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 Accepts $57 Million World Bank Aid for Industry

The Government of Nepal has decided to accept USD 57 million in financial assistance from the World Bank. The package consists of a USD 52 million concessional loan and a USD 5 million grant. The funds are earmarked for modernizing the industrial sector, specifically for replacing traditional boilers with electronic ones, providing subsidized loans to industries, and enhancing air quality monitoring capabilities to promote sustainable development.

NEPSE Falls 34.63 Points as Turnover Drops to Rs 4.26 Billion

The NEPSE index fell 34.63 points to close at 2,704.08 on Monday, with turnover declining to Rs 4.26 billion from Rs 4.91 billion last Thursday. Shares of 27 companies rose, while 240 declined and 2 remained unchanged. All sector indices fell except microfinance, which edged up marginally. Hydropower, Development Bank, and Manufacturing dropped by over 2 percent. Forward Microfinance gained the most at 15 percent, while Corporate Development Bank plunged 12.58 percent, leading the losers alongside several hydropower and development bank stocks.

47 Candidates Apply for SEBON Chairperson

A total of 47 candidates have applied for the position of Chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) as the application deadline ended today. The government has formed a three-member recommendation committee to oversee the selection process. The committee is coordinated by the Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Gunakar Bhatta, and includes Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay and former President of the Nepal Bankers’ Association Bhuvan Kumar Dahal as members.

Finance Minister Promises Pro-Business Budget to Drive Growth

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says the upcoming fiscal budget will be “hopeful” and centered on empowering the private sector as the engine of growth. Speaking at the 60th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, he stressed private investment is key to jobs and expansion, noting it drives 70 to 75 percent of GDP. A proposal to support the sector is already before Cabinet. Wagle also plans to repeal about two dozen restrictive laws and reform tax administration to be more business-friendly while advancing a social market economy with continued investment in public services.

Government to Set Minimum Support Prices Before Sowing

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has introduced a new directive to determine the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major food crops before the sowing season. Under the Minimum Support Price and Minimum Purchase Price Determination Directive, 2026, the government will set prices for crops like paddy, maize, wheat, and millet following a specific schedule of surveys and technical recommendations. For example, the MSP for wheat is scheduled to be finalized by mid-October. This move aims to ensure a minimum profit for farmers, reduce market risks, and encourage agricultural investment.

Five Out of Six Sub-Customs Offices Under Mechi Customs Remain Closed

Only one of the six sub-customs offices under the Mechi Customs Office is currently operational. While the Aathmouja sub-customs office in Gauriganj-2 remains open, it reports minimal trade activity. The other five offices, Gadamgalli, Bahundangi, Nakalbanda, Satighatta, and Mahabhara, remain closed due to a lack of cross-border trade and essential facilities like quarantine services. Local representatives have expressed concern over the closure of historic points like Bahundangi, which has been inactive for eight years despite its long trade history. Most trade is now concentrated at the Kakarbhitta main point, which houses a dry port and automated screening facilities.

Karnali Province Invites Proposals for Conditional Grant Projects

The Karnali Province government has urged local levels and stakeholders to submit proposals for implementable projects and programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27. The invitation for proposals is based on 14 criteria aligned with the standards set by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission under Article 251 of the Constitution of Nepal. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, the deadline for submission is today. Eligible projects include those with a cost between Rs 1 million and Rs 5 million to be implemented at local levels, as well as initiatives that support provincial goals in infrastructure, human development, and revenue capacity. Priority will be given to sectors such as road infrastructure, educational development, basic health services, employment generation, and environmental protection. Funding limits are set at Rs 10 million for local levels, Rs 5 million for public institutions, and Rs 20 million for projects proposed by provincial assembly members.

Over 7,000 Individuals Receive Free Health Insurance in Gandaki

The Gandaki Province Ministry of Health has funded free health insurance for 7,061 individuals from vulnerable groups. This total includes family members of persons with disabilities (5,946), kidney patients (431), and conflict victims (382). Additionally, coverage was extended to martyrs’ families and 211 active journalists in Kaski. Currently, 67.01 percent of families in the province are enrolled in health insurance, with 55 percent of the total population covered. The program provides treatment services up to Rs 100,000 for a family of five, covering 1,288 types of medicines and various surgeries.

Nearly 10,000 Jobs Created in Lumbini Industries

In the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, at least 9,864 individuals gained employment in new industries and businesses in Lumbini Province. This includes 6,202 men and 3,662 women, with the highest employment generation in Rupandehi (2,726) and Banke (1,815). During the same period, 3,021 new entrepreneurs emerged in the province. While 5,406 new firms were registered, 2,069 existing industry and commerce firms were closed. Overall, the province has seen a shift toward more new businesses opening compared to those closing.

