The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $50 million USD loan to help Nepal boost its domestic and international trade. Trade and industry currently make up 14.1% of Nepal’s GDP. The Nepalese government aims to increase the trade sector’s contribution by improving trade and export promotion, enhancing customs and logistics systems, and strengthening the supply chain for primary products. This includes focusing on efficient transport, transit arrangements, and border procedures.
Pokhara Metropolitan City has announced plans to offer a 70 percent grant in the agriculture sector based on production. The Deputy Mayor, Manju Devi Gurung, revealed this during the presentation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2080/81. The city aims to prioritize investment by providing a minimum of 70 percent grant to classified land based on production. This initiative will also involve distributing agriculture production materials and equipment to support farmers in their agricultural endeavors.
Sanima Reliance Life Insurance has introduced a renewal scheme aimed at waiving off 100% of delayed charges for its current policyholders. The scheme will be available from Asar 11 to 28, 2080. The company has encouraged its customers to take advantage of this opportunity, according to a media statement.
In the month of Jestha, 2080, the monthly transactions through CORPORATEPAY exceeded NRs. 50 Billion, marking the highest amount for a single month since its launch in Magh 2077. The total transaction value for the current fiscal year has surpassed NRs. 421 Billion, a significant increase from the previous fiscal year’s NRs. 190.5 Billion. The growing usage and acceptance of CORPORATEPAY as the primary B2B payment channel by businesses and institutions have played a crucial role in doubling the transaction volume.
India and Nepal have made a significant agreement for India to purchase 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Nepal during the rainy season. The deal will last for five years and is seen as an important step in their long-term electricity trade. Unlike the previous method of selling electricity through a competitive market, this new agreement will provide a steady and reliable supply of power to India.
Jyoti Bikash Bank Limited (JBBL) is offering 168,496 units of promoter shares for sale through a public auction. The auction is open to individual investors, companies, and institutions, and will take place from the 10th to the 17th of Ashad, 2080. The minimum bid rate is set at Rs. 126, and the minimum bid quantity for the promoter shares is 1,000 units. While bidders can bid for the entire issue, they must adhere to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s regulation, which specifies a maximum quantity of shares per entity that should not be exceeded.
In the 11 months of the fiscal year 2080/081 BS, Nepal’s trade deficit has reached Rs 1337.39 billion. According to the data released by the Department of Customs, imports amounted to approximately Rs 1481 billion, while exports stood at Rs 143.58 billion until the end of the month Jestha. However, it is important to note that the volume of foreign trade in the country has decreased in the current fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year.
Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SKBBL) and RMDC Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (RMDC), both licensed financial institutions in Nepal, have successfully completed their merger process. The merger was approved through a special resolution passed separately by the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of both companies. The swap ratio of 1:0.87 was endorsed, meaning that shareholders who previously owned 100 shares of RMDC Microfinance would now receive 87 shares of the merged entity. Furthermore, the merger has obtained final permission from regulatory bodies including the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), and the Office of the Registrar of Companies, as per the official letter received.
The import of electric vehicles in the month of Jestha saw a significant rise, with 3,800 units being imported. This increase in import numbers was observed as businesses are increasingly turning to electric vehicles due to challenges in importing petroleum vehicles. The customs department provided statistics indicating that the import consisted of electric cars, vans, and jeeps. In addition, during the same month, the export amount reached Rs. 11.23 Arba.
The Iwa Khola Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 9.9 MW and operated by Ridi Power Company Limited (RIDI), is currently facing disruptions in its commercial electricity production. The interruption is a result of damages caused by recent floods in the area.
RIDI released a press statement informing that both units of the Iwa Khola Hydropower Project have ceased commercial electricity production since Ashad 1st, 2080, due to the flood-induced damages. The floodwaters have caused significant harm to the project’s headworks, headrace pipe, equipment at the powerhouse, and other infrastructure.
This incident is part of a larger issue affecting several hydropower projects in Nepal. According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association – Nepal (IPPAN), a total of 13 hydropower projects, including the Iwa Khola Hydropower Project, have suffered damages during the floods on Ashad 1st and 2nd. These affected projects collectively have a capacity of 150 MW.
The damages inflicted by the floods have resulted in a setback for the operation of the Iwa Khola Hydropower Project and other affected projects. Efforts will be required to repair and restore the damaged infrastructure before the resumption of commercial electricity production can take place.
Non-life insurance companies in Nepal have decided to restart selling agro insurance policies until the end of Asar 2080, responding to persistent requests from the government and farmers. However, these companies have cautioned the government that they will stop issuing policies if the subsidy amount is not paid within the specified timeframe, according to a media statement.
During a recent Finance Committee meeting, Chairman Ramesh Kumar Hamal of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) accused a group of 50 brokers of taking away a significant portion, around 70%, of the profits. Chairman Hamal mentioned that he has addressed the investors’ demands over the past 15 years.
Chairman Hamal highlighted that the capital market investors’ longstanding requests for an open broker system and licenses for subsidiary companies of banks have finally been fulfilled. This milestone signifies the first instance in Nepal where three types of broker services have received official licenses.