E-commerce platform Chynabazar to come into operation

Kathmandu, July 26

A new e-commerce platform, Chynabazar, is set to launch with the aim of providing Nepali consumers with quality products at fair and transparent prices by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and additional mark-ups between manufacturers and customers.

The online marketplace will go live on Wednesday, July 29 and will operate independently of third-party sellers or import agents. It will operate under the domain name Chynabazar.com.

Imported goods in Nepal have traditionally reached consumers through multiple layers of the supply chain, including importers, wholesalers and distributors. This process has often led to higher prices and uncertainty in supply. Chynabazar has been established to bridge this gap, according to the company's CEO, Stuti Shrestha.

In a statement, the company said it will select products directly from manufacturers in China, purchase them outright, transport them to Nepal through its own logistics network, store them in its own warehouses and deliver them to customers using its own distribution system.

The company claims that managing the entire process, from sourcing and importing to warehousing and distribution, under a single system will help reduce delivery times, control costs and ensure transparent and competitive pricing. It also believes this model will enable it to provide reliable service even during fluctuations in the supply chain.

The company will initially offer electronic goods, fashion products, lifestyle items, and health and beauty products. The company said it plans to gradually expand its product range in the coming months.

Customers will be able to make digital payments through eSewa and Khalti. The company added that its own warehousing and distribution network will enable it to maintain adequate inventory levels while providing fast and reliable delivery services.

"Nepal's digital economy continues to expand, while trade relations with China are becoming increasingly stronger. Chynabazar aims to grow alongside both of these trends. We plan to diversify our product offerings and gradually expand our distribution network across the country," said Shrestha.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 July 2026.         

Nepal, Japan to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations

Kathmandu, July 28

The Nepal AOTS Alumni Society (Nepal AOTS), in collaboration with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), is marking the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations with investment and trade fair and exhibitions.

The events expanding two days on coming Thursday and Friday in Lalitpur will feature Nepal-Japan semblance exhibition, Japanese tea ceremony, Nepal-Japan business, investment and trade fair, and business seminar and panel discussion.

The commemorative celebration is being organised with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), Japan, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nepal (JCCN).

The exhibition will showcase approximately 70 carefully curated exhibits (comprising 60 visual exhibits and 10 traditional food displays,) highlighting the similarities between Nepal and Japan in culture, traditions, lifestyle, architecture, festivals, arts, cuisine, and social values.

"Visitors will experience one of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions, where the preparation and sharing of matcha symbolising the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that lie at the heart of the Japanese Tea Ceremony," read the statement issued jointly by the Nepal AOTS and NCC.

Likewise, the Business, Investment and Trade Fair will feature around two dozen exhibition booths/stalls, with more than 20 Nepali and Japanese companies, organisations, and entrepreneurs showcasing their products, services, technologies, innovations, investment opportunities, and successful bilateral business collaborations.

A delegation of 20 Japanese entrepreneurs and business representatives will visit Nepal to participate in the event, providing a unique platform for direct business engagement, investment promotion, technology exchange, and partnership development between Nepali and Japanese enterprises.

Similarly, the panel discussion is a high-level forum bringing together policymakers, industry experts, business leaders, and professionals to discuss trade, investment, technology transfer, industrial cooperation, human resource development, innovation, and future opportunities for strengthening Nepal-Japan economic relations.

According to the organisers, the event is expected to attract more than 3,000 visitors during the two-day celebration, making it one of the largest public commemorative events organised in Nepal to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations.

The event is expected to create new avenues for business partnerships, investment promotion, knowledge exchange, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

"The 2-day celebration aims to commemorate this important milestone while further strengthening bilateral friendship and collaboration through a series of business, cultural, and educational programs. The event will bring together distinguished dignitaries, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, development partners, academia, alumni, cultural organizations, entrepreneurs, and members from the both countries," read the statement.

