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:

PM Shah to Hold First Solo Meeting With Foreign Dignitary

Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah will hold his first one-on-one meeting with a foreign dignitary on Tuesday, welcoming Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at Singha Durbar. Kanda, arriving Monday, will sign a bilateral aid agreement and separately meet Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle before attending a welcome dinner. Since taking office, Shah has avoided exclusive meetings with foreign officials, favoring collective diplomatic briefings to reinforce the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ central role in foreign policy. He previously declined separate meeting requests from senior U.S. and Indian envoys.

Finance Ministry Reports Economic Reforms in First 100 Days

The Ministry of Finance has released its 100-day progress report highlighting major policy reforms, administrative restructuring, and efforts to improve economic governance. Under Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, the ministry advanced a reform roadmap aimed at economic recovery and better governance. Key measures include the decision to repeal 15 outdated laws based on recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reform Suggestion Commission. The Department of Revenue Investigation has been dissolved as part of institutional restructuring, while authority for capital expenditure transfers has been delegated to line ministry secretaries. The ministry also prepared key fiscal bills for the upcoming financial year and amended customs, income tax, and excise regulations.

Foreign Ministry Highlights Economic Diplomacy Push in 100 Days

The government has outlined achievements from its first 100 days, emphasizing economic diplomacy, governance reforms, and improved service delivery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has focused on transparent, efficient, and technology-driven services. Key steps include launching the MoFA app for Nepalis abroad, expanding online legal consultations, and rescuing 819 victims of online scams in Southeast Asia. It also facilitated the return of Nepalis from crisis-hit regions, improved passport services, and strengthened labor diplomacy with 13 countries. The ministry said economic cooperation, trade promotion, investment, tourism, and diaspora engagement were prioritized to support national development goals.

Minister Urges Acceleration of Rs 52.89 Billion Sikta Irrigation Project

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Viraj Bhakta Shrestha has expressed concern over the slow progress of the Sikta Irrigation Project, a national pride initiative in Banke. During an on-site inspection, he directed officials and contractors to speed up construction and ensure timely completion of the project, which has an estimated cost of Rs 52.89 billion. The project aims to provide year-round irrigation across 427.66 million square meters of farmland in Banke, covering multiple municipalities. So far, it has achieved about 50.5% physical progress and 45.53% financial progress, with irrigation facilities reaching around 250 million square meters. The minister pledged to resolve administrative and legal bottlenecks to expedite completion. The project is targeted for completion by fiscal year 2032/33.

Stakeholders Push for Timely Monetary Policy to Drive Economic Recovery

Former Nepal Rastra Bank governors, banking executives, and private sector representatives have urged the central bank to introduce a timely monetary policy focused on economic recovery. Speaking before the House Finance Committee, they called for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policies while safeguarding the central bank’s autonomy. They said stable inflation and a healthy external sector provide room to maintain an accommodative policy stance instead of tightening interest rates. Participants also recommended establishing an Asset Management Company to tackle rising non-performing loans, easing selected banking regulations, and adopting measures to boost credit flow, private investment, production, and employment.

IMF Delegation Concludes Nepal Visit After Talks on Economy and Reforms

A high-level International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation led by Deputy Director of the Asia and Pacific Department Dr. Sonali Jain-Chandra has concluded its visit to Nepal after discussions on the country’s economic outlook and reform priorities. The team held meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwo Poudel, and Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, as well as members of the House Finance Committee. Talks focused on sustaining economic growth, job creation, and structural reforms, including updates on the Extended Credit Facility. The IMF said the engagements reinforced continued cooperation with Nepal.

Agriculture Department Launches Seed Program to Boost Climate-Resilient Rice Production

The Department of Agriculture has launched a targeted foundation and source seed production program across 58 local levels in 18 districts to improve farmers’ access to high-quality seeds. Implemented through federal conditional grants, the initiative focuses on producing improved and high-yielding seed varieties. Director General Prakash Kumar Sanjel said priority is being given to climate-resilient rice varieties and modern farming methods such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and rainwater harvesting. The program also promotes hybrid rice varieties and mechanization under the PMAMP framework, alongside subsidies for Chaite paddy cultivation. Additionally, new rice-based commercial projects have been launched in eight local levels across several districts.

