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:

NEPSE Index Gains 9.23 Points to Close at 2714 on Thursday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 9.23 points on Thursday, the final trading day of the week, closing at 2714. Market activity surged in the final thirty minutes, following a 9.43-point drop the previous day. Daily turnover increased to Rs 9.7 billion from Rs 8.92 billion. While the banking and trading sectors declined, the finance group led gainers with a 2.38 percent rise. Shares of four companies, including SY Panel, Shreenagar Agritech, Trishuli Jalvidhyut Company, and Corporate Development Bank, surged by 10 percent. Conversely, Kalika Power saw the sharpest decline at 6.25 percent.

Rice and Paddy Imports Cross Rs 20.386 Billion in Six Months

The country spent approximately Rs 20.386 billion on rice and paddy imports during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to Department of Customs data, this marks a 6.73 percent increase, or over Rs 1.28 billion, compared to the Rs 19.99 billion spent during the same period in 2024/25. Basmati rice imports rose to Rs 4.271 billion, while polished rice reached Rs 6.2 billion. Despite higher import values, government revenue from these imports fell to Rs 1.442 billion, signaling growing food dependency challenges.

10 International Firms Compete for Nagdhunga Tunnel Maintenance Contract

Ten international companies from China, India, and Turkey have submitted bids for the operation and maintenance of the Nagdhunga-Sisne tunnel. According to the officials of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project, at least six Chinese, three Indian, and one Turkish firm formed joint ventures with national companies. The technical evaluation of these bids will be completed within 22 days, followed by a financial analysis. The Rs 22 billion project, primarily funded by Japan, is in its final stages. The selected provider will manage the tunnel for five years, with an official opening target set for April 2026.

Daily Trade Deficit Averages Rs 4.427 Billion

The country’s total trade deficit reached Rs 797.1 billion in the first six months of the fiscal year, averaging a daily loss of Rs 4.427 billion. The Department of Customs reported that imports rose 14.18 percent to Rs 939.2 billion, while exports jumped 43.76 percent to Rs 142.1 billion. Petroleum products remained the largest import at Rs 151 billion. India remains the top trading partner with a Rs 416 billion deficit, followed by China with a deficit of Rs 195 billion.

Exports via Birgunj Customs Surge 52 Percent to Rs 48.1 Billion

Exports through the Birgunj border point reached Rs 48.1 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, marking a 52 percent increase compared to the previous year. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, this represents a growth of Rs 16.43 billion. Key exports included processed soybean oil valued at Rs 25.42 billion, fruit juice worth Rs 3.48 billion, and sunflower oil at Rs 3.55 billion. Additionally, processed palm oil contributed Rs 2.25 billion, while various clothing items accounted for Rs 1.78 billion of the total export value.

Petroleum Imports via Kakarbhitta Reach Rs 9.77 Billion

Petroleum imports through the Kakarbhitta border totaled Rs 9.77 billion by January 14. According to the Kakarbhitta Customs Office, there was a 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The imports included 53,152 kiloliters of petrol worth Rs 4.72 billion and 33,744 kiloliters of diesel valued at Rs 3.22 billion. Furthermore, 12,811 metric tons of LP gas worth Rs 1.24 billion and aviation fuel worth Rs 379.4 million were imported, generating Rs 4.749 billion in total revenue.

Nepal, India Sign Customs Data-Sharing MoU to Boost Trade

Nepal and India on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exchange export and import information in advance, aiming to ease trade and strengthen customs control. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Nepal Customs Director General Shyam Prasad Bhandari and India’s CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi. The MoU allows digital sharing of export data to improve risk analysis, reduce clearance time, and ensure secure trade. It will be implemented in phases, initially covering selected goods, with disputes to be resolved through mutual diplomatic consultation.

