KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has stated that the budget unveiled on Thursday for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26) will enhance economic activities in the country.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, Minister Paudel emphasized that if the new budget is effectively implemented, it will lead to increased private sector investment.

He also noted that the budget will create more employment opportunities and, if infrastructure projects are completed on time, Nepal’s economic growth will gain momentum.

Minister Paudel projected a 6% economic growth rate under the new budget and expressed satisfaction over the feedback received so far.

He assured the public that the budget would be implemented in full, stating that the ministry has already begun working on its implementation plan.

“Once the budget is implemented, the government’s targets will be met,” Paudel said. “No complaints have been heard regarding the budget figures. Intergovernmental fiscal transfers have increased. Although the internal borrowing ceiling is set at 5.5%, we have kept it at 5.3%.”

He acknowledged that development cannot be driven by revenue alone and said alternative funding sources are being explored.

He also stressed the need to reduce expenditures to balance recurring expenses. Minister Paudel further mentioned that ongoing issues related to delays in project execution due to forest-related disputes would be resolved in the coming days.

He also announced the removal of taxes on digital payments, aiming to encourage a cashless economy.