Consensus evolves on private-sector-friendly policies

PM Karki assures support to create business environment 

Kathmandu, Dec. 31

Demand for private-sector-friendly environment echoed at the all-stakeholder conference on 'cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity' organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

At the conference that brought together major stakeholders of business, politics, youth and the government, the private sector sought a commitment from the government and the leaders of the political parties as well as the representatives of a couple of Gen-Z alliances on respecting the investors and businesses and building their confidence through various policy and other measures.

In response, all stakeholders expressed their full and unfettered commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the private sector and creating an investment-friendly environment.

Shaken confidence of the investors due to the attacks and vandalism on the second day of the Gen-Z movement in September was at the centre of discussion while issues of good governance, better public service and adoption of technology in all walks of business and life also got priority.

The FNCCI created the first-ever platform to bring together the leaders of political parties, business community and youth alliances. Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal, Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel and Industry Minister Anil Kumar Sinha expressed their and government's commitment to good governance, protection of business, economic growth and development, and policy reform wherever possible.

Leaders of political parties – including former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, and leaders Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat of the Nepali Congress, Dr. Rajan Bhattarai of the CPN-UML, DP Aryal of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Dr. CK Raut of Janamat Party also expressed their readiness to accept and address the demands of the private sector.

Likewise, Sudip Sheikh and Raksha Bam of Gen-Z movement voiced the concerns of the youth such as unemployment, hassles in business registration and rampant corruption. They also said that the demands of youth expressed during the Gen-Z movement mustn’t go in vain.

Speaking at the conference, private sector leaders – Chandra Prasad Dhakal of the FNCCI, Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Birendra Raj Pandey of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Bhagirath Sapkota of the Federation of Nepalese Industries and Entrepreneurs (FENIE) – demanded punitive actions against those involved in vandalism and damage of business establishments and proper compensation to the enterprises that suffered the loss.

 

Private sector seeks assurance

President of the FNCCI Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the private sector still has an impression that an environment for doing business is not created in the country yet. 

According to him, they need guarantee of the protection of property, respect to the private sector, support in the recovery of businesses, access to finance and removal of hurdles in business process.

"If we fail, this will impact our future generations so we need to make preparations to hand over a prosperous Nepal to them," he said while adding that the commitments from the government have been limited to rhetoric with many concerns yet to be addressed.

In the aftermath of the vandalism of business and private properties during the Gen-Z movement, private sector business associations requested the government to penalise those involved in destruction and demanded a Private Sector Protection and Promotion Strategy (PSPS).

Stating that the strategy is particularly needed at this juncture as the employers, service providers, project developers, revenue contributors are apprehensive of further attacks, Dhakal demanded the government to take strong actions against those involved in arson, vandalism and destruction of properties during the movement.

"Leaving them unpunished will increase impunity," said Dhakal.

Similarly, President of CNI, Birendra Raj Pandey, said that the private sector is in favour of stability.

"Following the Gen-Z movement and its demands for good governance, corruption control and transparency in the public sector, private sector is confident that the country will move in that direction," he said while expressing hope that these demands would be implemented.

According to him, unless there is domestic investment, foreign investment will not come. The biggest foundation for investment is business-friendly laws and policies.

Pandey added that increasing investment is not difficult in countries where laws ensure the protection of investors.

President of the NCC Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal said that it is impossible even to imagine peace, stability and prosperity without cooperation among the government leadership, major political parties, private sector and the young generation.

According to him, as the economy has not been managed effectively for nearly six years following the impact of COVID-19 and remained sluggish, the recent Gen-Z movement resulted in human casualties, loss of many young lives, and extensive damage to industrial and business establishments as well as private property. This has negatively affected the overall business and industrial environment and significantly weakened the morale of the private sector.

Likewise, President of FENIE Bhagirath Sapkota said that business confidence is all-time low while the society is in frustration. "The private sector is isolated from national politics, policy making and development process. We want to work with the government," he said.

 

Govt ready to remove hurdles

The government accepted the demands and expressed commitment to immediately work to improve the investment climate and support entrepreneurs with favourable policies.

