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 Rises by 30 Points as Share Prices of 205 Companies Increase

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a strong start to the trading week on Sunday, with most listed companies seeing gains in their share prices. The NEPSE index climbed by 30.75 points, closing at 2,631.14. A total of Rs 9.20 billion worth of shares were traded during the day. Out of all the traded companies, 205 recorded price gains, 42 declined, and 3 remained unchanged.

NRB Increases Use of Long-Term Liquidity Instruments

Nepal Rastra Bank has been increasing the use of long-term liquidity instruments. As liquidity issues in the financial system became increasingly complex, the central bank expanded the use of six-month deposit collection instruments. On Sunday, the bank issued a 175-day deposit collection instrument worth Rs 40 billion. Earlier, on the previous Wednesday, the bank had issued a deposit collection instrument for the same duration. According to the central bank, the financial system had approximately Rs 68 billion in liquidity as of Saturday.

Exports Surge Nearly 90% in First Three Months of Current Fiscal Year

Exports have surged by nearly 90% in the first three months of the current fiscal year. According to customs department data, the largest share is from soybean oil. The department listed soybean oil as the top export, followed by carpets and sunflower oil. Soybean oil worth Rs 30.7, totaling 14855,541.10 kg, was exported to India. Carpets worth Rs 2.57 billion (93,438 sq meters) ranked second, while sunflower oil worth Rs 2.13 billion (3,906,336 liters) was third in export volume.

Government Pushes for E-Governance in Public Enterprises
The government has promoted a policy to deliver service provision and financial transaction facilities from government-owned companies and institutions electronically. This policy is part of the recently released ‘Public Institution Management and Good Governance Policy 2025’. The policy focuses on integrating services electronically and increasing transparency in management.

On-Site Supervision of 10 Commercial Banks Begins

On-site supervision for the asset quality review (loan portfolio review) of 10 commercial banks has started. A team of auditors from Howladar Yunus & Company, along with two auditors from Nepal Rastra Bank, visited all 10 banks on Sunday and held discussions with bank management. The Bangladeshi audit firm began work by requesting necessary data and information before Dashain and commenced on-site supervision of all 10 banks from Sunday.

Social Security Fund Collects Rs 94 Billion
The Social Security Fund has accumulated a total of NPR 9,409,179,000 so far. The fund has also disbursed Rs 17.29 billion to contributors. A total of 2,592,141 contributors are registered under the fund.

Mid-Year Cuts in Grants Affect Budget Implementation

The federal government, provinces, and local levels have cut various grant allocations mid-fiscal year, affecting overall budget execution. According to the 7th annual report of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission submitted to the President on October 16, not only were the recommended grants not fully released, but funds earmarked for lower levels were also partially transferred.

International Tender Announced for Nagdhunga Tunnel Operation

An international tender has been announced to select a service provider for the operation and maintenance of the Sisnekhola Tunnel. The Nagdhunga Tunnel Construction Project called for tenders on Sunday to select an experienced and capable service provider through international competition. The last date to submit bids is 17 December 2025. Although the tunnel can technically accommodate vehicles, it has not been operational due to lack of skilled manpower and security concerns.

NRB to Invest Rs 2.60 Billion from Provident and Pension Fund

Nepal Rastra Bank will invest Rs 2.60 Billion from its provident and pension fund into term deposits of banks and financial institutions. The bank issued a notice on Sunday inviting proposals with interest rates from licensed banks and financial institutions. The investment will last 366 days. Among the total investment, the highest amount of Rs 2.08 billion has been allocated for ‘A’ class commercial banks.

Printing of 1.2 Million Driver Licenses to Begin

Printing has started for 1.2 million of the 2.5 million pending driver licenses. On Thursday, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Department of Transport Management and the Security Printing Center. Accordingly, the printing center will provide 1.2 million licenses to the department within six months. The MoU was jointly signed by Department Director Rajiv Pokhrel and Security Printing Center Executive Director Devaraj Dhungana. The first batch of 1.2 million licenses will be printed as per available budget and distributed to service users.

Startup Loan Limit Reduced to Rs 2 Million
The limit for startup enterprise loans has been reduced. Entrepreneurs will now receive up to Rs 2 million. The government amended the Startup Enterprise Loan Program Operational Procedures 2025 to lower the loan limit. Previously, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies provided loans of up to Rs 2.5 million at 3% interest. Now, entrepreneurs can receive startup loans at 3% interest without collateral.

