Businesses contribute fund for rescue, relief

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Organisations, companies and individuals have donated money to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) to support the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of people affected by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi river that swept people and settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts,

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has removed the maximum limits on digital payments to the accounts designated for the PMDRF. It has directed the Banks and Financial Institutions to make necessary arrangements to allow transfer of any amount of the fund.

The government has made the collection of financial support one-door. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle began to accept the contribution to the Fund through the one-door system, informed the Finance Ministry. He accepted the cheque bearing Rs. 30 million from Kumari Bank Limited handed over by its CEO Ram Chandra Khanal.

Kumari Bank has also dispatched five surveillance drones valued at approximately Rs. 3.9 million, three 5 KVA generators, and 100 power banks to the Nepali Army camp in Nuwakot to assist rescue and monitoring operations.

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) was among the first to announce the relief support of Rs. 50 million. It initiated relief distribution for families affected by the flood on Thursday. It's President Dr. Hem Raj Sharma, informed that relief materials including tents, food, clothing, and medicines are being distributed to 500 affected families in Nuwakot in coordination with local authorities. The Association has also decided to dispatch medical teams to affected areas, and mobilize national coordination councils globally.

Global IME Bank Limited announced financial assistance of Rs. 50 million to the Fund. The bank informed that the support has been provided under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to assist in search operations, treatment of the injured, provision of food and shelter, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in flood-affected riverbank areas, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan.
Likewise, the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) and its member hydropower companies decided to contribute Rs. 50.5 million to the PMDRF. It also said that it will coordinate with the government for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged operational and under-construction hydropower projects.

Nepal Bank Limited has donated Rs. 31 million to the fund. Sanima Bank Limited also announced a contribution of Rs. 22.5 million to the PMDRF.

Similarly, the Golchha Group announced a contribution of Rs. 15 million to the Fund to support relief, rescue, and recovery efforts for people affected by flooding.

"In moments like these, the private sector must come together and stand alongside the government and our communities, doing whatever we can to support relief and recovery efforts," said the Group.

Kalika Construction Pvt. Ltd. provided Rs. 10.01 million to assist victims of flooding and landslides.

Maxus Nepal, in coordination with Saic Maxus Automotive Co. Ltd., China, has allocated Rs. 7 million for relief and recovery operations. The contribution includes Rs. 5 million committed to the PMDRF, while the remaining Rs. 2 million is dedicated to procuring and directly distributing relief supplies to affected communities.

Similarly, Udhyog Sangathan Morang has provided Rs. 1.5 million in cash assistance as humanitarian support. It handed over a cheque for Rs. 1.5 million to Morang Chief District Officer Yuba Raj Kattel on Wednesday for deposit into the PMDRF. It has also urged all its member industries and institutions to contribute to government relief and rescue funds according to their capacity.

The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal informed that it has decided to provide Rs. 1 million to the Fund, and appealed all stakeholders to contribute to the rescue, relief and reconstruction of affected areas.

Similarly, Divakar Golchha Organisation has announced that it will provide construction materials – galvanised sheets and pipes – required to establish temporary rehabilitation centres for families affected by the recent floods. The initiative is intended to provide temporary accommodation for displaced families.

Issuing a statement, Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) said that it has started collecting and distributing relief materials to support the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of people affected by the disaster. It has provided cash and goods through the respective district chambers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading and said further assistance would be provided according to need. To support rescue operations, the Chamber has sent a drone with a 50-kilogram payload capacity and a surveillance drone to Bidur Municipality. Preparations are under way to send another drone with a 100-kilogram payload capacity.

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has established a Disaster Response Committee to provide essential relief materials to affected citizens and support reconstruction and other necessary activities. The committee has begun collecting and distributing relief materials.

The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal and Nepal Bankers' Association (NBA) said that the banks and financial institutions are making alternative arrangements to restore banking access for customers in affected areas as soon as possible.

They will also coordinate with the government and the NRB to adopt appropriate policy and operational measures.

The banking sector is committed to supporting the government’s relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts and will contribute as much as possible to assisting affected employees, their families and citizens, said the NBA.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 28 August 2026.   

NICCI, BU to bridge academia-industry gap

Kathmandu, Aug. 28

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and Bagmati University (BU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote institutional collaboration between the two institutions and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

"The partnership will focus on internships, facilitating placement, joint research initiatives, academic-industry exchange, skill and capacity-building programmes, and the co-hosting of training sessions, workshops, conferences, and seminars," the NICCI said in a statement on Friday.

The agreement seeks to build a dynamic interface between academic knowledge and industry practice, equipping students with practical skills while strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship through joint efforts.

The MoU was signed by President of NICCI Sunil KC and President of The BU Prof. Dr. Chandra Mani Poudel. The BU is a public university established by Bagmati Province.

As per the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate to establish a platform for internship and job placement facilitation, joint research and innovation, capacity-building and training, and academia-industry conferences and workshops.

It will also be used for knowledge exchange and publications, entrepreneurship and start-up support, student and faculty engagement, policy advocacy, and infrastructure and centre development.

Both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen academia-industry collaboration, enhance youth skills, and encourage entrepreneurship in the years ahead. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 29 August 2026.   

Government to develop, supervise Software for public institutions

Kathmandu, Aug. 21

The government has moved ahead to create an institutional structure to domestically develop software for the public institutions and provide policy guidance to them.

A meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday has approved the Software Development and Operation Committee (Formation) Order, 2083 for the same.