Prime Minister Karki said that individuals involved in vandalism and damage in the business during the movement wouldn't be spared and would be brought to the book soon.

Stating that the current transitional government has some limitation, she said that there will be speedy service to the private sector with reduced procedural requirements. "The government is ready to remove the hurdles to the investment," she said.

In order to incorporate the demands of the protesting youth and desire of people to have good governance and find ways for prosperity, the country is holding an election to elect new leadership, she maintained.

Meanwhile, the government has taken some steps to support the businesses such as extension of tax-submission date, advance payment of insurance claims, implementation of transaction price at the customs, issuance of online tax-clearance certificate, revision in full-audit system, simplification in profit repatriation from Nepal and facilitation in investment in IT business abroad.

"I would like to assure you about all the necessary support to create and maintain business environment," said PM Karki.

Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal said that despite conducive situation (excessive liquidity, good forex reserve, low interest rate and growing market demand) for investment, investors couldn't be attracted.

Stating that the private sector is often the first target during every movement and civic uprising, he stressed the need for harmonious relations between the private sector and the society.

“The wealth created within the country is meant for the benefit of society as a whole. Damaging or undermining it is a loss for all of us,” said Minister Khanal and added that from the profit of the business, the government receives taxes and revenue, employees receive bonuses, and funds are spent on corporate social responsibility to serve society.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said that the country has entered fully into the election, and environment has been created for it.

He claimed that the government has set the baseline for good governance.

Similarly, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply Anil Kumar Sinha expressed his commitment to implement the private sector protection and promotion strategy.

 

Focus on 'How to'

Speaking on the occasion, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, hinting at the senior leaders of the political parties, said that the same group of people are talking about the same agenda for the last two decades but progress is not satisfactory.

"We must focus on 'how to' rather than 'what’ in terms of doing anything. We are about a century back compared to other countries. A country that has 60 per cent people engaged in agriculture can't be led to a path of development," he said.

According to him, it is high time to devise effective policies and strategies to lead the country to industrial advancement from the current agrarian economy.

Dr. Bhattarai stressed on cooperation among the government, private sector and community, and urged to begin good governance through the institutional reforms in the first stage.

Coordinator of Nepali Communist Party and former PM Prachanda said the leadership of political parties must identify their shortcomings and move towards reform.

He said that elections should be regarded not merely as political competition but as a process of building national consensus. “After the Gen-Z protests, we said that we must move towards national consensus and political unity. An environment for all-party consensus is gradually taking shape,” he said.

Prachanda stated that the current government has succeeded in creating an environment for holding elections despite operating under challenging circumstances, and urged all political forces to focus on elections.

He also maintained that economic prosperity, along with political stability, is not possible without the active participation of the private sector.

“Prosperity can be achieved only through cooperation between the state, the private sector and the community, leading to job creation, expanded investment and increased production," he said.

 

'Deterioration in rule of law' is a concern

Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said that legitimising the activities on September 9, peace would be hampered and stability would be impacted while prosperity would be a far-fetched dream.

"So, there should be an agreement on fundamental parameters that the September 9 events have directly impacted the investors and investment, business morale has gone down," he said. "Weaknesses should be redressed and we must be sensitive to the demands of youth, business and society."

Likewise, Dr. Mahat stated that the deterioration in the rule of law is a matter of serious concern.

Leader of the CPN-UML Dr. Rajan Bhattarai stated that the country is in a sensitive situation where public expectations have gone unexpectedly high and people want the government to address all their aspirations.

"Meanwhile, challenges are increasing in terms of expanding investment and business, attracting Foreign Direct Investment and assuring business environment," he said.

President of Janamat Party Dr. CK Raut said that the government acting on populism and 'please the majority' strategy will create challenges to the private sector businesses. 

He said that no political party has private-sector friendly stance and policy and urged for support to the political parties that have such philosophy. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 January 2026. 

Minister Sharma attends Khaleda Zia's funeral

Kathmandu, Dec. 31

Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka, on Wednesday.

