KATHMANDU: Economic Digest presents a brief yet comprehensive roundup of major business developments in Nepal, delivered in clear and accessible summaries.
Nepal’s economic outlook presents a mixed picture, with modest stock market gains and continued investment activity contrasted by significant disaster-related losses and growing pressure on public resources. NEPSE edged up 0.94 points to 2,630.76, while turnover increased to Rs 5.79 billion. However, declining share prices across several sectors suggest that market confidence remains uneven. Gold prices also rose, reflecting continued movement in domestic commodity markets.
The August 26 floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins remain a major economic concern. Private property and business losses reached Rs 79.17 billion, while insurers have disbursed only Rs 821.3 million against registered claims initially estimated at Rs 20.904 billion. The government’s relief funds hold Rs 18.136 billion, but effective recovery will depend on transparent distribution, timely insurance settlements and coordinated reconstruction efforts.
Policy measures offer some support for economic stability. Nepal Rastra Bank’s borrower advisory emphasizes responsible lending, while Gavi’s Rs 8.59 billion assistance strengthens immunization financing. Tourism arrivals in the Annapurna Conservation Area and through Kakarbhitta indicate continued travel demand. Meanwhile, declining profits at NIFRA and proposed civil service retirement provisions highlight institutional and financial challenges.
Overall, Nepal needs stronger disaster resilience, efficient public spending, responsible credit management and sustained investment to support recovery and long-term economic stability.
NEPSE edges up 0.94 points as turnover reaches Rs 5.79 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index gained 0.94 points to close at 2,630.76 on Tuesday, the second trading day following the Dashain holiday. Share prices of 135 companies rose, while 136 declined and eight remained unchanged. Daily turnover climbed to Rs 5.79 billion from Rs 4 billion on Monday. Ghalemdi Hydropower, People’s Hydropower, Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower, Liberty Energy, Green Ventures, Himalayan Distillery and Api Power recorded the highest trading volumes. The hydropower sub-index posted the strongest gain, rising 1.65 percent, while most other sectoral indices ended lower. Beni Hydropower led individual gainers with a 15 percent increase, followed by Upper Mailung Khola Hydropower, which rose 12.09 percent. Life insurance declined 0.59 percent, while hotels and tourism fell 0.51 percent. Unilever Nepal was among the biggest losers, with its share price dropping 4.91 percent.
Gold price rises to Rs 282,300 per tola, silver falls to Rs 3,970
Gold prices increased in Nepal’s domestic market on Tuesday, while silver prices declined, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of hallmark gold rose by Rs 800 per tola, reaching Rs 282,300. The metal had traded at Rs 281,500 per tola on Monday. In contrast, silver fell by Rs 25 per tola to Rs 3,970, down from Rs 3,995 on the previous day.
Bhote Koshi floods cause Rs 79.17 billion in private property losses: NPC
Private property and business losses caused by the August 26 floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins have reached Rs 79.17 billion, according to a finalized assessment by the National Planning Commission (NPC). The report estimates household losses at Rs 69.57 billion and damage to commercial enterprises at Rs 9.60 billion. Residential land covering 54.65 hectares sustained losses valued at Rs 13.26 billion, while housing construction losses amounted to Rs 11.95 billion. Damage to 507.97 hectares of privately owned land was estimated at Rs 35.44 billion. Agricultural losses included crop damage worth Rs 232.1 million affecting 2,951 farming families. Stored food grains worth Rs 10.41 billion were lost, while livestock and fisheries suffered damage estimated at Rs 21.42 billion. Vehicle losses amounted to Rs 1.24 billion, and losses involving cultural artefacts and jewellery reached Rs 5 billion. The assessment also found that 3,187 households lost durable goods worth Rs 1.45 billion, while 2,769 families lost non-durable household items valued at Rs 663.5 million. The floods affected 6,817 families and 32,872 people across 15 local units in Dhading, Gorkha, Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. A total of 499 business establishments were also affected, while 2,989 residential structures were completely destroyed.
