चक्रीय अर्थतन्त्रबाट ८ लाखसम्म रोजगारी सम्भव Circular Economy Could Generate Up to 800,000 Jobs, Experts Estimate

Kathmandu — Amid the growing exodus of young people into foreign employment and a domestic jobs crisis, the idea of building a "circular economy" as a foundation for Nepal's sustainable development and job creation has gained traction. According to estimates, adopting this model could generate roughly 400,000 to 800,000 new jobs in the country.

The circular economy replaces the conventional "take–make–dispose" system with one that maximizes the use of resources, minimizes waste, and returns used goods back into the economic cycle. For a country like Nepal — with limited resources and environmental sensitivity — experts say this model is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity.

The estimate is grounded in sector-specific potential. Waste collection, sorting, and recycling alone could create 150,000 to 200,000 jobs; converting organic waste into compost fertilizer another 100,000 to 150,000; biogas and renewable energy 50,000 to 100,000; and the repair and reuse industry a further 50,000 to 100,000. Green construction and "zero-waste tourism" could add even more.

According to the International Labour Organization, expanding circular-economy-related activities could create around 20 million new jobs worldwide. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has likewise shown a 5 to 10 percent rise in employment in economies that adopt the model.

Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has pledged in its manifesto to create 1.2 million jobs. While the circular economy alone may not be enough to meet that target, experts say it could form an important foundation if pursued alongside infrastructure development, industrialization, and the digital economy.

However, experts stress that policy reform is essential to turn this potential into reality. They note that Nepal still lacks a dedicated national circular economy policy, that government incentives for recycling and repair industries remain minimal, and that policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) have yet to be implemented. They also recommend skills development, empowering local governments, and applying green standards in public procurement.

The government's recent budget has removed the tax previously levied on waste and scrap materials, which is expected to offer some relief to the sector. But the main challenge, observers conclude, is not merely drafting policy — it is effective implementation backed by transparency, monitoring, and accountability.