Kathmandu, May 29 -- The government has introduced a 10-year income tax exemption for new cinema halls established outside metropolitan and sub-metropolitan areas, a move that has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the film industry.

Presenting the budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament on Friday, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the measure falls under the "investment promotion and protection" framework aimed at encouraging private sector participation in expanding cultural infrastructure.

"I have made a provision for full income tax exemption for 10 years for those establishing new cinema halls outside metropolitan and sub-metropolitan areas," Wagle said during the budget speech.

The announcement has generated optimism ...