A floral wreath was laid at the burial site of the mortal remains of late Khaleda Zia on behalf of the Foreign Minister and the Government of Nepal, the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka informed in a statement.

FM Sharma also met the son of the late Begum Zia and the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman and conveyed condolences. According to the Embassy, FM Sharma noted that Begum Zia was a distinguished statesperson who played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political and democratic journey.

Rahman expressed hope that the excellent friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to flourish in the days ahead. 

In the afternoon on Wednesday, FM Sharma called on the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Dr. Muhammad Yunus where he handed over him a message from the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki, which noted the significant role Begum Zia played in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations, particularly during her three tenures as the Prime Minister.

FM Sharma underscored that she would be remembered for her contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh, and for her strong advocacy of regional cooperation and solidarity.

Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus expressed his gratitude for Nepal’s true friendship and its enduring support to Bangladesh ever since the country’s independence, including during the difficult times, read the statement. The two leaders also deliberated on the excellent state of Nepal-Bangladesh relationship. They explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Foreign Minister is on a visit to Bangladesh from December 30, 2025, to 1 January 2026 to attend the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia. He will leave Dhaka for Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 January 2026. 

Digital payments mandatory for government utilities

Kathmandu, Dec. 30

In an effort to promote cashless payment and sound fiscal governance, the government is making utility payments – internet, electricity, and water supply – online.

Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal said on Tuesday that in the past 110 days since he assumed office, the Ministry of Finance has made preparations for an Application Programming Interface (API), which has reached the final stage.

It will be launched on Wednesday by the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) and the remaining agencies will implement it by mid-January 2026.

At a high-level policy dialogue on 'fiscal reform and budget priorities for reconstruction and economic revival' organised by the Former Planners Forum Nepal (FPFN) in Lalitpur on Tuesday, he expressed confidence that electronic payments would put an end to the practice of having to carry bills and run from one office to another.

According to him, the government has made it mandatory for all payments to be conducted through electronic systems to ensure sound fiscal governance. Billions of rupees is due from the government organisations to utility agencies like the KUKL and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Likewise, Minister Khanal informed that the records of government buildings and other structures are updated so that a realistic budget could be planned for their repair and maintenance accordingly.

The Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO) has submitted a report on the public assets management system to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

According to him, contracts worth Rs. 992 billion are in the phase of implementation. There is no cash deficit because the government budget allocations could not be utilised to their fullest, he added.

"In coordination with the National Planning Commission (NPC), we are initiating a system of giving permits to multi-year projects. All details of such projects will also be available to the government so that year-wise allocations can be assured," said Minister Khanal. Currently, the government has around Rs. 700 billion multi-year commitment.

He also informed that there is no lack of funds for the election and economic recovery.

He said the government needs Rs. 26 billion to hold the elections-- Rs. 6.9 billion as pure election disbursement and Rs. 17 billion for term-police, while vehicles and riot-controlling equipment are being supported by friendly countries.

Vice-President of the NPC, Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, said that Nepal has bureaucratic instability along with political instability.
"During my previous 13-month tenure at the NPC, I had to work with four joint-secretaries," he said.

He said that although the project bank at the NPC was created professionally, its implementation was very poor. Of the 1,300 projects, only about one or two dozen had completed the requirement of Detail Project Report, Environmental Impact Assessment and budgeting before entering into the project bank.

Chair of FPFN and former VC of the NPC Dr. Pushpa Raj Kandel, expressed concerns that while the NPC was created as an institution to advise the government, but it has become subservient to the government, even the Finance Ministry.

Economist Dr. Sanjaya Acharya said that transformative progress needs decades of preparation, planning, and resource allocation, which Nepal has been missing for many years in the past. "Even the long-term vision for 2100 prepared by the National Planning Commission in 2017 has been forgotten by the governments afterwards," he said.

He also said that the long-term development vision should also include the creation of cross-border development plans, such as the Trans-Himalayan Connectivity Network proposed by China with Nepal.

