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 Falls by 13.35 Points Amid Mixed Share Performances

On the fourth trading day of the week (Wednesday), the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 13.35 points, or 0.50%, closing at 2,635.94. Earlier in the week, NEPSE had fallen 10.29 points on Sunday, gained 28.73 points on Monday, and increased 9.93 points on Tuesday. The Sensitive Index also declined by 2.22 points, ending at 455.01. On Wednesday, 323 companies traded 16,033,717 shares across 72,474 transactions, resulting in a turnover of NPR 517.50991 million. In comparison, Sunday’s turnover was NPR 501.758 million, Monday’s NPR 647.373 million, and Tuesday’s NPR 712.336 million. Among the 13 sectoral groups traded today, only the Finance and Trading sectors showed gains, while the remaining 11 sectors declined. Specifically, Commercial Banks fell 0.24%, Development Banks 0.84%, Finance rose 0.21%, Hotels & Tourism declined 1.42%, Hydropower 0.79%, Investment 0.54%, Life Insurance 0.07%, Manufacturing & Processing 1.16%, Microfinance 0.40%, Mutual Funds 0.29%, Non-life Insurance 0.60%, and the Others group 0.53%. The Trading sector remained flat.

Expansion of Nepal-UAE Economic Cooperation Discussed

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, on Wednesday, held a meeting with Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai, UAE. During the meeting, the two sides discussed expanding trade and investment cooperation, with emphasis on attracting UAE investments in key sectors of Nepal’s economy, including hydropower, tourism, agro-processing, large-scale infrastructure projects, and the information technology sector, the FNCCI stated in a press release. President Dhakal highlighted Nepal’s growing potential and the opportunities available for UAE investors. The FNCCI President also underscored the importance of establishing a direct Emirates Airways flight to Kathmandu, stating that enhanced air connectivity would play a vital role in boosting tourism, trade, and business-to-business engagement between the two countries. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further deepen economic collaboration and strengthen partnership between Nepal and the UAE in the days ahead. Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE, Tej Bahadur Chhetri, was also present on the occasion.

Chhurpi Exports via Mechi Customs Increases

The export of Chhurpi (hardened cheese made from yak milk) through the Mechi Customs Office in Kakarbhitta of Jhapa has increased during the first five months of the current fiscal year (2082/83 BS or 2025/26 AD). According to Information Officer Ishwor Kumar Humagain, a total of 275,246 kilograms of Chhurpi, amounting to Rs 485. 2 million were exported during this period (from mid-July to mid-December). This represents a 32 percent increase in volume compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. In the corresponding period last fiscal year, exports totaled 217,068 kilograms, valued at Rs 367.6 million. The export value has therefore risen by Rs 117.6 million. Kakarbhitta remains the main export point for domestically produced Chhurpi. Among the top ten export items from this customs point, Chhurpi ranks fourth. Chhurpi is produced in the hilly and mountainous districts. Most of the Chhurpi is exported to Europe and America, where it is given to dogs and cats. General Secretary of Nepal Chhurpi Producers Association, Rishi Timsina, said that Koshi province alone produces 80 percent of the Chhurpi produced in Nepal. He stated that the government has not paid adequate attention for the production and promotion of the trade in Chhurpi, one of the main products exported from Nepal.

Imports and Exports Through Korala Decline After Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi Checkpoints Reopen

Import and export activities through the northern Korala border point between Nepal and China have declined in recent weeks. According to the Mustang Customs Office, trade through Korala has slowed significantly following the reopening of the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border checkpoints. Customs officials report a sharp drop in the number of cargo containers entering Nepal via the Chinese side of Korala. Information Officer Nimendra Singh said only eight to ten containers are currently pending customs clearance, and no new containers have recently arrived. Previously, when Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi were closed, 15 to 20 cargo containers were cleared daily through Korala, a figure that has now nearly dropped to zero. Since Korala became fully operational on Bhadra 31, customs clearance has generated more than NPR 5.5 billion in revenue. During this period, goods worth over NPR 11 billion have been imported, while Nepali handicrafts and other domestic products valued at more than NPR 190 million have been exported to China. More than 2,100 electric vehicles have so far entered Nepal through the Korala border, Singh added. Most recently, BYD imported nearly 500 electric vehicles via this route.

