KATHMANDU: NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal President Surendra Upreti has urged the government to view the automobile sector not only as a source of revenue but also as a partner in expanding economic activity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 18th edition of the NADA Auto Show on Tuesday, Upreti said the automobile sector goes beyond the sale of vehicles. It is directly linked to industries, banking, insurance, employment and government revenue.
According to Upreti, the automobile sector provides more than one million direct and indirect jobs and contributes over Rs 90 billion annually to government revenue.
Upreti also called on the government to build an international-standard exhibition center in Kathmandu. He said the existing exhibition infrastructure is not sufficient to meet the needs of Nepal’s growing population and economic activities.
“Even an important exhibition venue like Bhrikutimandap is no longer sufficient for today’s needs. Due to limited space, we have not been able to properly display trucks, buses and heavy equipment,” he said.
He urged the government to speed up the plan to upgrade the Bhrikutimandap exhibition center included in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget and develop it to international standards.
Upreti said frequent changes in tax rates and policies have made it difficult for businesses to make long-term plans. He called for greater political stability.
He also said the government should change its approach of treating vehicles as luxury goods. According to him, vehicles have now become an essential part of citizens’ mobility, businesses and employment.
Upreti said the growing use of electric vehicles has created new opportunities for Nepal. He stressed the need to support vehicles being assembled in Nepal and establish a local component manufacturing industry to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
He said the automobile industry expects special incentives and support from the government for this purpose.
Upreti also called for greater focus on flyovers, underpasses, tunnels and modern transport systems while developing road infrastructure.
He further stressed the need for strict enforcement of traffic rules to reduce road accidents.
