Implement gender-sensitive policies

Kathmandu, Nov. 3

Only 31.6 per cent from the LGBTIQ+ community feel safe in political participation, while 68.4 per cent feel the otherwise, found a recent baseline-survey on political participation, representation and leadership of LGBTIQ+ people in Nepal.

About 91 per cent of the survey participants, of 430 respondents, said that the political representation is not adequate while only 9 per cent said the representation is enough. About 67.7 per cent know their political rights and 87 per cent have their voter registration, concluded the survey 'From evidence to action: Identifying gaps and driving reform' conducted by the Action Aid Nepal and the European Union.

In addition, 63.5 per cent faced difficulty in obtaining legal identity documents. Majority of them, 62.6 per cent are not affiliated to any political parties. The survey ranked awareness programmes on the top with 94.9 per cent respondents indicating to the need for such actions. Similarly, 91.4 per cent said anti-discrimination policies are needed, 91 per cent proritise political party inclusion, 90.5 per cent leadership training, 90 per cent for legal reforms and 86 per cent accorded importance to economic support.

The report recommended the government to strengthen implementation of legal provisions on citizenship, identity documents, non-discrimination and equal participation. It also suggested enhancing the capacity of public officials and elected representatives on the inclusion of gender and social minorities, and ensuring meaningful participation of LGBTIQ+ communities in planning, consultation, and governance processes.

"In the long term, institutionalising sexual-and-gender-responsive policies, planning, budgeting, and service delivery, and strengthening accountability for constitutional and legal protections are paramount," read the report.

Likewise, it recommended exploring affirmative measures to enhance LGBTIQ+ representation in governance and decision-making bodies.

The survey suggested the political parties to adopt and enforce inclusion and non-discrimination policies, increase engagement with the community and organisation, and investment in political literacy, leadership development and monitoring. Meanwhile, institutionalising LGBTIQ+ representation within party structures and leadership, and promoting inclusive candidate selection mechanism are also equally important.

Samiksha Baskota, chair of Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee at the House of Representatives, expressed her commitment to support in policy making process that promotes equal rights and political representation of the sexual and gender minorities.

 

'Breaking Barriers' launched

Organisations working in rights sector have launched 'Breaking Barriers' project in Kathmandu on Tuesday with the aim of increasing the access, meaningful leadership and inclusive representation of gender and sexual minority communities in Nepali politics.

The project has been initiated with financial support from the European Union, in collaboration with ActionAid International Nepal and its partner organisations: Maya ko Pahichan Nepal, Samabesi Manch Nepal and Lead Nepal.

According to Executive Director of Action Aid Nepal Sujeeta Mathema, the project aims to enhance the political representation and leadership of gender and sexual minority communities in Nepali politics. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to promoting the political participation, leadership development and meaningful representation of gender and sexual minority communities, as well as their inclusion in policymaking processes, read a statement from Action Aid Nepal.

Participants at the event expressed confidence that it would help make democratic governance more inclusive, accountable and just, while further strengthening national efforts to promote inclusive political participation. Stakeholders also expressed their solidarity with the initiative at its launch.

They also noted that although Nepal has made significant progress in recognising the rights and identities of gender and sexual minority communities, equal opportunities in political leadership and decision-making processes have yet to be ensured.

"The project envisions an inclusive democracy in which members of gender and sexual minority communities are not confined to the role of voters but can also become leaders, elected representatives and decision-makers," read the statement.

It will develop new leaders through political literacy, leadership development and mentoring, identify existing barriers and advocate policy reforms through research and evidence-based advocacy, promote inclusive structures and decision-making processes through dialogue with political parties, public bodies and other stakeholders, and work to change discriminatory attitudes and social prejudices through communication, awareness-raising and collective campaigns.

The project aims to turn the recognition of rights into meaningful participation, participation into representation, and representation into the ability to influence policymaking and decision-making processes.

The 3-year project will run till 2029, and aims to reach up to 3,000 people directly and have a broader positive impact on around 900,000 people.

Constituent Assembly member and Executive Director of Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal Sunil Babu Pant said the Breaking Barriers project aims to help gender and sexual minority communities progress from having their rights recognised to taking up leadership roles.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 November 2026. 

