Economic Environment:
I. Introduction
1) Nepal is a landlocked least developed country (LDC) with a predominantly rural population of around 30 million. It is bordered by China to the north and by India to the south, west and east. Structural reforms began in 1985 to diversify and develop its economy, and Nepal started to liberalize its trade regime unilaterally in 1992: licence and quota requirements on imports were removed and tariffs reduced. Nepal also liberalized its investment laws, restructured its tax system, and started to privatize a number of state-owned enterprises, which were performing poorly. In 2004, Nepal acceded to the WTO
2) However, trade and investment policy reforms and privatization have not resulted in strong economic development. Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in South Asia, with about 25% of the population living below poverty line (less than US$1 a day). Following its internal conflict between 1996 and 2006, Nepal changed from a monarchy to a republic in 2008 (Chapter II(1)). Key factors impeding economic growth are: political instability (due to the post-conflict transition process) and poor governance, as well as supply-side constraints (e.g. energy shortages, poor infrastructure, and labour strikes). These factors limited the performance of a number of traditional Nepalese exports, especially semi-processed and processed goods, such as clothing, which are highly dependent on tariff preferences and require access to an organized labour force, steady supply of energy, and reliable transport. Nepal's traditional agricultural exports face technical barriers to trade in the global market due to its weak standardization and conformity assessment infrastructure.II. Trade and Economic Developments
3) Main economic developments
3. The Government has realized that, as a small economy, Nepal cannot achieve its economic goal in isolation from the global rules of trade, when more than 90% of global trade is governed by trade rules under the framework of the WTO. Nepal acceded to the WTO in April 2004.
4. Between 2003/04 and 2010/11, annual real GDP growth averaged 4.2%, and per capita GDP increased from US$293 to US$642 . Nepal's fiscal management remains prudent. The ratio of government revenue to GDP increased from 11.6% in 2003/04 to 15.3% in 2010/11, owing to revenue administration reforms, and strong customs and VAT collection (high remittances raised consumption). Public expenditure increased rapidly, financed by increased revenue and foreign aid. As a result, the public debt to GDP ratio declined from 59.4% in 2003/04 to 32% in 2010/11.
5. Nepal has close trade and economic inter-linkages with India, and the Nepali rupee is pegged to the Indian currency. Consequently, prices in Nepal are greatly influenced by inflation in India. Moreover, between 2008 and 2010 inflation in Nepal remained in double digits, mainly due to supply disruptions i.e. general strikes, road closures, and cartelizing of essential goods and supplies, including food items.[2] The authorities considered that industry closures, and increased consumption (pushed by high remittances), also contributed to double-digit inflation.
6. Nepal's economy is very vulnerable to global economic shocks, because of the lack of diversity of its exports, and its heavy dependence on remittances from abroad. Its economy performed well before the global economic crisis; real GDP growth reached 6.1% in 2007/08. Subsequently, the real GDP growth rate was lower. Real GDP is estimated to grow at 3.5% in 2010/11, down from 4.6% in 2009/10. Addressing Nepal's "supply-side constraints" so as to expand trade is imperative for achieving the desired economic growth through exports. Selected economic indicators, 2003-11
| | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11a |
| A. National accounts | | | | | | | | |
| GDP per capita (US$) | 293 | 328 | 350 | 390 | 464 | 465 | 556 | 642 |
| GDP growth (%, constant 2000/01 prices) | 4.7 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.4 | 6.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 3.5 |
| Consumption | 1.8 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 3.6 | 1.5 | 6.1 | 18.5 | 5.4 |
| Government consumption | 8.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 7.2 | 3.3 | 9.7 | 8.4 | 10.6 |
| Private consumption | 0.7 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 5.7 | 20.1 | 4.9 |
| Non-profit institutions serving households | 14.7 | -2.9 | 7.9 | 13.6 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 4.5 | 0.9 |
| Gross fixed capital formation | 3.3 | 0.5 | 11.1 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 5.3 | -10.4 |
| Exports of goods and services | 12.3 | -3.0 | -1.3 | -0.9 | 0.7 | 3.9 | -13.7 | -3.3 |
| Imports of goods and services | 8.5 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 2.9 | 8.2 | 12.6 | 26.7 | -3.5 |
| B. Prices and interest rates | | | | | | | | |
| Inflation (CPIb, % change) | 4.0 | 4.5 | 8.0 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 13.2 | 10.5 | 9.6 |
| Saving deposit rate (%, end-period) | 2-5 | 1.75-5 | 2-5 | 2-5 | 2-6.5 | 2-7.5 | 2-12 | 2-12 |
| Lending rates (%, end-period) | | | | | | | | |
| Industry | 8.5-13.5 | 8.25-13.5 | 8-13.5 | 8-13.5 | 7-13 | 8-13.5 | 8-13.5 | 8-13.5 |
| Agriculture | 10.5-13 | 10-13 | 9.5-13 | 9.5-13 | 9.5-12 | 9.5-12 | 9.5-13 | 9.5-13.2 |
| Export bills | 4-11.5 | 4-12 | 5-11.5 | 5-11.5 | 5-11.5 | 6.5-11 | 4-18 | 4-15.5 |
| Commercial loans | 9-14.5 | 8-14 | 8-14 | 8-14 | 8-13.5 | 8-14 | 8-14 | 8-14 |
| Overdrafts | 10-16 | 5-14.5 | 6.5-14.5 | 6-14.5 | 6.5-13.5 | 6.5-13.5 | 7-18 | 7-18 |
| C. Government finance (% of GDP) | | | | | | | | |
| Total revenue | 11.6 | 11.9 | 11.1 | 12.1 | 13.2 | 14.5 | 15.4 | 15.3 |
| Tax revenue | 9.0 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 9.8 | 10.4 | 11.8 | 13.3 | 13.1 |
| Total expenditure | 16.7 | 17.4 | 17.0 | 18.4 | 19.8 | 22.2 | 22.2 | 23.0 |
| Overall balance before grants | -5.1 | -5.5 | -5.9 | -6.3 | -6.6 | -7.7 | -6.8 | -7.7 |
| Foreign grants | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Overall balance after grants | -2.9 | -3.1 | -3.8 | -4.1 | -4.1 | -5.0 | -3.5 | -3.8 |
| Public debt | 59.4 | 52.1 | 50.3 | 44 | 44.9 | 40.3 | 34.5 | 32.0 |
| Foreign | 43.4 | 37.3 | 35.8 | 29.8 | 30.6 | 27.9 | 21.9 | 19.0 |
| D. Consumption, savings and investment (% of GDP) | | | | | | | | |
| Gross consumption | 88.3 | 88.4 | 91 | 90.2 | 90.2 | 90.6 | 92.6 | 93.3 |
| Gross national savings | 27.3 | 28.4 | 29.0 | 28.6 | 33.2 | 35.9 | 32.3 | 30.9 |
| Gross domestic investment | 24.5 | 26.5 | 26.9 | 28.7 | 30.3 | 31.7 | 35.0 | 30.2 |
| Savings investment gap | 2.8 | 1.9 | 2.1 | -0.1 | 2.9 | 4.2 | -2.7 | 0.7 |
| E. Memorandum items | | | | | | | | |
| Current GDP (Nr billion) | 536.7 | 589.4 | 654.1 | 727.8 | 815.7 | 988.1 | 1,171.9 | 1,346.8 |
| Current GDP (US$ million) | 7,274 | 8,179 | 9,044 | 10,325 | 12,545 | 12,849 | 15,730 | 18,636 |
| Nr/US$ (annual average) | 73.8 | 72.1 | 72.3 | 70.5 | 65.0 | 76.9 | 74.5 | 72.4 |
| Population (million) | 24.7 | 25.3 | 25.9 | 26.4 | 27.0 | 27.6 | 28.3 | 28.9 |
a Estimates.
b Base year 2005/06.
Note: Nepalese fiscal year runs from 16 July to 15 July.
