Finance Minister Urges Nepal Rastra Bank to Become Partner in Economic Transformation

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has called on the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to go beyond its traditional role as a regulator and actively serve as a partner in driving Nepal's economic transformation.

Speaking during a meeting with NRB Executive Directors at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, the Finance Minister said the central bank should play a proactive role in supporting the government's reform agenda and accelerating sustainable economic growth.

He stressed that the discussion was intended to produce concrete outcomes rather than remain a routine consultation.

“Today's discussion won't be limited to formal remarks. Every issue raised here will be converted into an action plan. If necessary, we will form a joint task force, institutionalize policy coordination, and make the decision-making process more effective,” Dr. Wagle said.

Highlighting the current political momentum for reform, the Finance Minister said Nepal now has a rare opportunity to implement meaningful economic changes.

“The foundation for economic stability has been laid, and the private sector is ready to seize new opportunities. Government institutions must now move forward with the same confidence, clarity, and pace. If the government, Nepal Rastra Bank, the banking sector, and the private sector work in the same direction, Nepal's economic transformation will move from vision to implementation,” he stated.

Dr. Wagle urged NRB officials to recommend policy measures that would help translate the government's reform agenda into tangible results. He particularly sought suggestions on increasing credit flow to productive sectors of the economy.

He asked how the banking system's excess liquidity could be channelled into productive investments, industries, and employment generation, while also calling for stronger coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.

The Finance Minister also emphasized the need to strengthen digital finance, fintech, startup financing, alternative financing mechanisms, and the introduction of new financial instruments to support economic modernization.

According to Dr. Wagle, regulation should not focus solely on control but should also create an enabling environment for productive economic activities and innovation.

He encouraged policymakers to adopt a solution-oriented mindset, saying the focus should shift from asking “what is impossible” to identifying “what needs to be done to make it possible.”

Stressing the importance of policy certainty, the Finance Minister said confidence within the government and the central bank would strengthen confidence across the banking sector and private businesses, ultimately supporting higher economic growth.

He noted that the government has already begun implementing legal amendments, institutional reforms, and other policy changes, adding that similar commitment, clarity, and urgency are now expected from the monetary policy side to ensure the success of Nepal's broader economic transformation.