It has paved a way to establish a Software Development and Operation Centre (SDOC) that will supervise its activities, to make public service delivery information technology-based through the development, upgrading, necessary maintenance and other related work of software used by public bodies.

According to the PMO, the Order provides for the formation of a six-member committee, chaired by the secretary responsible for governance affairs at the Prime Minister's Office.

"The committee will provide policy guidance to the centre. It will have a 6-member expert committee, led by a secretary of the PMO, to supervise the software used in the public agencies," Spokesperson of the PMO Hemraj Aryal informed at a press meet held on Thursday.

The SDOC will be led by an executive director and will have 30 employees, including a gazetted first-class officer from the relevant service. Aryal said that additional staff will be appointed according to the need.

According to the order, the centre will undertake software development, upgrading and maintenance work as requested by public bodies. It will also upgrade and maintain software systems developed by the centre itself, as well as various legacy software systems requested by public bodies.

Similarly, the centre will provide round-the-clock technical support for various software systems developed by it.

"The order further states that, during software development, maintenance and upgrading, the centre must make appropriate arrangements for the secure hosting, processing, backup, access control and technical protection of data," the Prime Minister's Secretariat informed.

PMO directs to use domestic goods

The PMO issued a letter on Friday requesting all public bodies - including federal ministries, commissions, secretariats, provincial governments, local governments and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad - to give priority to Nepali products in their procurement processes.

At the direction of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and following recent consultations with domestic entrepreneurs and businesspeople, the PMO has requested all government agencies to use domestically produced goods and services.

The move has been taken to ensure the full implementation of existing legal provisions governing public procurement, said Aryal.

"The government has taken this initiative to strictly enforce existing legal provisions with the objectives of increasing the contribution of domestic production to the national economy, substituting rising imports, promoting domestic products, protecting local skills and entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities within the country," he said.

In line with the request from the PMO, government offices will now be required to make arrangements to use Nepali handicraft products, wherever possible, for meetings, ceremonies, souvenirs, gifts and decorative items.

However, such goods must be procured in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2063, and other prevailing legal provisions, while ensuring standards relating to availability, quality, price and safety.

In addition, public bodies will be required to explicitly mention the priority to be given to domestic products when preparing tender documents.

Responding to the sustained demand from the private sector entrepreneurs and business associations, the government had implemented the Directives for the Use of Domestic Products in Public Institutions in 2014.

The policy couldn't make any impact and the government came up with a new edition of the policy in 2024 but public institutions received it coldly.

While the public entities must purchase local goods, as far as they are available. However, such goods should be produced locally and should have obtained 'Nepal Standard' and the manufacturers should be registered with the government and. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 22 August 2026.   

Ncell pays Rs. 4.96 B for licence renewal

Kathmandu, Aug. 20

Private telecommunications service provider Ncell Axiata has paid Rs. 4.96 billion to the government towards the renewal fee for its mobile service licence.

Of the total amount it paid to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Rs. 4.25 billion represents the principal amount of the outstanding instalment of the licence renewal fee.

The payment also includes Rs. 649.26 million in interest for 328 days from 23 August 2025 to the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year, and a further Rs. 65.32 million in interest for 33 days from 17 July to 18 August 2026, the company said.

Ncell had already paid the instalment and interest due up to 22 August 2025. On 22 August last year, the company paid Rs. 3.29 billion, following an earlier payment of Rs. 2 billion on 13 July 2025.

The government had allowed Ncell to pay the Rs. 20 billion mobile service licence renewal fees in four instalments. A Cabinet meeting in August 2024 had decided that the outstanding instalments would carry annual interest of 10 per cent.

The company had initially applied for licence renewal after paying Rs. 4 billion as the first instalment in May 2024. The government subsequently allowed the remaining amount to be paid in instalments.

Ncell said that it has contributed around Rs. 375 billion to the government in taxes and various fees since its establishment. The payments include licence and renewal fees, royalties, telecommunications service charges and income tax, among other government levies.

The company began operations after receiving a GSM cellular mobile service licence on 31 August 2004 under the brand name Mero Mobile.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 21 August 2026.   

NADA Auto Show to feature over 200 stalls

Kathmandu, Aug. 20

The 18th edition of the NADA Auto Show is set to be held in Kathmandu from August 25 to 30, bringing together more than 200 exhibitors and showcasing the latest developments in Nepal’s rapidly evolving automobile and mobility sector.

Organised by the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, the six-day exhibition will take place at the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Centre.

NADA informed at a press meet on Wednesday that the event will be organised as a Golden Jubilee Edition to mark the 50th anniversary of NADA. The organisers said the exhibition would provide automobile companies with a platform to showcase their latest vehicles, technologies, products and services while engaging directly with customers and business stakeholders.

"Spread across approximately 300,000 square feet, the exhibition will feature more than 200 stalls. It will include 23 passenger vehicle brands, 17 light commercial vehicle brands, 13 two-wheeler brands and 10 financial and insurance service providers," NADA informed in a statement.

Around 70 exhibitors will showcase automotive parts, accessories, tyres, lubricants, garage equipment and other related products and services.

Vehicles assembled in Nepal, along with locally produced lubricants, batteries, helmets and other components, will also be promoted at the event. Likewise, it will display emerging mobility technologies, and include product launches by various brands and symposiums focusing on smart mobility, sustainable development in the transport sector and connectivity.

The organisers said the show aims to bring the entire automotive ecosystem together on a single platform and allow visitors to experience the latest products, technologies and innovations available in the market.

