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.

Stock Market to Reopen Wednesday After One-Week Closure

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) will reopen the share market from Wednesday, following consultations with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). SEBON will notify NEPSE, and NEPSE will publicly announce the reopening. Earlier, NEPSE had issued a notice to keep the market closed until September 18, but the decision was revoked following the new directive. The market had been closed since Bhadra September 9 after widespread destruction occurred during the Gen Z protests in Kathmandu and other cities across the country.

Rameshore Khanal Takes Charge as Interim Finance Minister
Former Finance Secretary Rameshore Khanal has been appointed as the Finance Minister in the interim government. He has taken charge of the Finance Ministry in the non-partisan government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, which replaced the KP Sharma Oli-led government ousted amid the Gen-Z protests. Five months ago, Khanal served as the head of the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission appointed by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Government Resumes Mandatory Payments
The government has resumed mandatory payments. Following a halt in the payment system last Thursday, payments of mandatory obligations began again on Sunday, according to the Financial Comptroller General’s Office. Office spokesperson Om Prasad Rijal said that from Sunday, payments for salaries, allowances, fuel, and other mandatory obligations started. “The office has begun payments under the mandatory obligations category,” he said.

NRB Shows Initiative to Support Private Sector
The Nepal Rastra Bank has shown initiative to help revive the private sector and address the damages it sustained. Governor Biswo Poudel met with private sector representatives to discuss how to recover from the current challenging situation. He also indicated some flexibility in monetary policy and other regulations to support the private sector. The Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 caused significant damage to both private businesses and the state.

Nepal Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Guangzhou
Nepal Airlines has announced direct flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, China. The national carrier stated that it will operate on the Kathmandu–Guangzhou–Kathmandu route with promotional flights. Currently, the Chinese airline China Southern also operates regular flights on this route. Himalaya Airlines already operates regular flights between Kathmandu and China.

Minister Ghising Directs Immediate Collection of Dedicated and Trunk Line Dues

Newly appointed Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Kulman Ghising, has directed officials to immediately collect pending dues from dedicated and trunk line users. The instruction came on Monday after he assumed office at the ministry. “Nepal is facing an economic and political crisis. At this time, businesspersons as well as citizens inside and outside the country must contribute,” Ghising said, adding, “The collection of outstanding dues from dedicated and trunk lines must begin without delay.” He further proposed setting up a reconstruction fund to mobilize support from all sectors.

Transport Department Halts License Printing After Gen-Z Protests
The Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 caused damage and fire at the central office of the Department of Transport Management in Minbhawan, Baneshwar. The damage to servers and mass printers has led to an indefinite suspension of license printing and distribution. On Sunday, the department issued a notice stating that services related to driver’s license printing and distribution are indefinitely suspended. All IT systems and service flows are also halted, according to the notice.

Department Urges Against Stockpiling Goods
The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection has urged everyone not to stockpile goods in a manner that could negatively impact demand, supply, and prices. As there is no shortage of essential consumer goods in the market, the department requested businesses and consumers not to buy or hoard beyond their needs. “There is no shortage of consumable goods in the market. We urge all parties (producers, wholesalers, transporters, stockpilers, and sellers) not to stockpile goods in ways that adversely affect demand, supply, and prices,” the department stated.

Nepal Engineers Association Offers Free Technical Assistance
The umbrella organization of engineers nationwide, the Nepal Engineers Association, will provide free technical assistance for assessing and reconstructing damaged physical structures. In a statement on Sunday, the association’s General Secretary Binod Prakash Pandit stated that technical assistance would be provided to assess and rebuild structures damaged during the Gen-Z protests.

Goods Begin Entering Korala Border After Flood-Induced Closure
Goods that had long been stuck at the border began entering Nepal through the Korala checkpoint after landslides closed other China-bound borders. With the closure of the Rasuwa-Kerung and Sindhupalchok-Tatopani borders, goods have started entering through Korala. These borders have been closed for two months due to floods. As an alternative, imports through the newly opened Korala checkpoint have increased, leading to higher activity at the site.