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. Diplomatic relations were formally established through the Exchange of Notes on 1 September 1956, marking the beginning of an enduring partnership that has grown over seven decades based on mutual trust, respect, friendship, and cooperation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

Govt to establish high-priority response desk for investors

Kathmandu, July 28

The government is set to establish a high-priority response desk at the Ministry of Finance to address concerns raised by the private sector as it steps up efforts to improve the investment climate and accelerate economic reforms.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said at an interaction with the entrepreneurs on Tuesday that the proposed response desk would coordinate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to resolve legitimate concerns raised by businesses. He said the government intended to replace delays in decision-making with a system focused on timely action.

According to him, the government had adopted a roadmap to repeal outdated laws, improve the investment environment, simplify and make the tax system more transparent, and enhance the ease of doing business.

He also said that expanding the capital market and alternative financing instruments, reforming the labour market and strengthening digital public services will get equal priority.

He said 42 laws directly related to the economy were currently under amendment or repeal.

FM Dr. Wagle said the government had identified three priorities - enabling existing industries to operate at full production capacity, creating conditions for businesses to expand with confidence and encouraging new enterprises and investment, particularly by young entrepreneurs.

According to him, improvements in these areas would contribute to higher economic growth, employment generation, revenue collection and exports. "The government's role is not to run industries but to create an investment-friendly environment in which businesses can operate without unnecessary obstacles," he said.

The finance minister has also sought feedback from the private sector on the factors behind high production costs, barriers preventing industries from operating at full capacity, reasons for weak investment decisions and administrative and legal hurdles related to land acquisition, electricity supply and tariffs, labour, transport, finance, raw materials and market access.

Likewise, the finance minister said the implementation of economic reforms announced through the national budget was progressing. Legal amendments, regulations, operating procedures and institutional reforms would be introduced according to a fixed timetable, while efforts to increase capital expenditure, speed up project implementation and strengthen the capital market and financial sector would continue in parallel.

He reiterated the government's commitment to protecting private sector investment and creating conditions that would allow businesses to earn returns and reinvest, saying private sector growth was essential for Nepal's economic transformation. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

FM Khanal stresses result-oriented cooperation among BIMSTEC members

Kathmandu, July 28

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the need for deeper, more effective and results-oriented cooperation across all areas of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) to accelerate the economic transformation of member states and address shared regional challenges.

During a courtesy meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday, he reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the (BIMSTEC), describing it as an important regional platform for promoting regional cooperation, peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

The MoFA informed in a statement that he also highlighted the importance of developing BIMSTEC into a more effective, results-oriented and people-centred regional organisation capable of delivering tangible benefits that can be directly experienced by the citizens of member states.

Likewise, FM Khanal welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen the organisation institutionally, including the implementation of the BIMSTEC Charter. He reiterated Nepal's commitment, as the lead country for the People-to-People Contact sector, to strengthening regional ties through tourism, culture and greater exchanges among the peoples of member states.

The Foreign Minister also expressed Nepal's continued support for advancing BIMSTEC's shared objectives and contributing to the development of the Bay of Bengal region as a stronger, more prosperous and better-connected region.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Pandey briefed FM Khanal on recent progress and ongoing efforts to strengthen BIMSTEC as an effective, results-oriented and action-oriented regional organisation. He outlined developments in institutional reforms, the implementation of the BIMSTEC Charter and the BIMSTEC Vision Document, as well as priority initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation.

"Pandey commended Nepal's active participation and constructive contribution to BIMSTEC activities and expressed confidence that Nepal would continue to support the organisation in achieving its shared objectives," read the statement.

The meeting also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Nepal and the BIMSTEC Secretariat, make regional cooperation more results-oriented and people-centred, and ensure that the organisation's activities deliver direct benefits to the citizens of member states.

Nepal has been a member of BIMSTEC since 2004. Established to promote multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia, the regional organisation comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

Indrive prepares women drivers

 Kathmandu, July 28

InDrive has completed the first cohort of its Driving Naari Nepal programme, with 10 women graduating after three months of training aimed at preparing them for professional two-wheeler driving.

