Nepal’s Economic Growth Reaches 4.61% in FY 2081/82: Economic Survey Highlights Progress in Key Sectors

Kathmandu: Nepal’s economy grew by 4.61% in the fiscal year 2081/82, according to the Economic Survey presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Parliament on Thursday.

Finance Minister Paudel stated that all provinces, except Madhesh, Koshi, and Sudurpashchim, recorded economic growth above the national average.

The size of Nepal’s economy is estimated to reach NPR 61.07 trillion. The contribution of different sectors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) includes:

• Agriculture: 25.16%

• Industry: 12.83%

• Services: 62.01%

The per capita gross national income has increased to USD 1,517, while average consumer inflation stands at 4.72%.

Government Expenditure and Revenue Performance

As of Fagun (mid-March), federal expenditure increased by 4.7% and revenue by 12.6%. Notably, the fiscal deficit narrowed to NPR 16.19 billion, compared to NPR 70.36 billion in the same period last year.

Nepal’s outstanding public debt stands at NPR 2.76 trillion, equivalent to 43.8% of the GDP.

Banking, Finance, and Capital Market

Financial access has significantly improved, with every local government now having at least one bank branch. On average, banking services are available to one in every 2,527 people.

As of Fagun:

• Deposits in banks and financial institutions rose by 9.5%

• Loans to the private sector grew by 7.7%

• The NEPSE index stood at 2,736.49 points

• Life insurance coverage reached 44.17% of the population

Trade, Remittance, and Foreign Reserves

By Fagun 2081:

• Exports increased by 57.2%

• Imports rose by 11.2%

• Remittance inflow surged by 9.4%, reaching NPR 1.051 trillion

Both the current account and balance of payments remained in surplus. Foreign exchange reserves are at a historic high, sufficient to cover 14.3 months of imports of goods and services.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Connectivity

A total of NPR 4.766 trillion worth of investment has been approved by the Department of Industry and the Investment Board Nepal.

Electricity access has reached 99% of the population, including those using alternative energy. The total installed electricity capacity now stands at 3,602 MW.

Nepal’s road network has expanded to 36,132 kilometers, including strategic and local roads. Internet penetration has reached 144.23%, and 72% of households now have access to digital television.

Social Development and Human Indicators

The Human Development Index (HDI) has improved to 0.622.

In education:

• Net enrollment rate at the basic level (grades 1–8): 94.1%

• Net enrollment rate at the secondary level (grades 9–12): 55.8%

Healthcare achievements:

• 37,984 underprivileged patients received free treatment for heart, cancer, and kidney diseases

• Basic drinking water services reached 96.85% of the population

The number of social security allowance beneficiaries reached 3,706,389.