Upcoming Budget to Prioritize Economic Transformation: Finance Minister Wagle

Kathmandu, April 6 — Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said the upcoming national budget will focus on driving economic transformation and strengthening governance.

Speaking at an interaction with the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) at the Ministry of Finance in Singha Durbar on Monday, Minister Wagle stated that the government is working to ensure effective economic governance alongside political stability.

He said the budget, scheduled to be presented on Jestha 15, will introduce key measures to improve the management of state-owned enterprises. Discussions are ongoing regarding new operating models for some public institutions, including the Gorkhapatra Corporation.

The Finance Minister noted that recent investigations into money laundering have unsettled certain groups, adding that such probes will be intensified. He warned that those involved in illegal financial activities will face action. According to him, these efforts are also aimed at removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, while long-pending cases are being moved forward.

Wagle also said the government is taking precautionary steps amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He confirmed that the Cabinet has decided to implement a two-day weekly public holiday in government offices starting this week, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and promote austerity due to irregular petroleum supply.

On foreign employment concerns, he said the government is prioritising the rescue of Nepalis in distress in conflict-affected countries rather than attempting large-scale repatriation.

On the occasion, NAFIJ President Menuka Karki urged the government to introduce practical policies and programmes, noting that large budgets often face challenges in implementation.