NADA expects around 200,000 visitors to attend the exhibition.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 21 August 2026.   

NRNA seeks simplified legal procedures, investment security in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug. 16

Representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have said they remain keen to invest in Nepal but identified two major obstacles - cumbersome legal procedures and concerns over investment security.

Speaking at the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that concluded in Guangzhou of China on Sunday, they said that Nepalis living across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as in the United States and Europe wanted to do something in Nepal but were primarily discouraged by the lengthy legal processes and security concerns they faced when investing in the country.

Former NRNA president Binod Kunwar, who is a successful businessman based in South Korea, said Nepal's tendency to engage in more talks than action was also a problem. He said investors were discouraged by cumbersome legal procedures and prolonged delays, the NRNA informed in a statement.

“I am investing equally in Nepal and South Korea. My experience is that there is too much talk and too little work in Nepal,” Kunwar said while adding that Nepal's laws sometimes prevented people from working for even four or five hours, making investment in the country unnecessarily difficult.

Former NRNA president Dr. Upendra Mahato said every Nepali living abroad was concerned about when their country would develop, while many also asked themselves, “If I don't do it, who will?” He urged the government to turn this sentiment into an opportunity.

According to him, Nepal will be built by Nepalis themselves. "If a country could be developed through good and sweet words alone, it would have been developed long ago. We Nepalis are good at talking,” he said. “Now we need to develop the country while preserving our civilisation. This is the one commitment we all need to make.”

Dr. Mahato said that the investment by the NRNs alone cannot make Nepal prosperous, but it cannot happen without them either. The government must now understand this reality and introduce investor-friendly laws. There should be no delay in the legal reforms required for restructuring, he said.

Arguing that there was no better place for investment than Nepal, Mahato said every country in the world faced problems, but the key was how those problems were addressed and how investment was protected.

NRNA Senior Vice-President Rabin Sherchan said there were many areas for investment in Nepal, while some new sectors also needed to be identified, adding that investment should now be increased.

Former NRNA China president Nirmal Sharma Chaulagain said there was considerable scope for cooperation between Nepal and China but that inadequate infrastructure remained a major obstacle. He said they could currently supply goods to Nepal through the northern border points for only about six months a year and that industrialists suffered substantial losses when goods were left at border points for extended periods because the government failed to develop infrastructure on time.

Similarly, former NRNA China president Rohit Agrawal said every investment needed to be linked to profitability and that this required legal guarantees.

“In Nepal, legal complications and prolonged problems are constantly cited, making investors wonder whether or not to bring their investment into the country,” he said. “I invested in a hydropower project, but I do not know when it will start generating electricity, while I am already bearing losses.”

Arun Kumar Subedi, who has been researching investment issues, said NRNA investment would not come to Nepal as long as the existing system and laws allowed government officials to focus on finding ways to obstruct investors rather than providing the facilities they needed to invest and operate their businesses.

He added that the income of Nepalis living abroad was more than three times Nepal's GDP, and the country needed to benefit from this resource.

Roshan Khanal, acting ambassador of Nepal to China, said the embassy would provide support if potential investment areas were properly identified. She said 61 per cent of Nepalis who have achieved success in business while living in China had expressed to her their desire to return to Nepal.

 

Demand for citizenship continuation

Meanwhile, the NRNA has once again renewed its demand for the continuation of Nepali citizenship by descent for Nepalis and people of Nepali origin living abroad.

The conference reiterated the NRNA's long-standing call to put the concept of ‘Once a Nepali, always a Nepali’ into practice. Participants stressed that non-resident Nepalis should not be viewed merely as a community that sends remittances, but as partners in Nepal's economic, social and overall development, according to the NRNA.

NRNA President Dr. Hemraj Sharma said that whenever the expectations of non-resident Nepalis are discussed, issues such as citizenship, voting rights, British Gurkhas and people of Nepali origin who are foreign nationals (PNOs) inevitably arise.

According to him, the major common demand of Nepalis living in 110 countries is the continuation of citizenship by descent.

Dr. Sharma said Nepal needed an umbrella law covering all these groups. Rather than addressing citizenship issues in isolation, he argued that a comprehensive legal framework should be developed to resolve the problems faced by non-resident Nepalis.

NRNA chief patron and former president Dr. Badri KC said non-resident Nepalis who send substantial amounts of remittances to Nepal are still having to fight for their citizenship rights.

He said Nepalis and people of Nepali origin who have achieved success in education, business and various other fields abroad, particularly the younger generation, want to return to Nepal and contribute to the country. Nepal should therefore create an environment in which their knowledge, skills, capital and experience can be utilised, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhishmaraj Angdembe, parliamentary party leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress, said the focus should now shift from emotional appeals to integrating the diaspora as a partner in Nepal's development.

He said citizenship should not become a major obstacle preventing the diaspora from maintaining links with Nepal. The government should take the initiative, he said while adding that other political parties, including the opposition, were also ready to cooperate.

Ain Mahar, chief whip of the CPN-UML, said he was positive about providing non-resident Nepalis with a dignified Nepali identity. “Let the government initiate the process, we are ready for discussions,” he said.

Likewise, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha said the government was preparing to address some of the demands of non-resident Nepalis, including citizenship.

Jha said he had been discussing the citizenship issue with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, and that the issue remained a government priority. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 August 2026.  

