The Foreign Employment Saving Bond 2086 (A), worth Rs 500 million, recorded sales of just over 10 percent by Sunday, December 29, the final day for subscription.  

According to the state-owned news agency RSS, total sales amounted to Rs 50.42 million. Issued by the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) in November-end, the bond offers an 8.5 percent interest rate, paid semi-annually.  

In contrast, the Citizen Saving Bond 2086 (A), valued at Rs 2 billion and offering a lower interest rate of 7.5 percent, was fully subscribed, confirmed Mukunda Pokharel, Spokesperson at PDMO.  

Despite its introduction 15 years ago to channel remittance funds into government-backed investments, the Foreign Employment Saving Bonds continue to be underutilized.  

A study by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) highlighted several factors contributing to the weak demand, including inadequate publicity, a cumbersome purchasing process, and limited awareness of the secondary market. Officials stress that these bonds are a secure investment option, but the lack of outreach has discouraged potential investors.  

(With inputs from RSS)