KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

Government Tightens Regulation on Precious Metals Trading to Exit Grey List

The government has tightened regulations on the trading of precious metals and stones as Nepal attempts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. The Inland Revenue Department issued a directive to enhance transparency and curb financial crimes like money laundering. The directive requires businesses dealing in precious metals like gold, diamonds, and platinum to conduct all transactions through corporate bank accounts only. Furthermore, any single sale of Rs 1 million or more must be paid by the customer’s bank account, prioritizing electronic payment methods to ensure traceability.

Finance Ministry Establishes Focal Unit to Coordinate Foreign Investment

The Ministry of Finance has established a dedicated Focal Unit under its International Coordination Division to enhance coordination with foreign investors and international development finance institutions. The unit’s primary role will be to facilitate and coordinate all matters concerning foreign investment related to the Ministry of Finance, particularly those involving banking and revenue. The establishment of this unit aims to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination on foreign investment issues.

New NBC Implemented to Enhance Earthquake Resilience

The government has implemented a revised National Building Code (NBC) to replace outdated provisions that were deemed impractical and costly. The modified code, published in the Gazette on Thursday, provides guidelines for the construction of not only buildings but also underground structures like dams and tunnels. Minister of Urban Development Kulman Ghising emphasized that the new code will minimize loss of life and property in future earthquakes. It includes a new seismic zoning map covering all 753 local units, improved soil classification, and updated load combination formulas for better structural stability.

FEB Increases Financial Aid for Migrant Workers’ Families

The Foreign Employment Board (FEB) reported an increase in the number of migrant workers’ families receiving financial assistance for health treatment. In the first three months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, at least 97 families received aid, up from 78 families in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, 2024/25. The FEB provides up to Rs 50,000 per patient for serious and chronic diseases like cancer, kidney failure, and heart surgery. Executive Director Dr. Dwarika Upreti stated that this assistance is intended to provide relief for workers’ spouses, children, parents, and, in the case of female workers, in-laws.

Land Use Regulations Amended to Allow Subdivision of Small Plots

The government has amended the Land Use Regulations to allow the subdivision of certain narrow plots of land that were previously restricted. The previous provision in Rule 12, Sub-rule 2, of the Regulation prohibited the cadastral division of plots smaller than 500 square meters if the length was more than four times the width. The recent amendment removes this restriction, permitting the division and sale of these narrow land parcels.

NBC Takes Effect, Guides Underground Structures

The revised National Building Code (NBC) has officially come into force, following its publication in the Gazette on Thursday. The Ministry of Urban Development announced that the code will not only guide the construction of buildings but also serve as a framework for the construction of underground structures, including dams, powerhouses, and tunnels for hydropower projects. The ministry has urged local levels, engineers, and the general public to strictly comply with the new code.

Phedikhola Hydropower to Issue 17.6 Lakh Shares in IPO

The Phedikhola Hydropower Company is preparing to issue 1,760,000 ordinary shares to the public. The company has appointed NMB Capital Limited as the issue manager for the Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company’s authorized and issued capital stands at Rs 800 million. The IPO represents 22 percent of the issued capital, valued at Rs 176 million at Rs 100 per share. Managing Director Prakash Chandra Dulal stated that the 4.3-megawatt project in Bhojpur has a total cost of approximately Rs 940 million and is targeted for completion before the end of November.

PPMO Blacklists 14 Construction Companies

The Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) announced on Friday that 14 construction companies and suppliers have been blacklisted for periods ranging from one to two years. The decision was based on recommendations from nine government bodies, citing reasons such as violation of contracts, serious defects in construction/supply, failure to complete work as per agreement, and non-response to official inquiries. Blacklisted entities, including Laxman Construction and Prime Infrastructure, are barred from participating in any government tenders, services, or supply contracts during the specified period.