Source: Ministry of Finance (2011b), Economic Survey Fiscal Year 2010/11, Vol. I, Table Macro Economic Indicators; and information provided by Nepal Rastra Bank.
2) Trade performance
7. Trade (exports and imports, of goods and services) accounted for 41% of GDP in 2010/11.[1] In 2010, Nepal ranked 123rd among world merchandise exporters, and 87th among importers (considering the countries of the EU together and excluding intra-EU trade). In services trade, Nepal ranked 103rd among exporters and 106th among importers.[2]
8. Nepal's merchandise exports have been rather unstable and weak. Its export basket is narrow, and its export markets are concentrated in a few countries, making exports susceptible to global economic volatility. Major export items have undergone sharp declines, while imports have been rising quickly, thereby steadily increasing the trade deficit. Merchandise imports are typically valued at three, four or even six times the value of merchandise exports. Between 2003/04 and 2010/11, the value of Nepal's total imports almost tripled, from Nr 133 billion to Nr 388 billion, while its exports rose from Nr 55 billion to Nr 69 billion (25% increase over seven years).
9. The rapid increase of imports is largely due to thriving consumption, which accounts for more than 90% of GDP. This strong consumption was made possible mainly by high remittances. Workers' remittances in Nepal are relatively large in comparison to GDP and exports – equivalent to about 20% of GDP, and more than three times the total export value in 2010/11 – constitute a relatively stable source of foreign exchange inflows (Table I.2). High remittances have resulted in rising reserves despite the underperforming export activities. Nepal has had a persistent trade deficit; however, mainly because of the remittances, the current account showed a surplus for many years.
Balance of payments, 2003-11
(Nr million)
| | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 |
| A: Current account | 14,598 | 11,544 | 14,225 | -902 | 23,680 | 41,436 | -28,135 | -11,906 |
| Merchandise trade balance | -77,682 | -85,762 | -110,058 | -128,949 | -155,991 | -209,321 | -303,515 | -318,742 |
| Exports (f.o.b.) | 55,228 | 59,956 | 61,482 | 61,488 | 61,971 | 69,907 | 63,178 | 68,873 |
| Imports (f.o.b.) | -132,910 | -145,718 | -171,541 | -190,437 | -217,963 | -279,228 | -366,693 | -387,615 |
| Services (net) | 9,075 | -2,034 | -6,818 | -8,377 | -11,092 | -10,478 | -16,385 | -8,572 |
| Receipts | 34,316 | 26,002 | 26,470 | 32,079 | 4,2236 | 52,830 | 51,121 | 53,013 |
| Payments | -25,241 | -28,036 | -33,288 | -40,456 | -53,328 | -63,308 | -67,506 | -61,585 |
| Balance on goods and services | -68,607 | -87,796 | -116,877 | -137,326 | -167,084 | -219,799 | -319,900 | -327,314 |
| Income (net) | -1,684 | 1,637 | 4,956 | 7,432 | 7,947 | 11,750 | 9,117 | 7,549 |
| Credit | 3,842 | 7,752 | 11,432 | 14,501 | 13,448 | 16,507 | 14,918 | 17,504 |
| Debit | -5,525 | -6,115 | -6,477 | -7,069 | -5,501 | -4,757 | -5,801 | -9,955 |
| Balance on goods, services, and income | -70,291 | -86,160 | -111,921 | -129,894 | -159,137 | -208,050 | -310,783 | -319,765 |
| Current transfers | | | | | | | | |
| Credit, of which: | 89,162 | 101,310 | 130,862 | 133,197 | 185,463 | 257,461 | 287,771 | 311,157 |
| Workers remittances | 58,588 | 65,541 | 97,689 | 100,145 | 142,683 | 209,699 | 231,725 | 253,552 |
