Author(s): Publish date: 02.04.2026, 10:53 | Creation date: 02.04.2026, 10:53 | Update date: 02.04.2026, 10:53

Swarnim Wagle in office

Incoming Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has hit the ground running by cancelling 15 laws as his first act in office, deeming them obstacles to economic growth. The laws concerned those fostering black market, private forest nationalisation, foreign investment restrictions, export smuggling, and revenue leakage. These reforms aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make the sector friendly to the private sector.

Nepal’s private sector has responded positively to the government’s 100-point Good Governance Blueprint, especially the energy export strategy, the commitment to fight corruption, and the repealing of outdated laws. The Blueprint also aims to integrate AI into the country's economy. Key initiatives include digitising budget, tax, customs, and treasury systems; a faceless tax audit, and linking taxpayer PAN numbers to NID cards.

The government also ordered the immediate shutdown of all online betting apps and websites on Tusday as part of its 100-point good governance reform program. The MoCIT issued a directive to the NTA, which has instructed all ISPs to block the sites.