KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Overall, the developments point to a cautiously improving economic and business environment in Nepal, marked by renewed investor confidence, sectoral diversification, and policy-driven momentum. The stock market’s steady gains and strong turnover above Rs 7 billion reflect active participation and optimism, even as select sectors lag.
Rising gold and silver prices indicate continued hedging amid uncertainty, while the listing of new shares and recognition of major banks signal depth and stability in the financial sector. At the same time, data from Koshi Province highlight the growing role of startups—largely equity-driven and increasingly profitable—despite structural constraints, suggesting resilience and untapped potential, particularly in agriculture and services.
The resumption of hydropower generation alongside calls to prioritize solar energy underscores Nepal’s strategic push to balance energy security, climate challenges, and export ambitions. Meanwhile, local initiatives such as large-scale tea farming and the upcoming industrial fair in Bhadrapur reflect efforts to stimulate regional economies, link agriculture with tourism, and create employment, reinforcing a broader narrative of gradual but multi-dimensional economic recovery and transition.
NEPSE rises nearly 10 points as daily turnover crosses Rs 7 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index posted a gain of 9.93 points on Tuesday, the third trading day of the week, closing at 2,649.30 points. This followed a 0.37 percent rise in the previous session. After falling by 10.29 points on Sunday, the market rebounded with a 28.73-point increase on Monday. The Sensitive Index also moved upward, gaining 2.31 points to settle at 457.23. Trading activity remained strong, with shares of 334 companies exchanged through 88,362 transactions. A total of 14.83 million shares were traded, generating a turnover of Rs 7.12 billion. Of the 13 sectoral indices, 11 closed higher, while hotel and tourism and manufacturing and processing recorded declines. Finance led the gainers with a 2.87 percent rise, followed by development banks (0.79 percent) and commercial banks (0.43 percent). Hotel and tourism slipped by 0.23 percent, while hydropower, investment, and life insurance posted marginal gains.
Gold and silver prices climb in Nepali market
Gold and silver prices increased in the domestic market on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold rose by Rs 3,600 per tola to trade at Rs 268,100 per tola. On Monday, gold had been priced at Rs 270,600 per tola. Silver prices also moved upward, increasing by Rs 195 per tola to reach Rs 4,880 per tola.
Nabil Bank receives ‘Vikas Nayak 2082’ award
Nabil Bank Limited has been honored with the “Vikas Nayak 2082” award in the Institutional Hero category. The award was presented at the Vikas Debate and Vikas Nayak Award Ceremony organized by Vikas Media. Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal handed over the award and certificate to Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gyawali, in the presence of Chairman Upendra Prasad Paudel. The recognition acknowledges the bank’s contribution to Nepal’s economic development through banking, insurance, and broader financial services.
Rs 2.56 billion invested in startups in Koshi province
Nepal Rastra Bank has reported that startup businesses in Koshi Province have attracted investments totaling Rs 2.56 billion. The figure comes from a special study conducted by the central bank, which examined startup enterprises across the province. According to the report, 38.7 percent of the investment came through loans, while the remaining 61.3 percent was equity. Entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 and 70 were found to be engaged in startups, with those aged 36 to 50 accounting for the largest share at 44.4 percent. Youth involvement was highest in the information technology sector at 73.3 percent, while agriculture saw the lowest youth participation at 21.2 percent. The study covered 160 startups shortlisted for credit support from the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute. Sector-wise, 41.3 percent of startups were related to agriculture, followed by production (18.1 percent), services (17.5 percent), tourism (13.8 percent), and information technology (9.4 percent).
Sanima Middle Tamor hydropower project resumes electricity generation
The 73-megawatt Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower Project has resumed power generation after remaining shut for nearly a month. Project Administration Chief Karan Gautam said electricity production restarted following the resolution of technical problems and completion of necessary maintenance works. Generation had been suspended due to glitches in the powerhouse and other facilities. Located in Taplejung, the project is the largest hydropower facility developed in the district to date. The electricity generated is connected to the national grid through the Basantapur Sub-Station. The project was completed around two years ago.
Energy Minister calls for greater focus on solar energy
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kul Man Ghising has emphasized the need to prioritize solar energy in Nepal’s future energy mix. Speaking at the 25th annual general meeting of the Solar Electric Manufacturers Association Nepal, he said solar power use is steadily increasing and is already being integrated into the national grid. He noted that expanding solar production could help reduce electricity imports. Minister Ghising also shared that studies are underway to generate solar energy using irrigation canals across the country. Referring to India’s solar capacity of over 100,000 megawatts, he said Nepal could boost solar output by utilizing hilly and mountainous terrain. He further informed that transmission line construction is progressing to enable the export of 15,000 megawatts of electricity to India. National Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha pointed out that climate change has affected hydropower generation due to drying water sources, while Energy Ministry Secretary Chiranjivi Chataut said the government aims to fully electrify the country within two years.
Nepal Finance Limited’s right shares listed on NEPSE
The right shares of Nepal Finance Limited have been officially listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange. The listing includes 162,000 units of promoter-category right shares that were sold through auction. With this addition, the company’s total number of listed shares has reached 8,389,439 units.
Industrial, trade and tourism fair to be held in Bhadrapur
An Industrial, Trade, Agriculture and Tourism Fair will be organized in Bhadrapur, Jhapa, from January 21 to February 4. The event, being held after a nine-year gap, is expected to boost business confidence in eastern Nepal. The fair is being organized by the Jhapa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Acting Chair Raj Kumar Rai said more than 100 stalls showcasing national and international products will be set up. The fair is projected to generate business transactions worth around Rs 100 million and is expected to promote small and cottage industries, tourism, and service sectors across the eastern region.
Study shows 80 percent of startups in Koshi province are profitable
A study by Nepal Rastra Bank has found that 80 percent of startup enterprises in Koshi Province are operating profitably despite facing challenges such as limited capital, lack of skilled manpower, restricted market access, and inadequate government support. The report, released on Monday, analyzed 160 startups shortlisted for loans from the Industrial Enterprises Development Institute. These businesses span five sectors: agriculture and forestry, production-based industries, services, tourism, and information technology. Agriculture and forestry accounted for the largest share at 41.3 percent. In terms of growth potential, respondents identified agriculture and forest-based industries as the most promising, followed by tourism, manufacturing, services, information technology, and energy and construction.
Aamchok rural municipality expands tea farming to boost income and tourism
Aamchok Rural Municipality has launched a large-scale tea farming expansion program aimed at increasing local income and promoting tourism. According to Chairperson Ashok Rai, around Rs 300 million has been invested so far through joint funding by the municipality and shareholders of the Aamchok Tea and Coffee Cooperative. Approximately 1,300 shareholders are currently involved in the initiative. Rai said tea cultivation is being expanded in a planned manner to link agriculture with tourism and economic activities. So far, tea farming has spread across about 700 ropanis of land, converting barren slopes into productive greenery while creating employment opportunities for locals.
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