Baglung Festival Records Rs 80 Million in Transactions

The Baglung Festival organized by the Baglung Chamber of Industry and Commerce recorded business transactions worth approximately Rs 80 million. According to the organizers, around 400,000 visitors attended the festival. The festival was held from 26 Dec to 6 Jan at the Bangechaur Playground in Baglung Municipality–1. Alongside various commercial stalls, special priority was given to local products under the theme “Made in Baglung,” showcasing and selling goods produced within the district. Local products such as woolen blankets made from sheep wool from Nisikhola, allo fabric, gundruk, bhango, maize flour, millet flour, nettle powder, roasted maize, timur, potatoes, sil-timur, oranges, kiwi, and other indigenous items received strong market response during the festival. The event also featured stalls related to automobiles, hotels and restaurants, and a wide range of other commercial businesses. Chamber President Rajan Kumar Shakya stated that significant trade was conducted across these stalls. In addition to the trade fair, various entertainment and sports activities were organized, including a fun fair, Gandaki Province–level men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments, dohori song competitions, tug-of-war for women, pot-breaking competitions, cock-catching events, and several other contests.

Unique Nepal Microfinance to Skip Dividend Distribution for FY 2081/82

Unique Nepal Microfinance Financial Institution Limited has decided not to distribute dividends to its shareholders. The decision was taken at the 108th meeting of the Board of Directors held on 6 Jan, resolving not to provide either cash dividends or bonus shares for the fiscal year 2081/82. The Board concluded that ongoing anti-microfinance activities across the country over the past four years have led to a growing trend of loan defaults. This situation has weakened the collective guarantee responsibility among client members and created serious challenges in loan recovery, the institution stated. Furthermore, due to the prolonged economic slowdown, borrower members have been unable to operate their businesses as expected, resulting in reduced income. Youth migration abroad and the impact of the economic downturn have also hindered the expansion of loan investments. As a result, non-performing loans have increased, forcing the institution to allocate a large portion of its income toward loan loss provisioning.

Shikhar Power Development to Issue IPO from 20 Jan

Shikhar Power Development Limited has announced that it will issue its initial public offering (IPO) starting from 20 Jan. The company is issuing the IPO for residents of the project-affected areas and Nepali citizens currently employed abroad. The company received approval from the Nepal Securities Board on 31 Dec to issue 3.2 million ordinary shares with a face value of Rs 100 per share, totaling Rs 320 million. Out of the shares allocated for the public, 10 percent of the issued capital, equivalent to Rs 98 million, or 980,000 ordinary shares, will be issued and sold to local residents of the project-affected areas. Based on the Environmental Impact Assessment report and the electricity generation license, this includes residents of wards 1 to 10 of Badigad Rural Municipality in Baglung district (formerly Dagatundanda, Sisakhani, Jaljala, Gwalichaur, Shrimagithe, Ransinghkitani, and Darling VDCs), as well as residents affected by the project’s transmission line in Dhorpatan Municipality Ward No. 2 (only former Burtibang VDC wards 2, 3, 4, and 5).

Paddy Production Rises in Syangja This Year

Paddy production in Syangja has increased this year compared to last year, with output rising by 13.8 percent. According to agricultural economist Narayan Pathak of the District Agriculture Development Office, paddy production increased from 36,560 metric tons last year to 41,640 metric tons this year. Paddy was cultivated on 9,072 hectares this year. Although the total area under paddy cultivation in the district has been gradually decreasing, overall production has continued to rise, the office reported. “In recent years, the use of improved seed varieties, modern tools, and advanced farming technologies has increased,” Pathak said. “Along with greater use of technology, favorable weather conditions have also contributed to higher productivity.” He added that while unseasonal rainfall caused damage to paddy crops in some parts of the country during harvesting, Syangja did not suffer significant losses, helping maintain production levels. Pathak noted that nearly 40 percent of the total paddy-cultivated area in the district now uses hybrid and improved seed varieties. This year, paddy productivity stood at 4.59 metric tons per hectare, up from 4.3 metric tons per hectare last year. In the previous year, 306 metric tons of early (Chaite) paddy were produced on 67 hectares in the district.

