KATHMANDU, JUNE 10
Nepal's current account surplus widened significantly to Rs. 255.93 billion in the first ten months of FY 2024/25, up from Rs. 193.31 billion last year. In US dollar terms, the surplus increased to $1.89 billion from $1.45 billion, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank's (NRB) latest report on the country's macroeconomic and financial situation.
Net capital transfers also rose to Rs. 8.48 billion, while foreign direct investment (equity only) jumped to Rs. 10.6 billion, compared to Rs. 5.26 billion and Rs. 7.05 billion, respectively, during the same period last year.
The overall balance of payments (BoP) recorded a surplus of Rs. 438.52 billion ($3.23 billion), up from Rs. 392.64 billion ($2.95 billion) in the previous fiscal period.
Foreign exchange reserves climb sharply
Gross foreign exchange reserves surged 23.1 percent to Rs. 2,512.95 billion by mid-May 2025, compared to Rs. 2,041.10 billion in mid-July 2024. In dollar terms, reserves grew 20.5 percent to $18.40 billion from $15.27 billion.
Of the total reserves, those held by the Nepal Rastra Bank increased 19.6 percent to Rs. 2,211.11 billion, while reserves held by banks and financial institutions rose sharply by 56.8 percent to Rs. 301.83 billion. The Indian currency accounted for 21.2 percent of total foreign exchange reserves.
