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The price of gold has increased by Rs 2, 700 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday. 

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 299, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 296, 500 per tola on Friday. 

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 50 and is being traded at Rs 4, 995 per tola today.

Nepal’s private sector, long constrained by decades of political instability, is once again voicing concern over an uncertain business environment despite initial optimism following the formation of a new government earlier this year.

For more than four decades, entrepreneurs and investors in Nepal have operated amid frequent government changes and shifting policy priorities. While successive administrations have consistently described the private sector as an “engine of growth,” business leaders say that, in practice, regulatory hurdles and inconsistent policies have often undermined that commitment.

That pattern appeared set to change after the emergence of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as the largest political force in the March 5 election. The appointment of its senior leader, Balendra Shah, as prime minister on March 27, alongside noted economist Swarnim Wagle as finance minister, raised hopes of a more stable and business-friendly policy environment.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, private sector representatives expressed optimism that the new leadership would prioritize reforms to improve the ease of doing business, attract foreign investment, and strengthen domestic industries.

Business leaders have called on the government to introduce policies focused on investment security, tax reform, and infrastructure development. They have also emphasized the need to promote import substitution and boost export-oriented industries to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit.

However, that early optimism has begun to wane.

“Expectations were high that the new government would take decisive steps to support the private sector,” said a senior representative of a leading business association. “But so far, we have not seen meaningful progress.”

Concerns about the safety of businesses resurfaced following violent protests on Sept 8–9, during which several business establishments were selectively targeted. The incidents reignited fears among entrepreneurs about the security of their investments.

Business leaders say the previous administration, led by Sushila Karki, had been expected to address these issues but failed to deliver concrete solutions.

The current government, they argue, has yet to restore confidence.

Private sector representatives have also raised concerns over recent actions perceived as heavy-handed. These include the arrest of several business figures without what they describe as adequate preliminary investigation, as well as what they call “media trials” targeting specific entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested businessperson Sekhar Golchha on Thursday.

“These developments have created an atmosphere of fear,” said another representative. “Due process and transparency are essential to maintain trust.”

Further unease has been triggered by reports that the government is considering amending existing laws to allow the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to directly investigate corruption cases involving private sector actors.

Business groups argue that such a move would expand the mandate of the anti-corruption body beyond its traditional focus on public officials, potentially leading to regulatory overreach.

“There are already sufficient oversight mechanisms governing private sector conduct,” says a business leader.

As Nepal seeks to revive economic growth and attract international investors, analysts say that restoring confidence among domestic businesses will be critical.

Economists note that beyond rhetoric, the government will need to demonstrate consistency in policy implementation, ensure legal predictability, and maintain a clear distinction between regulatory oversight and undue interference.

For now, the private sector remains cautiously watchful—hopeful that the new leadership will translate its promises into concrete reforms, but increasingly concerned about signals that suggest otherwise.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged by 1. 54 points to close at 2, 788. 70 points on Friday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 0. 20 points to close at 468. 07 points.

A total of 12,174,516-unit shares of 351 companies were traded for Rs 1. 58 billion.

Meanwhile, Palpa Cement Industries Limited (PCIL) and Shikhar power Development Limited (SIPD) and Mai Khola Hydropower Limited (MKHL) were the top gainers today with its price surging by 15. 00 percent.

Similarly, 10% Prime Debenture 2088 (PBD88) was the top loser as its price fell by 4. 59 points.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 75 trillion.

Hetauda Cement Industry, which had been grappling with the financial crisis for a long time, has shut down due to a shortage of raw materials.

The industry that produced clinker last month has halted production due to a shortage of raw materials.

"We do not have coal, limestones or other raw materials. There is no immediate possibility of supply of raw materials either. Even though there is an agreement for the supply of raw materials, the contractor could not transport them due to lack of funds, so the industry had to be shut down," said Bhaktiram Shrestha, the Assistant Manager of the Industry.

He said that 5,000 tonnes of clinker have been produced from the raw materials in stock with the industry and cement manufactured from this is now being 'packaged'.

An industry with a daily production capacity of 16,000 bags of cement is almost always closed for one or the other reason.

Due to some problems with the factory's machinery during clinker production, the machine is currently under repair. 

Due to financial constraints, employees have not got their salaries for 10 months. 

There are 166 permanent employees, 100 daily wage workers, and 52 security personnel in the factory.

Established in 1976 in Lamsure, Hetauda, the Industry started production only from 1986.