NRB urges borrowers to assess financial capacity and credit risks
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued a public financial literacy advisory urging borrowers to assess their repayment capacity, income, collateral requirements and loan terms before taking out loans from financial institutions. Highlighting the five Cs of credit assessment used by banks—cash flow, capital, character and credit history, collateral, and loan conditions—the central bank outlined five key stages of borrowing: loan application, borrower assessment, credit approval, loan disbursement and monitoring of loan utilization. It also advised borrowers to use loans for productive purposes and make repayments on time.
Parliamentary committee seeks detailed relief reports from 49 flood-hit wards
The National Assembly’s Special Parliamentary Committee on Disaster Studies and Monitoring in the Bhote Koshi and Kali Gandaki river basins has directed government agencies to submit detailed reports on flood damage and relief distribution across 49 affected wards. Committee Chair Krishna Prasad Paudel said during Tuesday’s meeting that field inspections could not proceed effectively without verified district- and ward-level data endorsed by local ward chairs. The reports are expected to cover financial assistance, food distribution, humanitarian losses, missing persons, displaced people, agricultural damage and disruptions to communication networks. The committee has scheduled consultations with relevant ministers through November 2 to assess coordination among government agencies, damage estimates, reconstruction funding, management of the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, international humanitarian assistance and the deployment of security personnel. Following the consultations, the committee plans to conduct field inspections in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading from November 3 to 21.
Insurers pay Rs 821.3 million in claims for Bhote Koshi and Trishuli flood damage
General insurance companies have disbursed Rs 821.3 million in advance payments and interim settlements for damage to infrastructure, vehicles and commercial property caused by the August 26 floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, 2,491 claims have been registered, with estimated losses initially assessed at Rs 20.904 billion. Himalayan Everest Insurance recorded 209 claims worth Rs 6.615 billion, the highest claim value among the reported insurers, and has paid Rs 232.3 million. Among individual companies, Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance made the largest total payout, disbursing Rs 266.3 million against claims worth Rs 1.759 billion. Shikhar Insurance paid Rs 214.7 million against claims totaling Rs 2.639 billion. By insurance category, property insurance accounted for claims worth Rs 9.563 billion from 576 policyholders, with Rs 162.8 million disbursed. Engineering insurance recorded claims of Rs 4.401 billion from 174 claimants, with Rs 174 million paid. Motor insurance accounted for 1,067 claims worth Rs 2.848 billion, with Rs 236.6 million disbursed. Marine transit insurance recorded claims totaling Rs 2.335 billion, of which Rs 238.9 million has been settled. The Nepal Insurance Authority has also issued an eight-point directive requiring insurers to ease documentation requirements for life insurance death claims, declarations of missing persons and replacement of lost policy certificates. The directive also provides for a six-month interest-free grace period for premium payments and loan instalments to ease the financial burden on flood-affected policyholders.
Agriculture office urges farmers to manage harvests ahead of forecast rainfall
The Agriculture Development Office has urged farmers to monitor weather forecasts and adjust harvesting schedules ahead of rainfall expected in several parts of the country from October 28 to November 1. The office advised farmers to harvest mature paddy crops immediately or wait until after November 1. Farmers with crops that have yet to ripen were advised to drain excess water from their fields and bundle lodged stalks to prevent grain submersion and reduce potential crop losses from adverse weather.
Department of Foreign Employment gives suspects 35 days to contact authorities
The Department of Foreign Employment has issued a public notice directing individuals facing warrants from the Foreign Employment Tribunal to contact the department or Nepal Police within 35 days to comply with legal proceedings. The notice warns that failure to respond could result in legal consequences, including restrictions on travel authorizations and the freezing of bank transactions. The department said fraudulent job offers, unauthorized fee collection, fake demand letters and irregular employment contracts harm migrant workers and their families. The notice aims to expedite pending cases, strengthen accountability and protect workers’ rights through coordination among relevant agencies.
