots and aircraft engineers. The panel has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the accident, identifying its immediate and underlying causes, and assessing the factors that may have contributed to the collision. It will submit a report containing recommendations aimed at preventing similar aviation accidents in the future.
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