The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) has launched the Global Accounting Initiative (GAIN) project, an ambitious programme aimed at expanding employment and income generation by promoting the export of accounting and audit-related services, according to a report by The Rising Nepal.
The initiative is designed to strengthen Nepal’s competitiveness in international markets by positioning accounting and audit services as a key export sector. ICAN estimates that the project will generate around 50,000 jobs annually over the next five years, with a longer-term target of 150,000 jobs over the next decade.
GAIN also targets annual service export revenues of approximately NRs80 billion (around $555 million). To achieve this, the project focuses on building the regulatory and institutional frameworks required for large-scale accounting outsourcing, developing secure digital infrastructure, and training professionals to meet international standards while ensuring consistent service quality.
The initiative includes measures to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, such as the creation of outsourcing hubs, digital platforms, and incubation centres to support new ventures in the accounting services space.
For market development, ICAN plans targeted digital outreach programmes in key international markets including the UK, Australia, the EU, and the US. The organisation also intends to leverage Nepali diaspora networks to expand access to global opportunities.
In parallel, the project is expected to support policy reforms, including tax exemptions, clearer VAT rules, simplified foreign exchange procedures, and stronger data protection regulations. These changes are also intended to facilitate Nepali firms opening branches overseas and to accelerate foreign investment approvals.
ICAN President Nil Bahadur Saru Magar said the GAIN project will be implemented as a continuous programme beginning in the next fiscal year. He noted that Nepal has strong potential to compete globally, particularly as countries such as India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Philippines have already demonstrated success in exporting professional services.