NEA issues electrical safety warning ahead of forecast cyclonic weather
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has urged the public to exercise caution around electrical infrastructure amid forecasts of rainfall and snowfall associated with an approaching cyclonic system on October 30 and 31. The authority warned that adverse weather could damage power infrastructure and disrupt electricity transmission and distribution. It said emergency maintenance teams had been placed on standby at regional distribution centres to respond to outages and restore services. The public has been advised to stay away from hazardous areas around electrical installations and promptly report any damage to power infrastructure.
Parliamentary committee calls for round-the-clock operations at Birgunj dry port
A parliamentary committee has called for improved operational efficiency at the Birgunj Dry Port and the Birgunj Integrated Check Post following an on-site inspection by House of Representatives Infrastructure Development Committee Chair Ashish Gajurel and lawmaker Arbind Sah. The visit assessed infrastructure, management and operational procedures at facilities operated by the Transit and Warehouse Management Company. During discussions with senior officials, the committee representatives stressed the need to keep gates open around the clock to accommodate the movement of approximately 110 cargo trains each month through the dry port and 800 freight vehicles daily through the integrated check post. They also highlighted the importance of railway infrastructure in facilitating the transportation of imported chemical fertilizers.
Prime Minister’s relief funds hold Rs 18.136 billion in contributions
The combined balance of the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund reached Rs 18.136 billion as of 9 am on Tuesday, following contributions and financial assistance in the aftermath of the Rasuwa and Bhote Koshi floods. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, accounts held at nine commercial banks contain Rs 13.494 billion. Foreign currency accounts maintained at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank hold more than USD 30.5 million. The funds are intended to support disaster relief and related assistance efforts.
Minister Rawal pledges additional staff to speed up land ownership certificates
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Pratibha Rawal has pledged to deploy additional administrative staff to accelerate the distribution of land ownership certificates and address longstanding housing concerns affecting landless Dalits, squatters and people living in informal settlements. Following discussions with municipal chief administrative officers and local land committee officials, Rawal said delays in service delivery often stemmed from a lack of institutional commitment rather than regulatory obstacles. She said her direct consultations with stakeholders during regional visits were aimed at ensuring transparent grievance handling and more effective public services.
Gavi provides Nepal with Rs 8.59 billion in vaccine assistance through 2030
Nepal has secured vaccine and financial assistance worth Rs 8.591 billion from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support its routine immunization programme through 2030 following negotiations led by the Ministry of Health. In a separate development, a dispute over historical assistance allocations covering fiscal years 2016/17 to 2021/22 has been resolved, with a previously contested repayment demand of USD 308,271 waived in full. The assistance is expected to support the continuity of Nepal’s national immunization programme and preventive healthcare services aimed at protecting children and other target populations from infectious diseases.
Kakarbhitta border checkpoint records 1,106 foreign tourist arrivals in three months
A total of 1,106 foreign tourists entered Nepal through the Kakarbhitta border checkpoint over a three-month period, according to immigration office data. Of these, 605 arrived between September 17 and October 17. The visitors represented 53 countries, with Bhutan accounting for 478 arrivals, followed by the United States with 242, Australia with 49, Great Britain with 40 and Bangladesh with 35. The checkpoint recorded an average of 12 arrivals daily, rising to 19 during the peak autumn tourism period. During the same three months, the immigration office issued 992 tourist visas, 75 relationship visas, eight marriage visas, 13 non-resident visas and eight SAARC endorsement visas. A total of 985 foreign nationals departed Nepal through the checkpoint during the period.
464 civil servants resign amid proposed retirement provisions
A total of 464 civil servants, including four secretaries, have resigned since the beginning of the current fiscal year on July 17, 2026, according to the National Civil Service Records Office. The office reported that the resignations included 207 gazetted officers, comprising four secretaries, 33 joint secretaries, 72 undersecretaries and 98 section officers. Another 257 non-gazetted employees resigned, including 137 first- and second-class administrative assistants and 120 personnel in unclassified service categories. Although the employees cited personal and family reasons in their resignation letters, officials said the increase followed proposed provisions in the federal civil service bill tabled in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would require civil servants to retire upon completing 30 years of service or reaching the age of 55.
