KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Economic Brief—your go-to source on key financial updates in Nepal. Stay informed with concise insights on market trends, economic indicators, and policy shifts. Here are today’s top highlights:

PM Oli Urges Domestic Production, Criticizes Nepal’s Dependence on Basic Imports:  Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the 59th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Industry Day, extending his congratulations to the business community on the occasion.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Oli encouraged Nepali industrialists and entrepreneurs to focus on boosting production within the country. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and pointed out that Nepal has the capacity for local manufacturing, referencing the traditional skills of Nepalese people in crafting iron tools since ancient times.

NEPSE Falls by 5.57 Points on Final Trading Day of the Week: On the final trading day of the week, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 5.57 points, bringing the benchmark index down to 2,670.70 points on Thursday. This decline follows a gain of 13.90 points on Wednesday, which had pushed the index up to 2,680.52 points.

Interestingly, while the index fell today, overall trading volume increased. A total of shares worth Rs 5.63 billion were traded on Thursday—up from Wednesday’s trading volume of Rs 4.48 billion. This contrast highlights the growing investor activity even as market sentiment remained slightly bearish.

Nepal and India Begin Talks to Streamline Trade and Curb Illegal Activities: Nepal and India have initiated a bilateral dialogue in Kathmandu aimed at making foreign trade between the two countries more efficient and transparent. The discussions, led by customs officials from both sides, are centered on simplifying trade procedures while also addressing concerns related to illegal trade and revenue leakage.

Among the key agenda items is the early exchange of preliminary export-related information between the customs offices of Nepal and India. This step is expected to enhance coordination and reduce delays in cross-border trade. Another major point of discussion is the implementation of an electronic cargo tracking system.

Nepal Earns Over Rs 14 billion from IT Exports in Eight Months of Current Fiscal Year:  In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, Nepal has exported information technology (IT) services worth Rs 14.30 billion, according to data published by Nepal Rastra Bank. Of this, software services alone accounted for Rs 10.5 billion, highlighting the growing role of Nepal’s tech sector in the country’s export earnings.

Telecommunication services brought in Rs 3.64 billion, while software and app sales contributed the highest amount—Rs 10.61 billion. Additionally, Nepal earned Rs 40 million from the export of information services. During the same period, Nepal imported IT services worth Rs 3.60 billion, showing a trade surplus in this sector.

Foreign Minister Rana Warns of Shrinking International Aid Due to Geopolitical Factors: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that international aid to Nepal is gradually shrinking, with the possibility of further decline due to shifting geopolitical dynamics. Speaking at the 59th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) on the occasion of Industry and Commerce Day, Minister Deuba highlighted the decreasing trend of foreign grants.

She cautioned that this trend is likely to continue or worsen in the future because of emerging global geopolitical challenges. Her remarks come at a time when Nepal is increasingly being called upon to rely more on internal resources and strategic partnerships rather than depending solely on international assistance.

8 Finance Companies in Profit, 7 Deep in Loss Amid Governance Woes: In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, eight finance companies made profits while seven reported mounting losses. Pokhara and Janaki Finance, allegedly shielded from regulatory action under former Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, face dire financial conditions with losses of over Rs 758 million and Rs 136 million, respectively. ICFC Finance leads in profit with Rs 142 million, followed by Manjushree at Rs 136 million. Weak governance, mismanagement, and leadership instability have worsened losses in several institutions.

Share-Backed Loans Surge by 38% as Demand and Investor Confidence Rise: Share mortgage (margin) loans have surged by 38.27% in one year, reaching Rs 118.5 billion by mid-March 2025, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. Banks are aggressively expanding this segment amid falling interest rates and increased investor confidence. Large investors now face fewer borrowing limits, encouraging bigger loans—those above Rs 10 million rose over 50%. Loans in all brackets—from below Rs 2.5 million to above Rs 10 million—have seen double-digit growth, reflecting a strong appetite for stock market investment-backed borrowing.

Bhatbhateni Crosses Rs 124 Billion in Revenue, Plans 51 Outlets in Five Years: Entrepreneur Min Bahadur Gurung is aggressively expanding Bhatbhateni, Nepal’s leading supermarket chain. With 27 outlets and two more under construction in Pokhara and Chitwan, the company has earned Rs 124.03 billion over the past 4.5 years. In the current fiscal year alone, it has recorded Rs 16.79 billion in revenue within five months. Bhatbhateni also plans to generate 12.75 MW of solar power. Recognized as one of the highest taxpayers, the company aims to operate 51 outlets within five years.

