Empowering Economic Journalism in Nepal: ICAN and NAFIJ Host Workshop on Tax and Financial Reporting

8th January 2026, Kathmandu

In an era where accurate economic data is vital for public trust, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) and the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) have successfully conducted a specialized training session on Tax and Financial Statement Reporting.

Empowering Economic Journalism Nepal

The one-day orientation, held this Wednesday in Kathmandu, aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between complex accounting standards and public news reporting for Nepalese journalists.

Enhancing Accuracy in Nepalese Financial Media

Economic journalism in Nepal is evolving, and the need for precision has never been higher. ICAN Council Member Hem Kumar Kafle, a lead trainer at the event, emphasized that while financial statements can be intimidating, a journalist’s role is to simplify them without losing core facts.

Key Training Modules

The Tax System: Deep dive into the framework of Nepalese taxation.

Financial Statement Structure: Masterclass on reading Balance Sheets and Profit & Loss accounts.

Responsible Reporting: Strategies to avoid misinformation by verifying data before publication.

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Why Technical Training Matters for Journalists

During the event, ICAN President Nil Bahadur Saru Magar highlighted that misinterpretation of financial data can create unnecessary panic among businesses and the public.

“When journalists write based on facts and a deep understanding of the subject, it fosters a positive social impact and strengthens the overall economic system,” said Magar.

Similarly, NAFIJ President Menuka Karki reiterated that professional capacity building is the core mission of NAFIJ. By equipping journalists with these technical skills, the organization ensures that the public receives high-quality, balanced economic analysis.

Bridging the Gap: Accounting and Media

The collaboration between ICAN (the regulatory body for accounting) and NAFIJ (the common platform for economic journalists) is a strategic move to improve the transparency of financial news.

ICAN Vice President Ananda Raj Sharma Wagle noted that this synergy reduces the distance between the accounting profession and the media, leading to more “factually correct” reporting that benefits policymakers and citizens alike.

For more: Empowering Economic Journalism Nepal