KATHMANDU — Ms. Sita Sharma, a distinguished figure in Nepal’s banking and financial sector, has underscored the urgent need for inclusive economic strategies that prioritize both innovation and equity. Speaking at the National Conference on Finance and Development held in Kathmandu, Ms. Sharma, who currently serves as the Chairperson of a leading commercial bank and an advisor to multiple entrepreneurial networks, emphasized that the future of Nepal’s economic growth hinges on expanding access to finance, particularly for women and marginalized communities. “True progress can only be achieved when the financial system serves all segments of society equitably,” she stated.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Ms. Sharma highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to credit, inadequate financial literacy, and societal constraints. She called for the establishment of targeted financial instruments and support mechanisms that empower women-led enterprises. “It is not enough to encourage entrepreneurship in words; we must create structural and institutional frameworks that enable women to thrive,” she said. Her remarks resonated with attendees, many of whom represented grassroots economic initiatives and policy-making institutions.
Ms. Sharma also addressed broader regulatory and strategic priorities for Nepal’s banking sector. She advocated for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation while maintaining financial discipline. Stressing the importance of robust governance, digital infrastructure, and adaptive policy-making, she remarked, “As we transition into a more technology-driven financial environment, our systems must be both forward-looking and resilient.” Her speech concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work collectively in building a more inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable financial ecosystem for Nepal.
