Resilient Planning

Bhotekoshi flooding has revealed a serious shortcoming in Nepal’s approach to disaster management. The country is still following the path of reacting to disasters rather than preparing itself for risks that it knows are looming. The current Post-Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) must therefore be used as a platform to change that approach entirely and use it to prepare and respond to future disasters. 

The disaster that occurred on 26 August 2026 had implications for settlement, agriculture, productive resources, infrastructure, and public services. The implications were reported to have occurred in the area of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli-Narayani River, including the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, Tanahun, and Nawalparasi districts. The National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority are close to completing the initial stage of PDNA, which focuses on damage assessment, economic and social impacts, and needs of recovery. The survey team has covered about 7,000 affected families.

The information on the ground level is critical. However, the assessment will not make any sense at all if it is left as another report in the shelves of the government offices. The extent of the Bhotekoshi disaster is an important wake-up call, as Nepal's previous disaster costs were estimated at 2 per cent of its GDP annually while the current disaster alone has been estimated to cause destruction equivalent to about 6 per cent of GDP. 

Disaster management, therefore, should not be left out of the loop. It must be incorporated into economic and development planning. Damages to hydropower facilities are especially serious. These cannot be fixed overnight, implying that the impacts will persist far into the future. Losses in power production, jobs and revenue will weigh on the economy.

Planning for the aftermath of the disaster must therefore recognise the distinction between emergency response and longer-term reconstruction. The government has made the right move in trying to get international assistance, which includes climate financing and loss and damage financing. As a country vulnerable to climate-related disasters despite having made a minimal contribution to global emissions, Nepal has a strong claim to more international assistance. 

However, it should not use the lack of international aid as an excuse for poor planning. The government must also put its own funds into the task. The government must also refrain from making the error of conducting repeated studies about the disaster without laying down a consistent basis for its activities.

A joint assessment of the situation, clear data collection and proper delineation of the role of all the levels of governments would help in saving time and efforts. Recovery must also be fair because disasters have different impacts on different groups. Women, poor people and marginalised groups lose more and recover less quickly than other groups. 

The needs of these groups must be taken care of in the recovery plan. The declaration of a “disaster decade” certainly needs serious consideration. It must be backed by dedicated funding, measurable targets, stronger institutions and accountability. The Bhotekoshi flood is supposed to be a turning point from a reactive to a resilient approach. While the government cannot prevent all disasters, it can certainly ensure that all disasters do not turn into catastrophes.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 7 October 2026.      

Flood-affected businesses remain uninformed of recovery package

Entrepreneurs demand trade infrastructure rehabilitation

 

Kathmandu, Oct. 3

About a month ago, the government announced several economic and financial measures to support the recovery and rehabilitation of the businesses destroyed and affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood that occurred on August 26.

But the entrepreneurs and businesses are yet to obtain the announced facilities.

The concerned government authorities - The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), and the Department of Customs (DoC) - said that they are in the process of assessing the situation and determining the future course of action.

The NIA said that sector data on businesses and enterprises has not yet been collected, while the DoC said that the procedure needed to implement the discounts and waivers on the customs duties has not been formulated. This absence of the procedure to offer the announced discounts and facilities has barred the businesses from obtaining them.

Since most of the customs-related provisions are for the imports of vehicles, durable goods and industrial machineries which were mostly supposed to be imported from China and both the entry points at Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani are not in proper functioning, it will take a while to avail of the facilities.

Meanwhile, the entrepreneurs and businesses affected by the disaster are in the process to manage basic necessities like food, shelter and safety of family and they haven't initiated the process to import machinery, recover the business or rehabilitate the industry.

Even if they decide to rehabilitate the industries or businesses including the resumption of operation of the transport company by importing trucks, containers and passenger vehicles, it will take a few months until the goods reach the customs points in Nepal.

However, several entrepreneurs and business leaders expressed ignorance about the government-announced recovery package.

According to the package, the machinery and vehicles should be replaced with the import of similar items of the same capacity.

According to the Rapid Damage Need Assessment (RDNA), the flood affected about 4,800 economic establishments, and caused about Rs. 30 billion damage to businesses in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan districts.