ICAN Launches GAIN Project, Aiming to Create 50 Thousand Jobs in Five Years

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) has launched a project titled “Global Accounting Initiative in Nepal” (GAIN) with the aim of making Nepal’s accounting services internationally competitive and increasing income generation for the country. The Project was launched amid a programme held in the federal capital today. According to ICAN, the main objectives of the project are to brand Nepal as a reliable outsourcing destination for accountancy services, develop strategic partnerships, and create sustainable employment opportunities. Through the GAIN project, ICAN has set a target of creating more than 50,000 jobs annually within the next five years and over 150,000 jobs in the next ten years. The institute also expects the Project to generate around Rs 80 billion for the country through service exports.The Project prioritises the development of regulatory and institutional frameworks required for accounting outsourcing, the establishment of secure digital infrastructure, training of human resources in line with international standards, and the expansion of high-quality services. Likewise, innovation and entrepreneurship will be promoted through the establishment of outsourcing hubs, digital platforms, and incubation centres.

Vijaya Microfinance FPO Oversubscribed by 42.08 Times

Vijaya Microfinance Financial Institution Limited’s Follow-on Public Offering (FPO) issued to the general public has received applications far exceeding the offered amount. As of 10:00 AM on 7 Jan, the FPO has been oversubscribed by 42.08 times. The company had offered 466,817 shares, but applications have been received for 19,647,410 shares. A total of 1,674,680 investors have applied, submitting applications worth approximately Rs 1.96 billion. The FPO has been open for applications since 5 Jan, and investors can continue to apply until 8 Jan. NMB Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue and sales manager for the FPO.

Revenue of Kamaladi’s Skywalk Tower Declines

The revenue of the Skywalk Tower located in Kamaladi has declined. Operated by Wonders Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the tower’s income decreased in 2025 compared to 2024. The company earned Rs 105 million in 2024, while its revenue fell to Rs 87 million in 2025, reflecting a decline of Rs 18 million in the last fiscal year. Established in 2018, the company operates not only the Skywalk Tower but also conducts business through 26 retail stores. The Skywalk Tower, standing at 256 feet, is the tallest tower in South Asia. The company estimates an annual footfall of 720,000 tourists at the tower. Wonders Nepal has obtained a credit rating for Rs 600 million in long-term loans. The Skywalk Tower, which has been operating at full capacity since June 2023, recorded a net loss of Rs 20 million in the previous fiscal year.

Samrat Cement Posts 147% Growth, Profit Margin Soars to 34.7%

Chaudhary Group (CG)’s Samrat Cement Company has reported a 147% increase in business. The company’s business in 2025 grew by 147% compared to 2024. In 2024, the company had recorded Rs 1.771 billion in business, while in 2025, it achieved Rs 4.367 billion. Similarly, the company’s business in 2023 was Rs 3.375 billion, and in 2022 it was Rs 4.875 billion. In the current fiscal year, the company has already achieved Rs 899 million in sales during the first quarter. According to the company, business rebounded last year, driven by higher cement sales. The company sold 431,928 metric tons of cement last year, compared to 219,760 metric tons in 2024. Likewise, clinker sales reached 66,226 metric tons last year, up from only 9,250 metric tons in 2024. The company also stated that cement prices increased during the past fiscal year, setting a price of Rs 440 per bag, compared to Rs 388 per bag in 2024. The company reported a profit margin of 34.73% last year, up from 21.41% in 2024. Founded in 2013, the company produces 3,600 metric tons of cement daily. Since 2021, it has also been producing clinker at a daily capacity of 4,000 metric tons. The establishment of the clinker production facility in 2021 involved capital expenditure of Rs 1.3128 billion.

Gold Price declines on Wednesday

Gold prices declined in the Nepali market on Wednesday, while silver prices recorded an increase. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold is being traded at Rs 267,700 per tola today, down by Rs 400 from Tuesday’s rate of Rs 268,100 per tola. In contrast, silver prices rose by Rs 55 per tola. Silver is currently being traded at Rs 4,935 per tola, compared to Rs 4,880 per tola on Tuesday.