KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Economic Brief—your go-to source on key financial updates in Nepal. Stay informed with concise insights on market trends, economic indicators, and policy shifts. Here are today’s top economic news highlights.

Nepal’s External Economy Remains Strong, Claims NRB: Nepal’s external economy remains strong, while internal sectors are gradually improving, according to the latest statistics from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). NRB’s report for the first nine months of the fiscal year 2081/82 (July to March) highlights significant growth in foreign exchange reserves and remittance inflows. Share mortgage loans and import credits have also increased, indicating rising investor confidence. Remittance inflows grew by 10% in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2081/82 (July to March), reaching NPR 1.19 trillion. Similarly, the current account surplus stood at NPR 210.22 billion, compared to NPR 179.83 billion in the same period last year.

Finance Minister Poudel Says Govt’s Top Priority is Solving Private Sector Issues: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has stated that resolving issues in the private sector is the government’s top priority. Speaking at an interaction with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce on Monday regarding the budget for the fiscal year 2082/83, Minister Poudel emphasized that through this budget, the government will work closely with the private sector to take concrete steps for economic improvement. He also highlighted that the government is not in a position to be satisfied with current achievements. “We will continue to take one reform step after another. The government is serious about solving the economic problems. We are not in a position to rest on our laurels with the achievements we’ve made so far. We will move forward in the direction of achieving further success,” Minister Poudel said.

Nepal’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Hit Record High for 31 Consecutive Months: Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves have been setting records for 31 consecutive months, reaching over NPR 2.426 trillion as of March. The continuous rise is attributed to increasing remittances, expanding imports and exports, and improvements in sectors like tourism. According to the economic and financial report published by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Sunday, the foreign exchange reserves grew by NPR 385.74 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Compared to the end of the previous fiscal year in mid-July 2081 BS, the reserves have surged by 18.9%. Back then, the total reserves stood at NPR 2.041 trillion. In US dollar terms, the reserves increased from USD 15.27 billion in mid-July to USD 17.63 billion by March, marking a growth of 15.4%, as highlighted by NRB.

Government Collects Rs 153 billion in Infrastructure Tax from Petroleum Imports in a Decade:  The government has collected Rs 153.15 billion in infrastructure development tax from petroleum imports over the last decade. This amount was collected from the fiscal year 2072/73 to the end of Chaitra 2081/82. Infrastructure development tax is collected at the customs point during petroleum imports. According to Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Manoj Kumar Thakur, the collected amount is directly deposited into the government’s account. The fund, collected under the titles of infrastructure development and Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project construction, has been an additional burden on consumers. The government began imposing this tax after announcing the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project—a 1,200 MW initiative in Dhading and Gorkha districts—in the fiscal year 2072/73.

Government to Tighten Import of Low-Quality Electric Vehicles: The government is set to tighten the import of substandard electric vehicles (EVs) after rising complaints from consumers. To address widespread consumer exploitation, the government has concluded that quality standards for EVs must be established and enforced. The number of EV importers has been rising, with many companies importing 40–50 vehicles, selling them, and then shutting down, leaving consumers without after-sales services or spare parts. Currently, EV imports in Nepal do not require adherence to any quality standards, allowing importers to sell low-quality vehicles at high profits.

33 Companies Seek PEVC License from SEBON:  A total of 33 companies have approached the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) seeking licenses for Private Equity and Venture Capital (PEVC) operations. These companies are applying in accordance with the Specialized Investment Fund Regulations, 2075. Previously, SEBON had granted PEVC licenses to a dozen companies, and the regulatory body is now reviewing applications from nearly three dozen more. SEBON Chairman Santosh Narayan Shrestha stated that the process of issuing PEVC licenses is in its final stages. “The assessment is still ongoing, but we are almost ready,” Shrestha said, adding, “Although it has taken some time due to SEBON’s workload, we are preparing to present it to the board soon.”

