NICCI praises govt for FDI automation

Kathmandu, Feb. 20

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has welcomed the government’s decision to operationalise foreign investment approval services through an automated route, describing it as a positive and timely reform aimed at improving Nepal’s investment climate.

The newly introduced automated mechanism – published in the national Gazette on Monday, February 16 – is expected to reduce procedural delays, enhance transparency, and simplify administrative processes for foreign investors seeking approval to invest in Nepal, NICCI said in a statement on Friday.

By digitising and streamlining approvals, the government has taken an important step toward aligning Nepal’s regulatory environment with global best practices and investor expectations.

“Though the current government had the only mandate of holding an election, it has been trying to create a conducive environment for business,” NICCI President Sunil KC said.

NICCI had organised a closed-door interaction with Industry Minister Anil Kumar Sinha a month ago, submitted recommendations and requested the government to reform the age-old laws to facilitate foreign direct investment.

Praising the government’s move, co-convenor of Indian Business Forum (IBF) under NICCI, Saibal Gosh noted that while automation is a significant reform, it should be seen as part of a broader, more comprehensive investment strategy.

“This is an excellent step, though this alone may not be enough to attract FDI,” he said, adding that the new government needs to come up with a benefit scheme for new FDI investors, which is aligned with investment schemes offered by different Indian states and the central government of India.

NICCI also emphasised that regional competition for investment has intensified, with neighbouring countries and Indian states offering targeted fiscal incentives, sector-specific benefits, and facilitation packages to attract global capital. In this context, Nepal must complement procedural reforms with competitive incentive frameworks, policy predictability, and effective aftercare services for investors, read the statement.

The bi-national chamber further stressed that closer alignment of Nepal’s FDI incentive structures with those prevailing in India would be particularly important, given the strong economic interlinkages, geographic proximity, and growing cross-border investment interest between the two countries.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 February 2026.     

New online trade directives further enhance consumer rights

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

The government has implemented a fresh directive to regulate the online trade (e-commerce) with enhanced provisions for consumer rights protection.

The Electronic Trade (E-commerce) Directives, 2082 issued by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) on Tuesday has provisions for return and exchange of goods purchased online, protection of consumer rights and data privacy and confidentiality.

The Ministry has issued the new policy as mandated by the Electronic Trade (E-commerce) Act, 2081.

It said that the Directives were implemented to make trade conducted through electronic means transparent, secure, reliable, and consumer-friendly.

According to the Directives, consumers have the right to return or exchange goods if they are found to be defective, damaged, or do not match the description provided on the platform. The entrepreneur must facilitate the return or exchange process within the timeframe specified in their policy, which must comply with consumer protection laws.

Likewise, entrepreneurs are prohibited from engaging in unfair trade practices, including misleading advertisements or the sale of prohibited or counterfeit goods.

The Directives also has a provision that the entrepreneurs must establish a dedicated grievance handling mechanism to address consumer complaints effectively. Such complaints should be addressed within the timeframe specified by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection.

Similarly, personal and financial information of consumers collected during transactions must be kept confidential and protected from unauthorised access. The Directives have restricted the concerned companies from using consumer data except for the purpose of completing the transaction or as permitted by the consumer. Selling or sharing consumer data with third parties without explicit consent is strictly prohibited.

This rule equally applies when accepting electronic payments, and the company must ensure the security and confidentiality of the consumer's financial data in accordance with prevailing banking and cyber security laws.

According to the Directives, the online traders must disclose the name and nature of goods, services or information, total price including applicable taxes, quantity, date of manufacturing and expiry, and name and address of manufacturer – or name of distributor in case of imported goods. Shipping or delivery charges and estimated timeframe for delivery and terms and conditions regarding the return, exchange or refund of the goods and services should be clearly specified.

The price of goods or services listed on the e-commerce platform must be clearly mentioned in Nepali rupees. If there are any discounts, offers, or loyalty schemes, they must be explicitly stated alongside the original price.

Similarly, the new policy has mandated that the entrepreneur or the delivery service provider shall be responsible for the safety of the goods until they are handed over to the consumer.