Annapurna Conservation Area welcomes 32,963 foreign tourists in a month
The Annapurna Conservation Area recorded 32,963 foreign tourist visits during a one-month period, including 12,645 visitors from South Asian countries and 20,318 from other nations, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The total represented an increase of 2,416 visitors compared with the 30,547 recorded during the corresponding period last year. However, the reporting period provided in the source requires verification, as the dates are listed as September 17 to August 17. Covering approximately 7,600 square kilometres across 15 local government units in Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang, the conservation area attracts trekkers during the autumn season. Popular destinations include the Annapurna Circuit, Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake and Upper Mustang.
Kathmandu Valley expects Rs 480 million in flower garland sales during Tihar
The Kathmandu Valley is expected to consume approximately 5.2 million flower garlands during the upcoming Tihar festival, generating an estimated market turnover of Rs 480 million, according to the Floriculture Association Nepal. The association expects domestic production to meet most of the demand. Marigold garlands are projected to account for 4.5 million units, with an estimated wholesale value of Rs 405 million at Rs 90 per garland. Globe amaranth, locally known as makhamali, garlands are expected to generate Rs 27 million from 600,000 units priced at Rs 45 each. The forecast also includes 20,000 chrysanthemum garlands valued at Rs 24 million at Rs 1,200 each, and 60,000 mixed-flower garlands worth Rs 2.4 million at Rs 400 each. Meanwhile, the association will organise its 19th Godavari Flower Competitive Exhibition in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, from October 29 to November 2. The event will feature 78 commercial stalls showcasing 450 varieties of flowers.
Everest Paper Mills workers receive Rs 63.6 million in unpaid wages and benefits
A total of 174 workers at Everest Paper Mills Pvt. Ltd. have received Rs 63.6 million in overdue wages and employment benefits, bringing a longstanding labour dispute closer to resolution following prolonged administrative and legal proceedings. On March 31, 2026, the Labour Court ordered the release of Rs 58.6 million. After the employer failed to comply, the court ordered the freezing of shareholders’ accounts on September 11, 2026. The total settlement included the court-ordered arrears and unpaid wages for two months dating back to mid-August. Payments were made through bank cheques on October 16, settling the outstanding claims.
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal proposes 16 percent cash dividend
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal has proposed a cash dividend of 16 percent of its existing paid-up capital for shareholders. The proposed distribution is subject to approval from Nepal Rastra Bank and endorsement by shareholders at the bank’s upcoming annual general meeting. The date of the meeting has not yet been announced. In the previous fiscal year, the bank distributed a cash dividend of 19 percent to its shareholders.
Govt allocates Rs 35 million to support culturally significant films
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced Rs 35 million in subsidies for film production during fiscal year 2026/27, aiming to promote original, realistic and public awareness-oriented films highlighting Nepal’s cultural heritage and national identity. Under the Procedure on Providing Promotional Subsidies for Film Production in Areas of Cultural and National Significance, 2026, individuals and organisations can apply within 21 days. The programme covers three categories: scriptwriting, production and post-production. The initiative aims to encourage filmmakers to document local cultures, traditions and social realities while supporting projects from script development through final production.
NIFRA’s first-quarter net profit falls 20 percent to Rs 166.4 million
Nepal Infrastructure Bank Ltd. (NIFRA) reported a 20 percent year-on-year decline in net profit to Rs 166.4 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to its unaudited financial statements. The bank had earned Rs 208.5 million during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The decline was attributed primarily to a fall in net interest income. However, the reported figures contain an apparent discrepancy: net interest income is stated to have declined from Rs 373 million to Rs 34.42 billion, a figure that requires verification. NIFRA’s annualised earnings per share stood at Rs 3.08, while its net worth per share was reported at Rs 112.38. The source also lists paid-up capital of Rs 216 million and accumulated reserves of Rs 2.673 billion; these figures should be checked against the bank’s published financial statements.
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