Gaire appointed WTA Advisor

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

Chartered accountant Govinda Sharma Gaire has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the World Taxpayers Association (WTA).

He has been active in the areas of taxpayers’ rights, tax policy and fiscal governance in Nepal. Gaire’s appointment was made during the general assembly and conference of the World Taxpayers Associations held in Krakow, Poland earlier this week.

His appointment by the association’s general assembly provides an opportunity to represent Nepal’s taxpayers’ rights campaign at the international level.

The WTA, an international network comprising taxpayers’ organisations from more than 50 countries, has been promoting the protection of taxpayers’ rights, fair taxation, transparent public spending and accountable government.

Gaire is the founding president of the Nepal Taxpayers Welfare Society (NTWS). He has consistently advocated the protection of taxpayers’ rights and interests, greater public awareness of taxation, reforms in tax administration, and making tax policy more transparent and accountable.

A chartered accountant (CA) with a master’s degree in management (MBS) and a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB), Gaire has more than two decades of professional experience in financial and operational auditing, financial regulation, and legal and compliance matters relating to the capital market.

His professional experience is expected to enable him to contribute to international discussions on tax policy, tax administration reform and taxpayers’ rights, the NTWS said in a statement.

The concept of taxpayers’ rights emphasises that, alongside their obligation to pay taxes, taxpayers should be entitled to fair treatment, effective public services, an opportunity to appeal decisions independently, and a judicial hearing. Gaire has consistently stressed that transparency, simple administration and accountable use of public resources are essential for strengthening public trust in the tax system, read the statement.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.      

PMO prepares draft of National Express Investment System

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) informed that it has prepared a draft of the National Express Investment System (Operation and Management) Procedure, 2083 to facilitate both domestic and foreign investment.

Spokesperson of the Office Hemraj Aryal informed at a press conference held on Friday that it will facilitate investment from Nepali and foreign investors.

He said that the recruitment process has been initiated to carry out the modification, maintenance, software development and operation of nine systems of a common nature and national importance through the Software Development and Operation Centre.

Likewise, work is also underway to ensure the smooth operation of the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS) across the country.

Similarly, the Central Monitoring and Evaluation Committee has decided to ensure the smooth supply of essential goods during the festive season and to intensify monitoring to prevent black-marketing and unjustified price increases. The meeting held at the PMO also decided to strictly enforce measures concerning public transport for passengers, control of fares, and measures against drunk-driving and speeding.

Meanwhile, the National Vigilance Centre directed the concerned agencies to take action against 1,167 employees found to have violated the code of conduct in the past two weeks.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.      

Nepal needs investment to reform export sector: Minister Shah

Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Dipak Kumar Shah said that Nepal can't reform its export sector without increasing both domestic and foreign investment.

"To reform the export sector, we need to reduce the cost of production and improve productivity, establish an effective product certification system and implement digital upgrade in the entire system," he said while speaking at an event on 'European Union-India Free Trade Agreement's impact on key sectors in Nepal' organised by the European Economic Chamber (EEC) – Nepal in Kathmandu on Thursday.

According to him, Nepal needs to make investment easier, faster, and more attractive, from approval to implementation and from production to export. He also emphasised a mutual recognition arrangement between Nepal and the EU, so that a product tested in Nepal is accepted in Europe.

Stating that paperless border trade in Nepal is only around 33 per cent compared with about 94 per cent in India, Minister Shah said, "The question is not how we protect Nepal from this free trade agreement. The question is how we prepare Nepal to benefit from the new economic architecture created by this EU-India FTA."

According to him, if Nepal can establish appropriate rules of origin, diagonal cumulation, and an efficient border crossing mechanism, Nepal can become a meaningful partner in India and EU collaboration.

He said that if Nepal is to access the EU market, it must have global-standard quality certification, reliable delivery, and strong rules for intellectual property and geographical identity. He further said that the GSP+ should be treated as a project not a policy, requiring rectification of around 30 international conventions, an action plan and enhanced monitoring, while stressing stronger cooperation among the government, European business committees and EEC-Nepal.

Minister Shah presented clean renewable energy and tourism as the sector with strategic advantage for Nepal.

 

EU interested in hydropower development

Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to Nepal Charles Whiteley said that products and services such as yarn, natural fibres, leather, processed foods, packaging, and business services offer promise. "In this regard, the private sector's proposal to develop cross-border processing zones in partnership with Indian firms deserves serious consideration," he said.

