KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The recent developments across Nepal’s economic and industrial sectors reflect a dynamic mix of challenges and proactive initiatives. The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a notable drop of 27.90 points despite a surge in daily turnover, signaling investor caution amid broader sectoral declines, especially in microfinance and development banks.
Simultaneously, the energy sector is under pressure as IPPAN submitted a longstanding 11-point demand to NEA, seeking structural reforms and policy clarity. In the financial sector, Governor Bishwo Poudel addressed critical questions from stakeholders, emphasizing the central bank’s role in economic recovery. On the consumer front, Samsung launched a monsoon repair campaign to support smartphone users, while gold and silver prices saw a significant dip.
Looking ahead, the NADA Auto Show 2025, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, is poised to spotlight advancements in electric and smart mobility, reinforcing Nepal’s gradual shift toward sustainable technologies.
NEPSE falls 27.90 points, closes at 2,822
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 27.90 points on Monday, closing at 2,822.46 points. Although the trading day started on a positive note, the index began to slide just 32 minutes into the session. Interestingly, despite the market downturn, total turnover saw a significant increase. Monday’s trading volume reached Rs 10.21 billion, up from Rs 8.53 billion on the previous day. Among the listed companies, 30 recorded gains, while 220 experienced losses. Most sectoral sub-indices ended the day in the red. Microfinance and development banks posted the steepest losses, falling by 2.35% and 2.31%, respectively. Other sectors also saw declines: banking slipped by 0.41%, finance by 1.27%, hotels and tourism by 0.76%, hydropower by 1.41%, investment by 1.17%, life insurance by 0.80%, manufacturing and processing by 0.75%, non-life insurance by 1.24%, and trading by 1.44%.
IPPAN submits 11-point demand to NEA
The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), has submitted a set of 11 demands to the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Hitendra Dev Shakya. A delegation led by IPPAN Senior Vice President Mohan Kumar Dangi met with Shakya on Monday, urging him to address issues that, according to IPPAN, have long been overlooked. Dangi reiterated that the demands had been pending for some time and emphasized the need for NEA’s formal response. The demands cover a broad range of issues affecting the power sector, including the extension of the Required Commercial Operation Date (RCOD), the management of surplus electricity, and the scrapping of the current contingency arrangement.
Stakeholders’ questions, Governor’s answers
At a policy dialogue program titled “The Role of Nepal Rastra Bank in Reviving the Economy”, held on Friday at Pavilion Hall, Durbarmarg, stakeholders from the economic sector posed several important questions to the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Prof. Dr. Bishwanath Poudel. The event was organized by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR) and attended by industrialists, businesspeople, economic experts, and representatives from various sectors. During the program, Governor Poudel shared his insights on the current economic landscape and the central bank’s future role in supporting economic recovery.
Gold prices down
Gold prices decreased by Rs 1,100 per tola on Monday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold for Monday has been set at Rs 198,100 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver also went down by Rs 15 per tola and was sold for Rs 2,315 per tola.
Samsung launches ‘Samsung Monsoon Camp’
Samsung Nepal has launched the ‘Samsung Monsoon Camp’, a limited-time service campaign running until August 24, offering free charging port replacement for smartphones damaged by rain. The service is available to all users—regardless of warranty status—at authorized Samsung service centers across Nepal. While the charging port replacement is free, customers must pay for labor and any additional parts if needed. The initiative aims to ensure a hassle-free experience for users during the monsoon season.
NADA Auto Show 2025 to be inaugurated by PM Oli
The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA) has announced that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will inaugurate the NADA Auto Show 2025. Prime Minister Oli has accepted NADA’s invitation to attend the event as the chief guest. A NADA delegation led by President Karan Chaudhary met with the Prime Minister to brief him on the upcoming 17th edition of the show and formally requested his presence at the inauguration. Scheduled to take place from August 19 to 24 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, the NADA Auto Show 2025 is expected to host over 125 exhibitors representing more than 30 vehicle brands. This year’s edition will highlight innovations in electric and hybrid vehicles, smart mobility solutions, a vintage motor show, the One-Tree Robot, Deepal Evotal, and other emerging technologies, making it a major platform for showcasing the future of mobility in Nepal.
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