दक्षिण एसियामा डिजिटल भुक्तानी विस्तारका लागि क्षेत्रीय सहकार्य आवश्यक : गभर्नर पौडेलRegional Cooperation Needed to Expand Digital Payments in South Asia: Nepal Rastra Bank Governor

Kathmandu — Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Prof. Dr. Bishwanath Poudel has emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation among South Asian countries to expand digital payment systems and make cross-border transactions more efficient.

Participating in the 49th SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Group Meeting and Symposium held in Paro, Bhutan, Governor Poudel highlighted Nepal’s progress in developing electronic payment infrastructure, expanding digital transactions and improving mechanisms for international payments.

During a panel discussion on “Advancing Regional Financial Integration through Digital Payment Connectivity and Innovation,” Governor Poudel said that cooperation among South Asian nations was essential to build secure, accessible and efficient payment networks across the region.

He shared Nepal’s recent initiatives in digital payment development, including the expansion of electronic payment systems and efforts to facilitate cross-border transactions.

The meeting also discussed the challenges and opportunities related to improving interoperability among payment systems of South Asian countries. Nepal Rastra Bank’s Executive Director of the Payment Systems Department, Nishchal Adhikari, presented Nepal’s current status, progress and challenges in cross-border payment systems.

Governor Poudel informed participants that Nepal’s external and financial sectors remain stable. However, he noted that global geopolitical developments continue to create challenges for price stability and overall economic management.

Representatives from central banks of SAARC member countries discussed issues including financial inclusion, climate investment, sustainable development, currency swap arrangements, shared research initiatives and future areas of regional cooperation.

During the event, Governor Poudel also held a separate meeting with Bhutan’s Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji and discussed matters related to economic and financial cooperation.

SAARCFINANCE, established in 1998, serves as a platform for cooperation among central bank governors and finance secretaries of SAARC member states on macroeconomic policies, financial sector issues and mutual assistance. The organization was formally recognized during the 11th SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu in January 2002.