Nepal to Host International Tax Conference from November 18

The Nepal Chamber of Tax Consultants is organizing an international tax conference in Kathmandu from November 18 to November 21. The event aims to enhance tax education, promote policy dialogue with government agencies, and push for research and reform in the tax sector. Chamber President Roshan Pokharel stated the conference will showcase Nepal’s evolving tax system, connect local tax practitioners with international experts, and promote Nepal as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism destination. The event will feature 350 international delegates and over 200 domestic tax experts, policymakers, and government officials.

Annapurna Conservation Area Sets New Tourism Record in 2025

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) recorded a new high of 246,575 foreign tourists between January and October 2025, surpassing the total number of visitors from the entire previous year. The tourists included 146,968 individuals from South Asian countries and 99,607 from other nations. ACAP Chief Rabin Kadariya noted this continuous recovery from the 2020 low of 18,836 visitors. April was the busiest month, seeing 44,763 arrivals. The region, established in 1986, is Nepal’s largest protected area and covers parts of the Manang, Kaski, Lamjung, and Myagdi districts.

Nepal Airlines Flight Diverted to Delhi Due to TIA Parking Congestion

A Nepal Airlines (NAC) flight, RA230, arriving from Dubai, was diverted to Delhi after the pilot was informed that the parking bay at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) was congested. TIA General Manager Hansaraj Pandey confirmed that the diversion occurred because three other aircraft were already holding for parking, and the NAC aircraft was informed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that it did not have sufficient fuel to hold for the required time. The captain then opted to divert the flight to Delhi for easier refueling and landing.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Seeks Rs 366 Million in Debt from Airlines

The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is pressuring several airlines to clear overdue service fee payments, totaling over Rs 366 million. General Manager Hansa Raj Pandey reported that the outstanding amount includes debts from both currently operating and defunct carriers. Nepal Airlines Corporation owes the largest sum at Rs 209.9 million, followed by Yeti Airlines at Rs 102.4 million, and foreign airline Spice Jet at over Rs 50 million outstanding. TIA has warned that failure to immediately initiate payment could lead to the grounding of aircraft and suspension of flights.

Hong Kong Waives Transit Visa Requirement for Nepali Passport Holders

The Hong Kong government has removed the mandatory transit visa requirement for Nepali passport holders traveling to and from other countries via the Hong Kong International Airport. The new rule is effective starting November 15, 2025. The Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong announced the decision, crediting continuous diplomatic efforts for the change. Since June 2005, Nepali citizens have been required to obtain a transit visa, which often causes inconvenience at one of the world’s busiest airports. The waiver is expected to significantly ease travel for Nepali passengers.

ACAP Provides Rs 1.3 Million in Relief to 26 Snow Leopard Victims

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Jomsom, has paid Rs 1.3 million in wildlife damage relief to 26 households in the Mustang district. The relief covers 111 livestock losses (yaks, mountain goats, and horses) caused by snow leopards and common leopards in fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25. The ACAP Chief Rajesh Gupta handed over vouchers at an awareness workshop on Thursday. The funds were disbursed from ACAP’s emergency relief fund to address the backlog of payments from the past two years.

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan Distributes Subsidized Wheat Seeds to 177 Farmers

The Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has distributed subsidized, improved wheat seeds to 177 farmers, cooperatives, and ward offices. The distribution was carried out by the Agriculture Section, providing a 50 percent subsidy on the cost of the two varieties. Agricultural Section Chief Ambika Rijal stated that a total of 11,790 kilograms of high-quality wheat seeds were distributed to farmers who submitted their requests following a seven-day public notice. The initiative aims to boost local food crop production within the sub-metropolitan area.

Nepal and India Amend Transit Treaty for Biratnagar and Bhairahawa

Nepal and India have amended the Transit Treaty Protocol, allowing all types of cargo to be transported from Kolkata and Visakhapatnam ports to Biratnagar and Bhairahawa customs points. Previously, only four types of bulk cargo were permitted. The amendment was exchanged between Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha and his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi, India, on Thursday. This change will allow rail cargo to reach the Biratnagar customs premises directly, ending the expensive road transfer from Jogbani, India.