At the programme, former member of the NPC Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal presented a working paper focusing on the weaknesses in Nepal’s fiscal system and the areas that require reform.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 December 2025.

Prixa acquires Dailo Krishi

 Kathmandu, Dec. 28

To make Nepal’s agriculture and food system more reliable and secure, technology company Prixa has acquired Dailo Krishi. With this move, Prixa has announced that it will develop a system through which consumers will be able to easily know where vegetables, fruits, and food grains were produced and how they reached them from the farmer, it informed in a statement on Sunday.

According to Prixa’s CEO, Manish Sharma, there is a significant lack of trust in Nepal’s food sector. “Trust in what we eat is the most important thing,” he said. He also noted that the company is working by viewing Nepal not merely as a market, but as a laboratory for developing new systems.

Dailo Krishi is a platform that has been delivering fresh and certified agricultural produce directly to consumers’ homes in collaboration with farmers and cooperatives. Under the leadership of its founder, Dhiraj Chapagain, Dailo Krishi has been working on traceability systems that clearly identify the source of production.

Prixa said that after acquiring Dailo Krishi, it does not plan to immediately change the brand name or pursue aggressive expansion. Instead, it will focus on the long-term development of a trustworthy, transparent, and sustainable infrastructure in the agricultural sector. 

Major parties ready for March 5 polls

PM and top leaders of major parties meet again

 Kathmandu, Dec. 27

The toop leaders of three major political parties have expressed their readiness to participate in the election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

During a meeting convened by Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Baluwatar on Saturday, top leaders of the three main parties committed to taking part in the election.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said, “All political parties are ready to go to the election. The Congress is ready. The UML is ready. Other parties are also ready. The government must ensure a secure environment.”

Chair of the CPN-UML and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as well as Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, also expressed their commitment to participating in the election.

Speaking at the meeting with the leaders, PM Karki said that to devote herself fully to the election, setting aside administrative affairs, she handed over all ministries under her responsibility, except defence, to other ministers.

Urging the leaders to think of the nation’s future and ensure a stable and sustainable democracy by making the election successful, she said, “This is our collective responsibility. This is the sole purpose for which I invited you here today.”

“What I wish to request by inviting you here is that we make this election successful at any cost. Everyone must participate in it. I can see that you are already prepared for the election, and that such an environment is taking shape,” she said while adding, “This is a welcome step.”

According to her, the government has provided the Election Commission and the police administration with the necessary resources as per their requests. The morale of the security personnel has increased, she maintained.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that the conclusion of the meeting was that all parties should participate wholeheartedly in the elections.

“UML Chair Oli said that his party is ready to go to the elections and requested the government to make a conducive environment for it. Likewise, PM Karki has assured the top leaders of the major political parties of a safe environment for the election,” he said.

He said that the election will be held on the said date and time.

Minister Kharel stated that Prachanda appreciated the work of the government and said that all parties to make preparations for the elections. He urged the NC and UML for the same.

“All leaders said that an agreement had been made to participate in the elections, and urged me to deliver this message to the people,” he said.

Earlier on Friday, Minister Kharel visited the top leaders of the major parties as a preparation for the meeting of Saturday. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 December 2025.

Gorkhapatra Coop honours SEE achievers

 Kathmandu, Dec. 27

The 19^th Annual General Meeting of the Gorkhapatra Employees Multipurpose Cooperative Limited was held here on Saturday. The programme was inaugurated by the Managing Director of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Lal Bahadur Airi.

Speaking at the event, Airi said that the main objective of the cooperative is the welfare of its share members and maintaining unity through cooperation. Noting that the cooperative has been providing good support to Gorkhapatra employees, he urged all staff members to remain united.

Seven students—children of employees—who achieved outstanding results in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) 2081 were honoured on the occasion.  

Those recognised were Isha Baral (GPA 3.96), Kritisma Sapkota (GPA 3.91), Pratik Ghimire (GPA 3.87), Samriddha Nyaupane (GPA 3.86), Prapti Paudel (GPA 3.86), Bidushi Khanal (GPA 3.84), and Sadiksha Sapkota (GPA 3.54). Each of them was honoured with a certificate and a cash award of Rs. 3,500.