"Reported annual economic losses total Rs. 115.89 billion, bringing the combined damage and losses to Rs. 146.19 billion. The flood affected education, health, utilities, finance and insurance, and agriculture, forestry and fishing," read the RDNA.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) are undertaking the Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) which will collect the detailed statistics and recommend the actions needed.

The NRB is soliciting the data from the banks and financial institutions (BFIs) that were doing businesses in the flood affected areas.

Spokesperson of the NRB Guru Prasad Poudel said that the banks are facing three-pronged challenge – loss of borrower, loss of collateral, and loss of business. "It is a challenge to assess the situation in such a complex scenario and determine the future course of action," he said.

Poudel said that once the PDNA is completed and data from the BFIs are analysed, the NRB will analyse the situation in order to take necessary steps to support the affected businesses and BFIs.

 

The recovery package

The business recovery package announced by the government on September 3 includes measures like tax and customs duty waiver, interest rate discount and priority insurance claim clearance for the businesses and industries affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.

The NRB, the IRD, the NIA, and the DoC will implement the provisions for relief and recovery in their respective sector.

Affected businesses will get customs duty waivers for replacing irreparably damaged machinery, equipment and commercial vehicles. Flood-damaged imported goods can also qualify for customs duty adjustment if replacements are imported within six months.

The package seeks to speed up insurance settlements, allowing advance payments of up to 50 per cent based on preliminary assessments and simplifying claim procedures.

Likewise, the central bank will facilitate loan restructuring, repayment extensions and new lending for affected businesses, including financing for replacement vehicles and machinery. Borrowers will receive interest relief for one year, while additional recovery loans may be provided to support businesses and employment.

Similarly, tax measures include extending VAT, income tax and excise duty filing and payment deadlines until November 11, simplifying VAT adjustments, and allowing deductions for destroyed assets. Individuals directly affected by the floods will receive a full income tax exemption for the year.

 

Need of the hour

While rescue and relief operations are still being conducted along the flood-affected areas, the entrepreneurs said that the government should immediately initiate the business support measures.

The initiative should begin with the rebuilding of the damaged bridges, they said.

"This is the time the government begin support to the affected entrepreneurs in rehabilitating their enterprises with all possible measures. Distribution of a sack of rice, a kilo of sugar and a packet of cooking oil will not solve the problem in the long run," said Suksang Tamang, President of the Rasuwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He suggested for the construction of Bailly bridges at Betrawati and Syaphrubensi and two suspension bridges at Syaphrubensi, and one in Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality to open the route to the Gosainkunda and the Langtang Valley.

"A bridge at Betrawati will open the route for the Gosainkunda, so this should be the first priority. Restoring tourism will immensely help in business recovery and livelihood restoration," said Tamang.

According to him, road and bridges will be instrumental in reviving hope and instil resilience in business community in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Operation of the road and Rasuwagadhi border point could work as 'sanjeevani' – a lifeline.

 

Reactions from businesses

Although the business bodies said the recovery package was a welcome step, they didn't officially comment on it.

Immediate Past President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal reached the flood-affected areas in Nuwakot in the immediate aftermath and described the situation as 'horrific'.

"Entrepreneurs have lost everything in the flood. They don't have their enterprises, houses and other structures. Many of them have lost their family members," he said.

Dhakal said that it will take a long time for the recovery of the business which demands a rethinking on the part of the government and central bank. "An entrepreneur has invested a lot of resources including time and finance to create a business. The Bhotekoshi flood was something that we didn't encounter in the past, so the support policies should be implemented differently," he said.

Likewise, Senior Vice-President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Deepak Malhotra appreciated the recovery package and said that there should be additional facilities on top of loan restructuring and interest rate discount.

The NCC has established a help desk at its secretariat in Kathmandu to support the affected businesses in obtaining insurance and other facilities.

"The government has begun work to create shelters for the people affected by the flood. The NCC is also mobilising its national and international network to collect support for the same," he said.

The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA) was among a few business associations which welcomed the recovery package.

It had said the government’s initiative to provide immediate relief to disaster-affected businesses and create an environment for them to resume operations was highly positive and commendable.