FMTC Procures Only 1,800 Quintals of Paddy from Banke Farmers

The Nepalgunj branch of the Food Management and Trading Company has purchased only 1,800 quintals of paddy from Banke farmers since procurement began on November 9. Chief Ram Sharan Lamichhane stated that 1,400 quintals were medium-grade and 400 were coarse, against a quota of 5,000 quintals of medium and 15,000 quintals of coarse paddy. Farmers are frustrated as the company buys only 40 quintals per farmer, forcing them to sell the remainder to private traders at prices about Rs 1,000 less than the government’s support price of Rs 3,628.33 per quintal for medium-grade paddy.

Lamkichuha Municipality Irregularities Total Rs 4.1 million, Says Audit Report

The Office of the Auditor General report has flagged irregularities totaling Rs 4.1 in Lamkichuha Municipality, specifically citing the splitting of projects to bypass competitive bidding. The report noted that the municipality fragmented a Rs 2.1 million hall maintenance project into four direct purchases. Similarly, a public gymnasium project was split into two purchases totaling Rs 1.9 million. The report criticized the practice, stating that fragmented purchases violate the Public Procurement Act and result in higher costs than competitive bidding or execution through user committees.

FTMC Halts Paddy Procurement in Kailali After Quota Fulfillment

The Food Management and Trading Company (FMTC) in Kailali has halted its paddy procurement drive after reaching its initial quota of 35,000 quintals of coarse paddy. As of Wednesday, the company had purchased 28,442 quintals and issued coupons for the remaining 6,558 quintals, forcing farmers without coupons to return home with their produce on Thursday. Farmers complained of long queues to sell their paddy at the government support price of Rs 3,463.81 per quintal, while private traders in Dhangadhi are buying the same paddy for nearly Rs 1,000 less.

Mechi Customs Office Achieves 95 Percent Revenue Target in Three Months

The Mechi Customs Office in Kakarbhitta collected Rs 4.152 billion in revenue during the first three months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. Information Officer Ishwor Kumar Humagain reported that the collected amount represents 95 percent of the target of Rs 4.362 billion for the period. He noted that the office surpassed its monthly target in around October, collecting 101 percent of the target. Imports mainly included petroleum products, vehicles, and raw materials, while exports included cardamom, iron sheets, and tea.

Nepalgunj Airport to Lease 52 Shop Shutters in New Terminal

The newly constructed, three-story terminal building at Nepalgunj Airport is preparing to lease 52 commercial shop shutters to develop the facility into a business hub. Project Chief Nal Bikram Thapa stated the tenders for the shops, restaurants, and coffee stalls will be announced soon, adding that revenue from the shutters, parking, and advertising will enhance the airport’s financial sustainability. The Rs 3 billion project, completed ahead of schedule by Sharma & Company, has a capacity to accommodate about 700 passengers per hour and is slated for a test run in the last week of November.

185 Cargo Containers Abandoned at Birgunj Customs for Six Years

The Birgunj Customs Office has 185 shipping containers of unclaimed cargo left stranded in the dry port since the period before the 2019 COVID pandemic. Chief Customs Administrator Bishnu Prasad Gyawali stated that the containers, imported from third countries, are abandoned because the consignees cannot be found. The sealed containers hold perishable and controlled goods like 90 containers of peas, 61 of dates, 10 of poppy seeds, and nine of betel nut. Authorities are awaiting laboratory reports to determine whether to destroy the goods, as no one has come forward to claim or participate in the repeated auction calls.

Gold Price Falls by Rs 500 Per Tola in Local Market

The price of gold in the local market saw a slight decline of Rs 500 per tola on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 249,700 per tola today, down from Rs 250,200 on Tuesday. Similarly, the price of silver dropped by Rs 60 per tola, with the federation setting today’s price at Rs 3,285 per tola.