Increase in Passengers Leaving Valley for Dashain
The number of people leaving the valley to return home has been increasing in recent days. By Sunday evening, 180 passenger buses had departed from Gongabu New Bus Park toward the east and west. Sunil Kunwar, General Manager of Lhotse Multipurpose Company, said additional passengers could not be accommodated because buses from outside the valley had not yet arrived. “There is high pressure on buses for Dashain departures, but due to the delay in incoming buses, we face issues,” Kunwar said.

Recent Protests Affect Hotels, 2,000 Jobs at Risk
Recent protests have caused damage to Nepal’s hotel and hospitality sector, affecting around 2,000 jobs. Approximately 25 hotels were damaged during attacks, and employees and workers faced job insecurity, according to Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah. World Tourism Day is celebrated every years on 27 September. HAN’s President Shah urged Prime Minister Sushila Karki to send a strong message globally, highlighting that the recent events did not harm tourists and that the government and private sector remain committed to making tourism the backbone of the economy.

Advance Dashain Tickets to Open After Clearing Stopped Passengers
Advance tickets for Dashain will only be issued after stopped passengers and public vehicles across the country resume operation. Saroj Sitaula, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation, said that advance tickets will be opened once the stranded passengers are sent to their destinations. “Vehicles resumed operations on Sunday to facilitate stranded passengers after a few days of suspension,” Sitaula said. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport held a meeting with stakeholders to coordinate this process.

Affordable Price Store Opens in Kathmandu
An affordable price store has opened in Kathmandu. With Dashain and Tihar approaching, the Nepal Food Corporation started the store at its Thapathali office. During the festivals, the Food Corporation operates such stores at different locations in Kathmandu. Since the store opened, consumers have started visiting from early morning.

Koshi Province Entrepreneurs Concerned Over Protests
Entrepreneurs in Koshi Province have expressed concern that private businesses are always the victims of protests by political parties and other groups claiming to pursue their demands. They noted that the state’s inability to provide security during demonstrations has lowered morale and increased the risk of capital flight. The entrepreneurs emphasized that without safety for themselves and their families, there is no conducive environment for running industries or businesses. They called on the government to help revive private sector morale.

500-Bed Teaching Hospital to Open Soon in Ghorahi
A 500-bed teaching hospital will begin operations soon in Ghorahi, Dang. The hospital, established with private sector investment, is located in Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–3, Bargadwa, Bhanpur. Sanjeevani Teaching Hospital is in its final stages of preparation and is expected to open in the first week of Ashwin. Hospital CEO Deepak Roka confirmed that construction of physical infrastructure has been completed.

Ncell Offices Suffer Serious Damage During Protests
During the Gen-Z protests, Ncell’s main office and regional offices in four cities were seriously damaged. The company stated that Kathmandu headquarters and regional offices in Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, and Pokhara suffered significant damage. The attacks posed serious risks to employee safety and service continuity. “Ncell remains committed to providing uninterrupted telecommunication services nationwide. During the crisis, we offered three days of free local voice calls, SMS, and internet service. However, such attacks have caused distress to us,” Ncell said.

NADA Expresses Concern Over Nationwide Protests
The Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) has expressed deep concern over the recent nationwide protests and demonstrations through a press release. The statement paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests and wished speedy recovery for the injured. NADA described Nepal’s automobile sector as a significant foundation of industry, trade, and employment, noting that the current instability has directly affected the sector.

Universal Power Company Proposes Dividend
The Board of Directors of Universal Power Company, in its meeting on September 14, has proposed a dividend. The company proposed a 9% bonus share and a cash dividend of Rs 0.4737 for tax purposes. The proposed dividend is pending approval from the general assembly. The company has also decided to issue 100% rights shares.

Sagar Distillery Opens IPO to Public
Sagar Distillery Limited has opened its IPO for the general public from Monday. Earlier, the IPO was issued in the first phase for Nepalis working abroad. The company has issued 1,190,640 shares to the general public. The IPO will remain open until September 18.

Gold and Silver Prices See Slight Increase in Nepali Market
On Monday, the prices of gold and silver in the Nepali market increased slightly. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose by Rs 100 per tola from the previous day, reaching Rs 215,200 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver, which was Rs 2,570 per tola on Sunday, increased to Rs 2,575 per tola on Monday.