Nepal’s first services trade strategy explained: Can it turn the country into a services export hub?
Summary
Nepal has approved its first National Integrated Strategy on Trade in Services aimed at transforming the country into a services export hub by focusing on seven priority sectors and coordinating reforms to address the services trade deficit.
Key Points
- Nepal's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies approved the National Integrated Strategy on Trade in Services in July 2026 to unify service-exporting sectors under one policy.
- Services account for over 62% of Nepal's GDP but the country has experienced a services trade deficit for seven consecutive years.
- The strategy identifies seven priority sectors: tourism, information technology, financial services, construction, energy, education, and health.
- Specific reforms include enhancing infrastructure, marketing, digital services development, and improving quality standards to boost exports and reduce the trade deficit.
