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:

Nepal’s FDI Commitments Nearly Double, Reach Rs. 37 Billion in First Four Months of FY 2025/26:

Nepal received FDI commitments worth Rs. 36.68 billion for 382 projects between mid-July and mid-November of fiscal year 2025/26, nearly double last year’s Rs. 18.65 billion during the same period. Total FDI commitments since the 1980s now stand at Rs. 686.05 billion. Of the commitments this year, Rs. 34.31 billion came through the approval route and Rs. 2.36 billion via the automatic route. Small-scale industries dominated registrations, with ICT leading in project numbers while agriculture attracted the highest investment at Rs. 21.88 billion. Foreign firms committed to creating 33,814 jobs, while repatriation surged to Rs. 2.90 billion from Rs. 67 million last year.

NEPSE Falls 26.51 Points Despite Higher Trading Volume on Monday:

On the first trading day of the week, NEPSE experienced a double-digit decline, with the index dropping 26.51 points to 2,649.52. Despite the fall, trading volume increased, with 342 companies exchanging 15.73 million shares worth Rs 7.08 billion, compared to 333 companies trading 14.69 million shares worth Rs 6.66 billion last Thursday. All sectors except production, processing, and mutual funds saw losses. Key declines included Investment (-1.48%), Hydropower (-1.31%), Microfinance (-1.30%), Life Insurance (-1.20%), Development Banks (-1.09%), Banking (-1.08%), and Others (-1.04%). Five companies hit positive circuit limits, including Sagar Distillery (+10%), Nifra Green Energy Debenture (+6%), and Swastik Laghubitta, Jhapa Energy, and Shreenagar Agritech (+9.99% each).

Himalayan Reinsurance Tops Trading as NEPSE Sees Broad Market Decline:

The Nepali stock market opened the week in red, with the NEPSE index dropping 26.51 points and 221 companies experiencing share price declines. Despite the downturn, several companies recorded high trading volumes. Himalayan Reinsurance led the session with transactions worth Rs 22.56 crore, followed by Joshi Hydropower at Rs 21.82 crore, Green Venture Rs 21.36 crore, NRN Infrastructure & Development Rs 21.24 crore, and Nepal Life Insurance Rs 18.05 crore. Other notable trades included Nyadi Group Power, Himalayan Distillery, Sanima Mai Hydropower, Mountain Energy Nepal, and Reliable Nepal Life Insurance, reflecting continued investor interest in select high-value stocks despite overall market losses.

NRNA Factions Unite Through Landmark Agreement, Promising Strengthened Global Nepali Engagement:

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) officially unified its two factions today, bridging the divide between Dr. Badri KC’s group, elected at the 11th General Convention, and Mahesh Shrestha’s group, elected at the Unity General Convention. The signing took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, with Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Communications Minister in attendance. A 10-point agreement was endorsed, including holding the 12th General Convention within four months. Leaders emphasized unity over division, with pledges to contribute to Nepal’s economic development and prevent future political splits. The move is expected to strengthen engagement with over eight million NRNs worldwide.

NRB Readies Monetary Policy Review as Economy Slows and Liquidity Surges:

Nepal Rastra Bank is preparing to publish its first-quarter monetary policy review amid sluggish economic activity, weak credit demand, and excessive liquidity in the banking system. Despite historically low interest rates, more than Rs 11 trillion in lendable funds remain idle, and banks are struggling to expand credit. Production, consumption, and employment have all declined, increasing expectations from the review. Stakeholders want NRB to introduce measures that activate liquidity, boost lending to productive sectors, support businesses affected by recent protests, and ease loans for agriculture, tourism, and small industries. Analysts stress the need for balanced interest-rate management to revive investment and economic growth.

Pokhara Celebrates Second Daai Festival to Promote Traditional Farming and Tourism:

The second edition of the Daai Festival was held on Saturday in Puranchaur, Pokhara, aiming to inspire youth toward traditional agriculture while boosting tourism. Organized by the Pokhara Tourism Council, the event was inaugurated by Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, who highlighted its importance in protecting agriculture and uplifting farmers. The festival featured paddy threshing using five pairs of bullocks, traditional competitions, and recognition of top farmers producing up to 500 muri of paddy. Locals and tourists enjoyed cultural activities, snacks, and scenic Himalayan views. Supported by Pokhara Metropolitan City, organisers said the festival should continue as it promotes farming and attracts off-season visitors.