According to Cooperative President Pushpa Raj Joshi, the cooperative recorded a profit of Rs. 184,379 in the Fiscal Year 2024/25, compared to a profit of Rs. 175,343 in the previous year.

He further stated that by the end of FY 2024/25, deposits amounting to Rs. 16.39 had been collected from members, while loans worth Rs. 15.72 had been disbursed.

Cooperative Treasurer Maya Acharya informed that the organisation has been providing emergency loans amounting to Rs. 290,000 to its members. The cooperative currently has 350 members.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 December 2025.

NCC holds Diamond Jubilee golf tournament

Kathmandu, Dec. 27

On the occasion of its historic Diamond Jubilee, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce has successfully organised a Corporate Golf Tournament. The tournament, which was participated in by industrialists and businesspeople from the private sector, was held at the Royal Nepal Golf Club in Kathmandu.

The NCC awarded the winners of the tournament on Saturday.

They were honoured with certificates by the Chair of the NCC’s Diamond Jubilee Main Celebration Committee and former President Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, Immediate Past President Rajendra Malla, and Senior Vice-President Deepak Malhotra. A total of fifteen winners were awarded prizes in the competition.

On the occasion, Chamber Vice-President and Coordinator of the Golf Tournament, Arjun Sharma, said that the Chamber’s 75-year journey has truly been historic and inspiring. “For more than seven decades, the NCC has been playing a significant role in the development of trade, industry, entrepreneurship, and the private sector in the country,” he said.

Sharma further noted that the Corporate Golf Tournament was organised with the objective of promoting sports tourism in Nepal. He added that the golf tournament organised on the occasion of the historic Diamond Jubilee reflects not only sporting excellence but also the NCC’s social engagement, discipline, focus, integrity, and long-term vision.

To mark its 75^th anniversary and historic Diamond Jubilee, the Chamber has been celebrating this year in a grand manner by organising various programmes.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 December 2025.

Nepal launches social security for informal workers, self-employed

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

In a significant step towards bringing millions of workers currently outside formal safety nets under social protection throughout their life cycle, Nepal has launched a National Campaign on Social Security for Informal Workers and the Self-Employed.

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Social Security Fund (SSF) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Nepal launched the campaign at a programme organsied in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The scale of the challenge is substantial. More than 86 per cent of Nepal’s workforce is engaged in informal employment, with women disproportionately affected. Over 90 per cent of employed women work in the informal sector, often without access to maternity protection, health coverage, or income security in old age.

Although nearly 2.7 million workers are registered with the SSF, participation by informal workers and the self-employed remains strikingly low. Only around 1,500 individuals from these groups are currently enrolled, exposing a major inclusion gap in the country’s social protection system, informed Kabi Raj Adhikari, Executive Director of the SSF.

According to the SSF, the campaign brings together government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organisations, local governments, civil society and the media, with the aim of expanding social security coverage to those most in need.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari described social security as a protective shield. “No matter how heavy the rain, what matters is how strong the umbrella is. Social security should act as that protective armour,” he said, warning that weak systems could lead to social unrest, conflict and forced migration.

According to him, the government must be proactive in addressing the demands and concerns of the public since if social security issues are not addressed comprehensively, it may fuel unrest and conflict and youth outmigration could also increase. 

Minister Bhandari expressed concerns over the recent trend in youth who do any kind of job in foreign countries but don't take up the same jobs in Nepal. "They have a tendency to put forth their demands but not to contribute to work and development," he said.

Numan Özcan, ILO Country Director for Nepal, said the initiative was grounded in the principle of inclusion. “This campaign is about ensuring that no worker is left behind. Social security is fundamental to equity, economic resilience and inclusive development,” he said.

The campaign places a strong emphasis on women workers. For many women in informal employment, the absence of social security can determine whether maternity leads to protection or loss of income, whether illness results in treatment or debt, and whether old age brings dignity or dependence, read a joint statement issued by the SSF and ILO.