EU Envoy calls on FM Khanal

 Kathmandu, Nov. 3

Newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal Charles Whiteley paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal at the latter's office on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Khanal congratulated Ambassador Whiteley on his appointment and wished him a successful and pleasant tenure.

The two exchanged views on various matters of mutual interest. They also discussed ways to further strengthen relations between Nepal and the European Union and expand and deepen mutual assistance and cooperation in the days ahead, informed the minister's secretariat.

Earlier, on Monday, British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn paid a courtesy call on FM Khanal.

During the meeting, the two discussed Nepal-UK bilateral relations and various matters of mutual interest.

The discussions covered cooperation on climate change, climate finance, resilient economic development and the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).

They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two countries, including matters related to the pensions of Gurkha soldiers.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 November 2026. 

Industries in Karnali running at 31% capacity

Kathmandu, Nov. 1

Average capacity utilisation of the industries in Karnali province stood at 30.98 per cent in Fiscal Year 2025/26, down from 39.12 per cent in 2024/25.

According to the provincial economic activities report published by the Nepal Rastra Bank, enterprise producing Radi Pakhi (traditional woollen products) recorded the highest capacity utilisation at 66.67 per cent, while processed milk industries recorded the lowest at 10.19 per cent.

"The industrial sector is estimated to contribute 10.07 per cent to Karnali Province's gross domestic product (GDP) in FY 2025/26. The gross value-added growth rate of manufacturing industries in the province is estimated at 1.51 per cent, while that of the construction sector is projected at 2.72 per cent," read the report.

According to the sample survey report, production increased in industries manufacturing instant noodles (chowmein), other household textiles, carpets, Radi Pakhi, sawn timber and electric bulbs. However, production declined in industries manufacturing processed milk, grain and animal feed, paper, and leather footwear.

The report noted that increasing the capacity utilisation of existing industries, managing the cost and quality of manufactured goods, and enhancing competitiveness against external industries are major challenges of this sector in Karnali.

Likewise, safeguarding established factories and industries is another challenge, as established businesses are increasingly being displaced from the market due to capital shortages and marketing difficulties.

According to the NRB report, quality electricity supply, petroleum exploration project in Dailekh district, potential for forest-based products can create economic opportunities in the province.

"As this province holds vast potential for energy-based, tourism, mineral, agricultural, livestock-poultry, medicinal herb, and forest product-based industries, there is significant potential to generate high employment through the establishment, development, and expansion of such sectors," read the report.

Approximately 20 per cent of Nepal's total forest area is in Karnali which offers strong prospects for forest product-based industries while the petroleum exploration project opens door for mineral-based industries.

The province has long been reeling from the erratic electricity supply. However, the report noted that with the 132 kV Kohalpur–Surkhet transmission line now operational, there is good potential for a reliable electricity supply required to run medium- and large-scale industries.

 

Loans to industries up

Loans mobilised by banks and financial institutions to the industrial sector in Karnali increased by 25.63 per cent in mid-July 2026 to Rs. 5.07 billion, compared to mid-July 2025. As of mid-July 2025, such lending had declined by 1.94 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 4.03 billion.

Industrial loans accounted for 7.52 per cent of the total loans extended in the province. Among the districts, Surkhet received the largest share of industrial lending, amounting to Rs. 2.86 billion (56.51 per cent), while Dolpa received the smallest share, at approximately Rs. 13.9 million (0.28 per cent).

Karnali's economy is comprised of 31.52 per cent agriculture, 10.07 per cent industry, and 58.41 per cent service sector.

Karnali is the smallest province in terms of all economic indicators. By the end of FY 2025/26, the GDP of the province is Rs. 277.25 billion with just 4.20 per cent contribution to the national economy. Sudurpaschim province is its nearest peer with Rs. 466.89 billion GDP and 7.03 per cent share in the national economy.

Bagmati province is at the top with Rs. 2423.12 billion GDP and 36.71 per cent contribution to the national economy. Bagmati is followed by Koshi with Rs. 1043.12 billion, Lumbini with Rs. 936.72 billion, Madhes with Rs. 863.33 billion, and Gandaki Rs. 592.68 billion.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 November 2026. 