| Debit | -4,273 | -3,606 | -4,716 | -4,205 | -2,646 | -7,975 | -5,123 | -3,298 |
| B: Capital account | 1,452 | 1,574 | 3,107 | 4,450 | 7,913 | 6,231 | 12,578 | 15,906 |
| C: Financial account | -21,540 | -25,537 | -1,325 | -2,362 | 11,033 | 18,050 | 5,898 | 2,257 |
| Direct investment | 0 | 136 | -470 | 362 | 294 | 1,829 | 2,852 | 6,437 |
| Other investment: assets | -32,591 | -21,863 | -14,009 | -10,690 | -11,396 | -17,675 | -18,254 | -25,762 |
| Other investment: liabilities | 11,051 | -3,810 | 13,154 | 7,966 | 22,135 | 33,896 | 21,300 | 21,582 |
| Table I.2 (cont'd) | ||||||||
| D: Miscellaneous items, net | 25,591 | 18,096 | 12,985 | 9,501 | -6,690 | -7,198 | 3,049 | -2,909 |
| Total Group A through D | 20,101 | 5,677 | 28,992 | 10,687 | 35,934 | 58,520 | -6,610 | 3,348 |
| E: Reserves and related items | -20,101 | -5,677 | -28,992 | -10,687 | -35,934 | -58,520 | 6,610 | -3,348 |
| Change in Net Foreign Assets (‑Increase) | -16,005 | -5,742 | -25,598 | -5,904 | -29,675 | -41,280 | 3,631 | -2,925 |
| Gross foreign exchange reserve | 130,205 | 129,896 | 165,033 | 165,126 | 212,624 | 286,535 | 268,907 | 263,130 |
| Months of import covered | 11.5 | 10.4 | 11.4 | 10.2 | 11.5 | 12.3 | 8.7 | 8.4 |
| Memorandum items | (% of GDP, unless otherwise indicated) | |||||||
| Current account | 2.7 | 2.0 | 2.2 | -0.1 | 2.9 | 4.2 | -2.8 | -0.4 |
| Net merchandise trade | -14.5 | -14.6 | -16.8 | -17.7 | -19.1 | -21.2 | -25.9 | -23.7 |
| Exports | 10.3 | 10.2 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 7.6 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Imports | -24.8 | -24.7 | -26.2 | -26.2 | -26.7 | -28.3 | -31.3 | -28.8 |
| Services balance | 1.7 | -0.3 | -1.0 | -1.2 | -1.4 | -1.1 | -1.4 | -0.6 |
| Services exports | 6.4 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 4.4 | 3.9 |
| Services imports | -4.7 | -4.8 | -5.1 | -5.6 | -6.5 | -6.4 | -5.8 | -4.6 |
| Remittances | 10.9 | 11.1 | 14.9 | 13.8 | 17.5 | 21.2 | 19.8 | 18.8 |
| Exports ( annual % change) | 8.8 | 8.6 | 2.5 | 0 | 0.8 | 12.8 | -9.6 | 9.0 |
| Imports (annual % change) | 9.8 | 9.6 | 17.7 | 11 | 14.5 | 28.1 | 31.8 | 5.7 |
| Services exports (annual % change) | 29.4 | -24.2 | 1.8 | 21.2 | 31.7 | 25.1 | -3.2 | 3.7 |
| Services imports (annual % change) | 29.6 | 11.1 | 18.7 | 21.5 | 31.8 | 18.7 | 6.6 | -8.8 |
| Total external debt stocks (US$ million; end-period ) | 3,356.8 | 3,179.6 | 3,392.3 | 3,602.3 | 3,685.2 | 3,506 | 3,456 | 3,594 |
| Debt service (% of current account receipts) | 5.6 | 4.6 | 5 | 4.5 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.9 | .. |
Source: Ministry of Finance (2011b), Economic Survey Fiscal Year 2010/11, Vol. I, Table Macro Economic Indicators, and Statistical Tables Vol. II, Table 6.9 (B); and information provided by Nepal Rastra Bank.
WTO Statistics database, "Trade Profiles: Nepal". Viewed at: http://stat.wto.org/CountryProfiles/ NP_E.htm [24/10/11].10. Through its effect on Nepal's exports and remittances, the global crisis has had a substantial, albeit delayed, impact on Nepal's economy. It led to lower demand for Nepal's exports and to Nepalese workers leaving to work abroad, and consequently the growth of remittances declined. In 2009/10, Nepal's current account changed from a surplus to a deficit, although it improved slightly in 2010/11.