The Electronic Trade (E-commerce) Act, 2081 has also provisioned that if any purchased goods or services do not meet the buyer’s requirements, the buyer is entitled to return them to the concerned trader.

The trader is obliged to accept the returned goods or services without any conditions. Upon returning the goods or services, the buyer may, if they wish, obtain another item or service of equivalent value in exchange.

Under the Act, traders, sellers, intermediaries, and transporters would be punished, with imprisonment of 2-3 years or a fine between Rs. 300,00 to 500,000, if they violated the provisions of the Act.

The Act also prohibits traders from publishing advertisements for goods or services that mislead buyers or consumers regarding their actual features, method of use or other relevant details.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Soaltee launches hilltop retreat at Manakamana

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

Soaltee Hotels and Resorts has officially opened the hilltop retreat located at Manakamana.

According to the company, the resort is designed to cater to pilgrims, holidaymakers, adventure and corporate travelers, event guests, and families, offering a refined stay experience.

"This latest addition marks a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to elevating Nepal’s hospitality standards while promoting key spiritual, leisure, and business travel destinations across the country," read a statement issued by the company.

Perched amidst green hills with panoramic mountain views, the 51-room resort blends contemporary elegance, and offers a tranquil sanctuary where guests can experience spiritual proximity alongside modern comfort and attentive service.

The company said that the resort features elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many offering uninterrupted views of the temple and surrounding landscape.

"Dining experiences include an all-day restaurant, a stylish lobby bar, 24-hour in-room dining, and poolside service," he said.

For events and gatherings, the resort offers a banquet hall accommodating large celebrations and conferences, a dedicated meeting room for corporate discussions, a scenic terrace, and a beautifully landscaped front lawn, making it an ideal destination for weddings, business meetings, retreats, and social occasions.

"Wellness remains central to the Soaltee experience. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped fitness centre, spa, open yoga deck, swimming pool with a separate baby pool, kids’ zone, jogging track, and guided nature walks, delivering a holistic retreat suited for today’s modern traveler," read the statement.

As Nepal’s only homegrown five-star hotel chain, Soaltee reaffirmed its commitment to bringing premium hospitality to emerging locations throughout Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Robotronics Summit 2026 held in Kathmandui

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

Softwarica College of IT and E‑Commerce hosted the ‘Robotronics Summit 2026’ in collaboration with Robotica Institute and the International Robotic College, USA, aiming to connect Nepal’s robotics and automation potential to the global stage.

The summit, held in Kathmandu, featured IT exhibitions and interactive sessions, drawing participation from more than 200 students, IT entrepreneurs, academics and industry representatives, read a statement published by the organisers.

Bigyan Shrestha, Chairperson of Soft-ed Group, said the event conveyed a message that Nepal is preparing to compete in the global robotics arena. He stressed that the education system must be updated in line with rapid technological change, adding that Nepal’s future economic prospects would largely depend on digital transformation and innovation in the IT sector.

Rajendra Malla, former President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the 'learn and earn' concept and called for practical, industry-oriented IT education.

According to him, robotics would play a decisive role in agricultural modernisation, infrastructure development and economic growth.

Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice-President of the Computer Association of Nepal Federation, said the organisation remained committed to strengthening Nepal’s technology sector and pledged support and guidance for young people seeking to establish start-ups and IT companies.

Yudhishthir Gauli, President of International Robotics Inc., shared his experience in Germany and the United States, stating that modern curricula could help bridge the gap between education and industry. He also expressed commitment to facilitating international placements and opportunities for outstanding students.

Participants said the summit demonstrated that robotics and automation could serve not only as technological tools but also as strategic drivers of economic transformation. The use of robotics is increasing in smart agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure and AI-based services.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Sun Nepal provides support to Balaju Police

Kathmandu, Feb. 19

Sun Nepal Life Insurance has supported the construction of the Balaju Police Complex by providing essential construction materials.

The company provided construction materials worth Rs. 1 million to the Balaju Police Office in the presence of the company’s CEO Raj Kumar Aryal, Chief Marketing Officer Ganesh Chaulagai, Chief Risk Officer Roshan Gyawali, and Head of Internal Control Roshan Paudel.