NTC’s net profit rises to Rs. 8.86 billion

Kathmandu, Aug. 15

Nepal Telecommunication Company Limited (NTC)’s net profit rose 47.58 per cent to Rs. 8.86 billion in the Fiscal Year 2025/26, according to the company’s unaudited fourth-quarter financial results.

The state-owned telecommunications company recorded a net profit of Rs. 8.86 billion in the year that ended mid-July, up Rs. 2.85 billion from Rs. 6 billion in the corresponding period of the previous FY 2025/26.

Profit before tax of the NTC increased 34.66 per cent to Rs. 13.26 billion from Rs. 9.85 billion a year earlier. Similarly, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose 10.73 per cent to Rs. 20.48 billion from Rs. 18.49 billion.

The company reported annualised earnings per share of Rs. 49.25.

Likewise, the NTC's total operating income increased 3.12 per cent to Rs. 34.95 billion during the review period, from Rs. 33.89 billion a year earlier. Total income rose 2.65 per cent to Rs. 39.19 billion from Rs. 38.18 billion.

The company said its GSM segment's revenue rose by Rs. 645.4 million, or 2.28 per cent, compared with the previous financial year. However, interest income declined by Rs. 861.9 million, or 22.88 per cent, amid a gradual reduction in interest rates.

The company said it has continued to expand services and improve service quality in remote and geographically difficult areas, where operating costs are relatively high and returns are comparatively lower.

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 August 2026.  

Speaker Aryal asks business organisations to stay away from politics

Kathmandu, Aug. 14

Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) DP Aryal has urged business and professional organisations not to engage in political activities.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 59th general assembly of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), he said that since NATTA is a business organisation, it should be kept away from political disputes and vested interests.

"The most important issue for tourists is security. An environment should be created in every sector of tourism services, including airplanes, taxis, and hotels, where tourists feel safe. We should be discussing these issues," said Speaker Aryal.

Stating that human behaviour, services and facilities attract tourists, he stressed that businessmen, the government, and all concerned parties should work together to implement the necessary reforms in the tourism sector and urged them to rise above internal conflicts and personal interests.

He said that sufficient debate and discussion are required in the proposed bill related to tourism. Laws should be formulated with a long-term perspective, keeping in mind the next 50 years, he added.

Likewise, Speaker Aryal emphasised that structural reforms are necessary to make Nepal Airlines Corporation effective and competitive. “Nepal Airlines will be established, but it will not be established with the current structure,” he said.

He urged not to make any discrimination between Nepali and foreign tourists in the course of services. “The practice of encouraging Nepali tourists to stay in hotels and spend generously, while discriminating against them, must come to an end,” he said.

Speaker Aryal also added the Nepal Tourism and Hotel Management Institute (NATHM) should be made stronger, more organised and equipped with facilities. According to him, serious debate is also needed on the effective operation and utilisation of Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Nijgadh airports.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Khadk Raj Paudel expressed the government's commitment to the development of the tourism sector.

"The government is committed to moving ahead, collaborating with the private sector for the development of the country's tourism sector," he said.

"We are actively working to resolve policy and structural issues for the development of the country's tourism sector. Without the private sector's involvement, we can't achieve the desired economic prosperity," stated Minister Paudel.

He also informed that the NATHM is planning to introduce courses on health tourism at the bachelor's and master's levels.

Likewise, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Anjan Shrestha, said the government must end the tendency to rush the formulation of new policies, acts and laws. He urged the government to hold adequate discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders and the private sector before formulating policies.

He said the tendency to seek suggestions from the private sector without creating an environment in which those suggestions can be effectively incorporated creates problems in policy implementation.

“Before introducing any policy or act, adequate discussion and dialogue are necessary. The situation in which suggestions are sought in haste, and the private sector is then disappointed when its recommendations are not incorporated, must end,” he said.

According to him, the private sector should not merely be present as a witness in the policy-making process but should be involved as a genuine partner.

Emphasising that the relationship between the government and the private sector should be based on trust and partnership rather than control, Shrestha said that if the business environment is made easier and more investment-friendly, the private sector will become stronger, which in turn will automatically boost the overall economy as well as government revenue.

Likewise, he said the direct and indirect contribution of tourism to gross domestic product (GDP), employment, foreign exchange earnings and other economic activities should be properly assessed. “The actual contribution of tourism to the economy must be clearly reflected in the data. If tourism is to be given priority, its contribution, potential and impact must also be properly assessed,” said Shrestha.

He said the country’s economy could be further strengthened by making tourism, exports, information technology and other service sectors more competitive.

Similarly, NATTA President Kumar Thapaliya said that although tourism has potential to bring prosperity to the country, administrative hurdles in the tourism sector have made it difficult to operate.

He stressed the need for the government to coordinate with relevant stakeholders and take the private sector into confidence in order to address the challenges faced by the sector.

The AGM of NATTA is electing a new leadership for the next two years.

NATTA’s incumbent Senior Vice-President Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, incumbent General Secretary Yubika Bhandari and tourism entrepreneur Bharat Jung Pandey are contesting for the presidency. They have also formed separate panels to campaign and contest the election. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 15 August 2026. 

Home Construction Fest to be held in December

Kathmandu, Aug. 7

The National Home Construction Fest 2083, incorporating a new Digital Fest concept, will be held from 25 to 28 December 2026. A dedicated multipurpose studio will be set up at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu to support the Digital Fest.

