Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal received foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments worth Rs 39.23 billion for 475 projects in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
According to the Department of Industry, total commitments received in the review period were were 52.23% more than what the country received in the same period of the previous fsical year. Between mid-July and mid-January of the last fiscal year, Nepal received FDI commitments worth Rs 25.77 billion for 354 projects.
Of the total commitment in the first half of 2025/26, Rs 2.81 billion came through the automatic route, while the bulk—Rs 36.43 billion—was approved through the regular approval route.
These ventures have committed to creating 20,122 new jobs.
In the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January) alone, Nepal secured FDI commitments worth Rs 599.5 million for 36 projects. These projects have pledged to create 526 new jobs.
The government also okayed 32 share purchase and share subscription agreements with a total commitment amount of Rs 3.99 billion during the period. In addition, 31 Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) approvals were recorded over the past six months.
FDI approved during the period shows a sharp concentration in the ICT and tourism sectors, both in terms of project numbers and investment priorities. Of the 475 FDI projects approved, the ICT sector accounted for the largest share with 257 projects. However, ICT projects attracted a relatively modest Rs 1.08 billion in total commitments.
The tourism sector emerged as the second-largest investment sector by number of projects, with 145 approvals, but ranked second in terms of investment value, with tourism-related projects securing Rs 10.54 billion in foreign investment commitments. The agro and forestry-based sector received approvals for 13 projects, but attracted a substantial Rs 21.89 billion—the highest commitment amount during the period.
The service sector recorded 31 projects with a combined commitment of Rs 3.47 billion, while the manufacturing sector saw 27 projects approved with total commitments of Rs 2.03 billion.
The energy sector attracted Rs 184.25 million in foreign investment in a project. The Mineral sector also attracted one project with a commitment of Rs 45 million.