South Asia’s demographic window is closing

Kathmandu, Nov. 3

The World Bank has warned that the window to demographic dividend for the South Asia region is gradually closing.

South Asia has an opportunity to capitalise on a working-age population that numbers 1.17 billion people, but this window is gradually closing, it said in its latest report 'Demographic Change in South Asia: From Tailwinds to Headwinds for Development', released on Tuesday. 

According to the report, in less than a decade, South Asia’s working-age population will peak and start shrinking. By 2049, it will be an aged regional economy with 14 per cent of its population aged 65 and older.

Since 2000, a growing share of adults in their prime working years has helped expand South Asia’s GDP by 0.4 per cent and raise its labor productivity by 1.1 per cent per year.  "But South Asia has begun to age. South Asia’s transition from an aging to an aged population is proceeding at a faster pace and at a lower level of income per capita than in comparable emerging market and developing economies," the multilateral donor said in a statement.

The average developing economy has taken 32 years to transition from aging to aged. South Asia will do so in 25 years, and have less time to create jobs and build systems to manage this transition, according to the report. The annual contribution of demographics to GDP growth will shrink between now and 2050, to 0.1 per cent. 

“South Asian economies are aging faster and earlier in their development journeys. They need to act now to adopt policies and build infrastructure that create more and better jobs and deepen the gains from their ‘youth dividend’, while at the same time preparing for aging," said Johannes Zutt, World Bank Vice President for South Asia.

“This will enable South Asia to make the most of its large working age population and lay the foundations for a ‘second dividend’ as healthier older people continue contributing to the economy,” he added.  

The challenge is compounded by a jobs gap. Only 60 per cent of South Asia’s working age population is employed, and 88 per cent of employed workers work informally, with lower earnings and less job security.  Without healthier and more skilled workers, robust social protections, and more and better-paying jobs, the region risks missing the opportunity to turn its large working-age population into sustained economic gains.  

At the same time, health care, long-term care, and pension systems remain ill-equipped to meet the needs of a population that is living longer but not necessarily healthier, said the World Bank. Only 17 per cent of South Asia’s working age population contribute to a pension scheme, and only 10 per cent of older South Asians receive any pension benefits, the lowest coverage globally.   

According to the World Bank, the report offers a roadmap for South Asian countries to act on both fronts. They can sustain the 'youth dividend' by creating more productive jobs, expanding access to finance for MSMEs, streamlining regulations, improving health, education and skills, and removing barriers to women’s employment. They can also unlock the 'second dividend' through stronger healthcare, long-term care and pension systems that support people as they age, alongside greater savings and investments that raise productivity.

 

High informality a challenge in Nepal

Informal employees earn 45–84 per cent less than formal employees in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, representing a large loss of income and productivity, said the report. More than 60 per cent are employed informally in Nepal. Informal jobs tend to be less productive, carry substantial wage penalties, and represent lost output and income.

However, through the Social Security Fund, a contributory social insurance scheme financed by a 31 per cent contribution rate, the government provides matching contributions of 9 percent for informal workers. If scaled, this scheme could significantly expand old-age income security, said the World Bank.

"Bundling vocational training with job placement and life-skills services would improve returns to skill investment and help absorb returnee migrants more productively into the domestic labor market," it said.

Likewise, South Asia is the only region where government health spending as a share of GDP declined between 2000 and 2023, whereas household out-of-pocket spending is the highest of any region. Primary care, where chronic disease prevention and management are most effective, remains under-resourced. Less than a third of the primary health centres in Bangladesh and Nepal are equipped to deliver such services.

While South Asia’s working-age cohort (15–64) is currently at a historic high (68 per cent of the population) and will continue growing slightly in absolute size for another 10–15 years, but its share of the total population will hit a peak around 2034 and then begin to decline.

According to the report, countries like Bhutan and India are less than a decade away from their peak working-age shares, Bangladesh and Nepal will follow in the 2040s, while Sri Lanka’s share already peaked in 2005.