(a) Composition of trade
11. The composition of Nepal's export basket has changed in the past decade. Many traditional Nepalese exports lost market share; for example, between 2004 and 2008, the export value of honey declined, on average, by 27% per year. Following the termination of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing in 2005, the share of clothing exports in total merchandise exports fell rapidly. Overall, the share of merchandise exports in GDP declined from 10% in 2003/04 to 5% in 2009/10.
12. While Nepal's traditional exports performed poorly, some new goods export sectors have emerged. Exports of iron and steel products as well as textiles have increased rapidly (Chart I.1). Other rapidly increasing export products include: tea, ginger, essential oils n.e.s., instant noodles, medicinal herbs, large cardamom, and wool products.
13. The composition of merchandise imports has also changed. The share of agricultural imports fell, mainly due to a lower share of food imports, as did the share of textiles and clothing. However, the shares of transport equipment, electrical and non-electrical machinery, and iron and steel increased; and imports of gold rose from 0.1% in 2003 to 11.1% of total imports in 2010. Gold imports began to rise after India raised its import tariff; this tariff increase may have encouraged Nepal to import gold from third countries and trade with India.[1] In value terms, petroleum products, vehicles, machines, and iron and steel are Nepal's main imports.
(b) Direction of trade
14. India is by far Nepal's biggest trade partner. Under the Nepal-India Trade Treaty, most recently renewed in October 2009, both countries agree to exempt primary products originating in the other country from tariffs. India also agrees, on a non-reciprocal basis, to exempt industrial products manufactured in Nepal from customs duties.[2] In 2010, 65% of Nepalese exports went to India (up from 52.4% in 2003), and 57% of Nepalese imports were from India (up from 53%). However, these shares underestimate the reality as there are large amounts of informal ("unrecorded") trade between Nepal and India (to, inter alia, avoid bureaucracy). According to the authorities, some private-sector studies indicate significant informal trade between Nepal and India over the years; however, it is difficult to specify the quantity and value of this informal trade due to lack of reliable and detailed data.
15. Changes in the export/import basket have been accompanied by changes in the direction of trade. Alongside India's increasing shares as Nepal's main trading partner, the share of the United States as an export destination has fallen (Chart I.2), perhaps reflecting the sharp decline of Nepalese garment exports following the termination of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. On the other hand, Nepal's exports to some SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) members, such as Bangladesh and Bhutan have increased rapidly, reflecting the influence of the SAFTA (South Asian Free-Trade Area) Agreement (Chapter II(4)(ii)(a)), and consequently the growing importance of new markets. The share of Nepal's traditional trade partner – the EU – as an import source, has declined, while the shares of the Middle East countries, in particular the UAE, have increased rapidly.
(ii) Supply-side constraints as reflected in sectoral performance
16. To realize the full potential of international trade, Nepal must address its supply-side constraints, and overcome other problems including high transit costs.
17. As a landlocked economy, trading costs are high. Nepal is located between India and China. To the north, trade with China is obstructed physically by the Himalaya mountains. To the south, there are only two main roads connecting India and Kathmandu, and railway links are negligible . The transiting of goods through India to international markets imposes significant shipping costs and delays on Nepalese exporters. In addition, competing firms in India have greater economies of scale and competitiveness, putting Nepalese firms at a disadvantage.
18. Nepal's weak export performance is also due to supply-side constraints, which affect its trade and economic development, as reflected in the development of various sectors.
