In 100 days, finance minister unable to give fillip to the economy, restore private sector confidence
Summary
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle's first 100 days in office saw reforms launched but no tangible improvement in Nepal's economy or private sector confidence. Key economic indicators like capital expenditure, bank lending, and stock market performance remain weak, while some progress was made on public service delivery and governance reforms.
Key Points
- Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle took office pledging economic reform and business-friendly changes but after 100 days there has been no tangible economic improvement.
- Economists report weak capital expenditure, stagnant bank lending despite excess liquidity, a declining stock market, and sluggish private sector confidence.
- Reforms such as improved public service delivery, anti-corruption measures, and legal changes have been initiated but implementation remains a challenge.
- Small progress includes refunds to cooperative victims and plans for expanding fortnightly salary payments in government, while many pledged reforms remain unfulfilled.