Nepal Promotes Tourism at Bangladesh Travel Fair

Nepal promoted its tourism in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nepal was featured at the three-day 13th Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF). During the program, Acting Director of Nepal Tourism Board Sunil Sharma gave a detailed presentation on Nepal’s tourist destinations, highlighting that Nepal offers lifelong memorable experiences. Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari noted the historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Bangladesh, emphasizing the need to strengthen tourism exchanges.

Two-Day National Conference on Smart Urban Planning Begins in Kathmandu
A two-day national conference on smart urban planning and development has started in Kathmandu. Organized by Nepal PHD Association in collaboration with various government and non-government organizations, the conference discussed necessary policies, regulations, and practices from other countries to advance organized urbanization. At the program, Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bindunath Lohani emphasized paying special attention to infrastructure, transport, environment, and pollution when building smart cities.

Provincial Finance Ministers Commit to Strengthening Financial Federalism

At a conference held in Hetauda, Bagmati Province, on Saturday, finance and planning ministers from all seven provinces announced measures to strengthen and ensure transparency in financial federalism. To make the economic aspect of federalism strong and effective, the ministers jointly issued the ‘Hetauda Declaration.’ They pledged to address weaknesses observed in federalism implementation and reinforce financial federalism with transparency.

Power Cut Dispute: Two Industries Approach Energy Regulatory Commission

Following power line disconnection due to unpaid electricity premiums, two industries have filed petitions with the Electricity Regulatory Commission. Panchakanya Steel Industries and Panchakanya Plastic Industries, both invested by the Panchakanya Group, filed the petitions. Panchakanya Steel owes Rs 5.2 million, while Panchakanya Plastic owes Rs 2.5 million. The authority had cut power lines to these two and 23 other industries on October 24 for non-payment of dues.

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Resume Operations in Nepal

International hospitality group IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to resume its services in Nepal. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) will expand its services outside Kathmandu for the first time, operating its premium brand ‘Crowne Plaza’ in Lumbini. Previously, IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand was operated in the five-star Soltee Hotel in Kathmandu. After the agreement with Soltee ended on 14 May 2021, Crowne Plaza has returned to Nepal through Lumbini Heritage.

Muktinath Development Bank to Upgrade to Commercial Bank
Muktinath Development Bank is set to be upgraded to a commercial bank. At the bank’s 19th Annual General Meeting recently held in Pokhara, a proposal for the upgrade was approved. Chaired by Chairman Khim Prakash Malla, the AGM decided to increase the paid-up capital to R 9.03 billion and proceed with the commercial bank upgrade.

“Sahara Health Insurance” Launched Through eSewa and Shikhar Insurance Partnership
A new health insurance plan, “Sahara Health Insurance,” has been launched targeting Nepalese citizens through a partnership between digital payment service provider eSewa and life insurance provider Shikhar Insurance Company Limited. The main objective of this insurance plan is to provide accessible, reliable, and digital health insurance services nationwide. The plan is available for citizens aged 5 to 65 years.

Daraz Launches ‘Last-Mile Delivery Solution’ via Daraz Express

E-commerce platform Daraz has formally launched a new service, ‘Last-Mile Delivery Solution,’ through its logistics unit Daraz Express (DEX). This service is designed for brands and sellers to deliver their products quickly, reliably, and technologically even if they are not listed on the Daraz platform. Through this, Daraz Express aims to provide a nimble, secure, and trusted delivery network nationwide, allowing businesses to focus on their products while expanding operations.

Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank Posts 12% Profit Growth

Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank increased its profit by 12% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The bank had earned R 174.9 million in the same quarter last fiscal year and recorded Rs 197.5 million profit in the first three months of the current fiscal year. According to the bank’s unaudited financial statement, profits show an upward trend this fiscal year.

Gold Price Sees Slight Increase in Local Market
Compared to last Friday, the gold price in the local market has slightly increased today. According to the Federation of  Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold increased by Rs 700 per tola, while silver decreased by Rs 5 per tola. Last Friday, gold traded at Rs 239,000 per tola; today it stands at Rs 239,700. Silver is priced at Rs 3,055 per tola.