Loan Disbursement Remains Slow Despite Declining Interest Rates: Despite a continuous decline in interest rates, the pace of loan disbursement has increased only modestly, recent data reveals. Contrary to expectations that lower interest rates would accelerate credit expansion, the figures suggest otherwise. According to the latest economic and financial status report for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, published by Nepal Rastra Bank on Sunday, lending to the private sector increased by NPR 361.03 billion during this period. This marks a growth of just 7.1% compared to last Ashar (mid-July), when the total credit disbursement stood at NPR 5.167 trillion. By the end of Chaitra (mid-April), it had risen to NPR 5.534 trillion, reflecting only a moderate increment.

Spring Climbing Season Generates Over Rs 770 million in Royalties: This year’s spring climbing season has generated more than Rs 770 million in royalties. According to the Mountaineering Branch of the Department of Tourism, as of Sunday, a total of Rs 773,587,915 has been collected. Mount Everest alone contributed Rs 670 million in royalties. For the ascent of 26 different peaks, a total of 1,127 climbers, including 240 women and 887 men from 119 groups, received permits. According to Director Liladhar Awasthi, Mount Everest received the highest number of climbers, with 456 permits issued to 84 women and 372 men from 45 groups. Climbers from 57 countries have registered for Everest. Other notable climbs include 102 climbers for Ama Dablam, 107 for Lhotse, 79 for Makalu, 75 for Kanchenjunga, 76 for Nuptse, and 66 for Annapurna.

Land Prices Plummet, Valuers Facing Blacklisting Risk: Land prices have fallen sharply in various parts of Nepal, leading to an increased risk of blacklisting for property valuers. Land prices have dropped by an average of 30% in many areas. In some Terai regions, prices have fallen by 40%, while land near Gautam Buddha Airport has seen a 66% drop. According to NRB’s unified directive, if revaluation during auction sees the value drop by two-thirds or more compared to the original valuation, or if the wrong property is assessed, valuers can be blacklisted. Such valuers are added to the Credit Information Center’s blacklist upon recommendation by financial institutions.

Shubhashree Agni Cement Sees 37% Drop in Sales Amid Economic Downturn:  The economic slowdown and sluggish development projects have led to a 37% drop in sales for Shubhashree Agni Cement. The decline in demand caused the company’s trade volume to plummet within a year. In 2023, the company recorded sales worth Rs 2.55 billion, but this dropped to Rs 1.59 billion in 2024. Cement sales accounted for Rs 880 million, while clinker sales stood at Rs 658 million. According to the company, clinker sales saw a significant dip in 2024, dropping from 1,081 metric tons in 2023 to just 57,307 metric tons in 2024.

Supreme Court Orders Government to Form National Cooperative Regulatory Authority: The Supreme Court has directed the government to form a National Cooperative Regulatory Authority within the next one and a half months. The amendment to the Cooperative Act mandates the creation of the authority and the formation of a recommendation committee. The Supreme Court issued the directive following rising cases of embezzlement and misuse of cooperative funds. The court’s four-point directive came after observing that no recommendation committee had been formed to address growing cooperative problems across the country.

Liana Trade Concern Records Rs 2.2 billion in Annual Trade: Liana Trade Concern, a company engaged in the import and distribution of pharmaceuticals and consumer products in the Nepali market, recorded an annual trade volume of Rs 2.2 billion in 2024. The company achieved sales of Rs 1.84 billion in 2023, Rs 1.76 billion in 2022, Rs 1.59 billion in 2021, and Rs 1.49 billion in 2020, reflecting consistent growth each year. According to the company, its business has grown steadily by 11% annually over the past three years. Founded in 1994, Liana Trade Concern distributes more than 250 types of medicines across Nepal, including treatments for chronic diseases such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.

Nepal’s Community Homestay Listed Among Time Magazine’s Best Destinations for 2025: World-renowned Time Magazine has listed Nepal’s Community Homestay as one of the best destinations for 2025. According to Time Magazine’s evaluation, Nepal’s Community Homestay not only connects tourists with local communities but also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage. Nepal’s Community Homestay began in 2012 from Panauti, initiated by a local woman, Meena Koirala. Today, it has expanded to 18 communities with more than 200 homestays in operation. Through the homestay experience, tourists connect directly with local communities, supporting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Nepal.