"The NADA believes that the decision to cancel the registration of commercial vehicles and transport equipment that were completely damaged or swept away by the floods and provide customs duty exemptions when importing similar vehicles will provide significant relief to automobile and transport operators," it said in a statement, and added that the concessions provided for the re-import of damaged machinery and equipment are important for the recovery process.

NADA said the provision for loan restructuring, rescheduling and interest concessions for flood-affected borrowers would ease the immediate financial pressure on businesses.

Likewise, President of the FNCCI Anjan Shrestha, addressing an event in Kathmandu a few days ago had said that the disaster had compelled Nepal to think about developing safer and climate-resilient infrastructure over the long-term.

"Nepal should work with China to reduce the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and focus on developing safer settlements and infrastructure. We need to take environmental risks into account when developing hydropower projects," he said. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 October 2026.      

CBFIN, BNI to organise youth conference

Kathmandu, Sept. 25

The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBIFIN) and the Nepal Business Institute (NBI) are set to organise the Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2083 with a focus on AI, youth entrepreneurship and employment.

The two organisations signed an agreement to collaborate to organise the conference that is set to be held in Kathmandu on October 9.

CBIFIN Acting Chairman Rajesh Upadhyaya said that the conference will focus on issues including financial access, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, innovation and the use of technology to create employment.

He said the collaboration between CBIFIN and NBI would play an important role in increasing financial literacy among young entrepreneurs, promoting the use of digital banking and developing a culture of responsible borrowing. "It would also help bring innovative financial products offered by banks and financial institutions to their target groups and increase safe lending to productive sectors," said Upadhyaya.

Likewise, NBI Executive Chairman Bishal Gaire said young people should be encouraged to focus on production and employment to achieve sustainable economic development. He said issues such as policy arrangements, seed capital for start-ups and access to finance for youth-led enterprises were directly linked to banks and financial institutions, making the collaboration with CBIFIN important to make the conference more effective.

According to CBFIN, the conference is expected to bring together 400 entrepreneurs, businesspeople and stakeholders from across the country.

With the country’s external economic indicators remaining strong and liquidity adequate amid relatively low interest rates, the conference is expected to provide guidance to emerging young entrepreneurs already engaged in, or seeking to enter, entrepreneurship, start-ups, new technologies and innovative sectors.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 26 September 2026.     

Nabil opens application for social entrepreneurship programme

Kathmandu, Sept. 16

Nabil Bank Limited has announced the opening of applications for the Seventh Cohort of the Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE) Fellowship Programme and new cohorts of the Nabil SSE Certificate Course.

"The bank has expressed its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship as a pathway to inclusive and sustainable economic development," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

Applications for both the Nabil SSE Fellowship Programme and the Nabil SSE Certificate Course opened from Tuesday, and the application deadline is set for October 12.

According to the bank, Nepali citizens who are at least 18 years old and have either started a business or those who have innovative entrepreneurial ideas, are eligible to apply for the programme. In addition, participants are required to maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90 per cent throughout the duration of the programme.

It said that it encourages applications from committed and capable entrepreneurs, including women, youth, and individuals from the poor, disadvantaged, underserved, and marginalised communities, who are seeking to create sustainable enterprises and contribute to employment generation and wider community development.

CEO Manoj Kumar Gyawali said that the bank is investing not only in enterprises, but in the capabilities of people who can create sustainable economic opportunities within their communities through Nabil SSE programme.

“Our objective is to identify committed entrepreneurs, strengthen their capacity, and connect them with the knowledge, networks, and ecosystem required to build sustainable enterprises and contribute to Nepal's inclusive economic development," said Gyawali.

Over its first five years, the initiative has trained 1,580 participants, supported the establishment of 318 enterprises, and recorded 19,303 direct and indirect employment and livelihood opportunities, the bank informed.

The fellowship programme alone has trained 113 fellows across six completed cohorts and has reported 93 Fellow-led enterprises, while the Certificate Course has trained 1,467 participants and contributed to the establishment of 225 enterprises, the bank said.

