Govt will achieve revenue target: DPM Paudel

Kathmandu, July 2

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the government would achieve revenue targets through measures such as expanding the tax net, curbing revenue leakage, adopting information technology, and enhancing the effectiveness of revenue administration.

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers in the National Assembly on Wednesday, DPM Paudel has affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the revenue target set by the budget of the next Fiscal Year 2025/26 – Rs. 1,315 billion - against the expenditure estimates of Rs. 1,964 billion.

He clarified that the budget was prepared within a systematic framework rather than in an ad hoc or ritualistic manner.

According to him, the budget is evidence-based and will be implemented upon parliamentary approval.

DPM Paudel assured that the government remains vigilant to ensure the scope of public debt does not become unlimited, while focus would be maintained on productive and capital expenditure.

Stressing the importance of financial discipline, he noted the need for Nepal to be removed from the grey list and to intensify efforts against money laundering.

"Regarding taxation, the threshold on luxury tax has been removed. Discussions are ongoing about concerns raised by gold jewellery traders, expressing confidence that a shared conclusion would be reached through dialogue," he said.

The DPM maintained that the budget reflected the spirit of democracy and republicanism and incorporates feedback provided by parliamentarians during the budget formulation process.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 July 2025.   

Comprehensive labour reform needed for prosperity, says Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu, July 2

Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari has stressed the need for comprehensive development in the labour and employment sectors.

"The country cannot achieve prosperity through physical infrastructure alone, we must give equal importance to human development, employment, and social security," he said while speaking during discussions on the Appropriation Bill 2082 at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to concerns and suggestions raised by the lawmakers, Minister Bhandari underlined the need to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to labour and employment.

He proposed launching a nationwide campaign over the next decade to generate domestic employment as it would play a crucial role not only in poverty reduction but also in driving economic and social development.

Minister Bhandari expressed the ministry’s commitment to maximising the utilisation of Nepal’s natural and human resources in order to achieve national prosperity and self-reliance. He called for parliamentary support in this endeavour.

He announced plans to make the National Vocational Training Institute more effective.

“Labour is an individual’s capital, and productivity must be tied to skills,” he noted while adding that his Ministry is working to employ youth domestically by incorporating advanced technologies in employment services for both Nepalis in the country and abroad.

Minister Bhandari further informed the House that the ministry has already initiated robust policy and institutional reforms to make foreign employment safe, dignified, and well-regulated. Labour agreements have been proposed with 13 new European countries, and legal amendments are underway to crack down on fraud through the use of local administrative and judicial mechanisms.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 July 2025.   

Nepal, Malaysia investment potential discussed

Kathmandu, July 2

A delegation from the Malaysia-Nepal Business Council held discussions on 'enhancing trade facilitation and investment between the two countries' with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) on Wednesday.

The meeting took place at the Chamber’s Secretariat in Jamal, Kathmandu.

Discussions between the NCC delegation led by its President Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal and the Malaysian team led by Council's President Pradeep Kumar Kukreja focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, expanding employment opportunities, and promoting greater investment cooperation, the NCC informed in a statement.

While Kukreja proposed expanding bilateral investment and trade partnerships, Agrawal highlighted the 65-year-old diplomatic relationship between Nepal and Malaysia and described the trade, investment, and employment links as exemplary. He noted that about 500,000 Nepali youths are currently employed in Malaysia, and the two countries share one of the most extensive aviation networks.

Agrawal underscored the significant contributions of Nepali workers to the economies of both nations but expressed concern over Nepal’s growing trade deficit with Malaysia. He emphasised the need for trade facilitation measures to address this imbalance.

Urging Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal, Agrawal pointed to promising sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, mining, education, and healthcare. He also encouraged the increased import of Nepali goods as a step towards narrowing the trade gap, asserting that Nepal offers excellent opportunities for investment.

Likewise, Kukreja expressed admiration for Nepal’s tourism sector, stating that the delegation had come to Nepal after recognising its investment potential. He affirmed the Council's intention to collaborate with the Chamber in fostering a conducive business environment.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 July 2025.   

