With 57.5% of agricultural households in Nepal owning less than 0.1 hectares of land, smallholder farmers struggle to access markets and secure fair prices, leaving them vulnerable to middlemen and unstable incomes.
While government inertia is often blamed, businesses that finance politicians must also bear the responsibility for blocking reforms.
On October 2, 2024, I received a call from the Finance Minister requesting a meeting to discuss the formation of a high-level economic reforms commission. What followed was an unprecedented commitment to implementing reforms.
Nepal should shift from viewing its diaspora as a financial resource to embracing cultural and social connections.
What can Nepal learn from the growth trajectories of East Asian economies, and how can it create the right conditions for catch-up growth?
As global power dynamics shift, Nepal must build its soft power—through culture, digital growth, and its role as a peaceful buffer between giants—to protect its interests and strengthen its voice in the world.