19. The Nepalese economy has changed considerably since 1980. Agriculture has declined significantly as a component of GDP, while services output has expanded. In 2008 (the latest year for which employment data are available), agriculture provides employment to about 74% of the labour force, and contributes to around 33% of GDP , indicating a very low productivity level. This low productivity can be partly attributed to the internal conflict between 1996 and 2006, as well as small-size farming, limited agricultural mechanization, little specialization, and lack of investment Lack of access to, and low investment in modern technology, means that agricultural production in Nepal is mostly at subsistence level (Chapter IV). In addition, due to inadequate laboratory capacity and lack of an accreditation system to meet the SPS requirements of importing countries, Nepal's agricultural exports, such as ginger, honey, and lentils, have been banned for various periods in India, the EU, and some other key markets
20. The services sector is less affected by political instability, and has been the main driver of economic growth in Nepal (Table I.3). In 2008, about 15% of the total employed workforce in Nepal was engaged in the services sector, and another 3% in construction services. Most jobs in the services sector (6%) were in the wholesale and retail trade. The services sector is now the largest sector in the economy in terms of share in GDP, pushed by rapid growth in telecommunications, tourism, and financial services. Between 2006 and 2009, services imports and exports increased rapidly.
21. However, industrial growth has been slow, and negative in some years. In 2008, 6.6% of the total workforce was employed in the manufacturing sector, which accounted for about 6.8% of GDP. The share of manufacturing to GDP is not only small but also declining consistently. The acute power shortages, frequent strikes, transport disruptions, and labour disputes, all disrupt industrial production. Hence raising industrial output and employment, by creating an investment-friendly atmosphere, has become a big challenge.
Sectoral performance, 2003-11
| | 2003/04 | 2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 | 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11a | |
| | Annual % change | ||||||||
| GDP growth by economic activity (at constant 2000/01 prices) | | | | | | | | | |
| Agriculture and forestry | 4.7 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 4.1 | |
| Fishery | 12.2 | 7.1 | 9.9 | 3.0 | 7.3 | 5.3 | 3.9 | 6.8 | |
| Mining and quarrying | -0.4 | 6.8 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 5.5 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 2.1 | |
| Manufacturing | 2.2 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 2.6 | -0.9 | -2.8 | 1.2 | 1.5 | |
| Electricity, gas, and water | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 13.0 | 1.1 | -3.4 | 5.4 | -4.0 | |
| Construction | -0.3 | 2.9 | 7.7 | 2.5 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 5.0 | 3.3 | |
| Services | 6.8 | 3.3 | 5.6 | 4.5 | 7.3 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 3.6 | |
| | Wholesale and retail sale | 10.8 | -6.2 | 3.7 | -5.6 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.7 | -0.2 |
| | Hotels and restaurants | 12.7 | -5.4 | 6.3 | 3.5 | 6.9 | 2.3 | 7.2 | 7.4 |
| | Transport, storage, and communication | 7.5 | 6.4 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 9.4 | 7.0 | 6.1 | 7.1 |
| | Financial intermediation | 6.2 | 24.3 | 24.4 | 11.4 | 9.2 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 3.9 |
| | Real estate, renting and business activities | -2.1 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 11.8 | 10.4 | 1.9 | 3.6 | 2.6 |
| | Public administration and defence | -0.6 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 7.4 | 4.4 | 3.0 |
| | Education | 5.1 | 9.8 | 3.7 | 7.3 | 6.4 | 10.8 | 7.3 | 2.9 |
| | Health and social work | 6.1 | 11.3 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 9.6 | 4.3 | 5.9 |
| | Other community, social and personal service activities | 13.4 | -3.4 | 3.3 | 19.5 | 9.4 | 12.7 | 11.8 | 8.6 |
| | | % | |||||||
| Composition of GDP by ISIC division | | | | | | | | ||
| Agriculture and forestry | 35.4 | 34.7 | 33.1 | 32.1 | 31.2 | 32.5 | 34.6 | 35.3 | |
| Fishery | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | |
| Mining and quarrying | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |
| Manufacturing | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.6 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.0 | 6.4 | 6.1 | |
| Electricity, gas, and water | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.2 | |
| Construction | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 6.8 | 6.5 | 6.8 | |
| Services | 46.8 | 47.7 | 49.7 | 50.9 | 51.5 | 51.2 | 50.1 | 49.8 | |
| | Wholesale and retail sale | 15.3 | 14.1 | 14.3 | 13.3 | 13.5 | 13.2 | 13.3 | 13.8 |
| | Hotels and restaurants | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
| | Transport, storage, and communication | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 10.0 | 9.9 | 9.9 | 8.7 | 8.2 |
| | Financial intermediation | 2.7 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| | Real estate, renting and business activities | 7.7 | 8.7 | 9.5 | 10.2 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| | Public administration and defence | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| | Education | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.4 |
| | Health and social work | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| | Other community, social and personal service activities | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
a Estimates.