Supreme Court Orders Contempt Proceedings Over Government Block on Insurance Authority Chief Sharad Ojha:

The Supreme Court has ordered the registration of a contempt of court case after the government prevented Nepal Insurance Authority Chairperson Sharad Ojha from attending office despite a court order. Ojha had earlier filed a writ challenging his removal, after which the court issued an interim order on Bhadra 23 allowing him to resume duties until Asoj 26. Due to the courthouse arson incident, he received the certified order late and rejoined office. However, the Finance Ministry instructed him not to attend and recommended appointing Joint Secretary Janak Sharma as the new chair. Even Prime Minister Sushila Karki agreed to the move, prompting Ojha to file a contempt petition.

11 Nepali Agricultural Scientists Go Missing Abroad After Study Leave:

Eleven Nepali agricultural scientists on study leave abroad have failed to return to the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), with some missing for up to nine years. NARC, where these scientists hold permanent positions, issued a public notice on Sunday seeking a seven-day explanation from them. Despite completing their study programs, the scientists did not report back as required by their contracts. The missing scientists include employees from key research centers such as the National Horticulture Research Centre, National Food Research Centre, and various regional agricultural research directorates. NARC warned that continued absence could lead to termination of their employment.

Leadership Crisis and Staff Protests Stall IPO Approvals at SEBON, 82 Companies Await Permission:

Nepal’s Securities Board (SEBON) faces a leadership vacuum, administrative bottlenecks, and escalating staff protests, delaying the issuance of ordinary shares (IPOs). Currently, 82 companies await approval, collectively planning to issue NPR 54.8 billion worth of shares. Hydropower firms alone account for NPR 17.65 billion of this total. Despite the appointment of Chairman Santosh Narayan Shrestha, procedural inefficiencies and human resource constraints continue to slow approvals. Regulatory requirements, parliamentary directives, and political interventions have compounded delays, affecting capital planning. Industry experts warn that stalled IPOs threaten project financing and slow the growth of Nepal’s capital market, currently listing 276 companies.

Gold Hits Rs 252,200 per Tola in Nepal as Global Prices Surge:

Gold prices in Nepal continue to rise, driven by fluctuations in the international market, increasing global rates, and strong demand. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association set today’s gold price at Rs 252,200 per tola (11.66g), up from Rs 250,600 on Friday. Silver prices also climbed, reaching Rs 3,490 per tola compared to Rs 3,345 on Friday. Internationally, gold is trading at 4,175 USD per ounce, while silver stands at 54 USD per ounce. The consistent upward trend reflects global economic uncertainties and heightened investor interest in precious metals.

Nepal Launches AI-Driven Tourism Training to Modernize Trekking Sector:

A four-day training programme on IT-friendly tourism and artificial intelligence began today with the participation of several trekking companies. The training focuses on AI applications in tourism promotion, destination development, capacity enhancement, and safety. NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi stressed the growing importance of technology in advancing Nepal’s tourism industry. TAAN President Sagar Pandey said AI integration would modernize the sector and strengthen its connection with the new generation. Senior Vice President Karma Sherpa highlighted AI’s essential role in the digital era, while CEO Ramchandra Sedai noted its value in upgrading professional competency. The programme is jointly organized by TAAN, NTB, and the UNDP Sustainable Tourism Project.

Govt Faces Backlash Over Hike in Mandatory Health Test Fees for Overseas Nepali Workers:

The Nepali government’s decision to expand mandatory health tests for overseas workers to 34 types and raise fees to NPR 9,500 has sparked controversy. The Labor, Employment and Social Security Ministry, based on recommendations from a 30-member expert panel under the Ministry of Health, aims to improve worker health and prevent “premature deaths.” While the government emphasizes scientific adjustments and lists 171 compliant health institutions, stakeholders—including the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies—criticize the move as unilateral, economically burdensome, and impractical. They argue the fee hike, opaque listing process, and lack of consultation undermine transparency, accountability, and fair governance.

Finance Minister Pushes Faceless Tax System to End Administrative Discretion and Corruption:

Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal is advancing major reforms to reduce human contact in Nepal’s tax system, aiming to curb administrative discretion and longstanding corrupt practices. He has begun eliminating the use of reference price books in customs to end unnecessary interference, with the system already rolled out in two offices and expanding nationwide. Tax clearance certificates for salaried income can now be obtained online, removing the need to visit tax offices. All tax-related software is being integrated to minimize repeated contact during investigations. These reforms aim to make the tax system faceless and predictable, though bureaucratic resistance raises concerns about long-term implementation.

