KATHMANDU, JANUARY 12

Less than 54 per cent of industries have resumed full operation compared to the pre-pandemic situation.

According to a survey report issued by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) today, industries are slowly returning to normalcy as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic are gradually easing. As per the report, nearly 54 per cent of the industries and factories have fully resumed their operations.

Meanwhile, 46 per cent of industries and factories are still struggling to get back into operation.

At a glance

June-July

Nov-Dec

Industry

Not operational

Partially operational

Fully operational

Not operational

Partially operational

Fully operational

Agricultural, forestry, fishery

15.79

52.63

31.58

3.03

33.33

63.64

Mines and exploration

16.67

66.67

16.67

33.33

33.33

33.33

Manufacturing

34.15

60.16

5.69

8.65

42.31

49.04

Energy, gas and water

40

60

33.33

66.67

Construction

58.33

37.5

4.17

5.56

50

44.44

Wholesale and retail

57.89

40

2.11

3.39

31.64

64.97

Hotels and restaurants

90.99

7.21

1.8

23.76

46.53

29.7

Transport and storage

76.47

23.53

12.5

37.5

50

Media

27.27

45.45

27.27

9

54.55

36.36

Real estate, rental and commercial activities

88.89

11.11

25

37.5

37.5

Education

95.75

4.26

29.55

59.09

11.36

Health and social activities

7.69

69.23

23.08

8.33

33.33

58.33

Others

78.75

15

6.25

1.27

39.44

49.3

National average

61.03

34.92

4.05

9.07

36.98

53.95

Figures in per cent compared to pre-pandemic situation; Source: NRB

The results of the survey conducted in November-December, is nonetheless, a marked improvement compared to the situation in June-July, when only four per cent of industries had been operating in a full-fledged manner.

Thus, NRB has stated that 50 per cent of industries have bounced back. The report has further stated that the improvement in operations of big, medium and small businesses is satisfactory compared to the situation five months ago.

Similarly, the report has stated that nearly 30 per cent of hotels and restaurants have fully resumed operations.

The report has further mentioned that employment has also increased in the five month period. While only 77 per cent of the workers were employed in different sectors compared to the situation before the pandemic struck, the number has now reached 87 per cent, stated the NRB.

Nevertheless, domestic industries are struggling to cover their operational expenses due to the decline in market demand, the report has added.