Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel: New Governor Nepal Rastra Bank, Economist to Lead NRB
20th May 2025, Kathmandu
Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel has been appointed as the 18th Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The cabinet meeting held on Tuesday evening at Baluwatar decided to end the month-long vacancy by naming Dr. Poudel to the top post of the central bank.
Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel
His appointment follows the recommendation of the Governor Selection Committee. Dr. Poudel is recognized as one of Nepal’s most respected economists and is expected to bring strong leadership to the central bank during this crucial time.
Strong Academic Background
Dr. Poudel’s educational journey spans three countries. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Shanghai, China. Then, he moved to the U.S., where he earned a Master’s in Economics and later a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. His Ph.D. work focused on agrarian economies, offering insights that align closely with Nepal’s economic structure.
His diverse academic exposure—China, the U.S., and Nepal—gave him a global perspective. This background has played a key role in shaping his views on Nepal’s development, policy reforms, and economic transformation.
Key Roles in National and Global Institutions
Before entering policy-level roles, Dr. Poudel worked in various influential organizations. He served as a Director at Sanima Bank from 2012 to 2013. He contributed to the bank’s corporate governance and strategy. Later, he joined the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Nepal Office, where he worked on infrastructure and growth-focused projects.
His experience includes advisory roles at the World Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO). At the ILO, he focused on labor economics and employment strategies. These roles strengthened his expertise in international development and fiscal policy.
Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission
Dr. Poudel’s most high-profile public position came in July 2021. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) during Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s term. The appointment reflected both his economic knowledge and political proximity to the Deuba family.
As NPC Vice Chair, he emphasized data-driven development. He worked to strengthen the Central Bureau of Statistics and advocated for increased domestic production, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. His policy direction aimed at reducing Nepal’s dependency on imports and creating a productive, self-reliant economy.
Vision for Domestic Growth
Dr. Poudel consistently pushed for increased investment in local manufacturing. In forums and public speeches, he urged Nepal to shift from being an import-heavy economy to a production-oriented one. His focus areas included medicine, food processing, and renewable energy.
He also emphasized fiscal responsibility and urged reforms in tax systems and public expenditure. His vision supported sustainable growth and institutional resilience.
Scholar of Global Economic Models
Dr. Poudel has studied both Chinese and American economic models closely. His experience in China and the U.S. gives him a unique comparative view. He believes Nepal can take lessons from both China’s focus on industrialization and America’s emphasis on innovation.
This understanding helps him propose hybrid strategies suited to Nepal’s sociopolitical environment. He uses this comparative insight to shape economic policies that combine global learning with local needs.
Influence in Academia
Dr. Poudel is also an academic. He worked as a Visiting Associate Professor at Kathmandu University School of Management. There, he guided graduate students and delivered lectures on economic history, policy, and resource management. His role as an educator keeps him connected to emerging thinkers and the academic discourse.
He has published articles and opinion pieces on topics like fiscal federalism, trade imbalance, and public sector inefficiencies. His writings often appear in major national media outlets.
Political Ties and Trust
Dr. Poudel’s rise also reflects strong trust from political leaders. He has close ties with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba. This relationship played a role in his past appointment to the NPC and his current appointment as NRB Governor.
He also served on the Board of Trustees at Ullens School in Lalitpur from 2019 to 2021. The school is linked with the Deuba family, adding to his network of influence in education and social sectors.
Appointment as NRB Governor
After the completion of Maha Prasad Adhikari’s five-year term in April, the Governor position remained vacant for over a month. Political parties failed to reach a consensus on the next candidate, despite several names being discussed.
Eventually, Prime Minister Deuba and coalition leaders agreed on Dr. Poudel. As a member of the recommendation committee, his name gained traction after being seen as a balanced and competent choice. His academic credibility and political trust helped finalize the decision.
Conclusion
Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel brings a rare combination of academic excellence, policy experience, and political confidence to his new role. His global education, strategic vision, and leadership in national planning make him a strong fit for the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank.
Whether in government corridors, classrooms, or public debates, Dr. Poudel has made a lasting mark. His appointment signals a push toward evidence-based economic governance in Nepal. Now, as Governor, he faces the challenge of stabilizing Nepal’s economy and guiding the financial system with clarity, resilience, and a reform-oriented vision.
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