The Fellowship Programme, implemented in collaboration with the School of Management, Tribhuvan University (SOMTU), is an intensive five to six-month enterprise development programme designed for individuals with promising enterprise ideas, early-stage initiatives, or operating enterprises. The programme combines practical learning, mentorship, peer learning, field exposure, and enterprise testing, enabling selected fellows to develop, strengthen, and expand impact-oriented enterprises.

Similarly, the Certificate Course provides locally accessible, practice-oriented entrepreneurship development through academic institutions. The approximately three-month course equips aspiring entrepreneurs, students, early-stage founders, and existing micro and small enterprise operators with practical knowledge and tools to identify opportunities, assess and test business ideas, develop viable business models, and strengthen their enterprises, the bank said.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 September 2026.    

Twenty entrepreneurs pitch to expand their businesses

Kathmandu, Aug. 7

The Capstone Accelerator, the final phase of the Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Programme supported by the U.S. Embassy Nepal, was held in Kathmandu on Friday.

Twenty entrepreneurs, competitively selected from across the country, participated in a three-day residential programme in Kathmandu, where they received intensive training on business scaling, investment readiness, and expanding access to international markets, informed the International Development Institute (IDI).

The programme is supported by the US Embassy in Nepal and was held in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory.

On Friday, the participants presented their businesses before a panel of leading investors, industrialists, entrepreneurship ecosystem partners, and experts. During the pitching session, they showcased the potential of their ventures, innovation, scalability, export opportunities, and investment strategies, while also receiving practical feedback and recommendations from the expert panel.

According to the IDI, the 20 entrepreneurs were selected through a competitive process from more than 200 participants who attended regional workshops held in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa, and Pokhara. "The national Capstone Accelerator provided advanced training focused on business expansion, investment readiness, export potential, the application of artificial intelligence (AI), market management, and strategic communications," it said.

Participants also showcased their products and services. The exhibition provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to engage directly with investors, business leaders, the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal), and other U.S. business representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy Nepal Mike Harker said that the programme was evidence of strong economic partnership between the USA and Nepal.

"By investing in innovative Nepali entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation, and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, industry, and investors, we are reinforcing economic diplomacy and private sector collaboration," he said.

Stating that the journey of entrepreneurship involves success, frustration and sometimes failure, Harker suggested having perseverance, dedication and developing a network and investment in relationship building.

The jury panel included Harker, Co-founder of Khalti and President of Fintech Alliance Nepal Amit Agrawal, and former MD of Daraz Nepal Anchal Kunwar. 

The organisers said that following the regional workshops, participants attended a series of virtual masterclasses covering legal compliance, export readiness, AI-driven business growth, and digital marketing.

"During the three-day programme in Kathmandu, participants further refined their business strategies through interactive masterclasses, mentoring sessions, peer learning, and pitch coaching," they said in a statement.

The selected entrepreneurs represent a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, food, garment, ICT, manufacturing, handcraft, and digital services.  

 