Nepal Embassy Warns Citizens in Cambodia Over Visa Overstays and Online Scam Risks

The Embassy of Nepal in Thailand has issued an urgent advisory to Nepalis in Cambodia, warning against visa overstays and involvement in illegal online scam operations. Reports indicate many have remained after visa expiry or been lured into illicit work. A new Cambodian law imposes penalties up to USD 500,000 and life imprisonment for cybercrime. Authorities have intensified crackdowns and arrests. The embassy urges citizens to comply with visa rules, avoid suspicious job offers, and verify foreign employment through official channels. It is collecting data to assist with returns and has asked families to report vulnerable individuals while encouraging victims to contact Nepal Police.

Over 107,000 Tourists Visited Nepal in April 2026

According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board, 107,934 foreign tourists visited Nepal in April 2026. The South Asian (SAARC) region was the largest source market, contributing 31 percent of arrivals (33,432 tourists), followed by other Asian nations (26,726) and Europe (21,988). By country, India remained the top source with 15,196 arrivals, followed by China (11,722) and Bangladesh (5,231). The board noted a slight decrease compared to the 116,490 arrivals in April 2025, attributing the decline partly to geopolitical tensions in West Asia impacting flight access.

Tourism Activity Surges in Sauraha Due to Two-Day Weekend

The implementation of a two-day weekly holiday has significantly increased tourist footfall in Sauraha, Chitwan. Hotel occupancy has risen to an average of 50 percent this year, compared to 40 percent last year. On weekends, domestic tourists dominate the area, while foreign visitors, primarily from India, China, and third countries, account for about 70 percent of guests on weekdays. Local cooperatives report high demand for elephant safaris, often requiring tourists to wait for turns during holidays. Sauraha currently offers accommodation for 7,200 guests across 148 hotels, representing an investment of over Rs 400 billion.

Tourism Ministry Announces 5 Vacancies for NAC Board

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has called for applications to fill five vacant positions on the Board of Directors of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). Originally, the ministry had sought four members on April 25, but the number was increased to five following the issuance of the Special Provision for Removal of Public Officials Ordinance, 2026, which resulted in the automatic dismissal of an additional board member on May 2.

Customs Strictness Boosts Domestic Trade in Bhadrapur

The historic market of Bhadrapur is seeing a resurgence in commercial activity following the government’s strict enforcement of customs duties on goods exceeding Rs 100 brought from border points. Local cloth and grocery merchants report a 30 to 40 percent increase in business as consumers shift away from the Indian market in Galgalia. While Indian traders in Galgalia report a 60 to 70 percent drop in sales, some small-scale cross-border shopping continues for household items. The Bhadrapur Customs Office has collected Rs 134.3 million in revenue as of mid-April this fiscal year.

Supreme Court Orders Revision of Phukot Karnali Hydropower Agreement

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the construction of the 480 MW Phukot Karnali Hydropower Project while ordering a revision of the investment structure to favor Nepal. The court ruled that the current agreement, which gives the Indian state-owned company NHPC a 51 percent stake and Nepal’s Vidhyut Utpadan Company Limited 49 percent, should be amended to increase Nepal’s share of free energy beyond the current 21.9 percent. The project, located in Kalikot, has an estimated cost of Rs 92 billion and is expected to produce 2.44 billion units of electricity annually. The court directed the government to complete the project within 12 months of the final verdict.

Second Human Resource Conference to be Organized by Morang Chamber

The second edition of the Nepal Human Resource Conference is scheduled for May 8 and 9 in Biratchowk, organized by the Chamber of Industries, Morang. The conference aims to address challenges such as the shortage of skilled labor, high brain drain, and the need for digital HR systems in the industrial sector. With over 150 participants expected, the event will feature nine sessions involving national and international experts focusing on employee retention, apprenticeship models, and productivity enhancement.

Development Banks Report 49% Profit Growth

Eight national-level development banks earned a combined net profit of Rs 5.50 billion by the third quarter of the current fiscal year, a 49.04 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Garima Bikas Bank led in total profit with Rs 1.04 billion, while Lumbini Bikas Bank recorded the highest growth rate at 1028.25 percent. Other significant earners include Muktinath Bikas Bank (Rs 942.6 million) and Shine Resunga Development Bank (Rs 788.4 million). All eight banks reported positive growth in their bottom line during the review period.

Siddhartha Capital Issues Rs 1 Billion Equity Fund II

Siddhartha Capital has opened the issue for Siddhartha Equity Fund-II, a 12-year closed-ended mutual fund scheme. The fund is issuing 100 million units at a face value of Rs 10 per unit, totaling Rs 1 billion. Out of this, 15 million units are reserved for the fund sponsor, Siddhartha Bank, while the remaining 85 million units are available to the general public. Investors can apply for a minimum of 100 units up to 10 million units until May 7, with a possible extension to May 18 if not fully subscribed.

Gold Drops to Rs 294,800 While Silver Climbs to Rs 5,030

Gold and silver prices in the market have recorded a slight rise today. On Monday, the price of gold decreased by Rs 300 per tola (11.66 grams), while silver went up by Rs 20 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has reached Rs 294,800 per tola today. On the previous day, Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 295,100 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has reached Rs 5,030 per tola today, compared to Rs 5,010 per tola on the previous day.