In recognition of these challenges, the campaign is supported through European Union funding under the Women’s Empowerment Programme (EWPN). The support aims to strengthen women’s economic agency and reduce vulnerability across generations.

Jose-Luis Vinuesa-Santamaria, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nepal, said social security was both a right and an investment. “Social security is deeply rooted in Europe’s own social model. The EU affirms that workers have the right to social protection regardless of the type and duration of their work,” he said.

Nepal has already laid a strong legal foundation through its Constitution and the Contribution-Based Social Security Act of 2017. Effective social protection coverage has increased from 17 per cent in 2021 to 21 per cent in 2023. However, challenges related to adequacy, awareness and inclusion persist.

Under the government’s 16^th Development Plan, Nepal aims to expand social protection coverage to 60 per cent of the population and significantly reduce informality by 2028.

Labour Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Puskar underscored the broader principle behind the initiative, stating that “social security is not a luxury but a human right”.

The campaign is said to focus on strengthening the role of local governments in identifying and enrolling informal workers, operationalising contribution subsidies through better coordination, raising public awareness, enhancing digital systems such as ILMIS and OpenIMIS, and building stronger partnerships across government, civil society and social partners.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

Club Chaulani to launch five-star hotel in Dhangadhi

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

Club Chaulni is launching a five-star hotel in Dhangadhi, the first property of its kind in Sudurpaschim province.

IGH Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Club Chaulani Ltd. to develop Holiday Inn Dhangadhi, a 115-key hotel in Dhangadhi, Nepal.

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, the signing marks IHG’s entry into the Sudurpashchim Province and reflects the company’s strategy to expand its presence in high-potential, underserved markets across South Asia, the company informed at a press meet on Tuesday.

Renowned globally with over 1,200 open hotels, the Holiday Inn brand has consistently evolved to meet the needs of modern travellers. “Known for its warm, welcoming service and dependable, high-quality offerings, the brand’s service philosophy is rooted in helping guests make the most of every journey. Holiday Inn Dhangadhi will uphold this trusted legacy, delivering the reliable comfort and thoughtful, guest-centred experience for which the brand is renowned,” said Dr. Rajendra KC, Chairman of Club Chaulani Ltd.

Holiday Inn Dhangadhi will be located in the heart of the city within a mixed-use development, approximately 8.5 kilometres from Dhangadhi Airport.

Positioned near the Nepal-India border, the hotel is well placed to serve business travellers, government officials, and transit guests, while also catering to leisure travellers visiting key regional attractions such as Shuklaphanta National Park, Ghodaghodi Lake, and Shivapuri Temple. The hotel’s strategic location enables it to capture demand from both domestic and cross-border visitors, reinforcing its relevance across business and leisure segments.

The hotel will feature 115 well-appointed guest rooms, along with four food and beverage outlets, including an All-Day-Dining restaurant, a pool bar, and a specialty restaurant. For meetings and events, the hotel will provide versatile function spaces and a ballroom.

“Dhangadhi represents an emerging hospitality market with strong fundamentals driven by improving infrastructure, cross-border trade, and rising domestic travel. The signing of Holiday Inn Dhangadhi reflects our confidence in the city’s growth potential. The hotel will cater precisely to this growth, serving both the rising domestic travel segment and regional business traffic, ensuring strong returns for our partners at Club Chaulani,” said Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

NADA Automobiles decides to be a Federation

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

The 49^th Annual General Meeting of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal has passed a proposal to incorporate into a federation in accordance with prevailing laws, following a comprehensive discussion on the necessity and rationale behind such a move.

The meeting, held in Lalitpur, saw a significant turnout with 1,483 members in attendance out of a total 1,548 currently renewed members. The Association said in a statement that this high level of participation reaffirms the strong trust and unity within the organisation.