Through the studio, participating brands, companies and organisations will be able to showcase their products and services, present promotional content, and conduct live broadcasts. The content will be aired on national television channels as well as the organiser's social media platforms, informed the organisers in a statement on Friday.

According to them, the primary objective of the Fest is to extend the exhibition beyond physical attendance and reach audiences outside Kathmandu, including international viewers. The initiative is also expected to promote Nepali products and services in global markets.

With the growing use of digital technology and the evolving landscape of social media and content marketing in recent years, the organisers have integrated digital platforms into the event. They believe this approach will also enable members of the Nepali diaspora to engage with what is expected to be Nepal's largest exhibition dedicated to the construction and housing sector.

While last year's event featured 150 exhibition stalls, this year's edition will accommodate more than 200. Organisers say businesses have shown strong enthusiasm for participation, with around 60 per cent of exhibition space already booked.

The Home Construction Foundation expects the revamped event to attract a significantly larger number of visitors than previous editions, and has set a transaction target of more than Rs 4 billion during the four-day exhibition.

The exhibition aims to provide visitors with comprehensive information on construction materials and home-building solutions.

The second edition of the Home Construction Fest 2082, held last year, attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Participating businesses recorded transactions exceeding Rs 3.5 billion during the exhibition.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 8 August 2026. 

Rajesh Kazi receives Vietnam's service award

Kathmandu, Aug. 1

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has honoured Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam to Nepal, with the Outstanding Award and a certificate of recognition for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The ministry presented the award under the category 'Contribution to Vietnam's Foreign Service', recognising Shrestha's role in promoting trade, tourism and cultural ties between Nepal and Vietnam.

The Honorary Consul General Office informed in a statement that Vietnam also acknowledged his support for Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Nepal and his contribution to expanding bilateral cooperation.

The certificate, signed by Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lê Hoài Trung, states that Shrestha had made contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding cooperation and supporting Vietnam's foreign service.

According to the citation, he also contributed to the development of Vietnam's diplomatic sector, the expansion of international relations and the strengthening of the country's foreign service.

Receiving the award, Shrestha thanked the Government of Vietnam, the MoFA, the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi and other institutions for the recognition. He said he would continue working to strengthen cooperation between Nepal and Vietnam.

Shrestha is the former president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is involved in several businesses including automobile, hospitality and trading. "The two countries should establish direct air connectivity to promote tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges. Direct flights could support Buddhist tourism, noting Nepal's significance as the birthplace of Buddha and Vietnam's Buddhist heritage," he said.

According to him, Lumbini could become a focal point for Buddhist tourism and direct flights would help expand religious tourism, cultural exchanges, academic cooperation and business partnerships.

Shrestha also identified opportunities for cooperation in information technology, tourism, services, education, manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, minerals and investment. He said partnerships and joint investment in these sectors could strengthen economic cooperation and benefit both countries.

CNIYEF elects Ghimire new president

Kathmandu, Aug. 2

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF) has elected Sugam Ghimire as president for its new term during the organisation's eighth Annual General Meeting held in Kathmandu on Friday evening.

The newly elected governing council also includes Manish Shrestha as immediate past president, Chirag Sarawagi as learning chair, Shiny Khetan as membership and integration chair, Nida Doon Malla as startup, entrepreneurship and innovation chair, Sujeet Regmi as government and diplomatic relations chair, and Punit Agrawal as communications and expansion chair.

Likewise, Yash Agrawal is elected as strategic alliance and communications chair, and Ankur Agrawal as finance and international relations chair. The council is supported by co-chairs Nancy Agrawal, Sachet Manandhar and Chetan Pradhan.

The forum also presented awards to individuals and regional chapters. Jitendra Bahatey received the Most Active Member (Male) award, while Neha Agrawal was recognised as Most Active Member (Female). Sudhigya Pant received the Outstanding Achievement Award for climbing Mount Everest.

Among the regional chapters, Lumbini Chapter received the Chapter Growth Award for expanding its membership, while Koshi Chapter received the Chapter Excellence Award.

Addressing the event, member of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Pukar Malla said the government had allocated Rs. 500 million for the Enterprise Development Facility and expressed interest in working with CNIYEF to support youth-led enterprise initiatives.

President of CNI Birendra Raj Pandey said the organisation had contributed to promoting entrepreneurship among young people and stated that CNI would continue to support the forum's activities.

Tarai unrest impacts cottage, small enterprises

Kathmandu, Aug. 1

The Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) said that cottage and small industries, which largely depend on limited capital, local markets and daily business transactions, are the hardest hit by unrest, shutdowns, vandalism and disruptions to market activities.

Such situations weaken the confidence of entrepreneurs and adversely affect production and supply chains, it said in a statement on Saturday.

It has expressed serious concern over the recent tense situation, social unrest and violent incidents that began in Dewanganj–Kaptanganj of Sunsari district and spread over several other districts across the Tarai.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in incidents, it urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint in order to safeguard peace, social harmony and economic activities.

The FNCSI noted that Nepal is a country with a shared identity built on diverse ethnic communities, languages, religions and cultures, and that social harmony, tolerance and mutual trust are the foundations of national stability and economic prosperity.

It warned that such incidents have direct and long-term negative impacts on cottage and small industries, local production, trade, tourism, employment and the overall economy.

It called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint while preserving social and religious harmony.

Through the statement, the FNCSI also urged the Government of Nepal, local authorities and security agencies to ensure effective law and order in the affected areas, guarantee the safety of businesses and the lives and property of the public, and immediately create an environment in which economic activities can continue without disruption.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 August 2026. 