Although Nepal has a larger window for preparation than most of its South Asian neighbours, structural challenges are significant. "Remittances account for approximately 25 per cent of GDP and contributed to 40 per cent of poverty reduction between 2001 and 2011—yet returnee migrants lag non-migrants in salary for approximately three years after return, suggesting that migration has not yet translated into durable productivity gains at home," said the World Bank.

Nepali women work, on average, 9 hours per week less than men, reflecting persistent care burdens that constrain female labour force participation. Among workers aged 65 and older, approximately 91 percent are informally employed, leaving the vast majority of older Nepalis outside any contributory pension system. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 November 2026. 

FNCCI to organise int'l trade fair in December

Kathmandu, Nov. 1

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is set to organise the Nepal International Trade Fair 2026 in Kathmandu from 3 to 7 December this year.

The 11^th edition of the Fair is being organised with the support of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and promoted by the Trade and Export Promotion Centre, and will be jointly organised by the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal.

According to the FNCCI, more than 200 stalls will showcase domestic and foreign goods and services at the fair. Entrepreneurs and businesses from countries including China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan will participate alongside Nepal.

Briefing the media about the fair, FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha said international trade fairs play an important role in revitalising the national economy, boosting private-sector confidence and expanding commercial activities.

Noting that market demand remained weak, private investment had failed to expand as expected and business confidence had declined, he emphasised the need to convert available financial resources, energy and entrepreneurial potential into production, investment and employment.

"The Fair had been developed as an important business platform to connect Nepali products and services with national and international markets. It will establish direct links between producers, buyers, distributors, importers and exporters, helping expand trade, attract investment and develop business partnerships," said Shrestha.

The international recognition and market expansion of Nepali products have been given particular priority at the fair. Nepali products will be showcased through the 'Made in Nepal Pavilion' and pavilions representing various commodity associations.

Likewise, products with export potential, including handicrafts, agricultural products, herbs, carpets, pashmina, tea, coffee, large cardamom, ginger, Nepali paper and readymade garments, will be given special prominence.

Shrestha stressed the need to improve the quality, packaging, branding and competitiveness of Nepali products to establish them in international markets. He also said the fair should be used as an opportunity to bring products made by local and small-scale entrepreneurs to market, encourage women's and youth entrepreneurship, and create jobs through the commercialisation of domestic products.

He urged the government to develop a quality exhibition venue.

Similarly, FNCCI Senior Vice-President Sur Krishna Vaidya said the Fair is expected to help promote Nepali products in international markets, attract foreign investment and technology, and expand business relations.

He said the fair will also help bring locally produced goods to national and international markets.

Fair Committee Chairperson Sabin Shrestha said preparations were underway to make the event better organised, more effective and more business-oriented than in previous years. According to him, international buyers would be invited to participate in direct interactions and business meetings with Nepali producers and exporters.

A special direct interaction programme between Nepali and Chinese businesspeople will also be organised.

Shrestha said discussions would be held with business delegations from various countries on opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and business partnerships. Separate stalls will be set up for handicrafts, tourism, information technology, agriculture, energy, building and construction materials, education and business services.

The FNCCI will provide free stalls to outstanding exhibitors and products selected from fairs organised under the FNCCI's leadership through provincial, district-level and commodity associations across the country.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 November 2026. 

NTB to mobilise content creators to promote new destinations

Kathmandu, Oct. 31

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is planning to mobilise more than 200 content creators to promote lesser-known tourist destinations in Nepal. The programme aims to promote Nepal’s indigenous culture, traditions and tourist destinations through digital platforms in response to the rapid expansion of technology, informed the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in a statement on Saturday.

Through creators specialising in food, clothing, travel, photography, videography, art, culture and lifestyle, among other fields, the initiative aims to showcase Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and distinctive way of life to international audiences.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Poudel ‘Ganess’ said that the participation of content creators should be effectively utilised to introduce new and lesser-known tourist destinations, as well as Nepali art, culture, cuisine and lifestyle, to the world.

He has also stressed that the campaign should not be limited to tourism promotion but should be viewed as an opportunity to develop content creation into a promising industry in Nepal. He believes the initiative will provide emerging talents with opportunities to showcase their creativity while expanding employment, entrepreneurship and business prospects.