Chef Santosh Shah launches Janakpur Fish House in Naxal

Kathmandu, July 2

BBC Master Chef Santosh Shah has launched the traditional fish cuisine of Janakpur in his new restaurant ‘Janakpur Fish House’ in Naxal, Kathmandu.

The restaurant offers an authentic taste, style, and dishes of Janakpur, giving food lovers a chance to enjoy the region’s original culinary flavours in the heart of the capital, Shah informed in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the Fish House aims to serve fish in its traditional style- pan-fried on a thick griddle using yellow mustard oil-preserving the unique and indigenous flavour of Janakpur. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept and offers live fish options for customers.

Chef Santosh has collaborated with his brother, Chef Dilip Shah, to bring this concept to life. Chef Dilip, who introduced Santosh to the hospitality industry, brings over 35 years of experience working in the hospitality sectors of Nepal, India, and Central America.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the venture, Chef Dilip says, “Just like grilled meat sold by the kilogram has become popular in Kathmandu, we aim to create a similar culture with fish. We are trying to recreate the taste and experience of eating fish the way it's traditionally done in Janakpur.”

The menu at Janakpur Fish House features around 10 varieties of fish dishes. The signature Tawa Fish will be served with Janakpuri murai (puffed rice) and radish pickle. Other offerings include trout, prawns, fish chili, and a special fish set—all prepared in the traditional Mithila and Janakpur culinary style.

Chef Santosh also mentions that a variety of beverages are available at reasonable prices. His previously launched ‘Mithila Thali’ has already gained popularity across the country. The Mithila Thali now has branches in Janakpur and several locations in Kathmandu, including Naxal, Gairidhara, Gaushala, and Jhamsikhel.

“My mission is to promote cuisine from the Tarai region while within Nepal, and represent broader Nepali food when abroad,” said Chef Santosh. “This initiative is an example of cross-promotion, aiming to bring the rich flavours of Mithila and Janakpur to Kathmandu.”

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 July 2025.   

PM Oli underscores partnerships for development

Kathmandu, July 1

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli participated in multiple international events on global solidarity, sustainable development and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Seville, Spain on Tuesday.

PM Oli is in Seville leading a Nepali delegation to participate in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). He is also engaged at various events organised on the sidelines of the conference.

Speaking at an event on 'Investing in global solidarity: A new vision of development cooperation' convened by Pedro Sanchez, President of Spain, PM Oli highlighted the enduring value of development cooperation.

He noted its importance, especially amidst rising nationalism, protectionism, and global conflicts, and said that development cooperation is not charity, instead, it is a pledge to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

He characterized development cooperation as partnerships. "These partnerships empower communities, strengthen institutions, build capacity and foster resilience. Development cooperation is 'solidarity in action," he said.

According to him, goals of such coopeeration include lasting peace, shared prosperity, climate justice, and a just, fair, and equitable world.

Prime Minister Oli acknowledged the tangible results achieved through development cooperation over the years. However, he also raised concerns to the fragmentation of development aid which is spread across too many small projects and parallel channels. It also has too many competing priorities and such fragmentation often has diluted its impact.

Likewise, he expressed his concerns to the shift from grants to loans which is likely to affect countries already facing unsustainable debt burdens. Expressing hopes in the 'Sevilla Commitment' adopted on Monday, he expressed his belief that it will translate principles into progress through global solidarity. He welcomed its focus on strengthening international development cooperation for sustainable development.

PM Oli stressed the need to deliver on commitments and principles of effectiveness, and called for innovative ways to mobilise resources. "The goal is to make development cooperation meaningful for people on the ground. Developing countries face increasing financial stress, including rising debt. In this context, concessional finance is essential, not optional," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking at another event, Prime Minister Oli called for bold and urgent action to support the world's Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Highlighting that development aid is drying up, remittance costs remain high, and climate injustice disproportionately affects LDCs, he said, “This is not just a fiscal crisis, it is a human one."