Participants and businesses

S.N.	Company	Founder/Owner/ Representative	Area of Business
1	Pathsutra EDU	Hari Krishna Lamichhane (Founder & CEO)	EdTech, AI-powered education technology
2	Saino Marketplace	Kamal Raj Parajuli (Business Development Head/Founder)	E-commerce, marketplace for Made in Nepal products
3	Kopila Valley Women Co-operative	Apekshya Thapa (Manager)	Handcrafted bags, home furnishings, textiles, light manufacturing
4	Lumle Coffee Estate	Nabin Devkota (Founder/CEO)	Specialty coffee, agribusiness, coffee processing, barista training
5	Himalayan Chiurika (Himalayan Chiuri Oil Pvt. Ltd.)	Shambhu Babu Koirala (Founder & CEO)	Chiuri butter, natural cosmetics ingredients, agribusiness
6	Bharosha Krishi Bahuudesiya Pvt. Ltd. (Chito Plus)	Rajib Khanal (Co-founder)	AgriTech, bio-inputs, biostimulants, livestock and aquaculture products
7	Syaahaar	Sachin Makaju Shrestha (Head/Administrative Officer)	Natural skincare and personal care products
8	Didi Bahini Fabric	Hisila Oli (Founder/Co-founder)	Hemp and allo fibre textiles, garments, apparel
9	Lumino Technology Pvt. Ltd.	Bijay Kumal (Founder/CEO)	Enterprise software, SaaS, digital transformation
10	MM Digital Garage	Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary (Founder/CEO)	Digital marketing, branding, SEO, web development
11	Jalberry	Sushant Dhungana (Founder & CEO)	Beverages, natural ice cream, FMCG
12	Saraswati Dhaka Cloth Industry	Anushesh Rayamajhi (CEO/Proprietor)	Traditional Dhaka textiles and apparel
13	Haadi Biryani	Poshan Nepal (Co-founder/PR Head)	Hospitality, restaurant, Mughlai and North Indian cuisine
14	Deepali's Achar & Masala	Deepali Tandan (Founder)	Food processing, pickles and spices
15	Dami Treats (Pratigya Dairy & Ice Cream Industry)	Deepak Hamal (Founder/CEO)	Dairy products, ice cream, bakery and sweets
16	Nep Tech Pal Pvt. Ltd.	Bibek Acharya (Founder/CEO)	Software development, SaaS, mobile applications, AI
17	Moonwake Skincare	Aakriti Jalan (Founder/Formulator)	Natural skincare, haircare and wellness products
18	HomeSewa (Sriyog Consulting)	Prakash Upreti (Founder/CEO; profile also identifies him as CTO)	On-demand home services digital marketplace
19	Sharad Craft Creations Pvt. Ltd.	Preetam Raj Pathak (Founder/CEO)	Felt handicrafts, export-oriented manufacturing
20	Aashutosh Bahuudeshya Udyog	Aashika Kumari Giri (Founder/CEO)	Food processing, Mithila cuisine products, entrepreneurship training

  Published in The Rising Nepal on 8 August 2026. 

Budget outlines series of business, investment reforms

Women entrepreneurs, startups get focus

 

Kathmandu, May 30

Through the budget of the next Fiscal Year 2026/27, the government has expressed its 'full commitment' to industrial innovation.

It has made a plan to invite the private sector to develop and operate industrial areas like Motipur and Nayurdhap in line with the policy of expanding high-quality industrial infrastructure.

In the Panchkhal Special Economic Zone (SEZ), priority will be given to women entrepreneurs. Further concessions will be offered on loan disbursements to women entrepreneurs. "We will make arrangements for a 'Special Economic Administration Zone' where all decisions regarding tax, customs, import, export and investment will be made under a single roof," said Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle while presenting the budget at the joint session of the Federal Parliament on Friday.

To enhance the competitiveness of productive industries, the government plans to review the demand charge for electricity and provide discounts on electricity tariffs. Industrialists will be able to mortgage structures built on land provided in industrial areas, SEZs, or on lease, for banking purposes.

A plan is also announced to encourage the expansion and growth of industries and businesses that have been unable to operate at full capacity due to lack of capital, by providing 'Business Revival Loans'.

Likewise, the government is set to implement the 'Investment Express' concept by introducing an automated route system within the next three months.

"We will make arrangements for integrated services covering everything from company and industry registration, financial services, tax system participation, and visa applications, including provisions for information access, compliance reporting, and risk-based auditing," read the budget.

A legal provision will be made so that projects approved by the Investment Board do not require further approval from other agencies. Investment visas will be provided for conducting research and studies related to investment in approved projects, and investment and profit repatriation will be facilitated by simplifying share transfer, tax clearance, asset valuation, loan repayment, dividend distribution, and liquidation processes.

 

Expansion of labour-intensive industry

To develop and expand labour-intensive industries with export potential, such as agro-processing, tourism services, and light manufacturing, model Employment-Linked Production Zones will be operated.

A sewage system with treatment plants will be operated in collaboration with the government and the private sector in industrial areas and corridors, using clean energy-based technologies.

Concessional loan facilities will be provided to replace traditional boilers in industrial establishments with electric boilers. An allocation of Rs. 220 million is made to convert 100 industries to electric or bio-briquette-based boilers.

Rs. 650 million is earmarked for industrial infrastructure development, and Rs. 500 million for the design, construction, and maintenance of industrial and mining access roads used by heavy vehicles, with special standards.