According to him, the clearest immediate opportunity lies in Nepal's potential to become a stronger supplier to Indian manufacturers exporting to Europe. Commercial linkages already exist. India is the main buyer of Nepal's intermediate textile exports, yet Nepal still accounts for only a very small share of inputs used by Indian industry.

Ambassador Whiteley said that the European investors consistently look for three things - predictable rules, efficient approvals and confidence in the movement of capital.

A fully operational one-stop service for investors, clear administrative timelines, simplified procedures for land, forex, exchange, and profit repatriation, and continued progress on financial integrity would make Nepal a highly attractive proposition for European investors, he said.

He stated that through the Global Gateway, together with the European Investment Bank and EU member states, the EU is keen to help advance bankable projects in generation, transmission, and cross-border electricity trade. Whiteley also said that Nepal's real comparative advantage lies in products with a strong and authentic story - such as tea, cardamom, coffee, medicinal plants, essential oils, carpets, and ashwagandha.

"European consumers increasingly value origin, craftsmanship, and sustainability and they are willing to pay for these qualities," he said, "The EU is not always an easy market to export to in that regard. I'm sure we will work more with the European Chamber to make our regulations, which sometimes seem to fly out of nowhere, better understood and better followed."

President of EEC-Nepal Narayan Bajaj said that the impact of EU-India FTA will be severe on readymade garments while Nepal's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) will bring more complicated requirements.

"So, the government has to think in advance how to increase competitiveness of our industry. Pashmina and other textile products from India will also challenge our export to EU as India will have Zero tariffs," he said.

 

'Tap on hydro potential'

Economist Nishant Khanal said that Nepal's textile export will suffer the impact from the FTA implementation. This sector is estimated to experience a loss of US$ 7 million by the end of the FTA.

"Hydropower has green advantage. India receives no Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism exemption under the FTA which has affected Indian producers of iron, steel, cement, fertilisers and aluminum," he said.

He stated that green power from Nepal lowers embedded carbon in Indian exports and cuts the CBAM certificates Indian manufacturers must buy, giving them a reason to locate carbon-sensitive processing in Nepal. More than 43,000 MW electricity in Nepal is economically feasible, with 23.6 million Euro of GREEN+ support committed.

"Cross-border power trade and India's rising industrial demand make Nepali hydro a prime blending opportunity through European Investment Bank and KFW Germany, aligned to the GREEN+ portfolio," said Khanal.

Likewise, branding, design, certification and quality upgrading for high-value, identity-linked products, pashmina, orthodox tea, cardamom and medicinal and aromatic plants can expand opportunity for Nepal. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2026.      

Nepal, Oman discuss opening embassy in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Nepal and Oman have discussed the establishment of an Embassy of Oman in Kathmandu and the establishment of a Nepal-Oman friendship association.

At the Second Meeting of the Nepal–Oman Bilateral Consultations held in Kathmandu on Thursday, they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

The meeting explored opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in hydropower, agriculture and other priority sectors, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement.

Tourism promotion, enhanced air connectivity and cooperation in the health sector were also discussed as important areas for strengthening economic ties and fostering closer engagement between the two countries.

The MoFA said that the two sides further discussed preparations for the joint commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas, including agriculture, trade, tourism, investment, labour migration and culture, among others.

Briefing the Omani delegation on the recent devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River and appreciating the urgent humanitarian support from friendly partners, Nepali delegates expressed hope for continued support for recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

Likewise, cooperation on labour migration featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides emphasising the importance of ensuring safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility. "The meeting underscored the need to safeguard the welfare, rights and interests of Nepali workers in Oman and stressed the importance of expediting the conclusion of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour and Manpower Exchange," said the MoFA.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in culture and education, with both sides exploring opportunities for cultural programmes, scholarships, diplomatic and academic exchanges, and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Omani delegation was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry of Oman. The Bilateral Consultation Mechanism was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2017.

The first meeting of the mechanism was held in Muscat in August 2024.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2026.      

FM Khanal urges Australia to highlight impact of climate change

Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal held bilateral talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Penny Wong in Melbourne on Thursday.

