KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Nepal’s current economic snapshot reflects a mix of transparency, cautious policy intervention, and structural transition, with asset disclosures by leaders like Balendra Shah and Swarnim Wagle signaling growing accountability, while large-scale infrastructure investments and the upcoming economic census point to a stronger push for data-driven planning and long-term growth.
At the same time, modest increases in agricultural support prices, rising gold and silver rates, and revenue from mining indicate steady but incremental economic activity rather than rapid expansion. However, underlying vulnerabilities persist, including pressure on domestic agriculture from cheap imports, the need for policy stability in tourism, and uneven institutional coordination.
Emerging trends such as increased maize cultivation, digital banking promotions, and new investment avenues like IPOs suggest gradual diversification, but overall, the economy appears to be in a transitional phase—balancing reform, growth ambitions, and structural challenges.
PM Balen Shah discloses assets, reports Rs 14.6 million in bank account
Prime Minister Balen Shah has made his property details public, revealing that he has Rs 14.6 million in his bank account. According to the asset declaration released on Sunday, Shah stated that the amount was earned through his activities on social media platforms. He reported having around 4 million followers on Facebook, 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube and about 500,000 followers on X. The asset details also mention that Dhruvadevi Shah owns five annas of land in Kathmandu and 1.2 bighas of land in Dhanusha District. Similarly, Ram Narayan Shah owns nine bighas of land in Mahottari District. The declaration further states that Shah’s wife Sabina Kafle possesses 190 tolas of gold jewellery.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle declares assets worth over Rs 120 million
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has disclosed that he owns assets worth over Rs 120 million. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers made public the asset details of ministers on Sunday. According to the declaration, Wagle owns an apartment worth Rs 20 million in Sanepa, Lalitpur; a house built on land valued at Rs 50 million in Bhaisepati; an apartment worth Rs 37.5 million in Dhulikhel, Kavre; and land worth Rs 20 million in Bandipur. He has also reported holding 71,093 shares in Madhya Tamor Hydropower. Similarly, Wagle owns 25,762 promoter shares in Shangrila Development Bank and has shares worth Rs 30 million in Upper Madi Khola Hydropower. The disclosure further shows that he holds shares worth Rs 90 million in National Fund Management Limited and Rs 60 million in Thulo Khola Hydropower.
Gold and silver prices edge higher in domestic market
Gold and silver prices saw a slight increase in Nepal’s local market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold rose by Rs 200 per tola, reaching Rs 297,100, compared to Rs 296,900 on Friday. Silver prices also increased by Rs 15 per tola, climbing to Rs 4,975 from the previous rate of Rs 4,960.
Pokhara undertakes major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 33 billion
Pokhara Metropolitan City is currently implementing large-scale and priority infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs 33 billion. Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya said these landmark initiatives are being carried out with support from international development partners. Among the major projects is a modern exhibition center funded with Rs 2.25 billion assistance from the Korean government. The structure, designed to resemble an overturned boat, is expected to become a new tourist attraction and generate around 3,000 jobs. Similarly, a state-of-the-art burn treatment hospital is being constructed with nearly Rs 2 billion support from KOICA.
Government revises support prices for wheat and spring paddy
The government has increased the minimum support prices for wheat and spring paddy for the current year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has set the price of wheat at Rs 3,945 per quintal and spring paddy at Rs 2,856.49 per quintal, marking modest increases from last year. The paddy price applies to grain with up to 18 percent moisture, with adjustments made for higher moisture content. The annual price fixation aims to ensure fair returns for farmers and boost agricultural production.
Mining industries generate Rs 2.94 billion in revenue
Mining-related industries have contributed around Rs 2.94 billion in revenue, collected during the previous fiscal year and the first eight months of the current fiscal. According to the Department of Mines and Geology, the revenue came from permits issued for extracting resources such as limestone, metals, stones, and soil, as well as permit renewals. The department has authorized extraction of various minerals, including limestone, marble, iron, copper, zinc, quartz, and dolomite.