The event was also attended by Chairperson of the Balaju Police Unit Reconstruction Committee Shiva Bhakta Ranjit, Treasurer Bed Prasad Paudel, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Yagya Lal Banjade.

The company stated in a statement on Thursday that it extended the support recognising the importance of strengthening physical infrastructure of institutions directly connected with public safety, such as police facilities.

Company representatives noted that social security is reinforced not only through financial protection but also through institutional strengthening.

The Balaju Police Office expressed confidence that such support from the insurance sector would help make service delivery more effective. He added that cooperation between the community and the private sector would have a long-term positive impact.

Sun Nepal currently operates 148 branches and sub-branches across the country.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 February 2026.     

Fordays Nepal launches training for workers

Kathmandu, Feb. 18

Fordays Nepal Pvt. Ltd. has been launched in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the objective of providing specialised, field-based training to Nepali nationals preparing to work in Japan under structured labour programmes.

The company said that it is the first company in Nepal established with the specific aim of developing skilled and competent workers domestically before their deployment to Japan.

"The company will provide training under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme," Authorised Representative of Fordays in Nepal Prem Katuwal said at a programme organised to inaugurate the company formally.

The training will focus on three sectors- food service, fine dining, and elderly care. According to Katuwal, the initiative seeks to enhance workers’ technical competence and workplace readiness, thereby reducing the difficulties Nepali workers often face after arriving in Japan.

The training is designed as a 130-hour field-based programme and will be offered to candidates who have already passed the Japanese language examination, succeeded in employment interviews with recruiting companies, and obtained the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Japanese immigration authorities.

Fordays Nepal aims to train 300 individuals annually in each sector, with a total annual target of 900 trainees.

Company said Nepali workers in these sectors are often required to undergo additional training in Japan before starting work.

According to Katuwal, by providing practical training in Nepal, including orientation on workplace practices, language use, and living conditions, the programme intends to help workers transition more smoothly into employment. The training will be delivered by Japanese instructors deputed from Japan.

The company also noted that many Nepali students travel to Japan on student visas after completing basic language requirements, often investing significant sums but lacking practical job skills. Fordays stated that its programme is intended to address this gap by focusing on employment-oriented training.

Speaking at the programme, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dr. Dipak Kafle, lauded the establishment of the company and said that there should more efforts in sending skilled workers to Japan so that the both the individual and the country could be benefitted.

A delegation from Fordays Co. Ltd., Japan, including its chief executive, attended the inaugural programme. They appreciated the infrastructure, amenities and equipment managed to train the students in a real-life scenario. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2026.     

FNCCI pushes for policy reforms to ignite startups

Kathmandu, Feb. 18

The Startup and Innovation Forum under the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has emphasised the need to accelerate collaboration by prioritising policy reforms, an investment-friendly environment, and entrepreneurship development programmes to promote startups and innovation in Nepal.

Forum's meeting held on Tuesday evening concluded that stakeholders must collaborate to promote startup and youth entrepreneurship, the FNCCI informed in a statement.

Senior Vice-President of the FNCCI Anjan Shrestha said that the startup ecosystem cannot be strengthened without innovation-friendly policies and expanded access to finance. He stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the private sector and the government.

Shrestha also informed that FNCCI would remain active in facilitating market access, mentorship, and regulatory clarity for startups. According to him, there is a need to make training, technical support, and incubation services more effective for innovative enterprises.

Vice-President Hemraj Dhakal noted that policy facilitation related to taxation and investment is essential to encourage startup and innovation-based enterprises. Similarly, Vice-President Jyotsna Shrestha highlighted the need to place women and youth entrepreneurship at the centre of startup policy and stressed expanding capacity-building and networking programmes to create an inclusive entrepreneurial environment.

Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya pointed to the need to transform the Startup and Innovation Forum into a formal committee and stated that institutional standards must be developed for its expansion.

Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute, Umesh Kumar Gupta, said that policy reforms have been introduced in the startup and innovation sector and that government programmes for enterprise development would be advanced in partnership with the private sector.

Forum Chair Juna Mathema briefed the meeting on the forum’s activities, partnership expansion, startup showcases, and policy dialogue programmes, stressing the need to further strengthen entrepreneur-investor platforms in the coming days.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2026.