Saturday, April 18, 2026

Government unveils commitment including pledges of six major parties

 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.Top of Form

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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