Calling for stronger domestic resource mobilisation, more grants, and private investment, PM Oli said, “With the right financing, we can invest in people and create lasting opportunity.” He urged world leaders to act decisively to build a fairer and more sustainable future.

 

Commitment to WASH

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oli co-organised and spoke at a side event. The event focused on the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) Initiative was jointly organised by the Governments of Nepal and Burundi in collaboration with the SWA.

PM Oli noted that billions worldwide still lack access to basic WASH facilities, with over 2 billion people lacking safe drinking water and 3.5 billion without safely managed sanitation. "Waterborne diseases and poor sanitation continue to pose a major public health crisis, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among children. To achieve universal WASH coverage by 2030, progress needs to accelerate by as much as six-fold, demanding collective global action," he said.

Stating that Nepal's constitution recognises access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental right, he said the nation is determined to realise its aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' by ensuring every household has essential services, including WASH. The country has already achieved 96 per cent basic water supply coverage as of 2024, though challenges remain in delivering quality and sustainable services.

In his address, Prime Minister Oli called upon all development partners to continue their support to Nepal in building the necessary infrastructure and strengthening institutions to achieve these shared goals.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 July 2025.   

Nepal seeks climate finance for mountain agriculture

Kathmandu, July 1

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the international community to support sustainable agricultural systems and provide climate financing for mountainous regions in countries like Nepal.

In her address to the 44^th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) held in Rome on Monday, she urged for grant-based international climate financing to be ensured for Nepal, which is severely affected by climate change, particularly its Himalayan regions.

“Nepal and similar countries in the Himalayan regions are the most affected by the climate crisis. However, these areas have been largely neglected in climate financing and adaptation efforts," she said stressing that all stakeholders pay due attention to this issue.

Stating that agriculture held high importance for Nepal, FM Dr. Rana informed that the sector contributes around 23 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and nearly a two-thirds of the population depend on it for their livelihood. She underlined the crucial role agriculture plays in food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and rural development.

She pointed out that the goal of achieving a hunger-free world by 2030 remains unmet and that global crisis such as the pandemic, climate emergency, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions are threatening the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Foreign Minister emphasised that promoting sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture is essential not just for livelihoods but also for preserving global biodiversity, ensuring food security, and maintaining ecological balance.

Expressing Nepal’s willingness to expand successful and innovative agricultural practices through the ‘Four Betters’ approach, FM Dr. Rana said, “We are seeking collaboration to enhance farmers’ access to early warning systems. In the face of rising climate risks, we look forward to stronger cooperation with the FAO for promoting sustainable mountain agriculture."

Likewise, Nepal expects the sharing of knowledge and experiences on successful practices to increase the participation and leadership of women and youth, she said.

Meanwhile, speaking at a high-session on agriculture and food system – held as a part of the session, FM Dr. Rana invited international investors and multinational companies to invest directly in Nepal's agricultural sector.

Inviting global investors to benefit from Nepal’s unique and indigenous agricultural products by investing in the sector, she said, “Due to insufficient large-scale investment and lack of modernisation, Nepal has not been able to export agricultural products at scale despite significant potential. We are in urgent need of substantial foreign investment in this area.”

Dr. Rana, who also served as a chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources, noted that agriculture in Nepal is still viewed as a low-status occupation, and this perception has hindered the development and modernisation of the sector. Without upgrading agriculture and aligning it with modern times, the country has failed to transform it into an export-oriented industry.

Despite Nepal’s challenging topography with 83 per cent of the country being mountainous or hilly with highly fragmented land, agriculture has long been tied to economic self-reliance and poverty reduction.

She also expressed concern over the increasing negative impacts of climate change on agriculture, calling it a serious issue for Nepal. With many men and young people absent from villages, crop damage from wild animals has become more frequent, leading to hardships for farmers and growing human-wildlife conflict, said Dr. Rana.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 July 2025.   

