Birgunj Customs Reports 15% Import Surge Driven by Petroleum and Iron Goods

The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) has urged the government to curb the import of foreign medicines, particularly those already produced domestically. APPON argues that Nepal is self-sufficient in various medicines and suggests importing only raw materials to protect national industries facing competition from cheaper foreign products.

Ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Anushka Shrestha has called for the mandatory sale of Nepali goods at Tribhuvan International Airport to promote Nepali identity and entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the airport should be utilized to showcase domestic industries and indigenous products to departing passengers.

The Nepali government is finalizing the budget for fiscal year 2083/84, set to be presented by Jestha 15, with a strong emphasis on fostering a private sector-friendly investment environment and implementing economic reforms. Key policy priorities include reducing acquisition and tax-related hurdles, enhancing the one-door service system, and increasing investment in industrial infrastructure to lower costs. The Finance Minister has described the upcoming budget as the commencement of a new, transformative phase of economic reform.

Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited held a specialized training in Kathmandu on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering the Financing of Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF). The session featured Dr. Hari Kumar Nepal from Nepal Rastra Bank, who provided insights on legal frameworks and practical implementation for the insurance sector. The training aimed to strengthen participants' understanding and reduce financial crimes.