Tranquility Spa receives ISO certification

Kathmandu, July 30

Tranquility Spa Pvt. Ltd has received ISO 9001:2015 certification by United Registrar of Systems (URS), a globally recognised certification body accredited under UKAS and IAF.

"The certification recognises the spa's Quality Management System across its full range of wellness and beauty services," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The scope of certification covers therapeutic massage, all forms of beauty therapy, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi facilities, gym, swimming pool, and tennis facilities, affirming that Tranquility Spa's operations, hygiene standards, and customer service protocols meet internationally benchmarked quality standards.

"This ISO 9001:2015 certification is a milestone for Tranquility Spa, but more importantly, it's a promise to every guest who walks through our doors — that they'll receive the same high standard of care, hygiene, and service at every location. As we continue to grow across Nepal and beyond, this is the foundation we intend to build on," CEO of the company Bhuwan Phaiju said.  

With the certification, Tranquility Spa has become the only wellness brand in Nepal to hold ISO certification, reflecting its continued commitment to delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality wellness experiences to its customers, according to the company.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 July 2026.         

E-commerce platform Chynabazar to come into operation

Kathmandu, July 26

A new e-commerce platform, Chynabazar, is set to launch with the aim of providing Nepali consumers with quality products at fair and transparent prices by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and additional mark-ups between manufacturers and customers.

The online marketplace will go live on Wednesday, July 29 and will operate independently of third-party sellers or import agents. It will operate under the domain name Chynabazar.com.

Imported goods in Nepal have traditionally reached consumers through multiple layers of the supply chain, including importers, wholesalers and distributors. This process has often led to higher prices and uncertainty in supply. Chynabazar has been established to bridge this gap, according to the company's CEO, Stuti Shrestha.

In a statement, the company said it will select products directly from manufacturers in China, purchase them outright, transport them to Nepal through its own logistics network, store them in its own warehouses and deliver them to customers using its own distribution system.

The company claims that managing the entire process, from sourcing and importing to warehousing and distribution, under a single system will help reduce delivery times, control costs and ensure transparent and competitive pricing. It also believes this model will enable it to provide reliable service even during fluctuations in the supply chain.

The company will initially offer electronic goods, fashion products, lifestyle items, and health and beauty products. The company said it plans to gradually expand its product range in the coming months.

Customers will be able to make digital payments through eSewa and Khalti. The company added that its own warehousing and distribution network will enable it to maintain adequate inventory levels while providing fast and reliable delivery services.

"Nepal's digital economy continues to expand, while trade relations with China are becoming increasingly stronger. Chynabazar aims to grow alongside both of these trends. We plan to diversify our product offerings and gradually expand our distribution network across the country," said Shrestha.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 July 2026.         

Govt to establish high-priority response desk for investors

Kathmandu, July 28

The government is set to establish a high-priority response desk at the Ministry of Finance to address concerns raised by the private sector as it steps up efforts to improve the investment climate and accelerate economic reforms.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said at an interaction with the entrepreneurs on Tuesday that the proposed response desk would coordinate with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to resolve legitimate concerns raised by businesses. He said the government intended to replace delays in decision-making with a system focused on timely action.

According to him, the government had adopted a roadmap to repeal outdated laws, improve the investment environment, simplify and make the tax system more transparent, and enhance the ease of doing business.

He also said that expanding the capital market and alternative financing instruments, reforming the labour market and strengthening digital public services will get equal priority.

He said 42 laws directly related to the economy were currently under amendment or repeal.

FM Dr. Wagle said the government had identified three priorities - enabling existing industries to operate at full production capacity, creating conditions for businesses to expand with confidence and encouraging new enterprises and investment, particularly by young entrepreneurs.

According to him, improvements in these areas would contribute to higher economic growth, employment generation, revenue collection and exports. "The government's role is not to run industries but to create an investment-friendly environment in which businesses can operate without unnecessary obstacles," he said.

The finance minister has also sought feedback from the private sector on the factors behind high production costs, barriers preventing industries from operating at full capacity, reasons for weak investment decisions and administrative and legal hurdles related to land acquisition, electricity supply and tariffs, labour, transport, finance, raw materials and market access.

Likewise, the finance minister said the implementation of economic reforms announced through the national budget was progressing. Legal amendments, regulations, operating procedures and institutional reforms would be introduced according to a fixed timetable, while efforts to increase capital expenditure, speed up project implementation and strengthen the capital market and financial sector would continue in parallel.

He reiterated the government's commitment to protecting private sector investment and creating conditions that would allow businesses to earn returns and reinvest, saying private sector growth was essential for Nepal's economic transformation. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

Suraj Vaidya elected Dean of Honorary Consular Corps

 Kathmandu, July 24

Suraj Vaidya, Chairman of the Vaidya Organisation of Industries and Trading Houses, has been unanimously elected Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the association representing honorary consuls in Nepal.

The 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the association held in Kathmandu on Thursday unanimously elected him to the post.

Vaidya, a former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), serves as the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Nepal.

The newly elected Dean said that attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal and promoting tourism and strengthening economic diplomacy would be the key priorities during his tenure.

He succeeds Bhola Thapa, Nepal's Honorary Consul for Bulgaria, as Dean. The General Assembly also elected Pasang Dawa Sherpa as Vice Dean of HCCN.