Female Labor Migration Rises to 50,000 in Six Months

The Department of Foreign Employment reports that 50,000 Nepali women took labor permits in the first half of fiscal year 2025/26, up from 46,000 in the same period last year. While domestic work in the Gulf and Malaysia remains restricted, more women are securing roles in manufacturing and service sectors in countries like Romania, Croatia, and Malta. Migration experts noted that while formal numbers are rising, many women still migrate through informal channels. Currently, women make up 12.9 percent of the total migrant workforce, with a significant portion serving as caregivers and hospitality staff abroad.

Over 11,000 Nepali Workers Entered South Korea via EPS in 2025

The Employment Permit System (EPS) Section Nepal reported that 11,178 Nepali youths entered South Korea in 2025, an increase from 9,285 in 2024. Despite ongoing protests by 9,000 individuals currently on the waiting roster, South Korea continues to prioritize Nepalese workers due to their diligence and low rate of illegal stay. In 2023, Nepal ranked first among 17 nations for sending the highest number of workers (19,689) to South Korea. The attractive minimum wage and fair treatment remain primary drivers for this high migration demand.

Wistron Technology to Hire 800 Nepali at Zero Cost in 2026

Malaysia’s Wistron Technology SDN BHD announced it will recruit 800 Nepali workers (600 women, 200 men) this year under a zero-cost recruitment model. The company will cover all expenses, providing Rs 120,000 per worker in advance for passports, visas, medical tests, and airfare. Recruitment will be managed through Aakarshan International and Lal Dhanush International. This ethical hiring practice, initiated by Wistron in 2022, ensures workers arrive debt-free. Aakarshan Chairman Vishnu KC emphasized that this model prevents fraud and allows workers to send stable remittances back to Nepal immediately upon starting their roles.

Committee Formed to Facilitate International Flights at Bhairahawa Airport

During an interaction at Gautam Buddha International Airport on Wednesday, stakeholders decided to form a facilitation committee to ensure regular international flights. Acting General Manager Shyam Kishore Shah and local business leaders emphasized the need for tour packages linking Lumbini with the Ramayana and Buddhist circuits. Thai AirAsia Assistant Manager Sunil Shakya noted that despite losses, they maintain two weekly flights but struggle with low passenger numbers. The committee aims to coordinate between the government and private sectors to establish essential services like medical centers and visa facilities to attract more foreign airlines.

EV Imports Cross Rs 12.5 Billion in Six Months

Data from the Department of Customs reveals that Nepali consumers purchased electric vehicles (EVs) worth over Rs 12.519 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year. Between November 17 and January 14, imports totaled Rs 2.663 billion. To date, 12,489 EVs have entered Nepal, with 2,976 units arriving till January 14 alone. This surge has significantly boosted state coffers, with the government collecting Rs 7.631 billion in revenue from EV imports during this half-year period.

6 Metropolises Report Low Capital Spending Amid Gen Z Unrest

The country’s six metropolitan cities recorded an average capital expenditure of only 16.92 percent during the first half of the current fiscal year. Data shows that Biratnagar is the weakest performer, spending just 7.85 percent of its development budget, while Birgunj leads with 33.14 percent. Experts attribute this slow progress to the September 8, 2025, Gen Z protests, which created political uncertainty and caused physical damage to administrative buildings in Birgunj. Experts also noted that the interim government’s focus shifted toward stability rather than development, leading to a significant portion of the Rs 17.50 billion total allocated capital budget remaining unutilized.

Pokhara Metropolis Faces Revenue Shortfall and Slow Development

Pokhara Metropolitan City spent only 20.09 percent of its total budget in the first six months, with capital expenditure lagging at a dismal 8.69 percent. Out of the Rs 4.838 billion allocated for development, only Rs 420.7 million was spent by mid-January. The city also faces a revenue crisis, collecting only 11.03 percent of its internal income target of Rs 3.23 billion. Officials cited administrative hurdles and a lack of coordination following the Gen Z protest as primary reasons for the delay in tender processes for major infrastructure projects.

