This Selected Issues paper highlights that progress on structural reforms in Nepal stalled during 1994/95 while economic performance deteriorated. Real GDP slowed as agriculture output was depressed by a less favorable monsoon, and exports declined as both the carpet and garment sectors...

Over the past several years, Nepal has pursued a prudent fiscal policy, which has resulted in a significant reduction of public debt as a percentage of GDP. This paper reexamines the fiscal stance in Nepal in light of recent developments. The optimal level of the fiscal deficit is constrained by...

The rapid growth of the financial system presents a number of challenges to maintaining financial stability in Nepal. There has been a rapid growth of the banking sector over the last few years. State-owned institutions continue to dominate the banking system. Equity market capitalization has...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

Examines effects of the 2008-09 financial downturn on all workers with particular attention to low-income older workers who stand to suffer the most, often retiring early because of lack of work; discusses the real effects of the stock market decline, falling house prices, and stagnant job...

Explores issues in financing retirement, from fundamental changes in types of pension plans offered to pension funds' investment strategies following the global financial crisis. Focuses in particular on the adequacy of individuals' and institutions' plans in the face of increasing life...