The budget also announced to establish a Mining and Minerals Authority for the comprehensive regulation and management of the extraction, production, supply, and use of mineral and construction materials.

"We will expedite the necessary processes for the commercial production of petroleum in Dailekh. We will proceed to reduce the Government of Nepal's share in the Dhaubadi Iron Industry and operate it under a public-private partnership model," said FM Dr. Wagle.

 

Customs duties lowered to seven tiers

The finance minister reduced customs duties on 273 types of raw materials, ensuring that the tariff on industrial raw materials is at least one level lower than that on finished goods. He also limited the existing eleven tiers of customs duties to just seven.

The budget also announced to draft, replace, or amend dozens of acts, regulations, procedures, and directives for investment promotion, economic reforms and smooth delivery of services. A Bill to amend related acts will be presented in Parliament to immediately repeal the 15 laws announced earlier.

Similarly, the government announced to amend company law to facilitate the process of dissolving companies, while ensuring clarity on issues such as conflicts of interest and disclosure of information.

It will enter into foreign investment protection and double taxation avoidance agreements with more countries. "We will amend the Insolvency Act, 2063, to resolve financial problems of consumers as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. To promote investment, we will draft a limited liability partnership law, which will encourage angel investment to be directed into venture capital and private equity funds," said Dr. Wagle.

 

Simplifying provisions to invest abroad

The government has announced plans to simplify the provisions allowing Nepali citizens to invest abroad. Through amendments to the Industrial Enterprises Act, a new provision will be introduced requiring industries only to notify the Department of Industry regarding matters such as capacity expansion, change of ownership, and capital increases.

Similarly, amendments to the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act will remove the requirement for prior approval from Nepal Rastra Bank for the repatriation of investment, with notification to suffice. Convertible instruments, project-related funding, and other hybrid instruments will be included within the scope of foreign investment.

The requirement for prior approval in the automatic approval process for foreign investment will also be removed. Furthermore, procedures for sending service fees, royalties, and technology-related payments abroad are to be simplified.

Likewise, FM Dr. Wagle announced that legal provisions for the recovery of loans will be made. A law on the protection of intellectual property will be drafted shortly. By analysing past overall economic activities, arrangements will be made to provide credit based on the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. A separate tribunal is to be established for the speedy resolution of commercial disputes, and the Conciliation Act will also be improved.

To ensure financial access for small and medium-sized industrialists, loans will be guaranteed through a 'first loss recovery' mechanism.

Dr. Wagle also announced that the start-up operating system will be strengthened by tailoring start-ups to identification, skills, market access, and financial inclusion, through profit-linked tax concessions, preferential access to public procurement, digital registration, and regulatory facilitation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 May 2026.   

Nabil to train agriculture entrepreneurs in 16 villages

Kathmandu, Apr. 22

Nabil Bank Limited has launched skill-based financial literacy and entrepreneurship development training programmes targeting people engaged in agricultural businesses across 16 villages in Nepal.

The training began on Wednesday in Sinja Rural Municipality of Jumla and will be expanded to 15 additional locations within the current fiscal year 2025/26, the bank informed in a statement.

The programmes are being conducted in coordination with local governments across Koshi, Madhes, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.

The bank said around 500 individuals currently involved in, or planning to start, agriculture-based enterprises will benefit from the initiative.

CEO Manoj Kumar Gyawali said participants will receive practical knowledge on savings, budgeting, loan management, insurance and investment options. “The programme aims to strengthen financial literacy, reduce unemployment, encourage new business ventures and promote sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship development,” he said.

The training is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts and aligns with its focus on sustainable banking. It is intended to support people in rural areas to become more self-reliant by equipping them with relevant skills and information.

"Participants will receive both technical and business-related training in areas such as goat farming, pig farming, buffalo rearing, mushroom cultivation and vegetable farming. The programme will also cover identifying business opportunities, marketing and financial management," read the statement.

The bank said the initiative also prioritises environmentally responsible and socially accountable investment practices, in line with long-term economic sustainability goals. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 April 2026.         

FNCCI pushes for policy reforms to ignite startups

Kathmandu, Feb. 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 February 2026.     

