Can Nepal unlock its economic potential? Why is investment and job creation still weak despite strong remittances, foreign exchange reserves, abundant liquidity, and historically low interest rates? And can digital transformation and policy reform change Nepal’s economic future?
In this episode of Podcast Bhaktapur, Dr. Bal Ram Duwal sits down with Mr. Guru Prasad Paudel, Spokesperson and Executive Director at Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), for an in-depth discussion on Nepal’s economy, banking sector, investment, digital transformation, and financial reforms. The conversation explores Nepal’s banking sector, deposits and lending, interest rates, liquidity, capital adequacy, and rising Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). Mr. Paudel explains why strong macroeconomic indicators have not yet translated into sufficient investment, economic activity, and employment.
The episode also examines digital payments, QR payments, mobile banking, digital wallets, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), startup challenges, microfinance, foreign banking, investor confidence, and the need for legal and policy reforms. A key takeaway is the gap between Nepal’s strong financial liquidity and its relatively weak real economic activity. The discussion highlights the importance of coordinated government and NRB policies, digital infrastructure, innovation, investor confidence, and capacity building for sustainable economic growth. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, banking professional, researcher, or simply interested in Nepal’s economic future, this conversation offers valuable insights into where Nepal’s economy stands and what needs to change.
