Geneva, 19 November 2025 – On 17 and 19 November, the Third Trade Policy Review of Nepal was held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization under the chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO and Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body.

The delegation of Nepal, led by Mr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, presented updates on the country’s economic reform agenda. Despite global challenges, Nepal has sustained economic growth, continued to reduce poverty and updated key strategic documents, including the Trade Policy 2025 and the National Trade Integration Strategy 2023.

Progress was noted in customs digitalization through ASYCUDA World and the National Single Window, improvement of the investment climate, and modernization of transport infrastructure. Particular attention was given to advances in the hydropower sector, including the 2024 trilateral agreement with India and Bangladesh on electricity exports, as well as the ratification of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

WTO Members praised Nepal’s strong commitment to the multilateral trading system and its efforts to enhance transparency and facilitate trade. At the same time, they highlighted continuing challenges such as limited export diversification, high logistical costs and structural constraints linked to the country’s landlocked geography. Delegations expressed their support for Nepal’s smooth and sustainable graduation from LDC status in 2026.

In closing the proceedings, Chair Kairat Torebayev thanked Nepal and Members for their substantive engagement and high level of transparency during the review, emphasizing the importance of ongoing reforms for the country’s long-term sustainable development.

Trade Policy Reviews play an essential role in strengthening the transparency and predictability of WTO Members’ trade regimes and support further integration into the global trading system. The next Review under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will be held on 25-27 November 2025 and will cover the Trade Policy Review of Tunisia.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1108133?lang=kk