Source: Ministry of Finance (2011b), Economic Survey Fiscal Year 2010/11, Statistical Tables Vol. II, Tables 1.4 and 1.5; and information provided by Nepal Rastra Bank.
22. A major challenge for the economy is its energy crisis. Nepal has abundant hydropower resources but has been unable to use them. Electricity shortages affect all sectors of the economy, and have led to the deterioration of Nepal's overall productivity. The Government's current priority is to produce and supply enough electricity to meet demand, by increasing the level of investment in this area and rapidly developing hydropower.
23. Despite these obstacles, the ongoing restructuring process continues to seek to reduce the country's reliance on agricultural output in favour of production in both industry and services. The Government adopted measures to liberalize Nepal's investment regime to create a better business environment
(ii) Investment
24. Nepal's FDI inflows have been very limited (Table I.4), mainly due to political instability and the related weak infrastructure, power shortages, poor labour relations, and the relatively high cost of doing business. As a result, Nepal ranked 133rd out of 141 economies in 2009 (136th in 2008) in UNCTAD's Inward FDI Performance Index; and 140th in the Inward FDI Potential Index in 2008 (139th in 2007).
Table I.4
Overview of foreign direct investment, selected years
(US$ million and %)
| | 1995-2004 (annual average) | 2005-2007 (annual average) | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | (%) of gross fixed capital formation | |
| 1995-2004 | 2010 | ||||||
| FDI flows inward | 9 | 1 | 1 | 39 | 39 | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| | 1995 | 2000 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | (%) of GDP | |
| 1995 | 2010 | ||||||
| FDI stocks inward | 14 | 72 | 127 | 166 | 205 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
Source: UNCTAD (2011), World Investment Report 2011, Country Fact Sheets – Nepal, New York and Geneva.
25. Doing business in Nepal is relatively difficult, and Nepal ranks 116th (out of 178 economies) in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2011 Index (112th in 2010). It takes on average 31 days to start a business, 424 days to obtain construction permits, 735 days to enforce a contract, and 5 years to close a business. The costs of key inputs, such as telecommunication and transportation costs (Chapter IV) are also high. On the other hand, Nepal's performance is moderate in areas such as protecting investors (74th), and getting credit (89th), and ranks quite high in registering property (25th out of 178 economies).
(2) Outlook
26. According to the IMF, Nepal's real GDP growth rate is expected to be 3.5% for 2011 (compared with 4.6% for 2010), with an inflation rate of 9.5%, and a current account deficit of 0.9% of GDP. The Government estimated a real GDP growth rate of 3.5% for FY2010/11, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated real GDP growth for FY2011 at 3.8%, to increase to 4.0% in FY2012. The ADB attributes the lower growth rate in FY2011 mainly to the protracted post-conflict transition process, but a modest pickup is foreseen in FY2012, supported by tourism and a more active construction sector.
27. Recognizing the role of trade in economic growth, the Government released a new trade policy in 2009 and a new industrial policy in 2010. The new trade policy aims at making exports competitive, pursuing product development, export promotion, and trade facilitation measures. The new industrial policy aims at promoting industrial activity and increasing its contribution to GDP, by improving Nepal's investment environment and promoting SMEs (Chapter IV(2)(ii)). The Government believes that trade can generate positive effects on resource mobilization, economic development, and poverty reduction. However, whether Nepal can achieve these objectives, depends to a large extent on its political situation and whether the Government can handle the domestic supply‑side constraints. With continued law and order problems, strikes, and uncertainty about private property, business confidence is expected to remain low, and infrastructure bottlenecks will remain. The authorities state that, as a country under transition, the Government is trying to address these issues, and to complete the transition process as soon as possible.
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