Biratnagar’s Development Stalls with Only 7 Percent Budget Spent

Biratnagar Metropolitan City has failed to reach even 10 percent of its budget expenditure target, spending only Rs 122.4 million out of Rs 1.61 billion. Planning Chief Arjun Thapa stated that the Gen Z protests led to the destruction of vital documents, halting the tender process for nearly 30 major projects, including Pradhan Mantri Park. With only six months remaining in the fiscal year, stakeholders fear that a massive portion of the development budget will freeze. This trend of “year-end spending” remains a critical concern for transparency and project quality in the eastern metropolis.

Birgunj Utilizes Rs 326.5 Million for Infrastructure Development

Despite the Gen Z protests destroying its main administrative building, Birgunj Metropolitan City managed a relatively high capital expenditure of 33.14 percent. The city has already begun constructing a new administrative headquarters and is moving forward with an urban garden project on land formerly owned by the Transport Corporation. Press Advisor Navaraj Phuyal of the metropolitan city stated that Rs 326.5 million of the Rs 985 million capital budget has been utilized. The city recently cleared a local market to make way for the garden, relocating vendors to Lal Bunglow to maintain urban order while continuing infrastructure development.

Marsyangdi Besi Hydropower Relocates Following Local Protests

The 50 MW Marsyangdi Besi Hydropower Project will be relocated from Besishahar-6 to Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-9 of Lamjung district after local opposition. According to the project promoters, the design has changed from a tunnel-based system to penstock pipes to address community concerns. Despite the “Save Marsyangdi Campaign” demanding a total ban on construction within Besishahar, political leaders and representatives have signaled support for the new model. The Rs 10.70 billion project, backed by Api Power Company, aims for commercial production within 2.5 years, connecting to the Udipur substation via Nepal Electricity Authority lines.

Dollar Hits Record High Against Nepali Rupee

The US dollar climbed to a record high against the Nepali rupee on Thursday, with Nepal Rastra Bank fixing the selling rate at Rs 147.02 and the buying rate at Rs 146.42. This surpassed Wednesday’s previous peak. The rupee’s fall is largely driven by weakness in the Indian rupee, to which Nepal’s currency is pegged. Analysts cite pressure on India’s exports from higher US tariffs. While a stronger dollar raises Nepal’s import and debt servicing costs, it boosts remittances, exports, and tourism earnings in local currency terms.

Nepal Oil Corporation to Distribute 10 Percent Dividend

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has called its Annual General Meeting for February 11 to approve a 10 percent dividend for the fiscal year 2024/25. The Board of Directors meeting held on January 18 proposed the distribution, which includes tax provisions for shareholders. The meeting will also discuss amendments to the company’s memorandum and articles of association. This dividend follows a period of stabilized global fuel prices, which allowed the state-owned monopoly to improve its financial position and fulfill its commitments to government and private equity shareholders.

Suryakunda Hydro to Issue IPO Worth Rs 137.9 Million

Suryakunda Hydro Electric Limited will open its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public on February 1. The company received approval to issue some 1.3 million shares at a total value of Rs 137.9 million. Of this, 572,431 shares are reserved for the general public after allocations for locals and migrant workers. Kumari Capital Limited is managing the sale. The company recently completed the 11 MW Upper Tadi Khola project in Nuwakot, which began commercial production in 2024. Care Ratings Nepal assigned the issue a Double B Minus rating.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline

The prices of gold and silver declined in the domestic market on Thursday. According to the Federation of Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 292,200 per tola (11.66 grams) today, against Rs 295,100 per tola on Wednesday. The price of the yellow metal has decreased by Rs 2,900 per tola. On Wednesday, the price of gold stood at Rs 295,100 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 5,920 per tola. Earlier, on Tuesday, gold was priced at Rs 284,700 per tola, and silver at Rs 5,880 per tola. Likewise, last Sunday, gold was traded at Rs 278,800 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 5,625 per tola. On Monday, the price of gold rose to Rs 282,000 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 5,810 per tola. According to international media reports, gold is trading at USD 4,695 per ounce in the international market, while silver is priced at USD 95 per ounce.