In a programme organised in Kathmandu, the company awarded them with certificates after completing training launched in April 2026. The initiative was designed to help women from underserved communities access employment opportunities in the mobility sector and address barriers to entering the profession.

The training combined practical riding instruction with road safety education and support through the driving licence process. Each participant received a safety kit, including a helmet, first-aid kit and medical kit, the company said in a statement.

The programme also included self-defence training delivered in partnership with FightBack Nepal to help participants develop awareness and practical skills for personal safety.

Deputy Superintendent of Police of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office Sunil Jung Shah said road safety was a shared responsibility.

'Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every driver has an important role to play. We encourage the participants to follow traffic rules, stay alert and continue learning as they gain experience on the road. We congratulate them and wish them a safe and successful journey as professional drivers,' he said.

According to inDrive, obtaining a driving licence provides women with greater access to employment, education, healthcare and other services by reducing dependence on public transport and family members for travel.

The company said two-wheeler ride-hailing services can reach narrow streets and last-mile destinations that are often inaccessible to four-wheeled vehicles, while providing passengers with more transport options.

The certification ceremony was attended by partner organisations, government representatives, media and invited guests. Participants received certificates, safety kits and commemorative gifts from inDrive representatives and the company's Nepal brand ambassador, Swastima Khadka.

One participant won an electric scooter, three received smartphones and six were awarded smartwatches to support their work as professional riders.

Communications Manager of the company Manjeeta Gurung said the programme sought to address both skills development and social barriers faced by women entering the profession.

'Skills training is only part of the work. Social stigma matters just as much, and so does the ecosystem a woman steps into once she starts riding,' she said. 'The programme is designed to support women through licensing, confidence-building and income opportunities while expanding transport choices for passengers.'

Minister Rawal meets Chinese envoy

 Kathmandu, July 25

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal held a courtesy meeting with China's Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming.

During the meeting at the ministry, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral assistance programmes, including the project aid to Nepal implemented with the support of the Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region of China, the upgrading of the Civil Hospital, the establishment of a CAR T-cell Laboratory at the hospital for cancer treatment, and the digitalisation of land administration.

Ambassador Zhang commended the ministry's achievements during its first 100 days, noting that its initiatives to improve public service delivery, advance the digitalisation of land administration and promote good governance had been effective.

The courtesy meeting with Ambassador Zhang was Minister Rawal's first since taking office, as she has prioritised the government's first 100-day agenda, according to her Secretariat.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 July 2026.         

Nepal, UN hold annual JSC meeting

Kathmandu, July 25

The Government of Nepal and the United Nations on Friday held the annual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), to review progress under the current framework and launching preparations for the next five-year cooperation plan.

The meeting, co-chaired by National Planning Commission Vice-Chair Dr. Gunakar Bhatta and UN Resident Coordinator Lila Pieters Yahia, endorsed a roadmap for the 2028–2032 Cooperation Framework.

The new framework will be developed jointly by the government and the UN Country Team and is scheduled to be signed in July 2027. It will align with Nepal's Sixteenth Plan and the country's transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the United Nations informed in a statement on Friday.

The committee reviewed implementation of the current cooperation framework and identified priorities for its remaining 18 months.

According to the UN, discussions were focused on preparations for LDC graduation, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable development financing, climate action and institutional capacity.

The committee also reviewed progress in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, school meal programmes linked to local agriculture, skills development, access to finance and enterprise opportunities for women and young people, employment generation, and measures addressing child marriage, gender-based violence, legal identity reforms and electoral support.

"With fewer than five years remaining to meet the 2030 SDG deadline and Nepal's graduation from LDC status approaching, discussions centred on increasing women's participation in the economy, expanding skills development and employment opportunities for young people, supporting entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting climate-resilient and digital economic growth," read the statement.

The meeting also discussed the impact of declining global Official Development Assistance and explored measures to improve the use of existing resources, strengthen capital expenditure, accelerate project implementation and mobilise innovative sources of development finance.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 July 2026.