Talking in the context of shared climate vulnerabilities, FM Khanal urged Australia to utilise its international leadership role, including the upcoming COP31 co-presidency, to highlight the disproportionate impacts of climate change on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

He also underscored the need for enhanced bilateral partnership in climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and building climate-resilient infrastructure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

During the bilateral talks, the two ministers reviewed the state of Nepal-Australia bilateral relations, and expressed satisfaction over the close, longstanding and cordial ties between the two nations.

On the occasion, Minister Wong announced an additional AUD 15 million (about Rs. 1.6 billion) in Australian assistance dedicated to relief and early recovery efforts, supplementing the AUD 11 million previously committed for emergency response operations.

Minister Khanal said that such solidarity in times of crisis reflects the enduring goodwill between the two countries.

According to the MoFA, the two leaders also discussed avenues to deepen educational cooperation, exploring initiatives such as the establishment of Australian-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes. Emphasizing the vital contributions of Nepali students and the broader diaspora to Australia’s multicultural fabric and economy, Minister Khanal requested favourable considerations for Nepali students under recent student visa policy revisions.

They also explored multifaceted avenues to elevate bilateral partnership, with particular focus on trade and foreign direct investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism promotion, labour mobility, and the establishment of direct air connectivity between Nepal and Australia.

Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Nepal and welcomed continued collaboration across priority sectors.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2026.      

Pavilions Himalayas named best hotel

Kathmandu, Oct. 8

The Paviliosn Himalayas – The Farm, a luxury eco-resort in Pokhara, has been named among the best hotels in Asia in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

"Known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and high-quality hospitality, The Pavilions Himalayas has further strengthened Nepal’s profile in the international tourism sector," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

It said that it has prioritised environmental sustainability and responsible tourism alongside luxury hospitality services. It has developed its services and infrastructure by integrating the conservation of local communities and natural resources with tourism activities.

The Readers’ Choice Awards, organised by Condé Nast Traveller, one of the world’s leading travel and tourism publications, are based on the preferences and experiences of travellers and readers. The awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations and various tourism-related services around the world.

"The Pavilions Himalayas’ inclusion in the international list is expected to help further promote Nepal’s luxury and eco-tourism in the global tourism market. Tourism entrepreneurs say such international recognition will particularly contribute to establishing Pokhara as a high-end and sustainable tourism destination," read the statement. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2026.      

DoI cancels trademark for 'Perfect Center Fills'

Kathmandu, Oct. 8

Following a Supreme Court ruling in a dispute over the use of a trademark similar to ‘Center Fruit’, the Department of Industry (DoI) has cancelled the registration of the ‘Perfect Center Fills’ chewing gum trademark.

The Supreme Court had ruled that the ‘Perfect Center Fills’ trademark was confusingly similar to ‘Center Fruit’, a trademark owned by Italian multinational confectionery company Perfetti Van Melle.

Following the SC's ruling, the DoI cancelled the trademark registered in the name of Perfect Foods Pvt Ltd, based in Duhabi, Sunsari. Perfect Foods had initiated the trademark registration process for chewing gum.

In the dispute, the SC did not merely compare the words used in the two trademarks, but also considered their overall presentation and the potential impact on consumers. The court concluded that there was sufficient similarity between ‘Perfect Center Fills’ and ‘Center Fruit’ to potentially confuse ordinary consumers, according to the legal analysis of the ruling.

The court took the view that determining whether two trademarks are similar requires more than simply comparing their names and words.

According to the legal analysis of the ruling, the pronunciation and visual appearance of a trademark, the nature of the products, the places where they are sold, the level of attention consumers are likely to pay when making purchases, and the overall impact in the market must also be assessed.

During the dispute, Perfect Foods argued that its company name, packaging and other words used in its trademark were different.

The company also claimed that the use of words such as ‘Center’ and ‘Fruit’, which are commonly used terms, would not by itself create confusion among consumers.

The court recognised that ‘Center Fruit’, which has been used in the market for a long time and has become established among consumers, had developed a distinctive commercial identity.

In such circumstances, the ruling states that the addition of words such as ‘Perfect’ or ‘Fills’ does not eliminate the possibility of consumer confusion.

Amir Raj Thapa, General Manager of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), said that attracting foreign direct investment to Nepal required not only policy stability but also effective legal protection of intellectual property.

According to him, such measures would help create an environment in which foreign investors could secure effective protection for their brands, intellectual property and business interests in Nepal.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 October 2026.