In a press statement issued on Thursday after assuming office, Vaidya said he would work proactively to strengthen Nepal's ties with the international community and expand economic cooperation. He noted that HCCN currently represents more than 64 countries, whose contributions to the global economy, international trade, technology, innovation, tourism and investment are significant.

He said that deepening Nepal's engagement with these countries, which together have a combined population of more than five billion and an economic output exceeding US$100 trillion, presents an important opportunity for the country's economic development.

Vaidya has decades of experience in Nepal's industrial sector. The Vaidya Organisation, a business house with a history spanning more than six decades, has long served as the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal. In recent years, the group has also expanded its investments beyond the automotive sector into cement and hospitality.

 

FM Khanal calls on Honorary Consuls to support economic diplomacy

Speaking at the HCCN event, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged honorary consuls to play a more active and results-oriented role in promoting trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer, as Nepal places economic diplomacy at the heart of its foreign policy.

He stressed that honorary consuls should make a stronger contribution to expanding Nepal's economic partnerships with countries around the world.

According to him, honorary consuls have served as an important bridge between Nepal and countries that do not maintain resident diplomatic missions in Kathmandu, making valuable contributions to strengthening people-to-people ties as well as commercial, cultural and institutional relations.

Khanal said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to providing the necessary support to enable honorary consuls to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.

"The Ministry will review the existing regulations, facilities and operating procedures governing honorary consuls in line with changing needs, and introduce reforms consistent with national and international legal frameworks and established practices," he said.

He said the government's key international priorities include expanding strategic partnerships, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), improving market access, promoting technology partnerships, boosting tourism and advancing sustainable development.

"Honorary consuls are indispensable partners in achieving these objectives. Through your professional networks, knowledge of local markets and close engagement with both the public and private sectors, you can make a significant contribution to promoting trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchange," Khanal said.

Govt set to establish textile and clothing development council

Kathmandu, July 21

The government is set to establish a 'Textile and Clothing Development Council' to promote domestic production and Nepali products in the international market. At the direction of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the proposed council will be established under the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Supplies (MoICS).

During a meeting with the representatives of the Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) at the Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday, he instructed the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari to immediately proceed with the establishment of the council.

The PM's direction has come as a response to the demands of the entrepreneurs.

"The government is giving priority to the development and promotion of a quality ready-made garment industry based on domestically produced raw materials," said PM Shah.

The GAN expressed confidence that the proposed council would help promote exports of garments manufactured from locally available raw materials while improving the management of imports.

According to the PMO, PM Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing all necessary facilitation for the growth and expansion of the ready-made garment industry.

In line with the demands raised by the GAN, Prime Minister Shah also directed the MoICS to take immediate steps to revive distressed private-sector garment factories. Likewise, he instructed the relevant authorities to expedite efforts towards concluding free trade agreements (FTAs) and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

"He also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the obstacles preventing exports of ready-made garments and other products to the United States, particularly the absence of testing and certification facilities, so as to reopen market access," read a statement from the PMO.

PM Shah further pledged to develop the skilled workforce required to realise the objectives of 'Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, and Fashion to Export'.

President of the GAN Pashupati Dev Pandey told the PM that although the establishment of a Green Garment Village had been included in the government's policy and programme, no budget had been allocated for its implementation.

In response, Prime Minister Shah urged them to identify a suitable site for the project without delay and assured them that the necessary budget would be provided.

The Point No. 52 of the government's Policy and Programmes for the 2026/27 envisage the establishment of a Green Garment Village at an appropriate location in the vicinity of the Kathmandu Valley.

According the PMO, Prime Minister Shah also recalled that Nepal had previously followed an export-based import system in the early 1980s and encouraged the Association to undertake a fresh study of the practice and recommend appropriate measures for its possible revival.

In 1994/95, Nepal's ready-made garment industry had emerged as the country's leading export-oriented industry, with annual exports reaching approximately US$1.2 billion. However, following the expiry of the Multi-Fibre Agreement (MFA) with the United States in 2005, garment exports declined sharply, resulting in the closure of most factories, substantial investment losses, and the displacement of thousands of workers.

At present, the industry's annual exports have fallen to around Rs. 10 billion, the GAN informed in a statement.

Stressing the importance of Nepal's successful transition from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing country, he said the government was committed to resolving all the challenges facing the ready-made garment industry. He further emphasised that Nepal should develop the capacity to produce domestically the raw materials and other inputs required by the garment sector.

The delegation of the GAN included its President, Pandey, First Vice-President Basant Raj Adhikari, General Secretary Bhim Kumar Giri, CEO Suyash Khanal, and Technical Adviser Prakash Kumar Jha.

The discussion focused on the current state of Nepal's ready-made garment industry, the challenges confronting the sector, measures to promote production and exports, employment generation, and the overall development of the industry.

"The meeting also included detailed discussions on the formation of a high-level National Export Council, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, continuation and expansion of the existing cash export incentive scheme and introduction of Export Credit Insurance," according to the GAN.

Likewise, talks were also centred on the establishment of an internationally standard exhibition and convention centre, creation of an internationally accredited testing laboratory, and promotion of digital trade and cross-border e-commerce.

In its statement, the GAN expressed confidence that with industry-friendly policies, improved infrastructure, enhanced trade facilitation and the effective implementation of export-oriented programmes, the ready-made garment industry could once again become one of the country's leading export sectors.

The meeting is a part of the series of meetings PM Shah is holding with the private sector and stakeholders of business and economy to understand the challenges they face, seek suggestions on solutions and policy reforms, and issue the necessary directives to the relevant authorities for their implementation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 22 July 2026.         