Minister Kulman Ghising Inspects Under-Construction Koshi Hospital, Orders Accelerated Work:

Minister Kulman Ghising, overseeing Energy, Water Resources, Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development, inspected the under-construction Koshi Hospital in Morang, which includes two buildings with 759 beds. He reviewed project management, hospital administration, and construction progress, urging the workforce to operate in three shifts and maintain quality standards. The 500-bed medical building is 35% complete, contracted in Poush 2079 for NPR 246 crore, with NPR 74.98 crore paid. The 259-bed ISU, surgical, and neuro building, contracted in Asar 2078 for NPR 38.87 crore, is 50% complete. Ghising warned of strict monitoring and accountability for delays.

Bhaktapur’s Bhatbhateni Supermarket Begins Recovery After Gen-Z Protest Destruction:

Bhatbhateni, Nepal’s largest supermarket chain, is gradually recovering from destruction caused during the Gen-Z movement on September 24, which damaged 12 stores and the main warehouse, resulting in losses of around NPR 12 billion. CEO Min Bahadur Gurung announced that the warehouse in Baluwatar will reopen on Mangsir 18, with stores in Koteshwor and Maharajgunj resuming operations by Falgun. Despite severe damage, Bhatbhateni has retained its 5,000+ employees, paid bonuses, and continued social contributions. Founded in 1984 with a small grocery shop, the chain now operates 28 branches nationwide, generating over NPR 25 billion in annual revenue.

Nepal Airlines A320 Jets Unaffected Despite Global Airbus Grounding:

Despite Airbus ordering a temporary grounding of over 6,000 A320 series aircraft worldwide due to software issues in the flight control system, Nepal Airlines’ A320 jets continue regular operations. The airline confirmed that its fleet does not use the affected software, ensuring no disruption to flights. The grounding follows a recent incident on October 30, when a JetBlue A320 descending from Cancun to New Jersey experienced a sudden drop, injuring some passengers. Airbus has mandated technical checks and software updates for all A320s, temporarily halting operations for affected airlines, while Nepal Airlines’ jets remain safe and fully operational.

NRNs, Foreign Workers to Get Rs 12.95 Billion in Shares for 1,063 MW Upper Arun Hydropower Project:

The 1,063 MW Upper Arun Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha plans to allocate Rs 12.95 billion in shares to Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) and Nepalis working abroad. Led by Nepal Electricity Authority, the project’s total cost is estimated at Rs 239.79 billion including interest, with 30% equity and 70% debt financing over a seven-year construction period. Of the 49% general shares, 18% are reserved for NRNs and foreign workers, 10% for locals, and 18% for the general public. Preparatory works, including a 21-km access road and a 70-meter steel arch bridge, are underway. The project is expected to produce 453 million units of electricity annually.

NRN Infrastructure Tops Investor Preference as NEPSE Sees Over Rs 5 Trillion Trades in Kartik:

An analysis of NEPSE’s Kartik trading data shows that investors poured the most money into NRN Infrastructure & Development, which recorded transactions worth over Rs 3.61 billion—despite not topping the list in volume or frequency. Union Hydropower ranked second with Rs 3.37 billion, followed closely by Radhi Hydropower. Himalayan Bank’s founder shares saw deals worth Rs 3.33 billion after Pakistan’s Habib Bank sold its stake in National Life Insurance. Other major traded stocks included Nepal Reinsurance, Shivam Cement, Himalayan Distillery, Butwal Power, and Himalayan Reinsurance. The top 10 companies accounted for more than 5% of the month’s total Rs 5.27 trillion trade, though overall transactions were 39% lower than last year.

Nepal Pledges $200,000 in Flood Relief to Sri Lanka:

The Government of Nepal has decided to provide $200,000 in financial assistance to Sri Lanka to support flood relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the aid on Sunday, emphasizing solidarity with the Sri Lankan people and confidence in their resilience amid the disaster. Heavy rains over the past week have caused severe flooding in Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 193 deaths, over 200 missing persons, and more than 20,000 destroyed homes. Approximately 108,000 people have been moved to government-run temporary shelters, while widespread electricity and drinking water shortages affect nearly one-third of the country.