Submit your Article

The Nepal Overseas Export Import Association has demanded diplomatic initiatives and infrastructure arrangements to open other border points to facilitate land trade with China. The association has demanded the opening of other border points as the two northern border points, Suwagadhi and Tatopani, are closed every year during the rainy season due to floods and landslides.

The movement of people and goods through the Rasuwagadhi border point has come to a standstill after the flood on the night of June 10 washed away the Miteri Bridge connecting Nepal and China. The Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchowk has also been blocked for two weeks due to floods and landslides. Hundreds of containers and trucks carrying goods imported for Nepal have been stranded on the road due to the sudden closure of the border point due to natural disasters. Due to which businessmen have been forced to bear heavy expenses.

Since it is necessary to open other border crossings to facilitate import and export with China, the association has urged the government to make those border crossings operational through diplomatic initiatives and to arrange infrastructure at other alternative border crossings. The Development Committee of the Legislative Assembly had suggested that Korala and Olangchun Gola border crossings be made operational after studying the condition of the northern border crossings in 2015. High-ranking officials of the Nepal and Chinese governments had agreed to open seven northern border crossings during bilateral discussions a decade ago.

These border crossings included Tatopani, Korala in Mustang, Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha, Lamabagar in Dolakha, Olangchun Gola in Taplejung, Amjapas in Mugu, Yari Hilsa in Humla, and Larke in Gorkha. However, so far, other border crossings except Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani have not been opened for commercial purposes.

Korala border crossing is in a condition to be operational for 12 months. Infrastructure is also ready at the Korala border crossing towards China. The road has also reached Korala on the Nepal side. Studies have shown that trade between the two countries can also be conducted through the Olangchun Gola border crossing in Taplejung. The association has drawn the attention of the government to open these border crossings for trade purposes as soon as possible and to create an environment for other border crossings that are suitable for trade.

China is Nepal’s second largest partner in import trade. Data shows that trade with China has been shifting towards the northern border crossings with the recent development of infrastructure.

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is being marked all over the world today. 

This Day has been observed since 2017 under the UN auspices.

The UN system stands in solidarity with the victims of terrorism by recognizing August 21st as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations said.

This year, the theme “United for Hope: Collective Actions for Victims of Terrorism” emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose and drive meaningful change.

Now more than ever, it is critical to support the victims of terrorism by acknowledging the treacherous effects of terrorism and investing in prevention to guarantee a terrorism-free world, according to the UN.

This day is marked across the world for renewed 'efforts to prevent terrorism and work to prevent and counter the evolving threats of terrorism and violent extremism' and to extend tribute to the victims of terrorism and promote their human rights.

The Weather Forecasting Division has stated that the hilly regions of the country will remain generally cloudy and other parts are likely to remain partly cloudy. There are chances of moderate rainfall in one or two places in the hilly and Tarai regions this afternoon.

Some areas of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces will receive moderate rainfall tonight while one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces are predicted to experience heavy rainfall, the Division stated. 

The Division has urged the people to remain cautious and apply preparedness measures because the rivers in the hilly regions could be swollen and the risks of debris flow in the hilly areas exist due to the monsoon.

Nepal received foreign investment commitments worth Rs 24.10bn the first month of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Industry, foreign investment commitments were received for 127 projects in August. The commitments received during the month are 163 percent higher than in the same period of the previous fiscal year when foreign investors had committed to invest Rs 9.15bn in 90 projects.

Monthly foreign direct investment approval data released by the department shows the total commitments have been made for 125 small-scale industries and two large-scale projects. Sectorwise, the agriculture sector received the highest investment in terms of value. The sector attracted investment of Rs 20.04bn, or 83 percent of the total investment commitments for the month, for just three projects.

The tourism sector came next, with 41 projects drawing Rs 3.02bn, or 13 percent of total commitments. In terms of project numbers, the ICT sector saw the highest interest, attracting 71 projects with total commitments of Rs 365.2m. The manufacturing sector received investment commitments of Rs 155m across three projects. One energy project secured Rs 184.2m in commitments. Similarly, eight projects in the service sector attracted Rs 335m in investment pledges.

These ventures have pledged to create 8,268 new jobs. Additionally, eight projects involving share purchases and subscriptions attracted Rs 1.99bn in commitments. The department also recorded five technology transfer agreements during the month. Meanwhile, foreign investors repatriated Rs 2.90bn as dividends in the first month of 2025/26, up from Rs 64m in the same period of the previous fiscal year. 

In 2024/25, Nepal received a total foreign investment commitment of Rs 64.96bn for 840 projects. These projects pledged to create 19,536 new jobs.  However, only about a third of the total commitments are actually realized. According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), only 37.89 percent of the total FDI pledged over the past decade was realized. Nepal received total FDI commitments worth Rs 395.92bn between 2014/15 and 2023/24. Of this, only Rs 126.29bn translated into actual investment.

India has reached its goal of blending 20 percent ethanol with petrol (E20) five years ahead of schedule, cutting nearly 70m tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saving $1.5bn in foreign exchange since 2014. The government calls it a key step in reducing emissions and oil imports, BBC reported.

However, many older vehicles are not E20-compatible, raising concerns over lower mileage and potential engine wear. Manufacturers offer kits or additives, but costs and insurance coverage remain issues for consumers.

According to BBC, the policy also affects food security. Ethanol relies on sugarcane and maize, and higher demand has led to maize imports and diversion of rice meant for subsidized distribution. Experts warn further expansion could strain agriculture unless yields improve or more land is cultivated.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to strengthen trilateral security and strategic cooperation, Reuters reported.

Speaking at a meeting in Kabul, Wang emphasized deepening law enforcement collaboration, combating terrorism including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and respecting each country’s core interests while opposing external interference.

According to Reuters, he also encouraged expanding trade, investment, and regional connectivity.

China shares borders with both nations, including Xinjiang, a region previously affected by unrest linked to militants and separatists.

New Zealand’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), says recent interest rate cuts are taking longer to lift the economy, as global trade uncertainties and US tariffs weigh on business and consumer confidence, Reuters reported.

The RBNZ cut its policy rate to 3.00 percent on Wednesday, part of a 250-point reduction since August 2024, and signaled more cuts ahead.

Governor Christian Hawkesby said the economy is likely near its low point, with growth expected to pick up in the second half of the year.

China is weighing the use of yuan-backed stablecoins for the first time, signaling a major shift in its approach to digital assets. Sources say the State Council may soon approve a roadmap to promote the yuan globally, set regulatory responsibilities, and provide guidelines for risk prevention, Reuters reported.

Senior Chinese leaders are expected to meet to discuss yuan internationalization and stablecoins, defining the boundaries of their use in business. The move would reverse China’s 2021 ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining and aims to strengthen the yuan’s role in global payments, where its share recently dropped to 2.88 percent, far behind the US dollar’s 47.19 percent.

Implementation is expected to be overseen by the People’s Bank of China, with details to be unveiled in the coming weeks, according to Reuters.