Economic growth has rebounded strongly in Nepal, reaching 7.5% in fiscal year 2017, the highest rate since 1994, according to the World Bank’s latest Nepal Development Update. The reasons are one of the best monsoons in recent years, increased electricity availability and investment as earthquake reconstruction. This follows a 14-year low of 0.4% growth last year due to the Indian blockade. Rice production this year grew to 4.2 million tons, and 100MW of new hydropower capacity was added. Tourism also reached pre-crisis levels in autumn 2016, and remittances have grown. However, imports have grown while exports remain sluggish and the trade deficit with India continues to rise. While remittances increase, albeit at a slower pace, external sector pressures are building.
Redmi Note 4
Xiomi has launched the Redmi Note 4SD in Nepal. It has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD FHD display, metal body, 13MP rear camera, and 5MP front camera with MIUI 8 based on Android v6.0.1 Marshmallow. The smartphone is priced at Rs 28,499. Pre-booking offer is available until 12 May. www.xiaominepal.com/booking
HTC smartphones
Generation Next Communications Pvt Ltd, the authorised distributer for HTC Smartphone in Nepal, has launched its much awaited new models: HTC U Play, HTC One X9 and HTC Desire 825. HTC U Play is priced Rs. 49,999, HTC One X9 - Rs. 28,600 and HTC Desire 825 -Rs. 18,900. Customers will get a 1-year warranty on all HTC products.
Deluxe whiskey
Allied Blenders and Distillers Pvt. Ltd (ABD) has launched its deluxe whisky brand, Officer’s Choice Blue, in Nepal. Officer’s Choice Blue, a premium variant of Officer’s Choice, is a unique blend of Scotch malts and select grain spirits.
TK’s laptop service
Turkish Airlines has now started offering its business class passengers the use of laptops on its US-bound flights. Passengers who deliver their personal laptop to authorised TK staff before the flight can use it during the journey. The same service will be available on the airline’s UK bound flights from 12 May 2017.
New FIFA partner
Qatar Airways has announced that it will be the Official Partner and Official Airline of FIFA, with a contract extending to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. As an Official Partner of FIFA, the airline will have extensive marketing and branding rights at the next two World Cups.
Winning golfers
The first ever Carlsberg Golf Series was held on 6 May at Gokarna Forest Resort. In the event contested by 88 golfers, Ang Dorjee Sherpa and Wang Chen Dhondup emerged as Nett and Gross winners. The remaining two of the three-series tournament will happen in August and October.
LED Lounge
SYSKA LED, an SSK Group brand, has inaugurated its biggest LED showroom in Kathmandu. The flagship store will offer advanced lighting design solutions for residential, commercial, outdoor and industrial lighting. Some of the products on display are large LED ceiling lights, compact LED ceiling lights, LED garden luminaries and wall scones.