Nine Nepali startups secure investment thru IN-SPAN

Kathmandu, Feb. 4

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) hosted the Nepal-India Startup Samvad in Kathmandu on Wednesday to mark it as an important milestone in cross-border entrepreneurial collaboration.

The event featured the successful cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN), a flagship initiative facilitated by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IIT Madras) with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Under the programme, 24 Nepali startups participated in an intensive eight-week residency within the IIT Madras innovation ecosystem, gaining access to advanced mentorship, technological guidance, and market exposure, informed the NICCI.

A significant outcome of the cohort was that nine startups secured exclusive investment and incubation offers from leading Indian incubation platforms - a strong indicator of the rising potential of Nepal’s innovation ecosystem and the value of regional cooperation.

Speaking at the event, President of NICCI Sunil KC, emphasised that cross-border startup partnerships are essential to enhancing regional competitiveness and driving youth-led economic growth.

Likewise, Vice-President of NICCI Kunal Kayal, noted that the next phase of Nepal-India economic relations must be driven by the private sector and powered by innovation. “To institutionalise this momentum, our committee is spearheading the establishment of a Startup Innovation Centre, which will serve as an epicenter connecting all ecosystem stakeholders,” he added.

Er. Umesh Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI) Nepal, highlighted the importance of institutional support, policy alignment, and capacity-building initiatives in nurturing startups into globally competitive enterprises.

Founders of the selected start-ups shared their experiences from the IIT Madras residency. Participants spoke about access to high-end laboratories, investor engagement opportunities, product refinement support, and exposure to global best practices. Many described the experience as a turning point that helped them move from early-stage development to market-ready innovation. They sought government and policy support to make their entrepreneurial ventures successful in the long-run.

According to NICCI, by linking Nepali entrepreneurs with Indian innovation platforms, the initiative aims to accelerate knowledge transfer, promote regional market integration, and position Nepal as an emerging hub for technology-driven enterprise.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 February 2026.  

CIM launches mission to enhance business connectivity

Kathmandu, Jan. 15

With the aim of further strengthening cooperation between industrial development and regional businesses in Koshi Province, the Chamber of Industries Morang (CIM) is set to launch a three-day ‘Koshi Connect Business Mission’ from Friday to Sunday – January 16-18.

The Mission is being initiated to play a catalytic role in promoting industrial development, regional collaboration and business-to-business cooperation, the CIM said in a statement on Thursday. Under the mission, a delegation from the organisation will visit Udayapur, Khotang and Bhojpur districts, where interactions will be held with local industries and businesses on investment opportunities and areas of cooperation, according to the organisation.

The organisational delegation includes President Nand Kishore Rathi, Immediate Past President Rakesh Surana, Senior Vice-President Bholeshwar Dulal, Vice-Presidents Surendra Golchha, Bipin Kabra and Subodh Koirala, Treasurer Paras Luniya, and Executive Committee Members Saurabh Sarda, Birendra Rathi, Dipak Agrawal, Santosh Bhagat, Siddharth Kabra, Kiran Byas, Paras Golchha, Ukesh Agrawal; entrepreneur Nirmal Kochar; women entrepreneurs Pratibha Paudel Niraula, Sabitra Dhakal and Bimala Thapa, among other members.

Rathi said that the business mission is expected to contribute towards strengthening regional trade, promoting local products and supporting the goal of building a pathway to shared prosperity.

He expressed confidence that, through this initiative, the CIM will help advance the hills and the Tarai on a shared development journey, expand business-to-business relationships, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and establish a common voice on economic agendas.

Likewise, Rathi also noted that the mission will support the ‘Koshi Tourism Year 2082’ campaign launched by the Koshi Provincial Government, and will further assist in strengthening tourism promotion led by the private sector, expanding regional ties and reinforcing cooperation.

According to the CIM, the Mission aims to establish inter-district business networks and partnerships, promote investment and trade opportunities, market domestic products through the ‘My Country, My Products’ campaign, virtually connect businesses through a B2B platform, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and develop a shared perspective on economic agendas.

Under the programme, interactions on various dimensions of B2B engagement and cooperation will be held with representatives of Triyuga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khotang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Bhojpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 January 2026.