Four Banks Sign Agreement to Finance Lapche Tamakoshi Hydropower Project: Four commercial banks have signed an agreement to provide financing for the Lapche Tamakoshi Hydropower Project located in Bigu Rural Municipality, Dolakha. Led by NMB Bank, the consortium includes Nabil Bank, Nepal Infrastructure Bank, and Everest Bank. The financial management agreement was signed with Dynamic Hydro Energy Pvt. Ltd. The 42 MW Lapche Tamakoshi project is estimated to cost around NPR 7 billion, with the banks collectively investing NPR 5.25 billion. Additionally, NMB Bank has also signed a financial management agreement to solely fund the Chepe Khola Cascade Hydropower Project. The 2 MW project is estimated to cost NPR 434 million, with NMB Bank contributing NPR 340 million in loans.

IME Group Launches Ila Hotel and Resort in Nawalpur’s Maula Kalika: IME Group is set to launch the Ila Hotel and Resort in Maula Kalika, Gaindakot Municipality-1, Nawalpur. The hotel is scheduled for an official inauguration on Monday. Located at the upper station of the Maula Kalika Cable Car, the resort boasts 65 rooms, including suites and deluxe rooms, a banquet and conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and a gym. The state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, including the cable car, is expected to enhance tourism in the Narayani, Devghat, Triveni, and other historic and spiritual destinations, showcasing the area’s natural beauty to both domestic and international visitors. IME Group is also working on building similar tourism infrastructures, including cable cars, hotels, and resorts, across all seven provinces of Nepal.

Resunga Airport in Gulmi to Operate Three Weekly Flights: With increasing passenger demand, Resunga Airport in Gulmi is set to operate three flights a week—on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Previously limited to weekly flights, the new schedule aims to accommodate the growing number of travelers, according to Resunga Airport Station Chief Suman Thapa. Nepal Airlines had struggled to maintain regular services due to a shortage of aircraft. However, operations have resumed after maintenance of the Twin Otter aircraft. The fare for a one-way ticket from Resunga to Kathmandu is set at NPR 7,080, while the return fare from Kathmandu to Resunga is NPR 7,280.

NMB Bank and Agricultural Development Bank to Invest Nearly 4 billion in Bajramadi Hydropower Project: NMB Bank and Agricultural Development Bank have committed to invest nearly NPR 3.75 billion in the Bajramadi Hydropower Project, located in Madi Rural Municipality of Kaski district. A financial management agreement was signed between Bajra Energy Ventures and the two banks for the development of the 24.8 MW capacity hydropower project. The total estimated cost of the project is NPR 5.35 billion, out of which NMB Bank, in collaboration with Agricultural Development Bank as a member bank, will contribute NPR 3.74 billion. During the signing ceremony, NMB Bank’s CEO Govinda Ghimire expressed that their continued investment leadership in new projects stems from their strong trust in Vision Lumbini’s initiatives.

NLG Insurance to Distribute 2.63% Dividend to Shareholders: NLG Insurance has approved a proposal to distribute a 2.50% bonus share and a 0.13% cash dividend (for tax purposes), totaling a 2.63% dividend from last year’s profits to its shareholders. The decision was made during the company’s board meeting held on Baisakh 26. According to the company, the dividend distribution will be executed after receiving approval from the Insurance Board and endorsement from the upcoming General Assembly.

Gold Prices Drop in Nepali Market: The price of gold has decreased in the Nepali market on Sunday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold dropped by NPR 3,700 per tola. Accordingly, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at NPR 186,800 per tola on Monday. The previous day, it was set at NPR 190,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also dropped. On the previous day, silver was priced at NPR 1,970 per tola, but on Monday it decreased to NPR 1,960 per tola.