Kathmandu, Apr. 14
Including
the plans and aspirations of the manifestos, pledges and commitment of the six
major political parties participating in the election held in March this year,
the government has formulated a National Commitment for the reforms in
governance to make the economy more competitive, inclusive and resilient.
It said
that the economy will be driven by private sector, governance efficiency,
digital transformation and global information while ensuring social equity and
environmental sustainability.
According
to the document made public on Monday evening, for the economic stability and
reforms, the government aims to harness Nepal's youth-centred demographic
dividend to drive structural transformation and achieve middle-income status
through productive-led growth.
Private
sector will act as the engine of the growth while the government's role will be
limited to regulation, facilitation and policy stability.
The
government also said that it will eliminate rent-seeking, policy capture,
cartels and artificial shortages to ensure fair competition, entrepreneurship
and business-friendly environment. It is set to introduce predictable tax
policies (at least 10-year stability) and simplify procedures through paperless
digital systems, improving investor confidence.
"For economic transformation, a
time-bound Economic Charter will be established with national consensus among
major political parties. Through the formulation and implementation of national
and sectoral policies aimed at capital formation, job creation, export growth,
and overall macroeconomic stability, Nepal will be positioned as a respectable
middle-income country," read the document.
Over the next five years, an average
economic growth rate of seven per cent will be achieved, raising per capita
income to US$ 3,000 and bringing the gross domestic product close to US$ 100
billion.
To
increase tourism arrivals, length of stay and per capita spending, the sector
will be diversified through nature, culture, community-based and wellness
tourism ecosystems to offer better local experiences.
30,000
MW electricity in a decade
In order to achieve a target
of 30,000 MW of electricity generation capacity over the next decade, legal
revisions and policy reforms will be undertaken in areas such as land, forests,
and the environment. The government will provide viability gap funding and
prioritise the construction of large reservoir and semi-reservoir projects such
as Budhigandaki and Dudhkoshi, read the document.
Likewise, energy-based large
industries—such as steel, cement, herbal processing, data server stations, and
chemical fertiliser plants—will be promoted. Alongside electricity generation,
private sector participation will also be encouraged in storage, transmission,
and distribution systems through investor-friendly policies and legal
frameworks.
An integrated plan for
energy development will be formulated, and energy production and resource
mobilisation will be carried out through public–private partnerships.
"Through energy
diplomacy, bilateral and regional cooperation will be strengthened, and energy
trade will be expanded with neighbouring countries such as India and Bangladesh,"
read the document.
PPP to get a priority
The government is also set
to develop an investment-friendly mining policy framework including
public-private partnership models. Scientific and exploration will be conducted
to attract investment in high-value mineral extraction and procession while extraction
of construction materials will be regulated in line with environmental
safeguards and export potential.
Likewise, the government
stated that it will prevent staff transfers until project completion to
implement result-based implementation of development projects. It will
prioritise high-impact national projects aligned with development goals
avoiding politically driven allocation and incorporate climate resilience and
environmental sustainability into all development projects.
It said that it will launch
large-scale green infrastructure projects to generate employment, and create
jobs in IT, tourism, construction and commercial agriculture. The government
aims to crate 1.5 million jobs within five years.
Balanced foreign policy
The government has
prioritised a balanced and dynamic foreign policy, emphasising Nepal’s
sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interest. The document read
that shifting global geopolitics and the rise of neighbouring powers will be
leveraged as opportunities for development. A new performance audit system will
be introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of diplomatic missions, ensuring
accountability and results-oriented engagement.
Likewise, transforming Nepal
from a traditional 'buffer state' into a 'vibrant bridge' that facilitates
regional connectivity and trilateral economic partnerships has gained priority.
Maintaining neutrality, Nepal will continue to avoid military alliances while
promoting peace and cooperation.
Protection of Nepali migrant
workers’ rights, safety, and social security will also remain a priority.
Economic diplomacy and international platforms like Sagarmatha Dialogue will be
accorded priority.
Similarly, the government
aims to harness the potential of the Nepali diaspora. Legal provisions will
ensure citizenship continuity, property rights, and voting rights for
Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs).
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 April 2026.
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