Chandragiri Investment Group to launch initial public offering
Chandragiri Investment Group Limited has decided to issue an initial public offering (IPO) after its first annual general meeting approved the proposal. Chairman Rajan Shrestha said the company, with an authorized capital of Rs 500 million, will also distribute a 4 percent cash dividend. The meeting elected six board members unopposed and endorsed the annual and audit reports.
Nepal finalizes preparations for second national economic census
Preparations for Nepal’s second national economic census are nearly complete, with enumerators and supervisors already deployed nationwide. The census will begin on April 15 and continue until the third week of June, involving around 5,000 personnel. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has urged businesses and stakeholders to actively participate. The survey will cover 18 sectors, collecting data on enterprises, employment, investment, production, and services across both formal and informal sectors, including NGOs, schools, hospitals, and government institutions.
Tourism sector urges stable and consistent government policies
Tourism entrepreneurs have called on the government to avoid frequent or abrupt policy changes that could negatively affect the sector. During the 18th annual general meeting of Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal, stakeholders stressed the need for long-term planning. President Man Bahadur Shahi highlighted Nepal’s vast tourism potential, including its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities. Speakers emphasized stronger coordination between the government, private sector, and local communities, while also urging stability in policy decisions and greater support from the Nepal Tourism Board.
Global IME launches discount campaign on gadgets
Global IME Bank Limited has introduced a promotional campaign offering up to a 20 percent discount on selected gadgets in collaboration with Ultima Lifestyle. Customers can avail of the discount through debit or credit card payments using the bank’s payment gateway. The campaign aims to promote digital transactions, encourage cashless payments, and provide affordable access to tech products amid growing demand for online shopping.
Sudurpashchim speeds up work on second five-year development plan
The Sudurpashchim provincial government has intensified efforts to prepare its second five-year plan (2026/27–2030/31), focusing on improving living standards. Input has been gathered from provincial assembly members on a draft prepared by the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission. The plan aims to promote self-reliance and economic growth through increased production, job creation, and poverty reduction. Priority sectors include agriculture, tourism, industry, and energy, with emphasis on value chain development, investment promotion, and entrepreneurship. Infrastructure development will also focus on ensuring regional balance.
Stakeholders warn low-cost imports hurting domestic agriculture
Agriculture experts and stakeholders have raised concerns that cheap and low-quality imports from across the border are posing serious challenges to Nepal’s domestic farming sector, which already faces high production costs. These issues were discussed during a program on inter-provincial cooperation in agriculture, organized by the Federalism and Localization Center in Lalitpur. Participants included provincial officials, federal representatives, and researchers. Chairing the event, Khim Lal Devkota emphasized the importance of collaboration among provinces. Meanwhile, Bagmati Province Agriculture Minister Madhusudan Paudel acknowledged progress in the sector but warned that cheap imports are undermining local production.
National Life Sanjivani plan offers combined protection and savings
The National Life Sanjivani Plan, offered by National Life Insurance Company, is a participating endowment policy designed to provide both life insurance coverage and long-term savings benefits. The plan is gaining popularity in Nepal’s growing insurance market as it offers guaranteed returns along with bonuses. It aims to provide financial security for policyholders and their families while supporting long-term wealth accumulation. Additionally, a Double Contributions Convention (DCC) agreement has been signed to prevent workers from paying duplicate social security contributions in different countries. Authorities expect both arrangements to be implemented simultaneously.
Farmers in Banke shift toward maize cultivation
Farmers in Banke district are increasingly turning to maize farming due to better income prospects and reliable market demand. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center, maize cultivation allows multiple harvests annually while ensuring stable returns. Dr Binod Ghimire, head of the center, said improved market access has encouraged farmers to switch from other crops. Currently, maize is grown on over 4,200 hectares, producing nearly 19,600 metric tons each year. In areas such as Duduwa Rural Municipality, farmers who previously cultivated vegetables are now adopting off-season maize farming due to its higher profitability.
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