Over 1,800 Drivers Fined for Traffic Violations in Kathmandu Valley

A total of 1,813 drivers were fined in the Kathmandu Valley over the past 24 hours for violating traffic rules, with authorities collecting more than Rs 500,000 in penalties. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, violations included drunk driving (9), improper ride-sharing practices (105), running red lights (119), speeding (115), lane discipline offenses (102), unnecessary honking (79), parking in road boxes (117), and driving the wrong way on one-way roads (65). Another 1,110 drivers were penalized for various other traffic violations.

Sudurpashchim CM, FNCCI Former Chief Discuss Investment, Industrial Projects

A meeting was held in Dhangadhi between Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah and former FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal, focusing on economic development, investment promotion, and infrastructure expansion in the province. According to the Chief Minister’s secretariat, the two sides discussed accelerating the under-construction Jalpadevi Cable Car Project in Kailali’s Chisapani area. They also explored the possibility of establishing a cement industry in the Satbanjh–Dharmaghar area of Baitadi’s Surnaya Rural Municipality, expected to boost industrial growth and employment. Chief Minister Shah reaffirmed the province’s commitment to attracting private investment and strengthening public-private collaboration for regional economic development.

Maldaha Mango Prices Double as Supply Tightens, Farmers Miss Out on Gains

Retail prices of Maldaha mangoes have doubled in Madhesh Province as supplies dwindle, but farmers say traders are reaping the benefits. Consumers now pay Rs 100 per kilogram, up from Rs 100 for 2.5 kilograms two weeks ago. Growers blame weak market regulation, saying they are forced to sell cheaply during the paddy transplantation season due to the lack of cold storage, processing facilities, and organized markets. They have urged the government to improve price management and post-harvest infrastructure. Traders expect Maldaha supplies to last about 10 more days before Kalkatta and Amrapali mangoes enter the market.

Daunne Section of East-West Highway Nears Completion

Construction of the Daunne section of the East-West Highway has entered its final phase, bringing relief to long-suffering travelers. Only about 50 meters of one-way concrete paving remains in the landslide-prone area below Daunne Temple, while one side of the road has already been opened to traffic. The Department of Roads, under the ADB Project Directorate, has used rigid concrete pavement instead of blacktopping due to frequent damage in the area. Officials say the new structure is designed to last at least 30 years and could last up to 40 years with proper maintenance and load control. Authorities expect the upgrade to significantly reduce recurring problems such as road blockages and potholes.

Dharapani–Takam–Jhindanda Road Upgrade Completed in Myagdi

The upgrading of the Dharapani–Takam–Shiwang–Jhindanda section under the Darbang–Muna–Dhorpatan road project in Myagdi has been completed. Implemented by the Gandaki Province Government, the six-kilometer stretch in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-7 includes concrete paving, blacktopping, and graveling, according to the Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi. Officials said the project was completed on schedule, with only final payments and routine maintenance remaining. The contract was awarded to Ramsagar BK–SKBS Dhaulagiri JV for Rs 146.1 million. The road, considered an alternative route to the Mid-Hill Highway, is expected to improve regional connectivity and reduce travel distance by around 70 kilometers for local communities.

Sawa Khola Motorable Bridge Completed in Khotang

A concrete motorable bridge over the Sawa Khola in Khotang has been completed and opened to traffic, improving year-round connectivity along the Khotang–Papmakham Bhanjyang road section. Built at a cost of Rs 30.77 million under a federal government grant, the 20.90-meter bridge was brought into operation this Saturday, allowing smooth movement of vehicles even during the monsoon season. Officials said the new bridge will ensure reliable transport along the route. In a related development, upgrading and blacktopping works are also progressing on the 33-kilometer Khotangbazar–Papmakham Bhanjyang road, supported by Rs 20 million allocated by the Koshi Province Government.

APF School Accountant Arrested Over Alleged Rs 110 Million Financial Embezzlement

Armed Police Force (APF) Inspector Kalpana Gurung, an accountant at the APF School in Kirtipur, has been arrested on charges of financial embezzlement. The Kathmandu District Police Range took her into custody on Saturday following a request from the APF for legal action over alleged financial irregularities. Police also arrested Gurung’s associate, Leela Bahadur Lama. Preliminary investigations indicate that funds from the school’s bank account were transferred to Lama’s personal account and other private companies, instead of being deposited into the APF Welfare Fund. Authorities said an internal probe was launched after discrepancies of nearly Rs 110 million were detected. Gurung had been serving at the APF School for six years.

