Government officials and private sector leaders say Nepal lacks the economic strength, trade preparedness, and investor confidence needed to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026.

Repeated export curbs on sugar, rice and other essentials expose Nepal’s heavy dependence on India as officials and experts warn of inflation, shortages and rising pressure on foreign currency reserves.

Despite EVs dominating new passenger car imports, roads remain poor, charging stations are limited, and service centres are scarce, government report says.

Strong English skills and low labour costs help Nepal outperform 174 countries, though experts warn policy uncertainty and weak digital infrastructure could limit growth.

Report warns prolonged West Asia conflict may deepen poverty, disrupt remittance flows, raise food and fertiliser costs, and slow Nepal’s economic growth.

The bilateral agreement was supposed to make cross-border digital payments seamless. For Nepalis, it remains a promise on paper.

Draft sent to WTO for notification; rules set composition, safety and labelling as consumption rises.

Industrial Enterprise Development Institute plans to provide loans between Rs500,000 and Rs2 million to nearly 500 of them after final selection.

Producers warn of idle gas stock and safety risks as consumers hoard cylinders and illegal refilling rises amid ongoing supply uncertainty.

ILO warns gaps persist across migration cycle as Nepal expands Social Security Fund coverage but faces low retention and awareness.

Mandatory lab testing, added fees and stricter procedures from May 1 may disrupt shipments, raise costs and erode competitiveness of Nepal’s key export.

NAS-IT calls for preferential tax regime, legal overhaul and policy support in pre-budget recommendations.

Amended standards mandate cleaner technology, cap pollutants and give existing industries two years to comply.

Draft digital mobility standard defines services, sets fares, safety rules and licensing, but operators say gaps remain.

Rising fuel and import costs push Kathmandu restaurants to the brink, as owners weigh price hikes amid falling customer flow.