Through its budget for the fiscal year 2026/27, the NTB has prioritised digital tourism promotion, the production of photographic and video content, the creation of a digital content bank, and collaboration with content creators.

Under the campaign, creators will visit different tourist destinations across the country and produce photographs, videos and other digital content in their respective creative styles and specialisations. The content is expected not only to promote Nepal’s established tourist destinations but also to help identify and showcase lesser-known destinations with tourism potential, said the NTB.

According to it, unlike traditional tourism promotion materials, the campaign aims to connect prospective visitors with Nepal through content based on personal experiences, local stories, culture, cuisine and lifestyles. By leveraging the reach and influence of creators on digital platforms, the board expects to disseminate information about Nepal's tourism to different age groups and international markets more effectively.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 November 2026. 

Nepal gets three-year extension for LDC graduation

High production costs, weak industrial base, limited range of export products are challenges: FNCCI

Kathmandu, Oct. 30

The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a proposal to extend the preparatory period for Nepal and Bangladesh’s graduation from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) until 24 November 2029.

The decision was taken at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York said the Assembly unanimously decided to extend the preparatory period for the graduation of Nepal and Bangladesh.

With this, Nepal has got the third extension for the graduation. It was due to graduating in 2018, but because of the severe economic impacts of the 2015 earthquake, the country got an extension.

Likewise, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in economic and social sectors, the UN General Assembly granted another five-year preparatory period in November 2021, pushing the graduation date to November 2026. 

With this decision, Nepal has been granted additional time of three years to pursue the structural and institutional reforms required before graduating from the LDC category more effectively.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that the country will use the extended period to enhance productive capacity, strengthen institutions and advance economic and social transformation. It will also focus on the effective implementation of its Smooth Transition Strategy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action to ensure a smooth transition after graduation.

At a press briefing, MoFA's spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said that the government had decided to request the United Nations to defer Nepal’s scheduled graduation from the LDC category in November 2026 by three years, until November 2029.

In line with this decision, the Foreign Minister had formally written to the Chair of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) on 13 May 2026 and to the UN Secretary-General on 15 May 2026.

In response to Nepal’s request, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on Thursday extending the graduation period. "With this decision providing Nepal with an additional three years to prepare, we are confident that the country’s graduation from the LDC category will be smooth and sustainable," said Chhetri.

He added that the government wants to make the graduation sustainable and irreversible.

 

FNCCI welcomes the extension

Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) welcomed the decision to extend Nepal’s preparatory period for graduation.

The FNCCI had long been urging an extension of the preparatory period, citing the potential impact of changes in international trade facilities, preferential market access, and technical and financial assistance currently available to Nepal following graduation.

"In particular, the FNCCI had highlighted the possibility that Nepali products could lose some of the facilities they currently enjoy in international markets, including duty-free and quota-free market access, following graduation," it said in a statement.

It had also identified high production costs, a weak industrial base, and a limited range of export products and markets as major challenges.

According to the statement, the FNCCI has consistently expressed concern that graduating without adequate improvements in productive capacity, industrial infrastructure, technology, productivity and quality could adversely affect Nepali industries, exports and employment.

However, FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha said that real success will be determined by how competitive the economy becomes in international markets afterwards, how much the country increase production and exports, and how many sustainable jobs it can create.

According to him, priority should be given to industrial production and infrastructure development, reducing production costs, promoting exports, preserving international market access, transferring technology, upgrading quarantine facilities, establishing accredited laboratories, removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and enhancing the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises and women entrepreneurs.

 

Efforts being made to open border with China

Chhetri informed that the MoFA is coordinating with the line ministries and Chinese side in opening of the main border points with China.

"The Nepal-China Tatopani-Zhangmu border point, which had been obstructed following the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River, has been opened for three days for the movement of open freight vehicles," he said.

 

Similarly, following an assessment of the heavy damage caused by the flood, an inter-ministerial body coordination meeting was held on Thursday to discuss bringing the border point back into operation, reconstruction, and opening other border points.

The meeting was chaired by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 31 October 2026.