The Government of Nepal, as per a decision of 14 May 2025, has appointed Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Chair Emeritus, SAWTEE, as a member of a committee that will recommend names for the position of the governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank.

Mr. Madhu Marasini, Senior Fellow, SAWTEE, spoke at the webinar titled “Assessing the Impact of Foreign Aid Reduction in Nepal: Challenges, Transitions, and the Way Forward,” organized by the International Development Institute. He shared his views on Nepal’s evolving development financing landscape, the implications of declining foreign aid, and potential policy responses.

Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director,  SAWTEE, participated as a Special Guest, delivered the Keynote Address, and chaired a session at the 1st International Conference on Social Sciences, held on 14–15 May at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Bangladesh. The conference was organized under the theme "Social Science Today and Sustainable Development: Trends, Dilemmas, and Opportunities."

SAWTEE’s Executive Director, Dr. Paras Kharel, provided inputs in a roundtable discussion organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal in Kathmandu on 30 April 2025 on the free trade area under negotiation at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

SAWTEE research officers Mr. Aayush Poudel and Mr. Rupesh Tha have contributed articles to the special 70th anniversary issue of Nepal Rastra Bank’s publication.

Mr. Tha’s article, "Unlocking Nepal’s Export Potential in the Chinese Market," and Mr. Poudel’s article, "Nepal’s Trade Landscape and LDC Graduation: A Case of the European Union and United Kingdom," were featured in the issue.

Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director, SAWTEE’s has been featured on the Ani Aba Podcast, where he discussed critical issues shaping Nepal’s economic landscape.

The conversation delved into the implications of Nepal’s upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, the country’s export potential, and the impact of the United States’ reciprocal tariff policies. Dr. Kharel also shared thoughtful perspectives on the broader economic challenges and opportunities facing Nepal.

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SAWTEE, in partnership with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), organized a roundtable discussion titled "Navigating Nepal–US Trade in Uncertain Times" on 21 April 2025 at KUSOM, in conjunction with the release of an issue note, Decoding US’ Reciprocal Tariffs: A Nepali Perspective. The discussion fostered dialogue on potential policy responses and collaborative strategies to manage emerging trade dynamics.

The US Administration’s reciprocal tariffs announced on 2 April affect virtually all countries. The universal 10 percent tariff hike has already come into effect and the additional hike for countries other than China has been put on a 90-day pause. The road ahead is full of uncertainties—there are doubts about how, or whether, the reciprocal tariff scheme will continue. However, one thing seems certain: the international trade landscape is undergoing a profound change. Against this background, SAWTEE’s issue note, authored by Dr. Paras Kharel and Mr. Kshitiz Dahal, examines the US’s reciprocal tariffs from Nepal’s perspective.

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At the request of the International Labour Organisation, and the Garment Association of Nepal, Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director, SAWTEE, delivered a presentation on implications of LDC graduation for Nepal’s textiles and clothing sector at GAN office, Kathmandu on 17 April 2025. The participants included office-bearers of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and GAN, garment exporters and ILO representatives.

SAWTEE welcomed Mr. Madhu Marasini as Senior Fellow, SAWTEE, on 11 April 2025. Mr. Marasini brings in over three decades of rich experience in policymaking, having served in various Nepal government agencies in different capacities, culminating in his roles as Commerce Secretary, Finance Secretary and Member-Secretary, National Planning Commission. He has also served as Advisor to the Executive Director, the World Bank, Washington, D.C., and as Nepal’s Consul General in New York. He has a Master’s Degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University.