KATHMANDU : Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Anjan Shrestha has accused the government of treating the automobile sector mainly as a source of revenue.
Speaking at the inauguration of NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026 on Tuesday, Shrestha said the government has failed to recognize vehicles as essential means of transportation.
He said the number of vehicles in Kathmandu has increased significantly over the past 25 years. However, road infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace.
“How many vehicles were there in Kathmandu 25 years ago? The number has increased significantly today, but road expansion has not kept pace,” he said.
Shrestha also criticized the government for taking decisions without adequate consultation with automobile businesses.
“Every time a new government comes in, there is an unusual decision. The current government has stopped the registration of public transport vehicles,” he said.
He urged automobile businesses to invest in vehicle assembly plants in Nepal. He said more companies should establish assembly units in the country.
Currently, Hyundai is the only four-wheeler brand with an assembly plant in Nepal, he said.