Furthermore, the assembly resolved to hold elections on 9 January 2026 (25 Poush 2082) to elect the association's new executive committee.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

Park Land to issue IPO

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

Hotel Park Land Limited is planning to issue its shares to the public. It signed an agreement with Citizens Capital Limited to appoint the former as the issue and sales manager for an upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Sharad Kumar Pandey, Chairman of Hotel Park Land, and Sabir Bade Shrestha, CEO of Citizens Capital Limited. As per the agreement, Citizens Capital will manage the public issuance of shares following the necessary approval from the Securities and Board of Nepal (SEBON).

Hotel Park Land, which has been in operation for the past 18 years, is situated on 32-kattha of land in Sauraha, Chitwan. Located approximately 350 metres from Sauraha Gaida Chowk, the hotel currently offers 32 guest rooms.

As part of its strategic expansion, the company intends to increase its total land area to 44-kattha and expand its capacity to 105 rooms, with the ultimate objective of upgrading the property into a four-star hotel, it said in a statement. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

Unique Plastic to issue IPO

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

Unique Plastic Industry Limited, located in the Hetauda Industrial Area in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, is preparing to issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The company intends to issue 750,000 units of shares, representing 20 per cent of its issued capital, at a face value of Rs. 100 per share. To facilitate this process, the company has appointed Nepal Life Capital Limited as its issue and sales manager.

At a programme organised in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Hari Bahadur Basnet, Chairman of Unique Plastic and Manish Ghimire, CEO of Nepal Life Capital signed an agreement for the same.

In response to Nepal’s growing infrastructure and water supply demands, Unique Plastic has been operating for the past five years.

“Utilising modern technology, the industry produces high-quality products certified by Nepal Standards. Its portfolio includes over 100 types of PE-100 pipes, ranging from 16mm to 160mm in size,” the company informed in a statement.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

NAIMA aids DoTM; Traffic office restoration complete

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has formally handed over emergency assistance to the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) and the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office following the completion of restoration works.

The support was directed toward repairing infrastructure and replacing equipment damaged during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.

The handover ceremony was conducted on Tuesday by a NAIMA delegation led by President Ritu Singh Vaidya, Board Member Yamuna Shrestha, and Executive Director Raj Kumar Dulal.

According to Dulal, the association’s contribution focused on critical operational needs including complete reconstruction and repair of all windows and doors in the main administrative building of the DoTM at Minbhawan, and provision of essential office assets such as furniture, furnishing, computers and printers to replace those lost during the unrest.

Rajiv Pokharel, Director General of the DoTM, said that the emergency aid was vital in enabling the department to resume public services from its primary office. He expressed appreciation for the association's responsiveness during the crisis.

Likewise, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nabaraj Adhikari, head of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, commended the institutional collaboration. He noted that NAIMA has established itself as a reliable partner in traffic management and education within a short period since its inception.

Vaidya emphasised that the association's operational framework includes a commitment to collaborating with public service agencies. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.

Himalayan Hideaway launches New Year service

Kathmandu, Dec. 24

Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara developed and to be operated by Centara Hotels and Resorts will open on 1 January 2026.

“This milestone marks the introduction of the first Thai luxury hospitality brand to the city, expanding the group’s international portfolio within the region,” the company informed in a statement.

According to it, situated in the hills of Kaskikot, approximately 35-minute drive from Pokhara, the resort is positioned as a secluded sanctuary offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail Mountain.

The property comprises 42 guest rooms, suites, and villas designed with a combination of Nepali architectural elements and Thai-inspired accents. Accommodations include features such as open skylights, private gardens, and expansive balconies.

The resort’s facilities include four distinct dining venues—featuring an all-day restaurant, a specialty Pan-Asian outlet, and a scenic tea house—alongside a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa.

Beyond on-site amenities, the establishment offers curated local experiences, including village walks on the Sarangkot Loop Trail and paragliding over Phewa Lake.

General Manager of the resort Prapaijit Thongma said that the resort aims to provide a refined experiential luxury that blends Nepali and Thai hospitality. Furthermore, the resort operates under a social enterprise ethos, intended to support local livelihoods and community wellbeing in the Kaskikot region.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 December 2025.