KATHMANDU, Dec 20: PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre, in association with the Banking, Finance, and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), organised the 4th edition of its annual flagship programme, “Nepal BFSI Summit 2025”, in Kathmandu on Friday.
The summit, held under the theme “Navigating Economic Transition for an Aspirational Nepal,” deliberated on how Nepal can manage economic transitions amid uncertainty while preparing for future opportunities. Discussions focused on economic reforms for inclusive development, the BFSI sector’s role in managing transitions, evolving financial landscapes, and expanding green and nature-based financing. The summit aimed to generate actionable insights for policymakers, regulators, and financial leaders, positioning BFSI as a catalyst for industrial competitiveness, employment generation, digital resilience, and sustainable prosperity.
In his keynote address, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal, said, “Nepal’s aspirations, combined with further simplification of business processes, will help navigate Nepal’s economic transition with long-term benefits. The National Planning Commission is unwavering in its efforts to implement progressive policies supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair of the India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI, and India’s former Ambassador to Nepal, said, “PHDCCI and BFIN are hosting the 4th edition of the Nepal BFSI Summit to emphasise the centrality of India-Nepal bilateral cooperation in navigating economic transition and to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.”
Dr Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Nepal, reflected on efforts to strengthen the India-Nepal payment ecosystem using the UPI interface and highlighted the acceptance of Rs 200 and Rs 500 currency notes up to Rs 25,000 for Nepal travel. He identified the BFSI sector as a key frontier for India-Nepal economic cooperation.
Atul K Thakur, Senior Secretary, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI, stated, “To navigate economic transition, Nepal must focus on deep economic reforms. This will have multiplier effects on key sectors, including BFSI, and provide strong traction for long-term inclusive growth.”
Binod Chaudhary, President Emeritus of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said, “CNI and PHDCCI should collaborate to create a policy environment that supports inclusive economic growth. India’s rise opens numerous opportunities for Nepal, making this the right time to strengthen economic cooperation.”
Bam Bahadur Mishra, Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, added, “NRB is committed to implementing policies that support the banking sector and maintain systemic balance, which will help the Nepalese economy emerge stronger.”
In his concluding remarks, Dr Binod Atreya, Managing Director of BFIN, said, “The Nepal BFSI Summit 2025 facilitated dynamic panel discussions and technical sessions, enabling policymakers, environmental experts, and industry leaders to exchange critical insights. This flagship annual initiative will continue advocating stronger support for the BFSI sector, with collaboration from key stakeholders, especially from a friendly country like India.”