Government launches first national strategy to grow service exports

The government has introduced Nepal's first National Integrated Strategy on Trade in Services, aiming to make the country's services sector a major source of exports, investment and long-term economic growth.

Approved by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on July 15, the strategy comes as the services sector contributes more than 62% of the country’s GDP, making it the country's largest economic sector.

The new plan focuses on seven priority sectors: tourism, information technology (IT), financial services, construction, energy, education and health. In line with the strategy, the government will be introducing reforms in these areas to improve Nepal's competitiveness in international markets and attract more investment.

Nepal has been importing more services than it exports in recent years. In the fiscal year 2024/25, the country exported services worth NRs 238.66 billion while importing NRs 329.60 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of NRs 90.94 billion. The government expects the new strategy to help reduce this gap.

The strategy also highlights the growing importance of digital and knowledge-based services such as software development, mobile app creation, graphic design, digital marketing, business process outsourcing (BPO), data processing and freelancing. 

Key plans by sector

• Tourism: Develop priority infrastructure projects, attract local and foreign investment, improve service quality and strengthen regulation.
• Information Technology: Digitise licensing systems, upgrade IT parks, expand fibre-optic networks and data centres, promote software exports, and market Nepal's IT industry internationally.
• Financial Services: Expand cross-border digital payments, improve remittance services, support Nepali fintech companies abroad and strengthen regional banking cooperation.
• Construction: Help Nepali companies win international contracts by simplifying payment systems, easing equipment exports and promoting contractors overseas.
• Energy: Increase electricity exports, expand cross-border power trade and attract more foreign investment in the energy sector.
• Education: Simplify student visa procedures, expand scholarships, promote the "Study in Nepal" campaign and develop online education services.
• Health: Promote Nepal as a destination for medical and wellness tourism, strengthen partnerships with international healthcare institutions and expand global promotion of Nepal's health services.

According to the ministry, it is the first time multiple service industries have been brought together under a single national strategy, with the goal of making services a stronger driver of Nepal's economy and export growth.