Agri mechanisation expo in November

Kathmandu, July 19

The International Agricultural Mechanisation Expo 2026 is set to be held in Kathmandu from 20 to 22 November.

It is an agricultural mechanisation exhibition aimed at promoting the modernisation, mechanisation and commercialisation of Nepal's agriculture sector, said the organisers. This year's expo will bear the theme 'Machinery and technology in agriculture: Prosperity for farmers and the nation', and stall bookings opened on July 17.

It is being jointly organised by the Agricultural Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Mechanisation Promotion Centre

Sunita Nhemaphuki, Vice-President of the NAMEA and a central executive member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the exhibition is expected to bring together more than 100 national and international exhibitors.

More than 200 stalls will be set up, displaying over 2,000 types of modern agricultural tools, machinery, equipment and technologies from around 10 countries.

According to the organisers, members of the association, as well as companies participating under the 'Made in Nepal' and 'Make in Nepal' initiatives, will receive special concessions on stall bookings to encourage domestic production.

The exhibition will feature machinery and technologies related to modern farming, livestock production, aquaculture, floriculture, commercial vegetable cultivation, modern irrigation systems, post-harvest technologies, agricultural processing and marketing, along with improved seed varieties. National and international manufacturers and suppliers have confirmed their participation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 July 2026.         

NTB, UNDP launch wellness therapy training for sexual minorities

Kathmandu, July 15

A 28-day Wellness Therapy Training for members of the LGBTIQ+ community has begun in Kathmandu, on Wednesday.

The training has brought together nine participants with the shared aspiration of building professional skills, enhancing their livelihoods, and contributing to Nepal's emerging wellness tourism sector, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

The training is organised with the support of the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), a joint initiative of the NTB and UNDP Nepal in coordination with the Blue Diamond Society (BDS).

“The initiative reflects the project's commitment to creating equitable employment opportunities and ensuring that women, youth, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities are able to participate meaningfully in Nepal's growing tourism economy,” read a statement from the organisers.

The 28-day intensive programme combines both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on training. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, professional ethics, client care, hygiene and safety standards, and wellness service delivery.

The practical component equips trainees with market-oriented skills in full-body massage, foot massage, head and shoulder massage, and other therapeutic techniques designed to meet the evolving needs of the wellness and hospitality industry.

The initiative comes at a significant time as the government has declared 2027 as ‘Nepal Wellness Year’, reaffirming its commitment to positioning the country as a premier global wellness destination.

The initiative also seeks to diversify Nepal's tourism offerings beyond trekking and mountaineering while generating dignified employment and sustainable income opportunities for local communities.

The government has recently developed a National Wellness Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy aims to establish quality standards, strengthen professional competencies, promote ethical and safe wellness practices, and elevate wellness therapy into a recognised, respected, and decent profession capable of creating sustainable employment across the country.

By equipping LGBTIQ+ individuals with professional wellness skills, the training contributes directly to the broader objectives of Nepal Wellness Year 2027 by expanding the country's skilled wellness workforce while promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Hikmat Singh Ayer,  CEO of the NTB, said that through the training initiative, they are ensuring that the members of the LGBTIQ+ community are not only beneficiaries but active contributors to Nepal's evolving wellness tourism industry.

"Nepal's vision for Wellness Year 2027 is founded on the principle that the benefits of tourism must reach every community. Wellness tourism presents new opportunities for dignified employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

According to him, the NTB is committed to promoting tourism that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all. Empowering marginalised communities through professional skills development strengthens both social equity and the competitiveness of Nepal's tourism sector.

The National Project Manager of STP, Dharmaraj Dawadi, said that inclusive skills development remains central to the project's approach.

"Creating pathways to decent employment for marginalised communities is fundamental to sustainable tourism development. By investing in professional wellness skills, we are supporting individuals to build confidence, access dignified livelihoods, and contribute to Nepal's growing wellness tourism market,” he said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 July 2026.         

Bello Blush opens studio in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, July 12

Bello Blush Studio, one of Nepal's emerging premium beauty brands specializing in nail artistry, lash extensions, and beauty education, has opened its premium beauty studio in Kathmandu.

The opening of the Kathmandu studio follows the success of Bello Blush's two premium studios in Pokhara, located at Lakeside and New Road, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

It said that since its establishment, the company has earned the trust of thousands of clients by delivering premium nail artistry, luxury manicure and pedicure services, advanced lash extensions, meticulous nail care, and exceptional customer experiences while maintaining international hygiene and safety standards.

According to it, every service is delivered by highly trained professionals dedicated to providing world-class beauty experiences in a welcoming and relaxing environment.

Beyond its beauty studios, Bello Blush has established itself as a contributor to professional beauty education through Bello Blush Academy in Pokhara.

The academy provides practical, industry-focused training in nail technology, lash artistry, and professional beauty services, preparing aspiring beauty professionals for successful careers in Nepal's rapidly growing beauty industry.

"Building on this success, the company plans to establish Bello Blush Academy in Kathmandu in the near future, making professional beauty education more accessible while supporting employment generation, entrepreneurship, and skills development—particularly among women," read the statement.

What began as a modest entrepreneurial venture in 2021 has grown into one of Nepal's promising premium beauty brands.

Priya Gurung, Founder and Director of Bello Blush Studio and Academy, said, "Opening our first studio in Kathmandu is more than an expansion—it is a belief that Nepal deserves beauty services that meet international standards."