Nepal urges global support for climate-resilient food systems, digital agriculture

Kathmandu, June 29

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has informed the international food stakeholders that Nepal has constitutionally guaranteed the right to food for its citizens.
Addressing a special ministerial session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) held in Rome, Italy on Sunday, she said, “Nepal considers the right to food as a fundamental right, and supporting laws have provided the necessary framework for its implementation and realisation. Furthermore, the execution of the Strategic Plan on Food System Transformation has strengthened this right.”

Speaking at a session on food rights and nutrition for the least developed countries, small island nations, and landlocked countries, organised as part of the FAO’s ongoing 44^th special session, she stated that the government has ensured safe and quality food through regulatory standards, laboratory surveillance, and consumer protection under the Food Safety and Quality Control Policy.

“A separate consumer court has been established to safeguard consumer rights which is a step towards supporting citizens' natural right to health and nutritious food,” said FM Dr. Rana.

She further shared that Nepal has made significant progress in child health and nutrition over the past two decades.

Stunting among children in Nepal has decreased from 57 per cent to 25 per cent, underweight children from 42 per cent to 24 per cent, and child morbidity from 15 per cent to 8 per cent.

Likewise, Nepal’s ranking on the Global Hunger Index has improved with hunger dropping from 37 per cent in 2000 to 22.4 per cent in 2024.

Foreign Minister Dr. Rana emphasised that campaigns promoting healthy eating habits, nutrition education integrated into school curricula, and awareness messages disseminated through the media have helped foster a preference for fresh and locally produced food among the younger generation.

According to her, despite notable progress in grassroots innovation, there is a need to improve access to artificial intelligence, digital agricultural platforms, and modern science and technologies in Nepal.

Similarly, Dr. Rana expressed concern that climate change poses a grave challenge to Nepal. It has resulted in melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, and climate-induced disasters, which are significantly impacting agricultural production and livelihoods. "This is further weakening the ecological balance linked to mountain agricultural systems," she said.

The Foreign Minister called for increased international cooperation to ensure inclusive progress in nutrition and prosperity, particularly in terms of access to financial resources, technology transfer, and knowledge promotion.

She also emphasised the crucial roles of international organisations like FAO and UNICEF in this area.

However, FM Dr. Rana also warned that the outmigration of youth is depleting the rural labour force, while human-wildlife conflict in the hilly and Himalayan regions is posing a growing threat to livelihoods and food security.
“We must preserve and promote our rich agro biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and high-altitude crops. For this, we require targeted investment, technical support, modernisation of agricultural systems, and access to advanced technologies such as AI,” she said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 June 2025.  

NICCI and FICCI sign MoU

Kathmandu, June 29

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote trade, investment, and cross-border business engagement between the two countries.

The agreement, signed in New Delhi by NICCI President Sunil KC and FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij, aims to institutionalise cooperation between the two apex industry bodies through the exchange of business delegations, information sharing, and joint promotional events, NICCI informed in a statement.

As per the MoU, both organisations have agreed to facilitate reciprocal participation of business representatives in trade missions, investment forums, fairs, and exhibitions held in each country.

NICCI will remain as a Nepal partner for FICCI in Nepal and FICCI will remain as an Indian partner in an exclusive basis for India, according to the understanding.

The two sides will also regularly share non-confidential publications and data relevant to trade and investment prospects. “We will organise at least one major joint event every year and facilitate the exchange of business delegations between Nepal and India,” said KC, president of NICCI.

According to him, the partnership will also include joint studies, market surveys, and publication exchanges focused on identifying emerging areas of mutual economic interest.

Likewise, Vij emphasised the shared responsibility of both institutions in fostering closer economic ties. “As leading business organisations in our respective countries, both FICCI and NICCI are committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between India and Nepal,” she said.

Founded in 1927 on the advice of Mahatma Gandhi, FICCI is India’s oldest and most influential business federation with the membership of over 250,000 companies across the public and private sectors.

Similarly, established in 1993 NICCI is a bi-national, non-profit business organisation dedicated to enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Nepal and India.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 June 2025.