Kathmandu – An ambitious plan has been unveiled to make Nepal’s accounting and auditing profession competitive in the global market, creating large-scale employment and foreign currency earnings through service exports. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) officially launched the ‘Global Accounting Initiative in Nepal’ (GAIN) project at a special event in the capital.
The project’s primary goal is to brand Nepal as a reliable accounting outsourcing destination, develop strategic partnerships, and create sustainable employment. GAIN aims to generate over 50,000 jobs in five years and more than 150,000 in ten years. It also plans to bring in approximately NPR 80 billion annually through service exports.
Key priorities include developing regulatory structures, building secure digital infrastructure, providing world-class workforce training, establishing outsourcing hubs, digital platforms, and incubation centers to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
ICAN President Nil Bahadur Saru Magar said, “The success shown by countries like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Philippines in outsourcing is an inspiration for Nepal. We need skill development and policy clarity to create an environment where Nepalis can provide affordable, high-quality accounting services to global companies from home. Our goal is to establish Nepal as South Asia’s outsourcing hub.”
Deputy Director Santosh Bista stated that the project covers skill development, policy reforms, infrastructure strengthening, and promoting Nepali capabilities in international markets. Plans include digital promotion targeting the UK, Australia, USA, and European Union, producing high-quality materials, and collaborating with the Nepali diaspora abroad.
The initiative also includes training on global accounting software, specialized certification programs, a national talent registration system, and outsourcing-oriented curricula. ICAN believes success will depend on policy reforms such as tax exemptions, VAT clarity, simplified foreign exchange processes, stronger data protection laws, easier branch openings abroad for Nepali firms, and faster foreign investment approvals.
If successful, the project will enable Nepali audit firms and accounting professionals to establish a strong global presence, significantly contributing to strengthening the national economy through service exports. Starting from the next fiscal year, it will proceed as a regular program and is expected to become a milestone in Nepal’s service export sector.