Thamel’s LOD Ranked 44th Among World’s Top 100 Clubs by DJ Mag: Thamel-based club Lord of the Drinks (LOD) has been ranked 44th among the world’s top 100 clubs for 2025 by UK-based DJ Mag. Director Bhupen Kunwar expressed pride, saying this international recognition brings Nepal’s name to the global nightlife scene. He noted that over 500 clubs competed globally. The ranking is expected to boost tourism by attracting nightlife enthusiasts and foreign visitors. Kunwar added that the recognition brings new challenges and the club aims to become even more bappealing.

FNCCI President Dhakal Says Government Efforts Are Positive but Insufficient to Meet Youth Expectations: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has acknowledged that while the government’s recent efforts to improve the economy are positive, they still fall short in addressing the aspirations of the country’s youth.

Speaking at the 59th Annual General Meeting of FNCCI and Industry and Commerce Day on Thursday, Dhakal emphasized that he represents entrepreneurs who seek opportunities even in adverse conditions. He stated that he is committed to working towards creating hope within the country by fostering entrepreneurship and economic activity.

Government Allows to Raise Rs 350 billion in Domestic Debt Next Fiscal Year: The federal government of Nepal has been authorized to raise up to Rs 350 billion in domestic debt in the upcoming fiscal year. This provision comes following a recommendation by the Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission regarding the government’s borrowing capacity.

As per the guideline, the federal government is allowed to borrow up to 5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, in cases where provincial and local governments are unable to secure their own loans, the federal government is granted an additional 0.5 percent borrowing flexibility—raising the ceiling to 5.5 percent of GDP.

Discussion on Ship Bill in National Assembly’s Legislative Management Committee: The National Assembly’s Legislative Management Committee continued its detailed discussion on the Ship Bill on Thursday. The committee has been deliberating on various provisions of the bill that came from the National Assembly.

During Thursday’s session, lawmakers proposed amendments, including the need for a survey before operating ships and the requirement for an official institution to conduct the survey. As of Thursday’s meeting, discussions have progressed up to Chapter 5 of the bill. Lawmakers have reached a consensus on provisions related to the operation of ships, ship construction, determination of waterway routes and usage, and ownership of ships.

381 Climbers from 41 Teams Receive Permits for Spring Expeditions in Nepal: In the spring season of this year, a total of 381 climbers from 41 expedition teams have received permits to scale various peaks in Nepal, including the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. According to the Department of Tourism, as of Wednesday, 231 climbers—comprising 84 women and 297 men—have been granted permission to climb peaks such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Annapurna I, and Makalu.

For Mount Everest alone, 134 climbers from 14 expedition teams have been issued permits. This includes 27 women and 107 men. The data suggests that Everest continues to be a major draw for both domestic and international mountaineers during the peak climbing season.

Pure Energy Opens IPO for General Public Applications Open Until April 15: Pure Energy has opened its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public starting today. Earlier, the company had already completed the IPO allotment for affected local residents and Nepali citizens working abroad.

A total of 1,195,200 shares have been made available in this public phase. Interested investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and up to a maximum of 100,000 shares.

Applications can be submitted through the online platform Mero Share until Baisakh 2, 2082 BS (April 15). The offering has generated strong interest from retail investors, reflecting continued enthusiasm for hydropower and energy sector investments in Nepal.

Thamel’s LOD Ranked 44th Among World’s Top 100 Clubs by DJ Mag: Lord of the Drinks (LOD), a popular nightlife destination in Thamel, Kathmandu, has been ranked 44th among the world’s top 100 clubs by UK-based DJ Magazine. The ranking is part of the magazine’s annual campaign to recognize the best DJ clubs globally for the year 2025.

LOD secured its position on the prestigious list among hundreds of clubs worldwide, highlighting its growing international reputation in the nightlife and entertainment scene. DJ Mag conducts this global ranking every year, selecting clubs based on performance, ambiance, and popularity across different countries.

First-Ever Nepali Festival to Be Held in Dubai, UAE: For the first time, a Nepali Festival is set to be organized in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event is being held under the patronage of the Nepali Embassy in the UAE, in collaboration with the UAE chapter of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), various Nepali communities, and over six dozen active organizations.

The primary objective of the festival is to celebrate and promote Nepali art, culture, sports, tourism, trade, and national identity. Organizers hope the event will strengthen the sense of unity among the Nepali diaspora and showcase Nepal’s rich heritage to the international community in the UAE.

Gold Price Soars to All-Time High of Rs 181,100 Per Tola: The price of gold in Nepal has reached a historic high, climbing by Rs 5,700 per tola today alone. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold now stands at Rs 181,100 per tola—marking the highest rate ever recorded in the country.

This sharp rise follows a Rs 2,000 increase on Wednesday, reversing a four-day streak of declining prices. The continued surge in gold prices reflects growing market demand and fluctuations in international bullion markets. Jewelers and investors are closely monitoring the trend as gold remains a key asset for both investment and cultural purposes in Nepal.