Nepal's LDC graduation
Nepal's path out of the UN's least developed country group, from first meeting the criteria to its request for more time.
Nepal was included in the UN list of least developed countries.
UN DESAAt the Committee for Development Policy's triennial review, Nepal met the criteria for graduation from the LDC category for the first time.
UN-OHRLLSNepal met the criteria for a second time, but the committee did not recommend graduation, citing concerns about the sustainability of its progress, and deferred its decision to 2021. Nepal had asked for a deferral while it recovered from the 2015 earthquake.
UN-OHRLLSThe committee recommended Nepal's graduation with a five-year preparatory period, longer than the usual three because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UNThe UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a resolution endorsing the recommendation that Nepal graduate.
UN General Assembly, A/RES/76/8The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 76/8, giving Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Nepal a five-year preparatory period before graduation on an exceptional basis.
UN General Assembly, A/RES/76/8The EU ambassador to Nepal said that after graduating in 2026, Nepal would keep full Everything But Arms access for a three-year transition period ending in 2029.
The Himalayan TimesThe National Planning Commission published Nepal's LDC Graduation Smooth Transition Strategy.
UN LDC PortalThe EU delegation said duty-free access under Everything But Arms would end after the three-year transition, and that GSP+ would require an application and the ratification and implementation of international conventions.
EU Delegation to NepalThe UN list of least developed countries gave 24 November 2026 as the scheduled graduation date for Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Nepal.
UN DESANepal wrote to the chair of the Committee for Development Policy asking for graduation to be postponed to November 2029, citing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and their effect on remittances.
The Kathmandu PostECOSOC recommended by consensus that the General Assembly decide before 24 November 2026 on requests from Bangladesh and Nepal for a three-year extension of their preparatory period.
The Daily StarA Bangladeshi official said a General Assembly decision on the deferral requests from Bangladesh and Nepal was likely in October or early November.
The Financial Express (Bangladesh)
How this timeline was made: compiled by The Standard’s desk with AI assistance from the sources linked under each event, and checked against them. Allegations are allegations; an arrest or charge is not a finding of guilt. Spotted an error? Write to [email protected].
Our reporting
LDC graduation: what Nepal's exporters stand to lose, and when
Nepal is due to leave the UN's least developed country group on 24 November and has asked to wait until 2029. Here is what changes in Europe, Britain and beyond, for whom, and on what timetable.
A delay in LDC graduation is not a reprieve for Nepali business
Whether Nepal graduates next month or in 2029, its exporters will keep their access to rich markets only by meeting standards most have not yet tried to meet.
India's EU trade deal nears signature, and Nepal's export edge in Europe shrinks with it
Indian garments, carpets and pashmina are set to enter the EU duty-free from as early as 2027, wiping out the tariff margin that has kept Nepal's small European trade alive.