Two Arrested for Rs 3.9 Million Foreign Employment Fraud; 17 Held in Drug Cases

Police have arrested two youths on charges of defrauding victims of Rs 3.9 million by promising jobs abroad. According to the Central Police News Desk, Saroj Panta of Kavre allegedly cheated Rs 1.6 million from an unemployed youth by promising employment in Ireland, while Anil Khatri of Ramechhap is accused of taking Rs 2.3 million from six individuals for jobs in Dubai. Both have been sent to the Department of Foreign Employment for legal action. In a separate operation, police arrested 17 individuals with illegal drugs from various districts, including Kathmandu, Morang, Parsa, Bhaktapur, and others.

Jayanagar–Bardibas Railway Construction Accelerates After Compensation Issue Resolved

Construction of the Jayanagar–Bardibas railway project has gained momentum after settlement of a long-standing land compensation dispute. Nepal Railway Company said work on the 18-kilometer section is moving rapidly, with IRCON International aiming to extend services to Bardibas within two years. Track-bed construction is underway across Dhanusha and Mahottari districts. Of the 70-kilometer line, passenger services already operate on the Jayanagar–Kurtha section since April 2022. The company has also begun reclaiming encroached railway land through verification of official route maps. The cross-border railway under Nepal–India cooperation is expected to boost trade, connectivity, and economic activity between the two countries.

Chhimkeshwari Religious Forest Handed Over to Boost Eco-Tourism and Local Economy

A community forest surrounding Chhimkeshwari Temple in Ambukhaireni Rural Municipality-5 has been designated as a religious forest and handed over to the Chhimkeshwari Tourism Committee to promote eco-tourism and local economic activities. The decision was made by the rural municipality, declaring 72,100 square meters  as the “Chhimkeshwari Religious Forest.” During a ceremony on Saturday, Forest Office Chief Manoj Ranabhat transferred management to committee chair Krishna Tamang, highlighting tourism promotion, forest protection, and greenery. After the handover, 300 saplings were planted to support conservation efforts and strengthen eco-tourism potential in the area.

Returnee Migrant Finds Success in Traditional Peda Business

After spending 11 years working in Malaysia and later driving a three-wheeler in Sunsari, Mahesh Sah found success making traditional Peda in Chataraghat. Inspired by local sweet shops, he now specializes in the milk-based confection, using more than 120 liters of milk daily to meet growing demand. Improved traffic along the Chatara-Ghaighat-Sindhuli route has boosted sales, while online orders have expanded his customer base. Sah now earns Rs 70,000–80,000 a month—nearly double his overseas income—and says he is satisfied building a livelihood at home.

Government Plans to Develop Korala Road as Tourist Highway

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel said the government plans to upgrade the Korala road under the Kaligandaki Corridor into a tourist highway. Speaking at a tourism discussion in Mustang on Sunday, he said the route from Bhairahawa to Korala would be improved to strengthen tourism and support economic growth. Paudel also said the Mustang–Dolpa road is a government priority. Citing rising cases of altitude sickness near Muktinath, he proposed introducing a tourist time-card system to help manage visitors and improve safety.

26th National Convention of FNCSI Begins in Kathmandu

The 26th National Convention of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) has begun in Kathmandu, with more than 1,000 delegates participating in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The event brings together micro, cottage, and small-scale entrepreneurs from across the country. The convention will review past policies and achievements, discuss constitutional amendments, and prepare future strategies while also electing new leadership. Officials said the focus will be on strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting job creation, and modernizing traditional skills with technology. Leaders emphasized that small and medium enterprises play a key role in Nepal’s economy, supporting millions of jobs and driving rural development and entrepreneurship.

Second Nepali Roots Summit in Munich Focuses on Diaspora Networking and Economic Engagement

The second Nepali Roots Summit 2026 has concluded in Munich, Germany, bringing together 96 Nepalis from across various cities in the country. Organized by Nepali Roots, the event aimed to strengthen networks among Nepali entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and community leaders across Europe and promote knowledge exchange and collaboration with Nepal. Discussions centered on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and diaspora engagement. Speakers, including Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to Germany Sagar Prasad Phuyal, highlighted the shift toward economic diplomacy and the need to utilize diaspora skills in key sectors. Participants also called for stronger policy links between Nepal and its global diaspora.

Gold, Silver Prices Edge Lower in Nepal

Gold prices in Nepal declined slightly on Sunday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of hallmark gold fell by Rs 400 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 290,300, down from Rs 290,700 on Friday. Silver also posted a modest decline, dropping by Rs 10 per tola to Rs 4,605 from Rs 4,615 in the previous trading session. The price changes reflect a marginal downward movement in the domestic precious metals market.