NAIMA launched with vision of 'Empowering Growth through Mobility'; 'Nepal Mobility Expo' announced for Aug 6-10

KATHMANDU: Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) officially launched on Wednesday with the message, 'Empowering Growth through Mobility.'

The event, held in Kathmandu, brought together industry leaders, policy influencers, and stakeholders from the automobile and mobility sector.

The event was chaired by Ritu Singh Vaidya, the first chairperson of NAIMA and the first woman to hold this position in Nepal's automotive sector. In her keynote speech, Vaidya outlined the association's vision, mission, and five foundational pillars. She stated that NAIMA serves as a unified platform for representation, strategic collaboration, development, and advocacy for the collective voice of Nepal's mobility sector at both national and international levels.

NAIMA's mission focuses on driving progress through strategic advocacy, innovation support, and collaboration. The association aims to work with government bodies, the private sector, and civil society to shape an automotive ecosystem that ensures "Mobility for All." Vaidya added that the association seeks to advocate for progressive policies, enable sustainable innovations, empower consumers through education and awareness, champion road safety and infrastructure development, foster workforce excellence, and promote a collaborative ecosystem.

NAIMA is based on five foundational pillars: mobility solutions for all, safety and infrastructural enhancement, policy and regulatory advocacy, human capital and industry best practices, and consumer empowerment and shared mobility. Vaidya emphasised that NAIMA is Nepal's first non-politically aligned association, built on principles of voluntary leadership and unanimous participation, with a commitment to consensus-based decision-making instead of elections.

During the event, Vaidya introduced the founding board members, including Suhrid Raj Ghimire, Shekhar Golchha, Cabinet Shrestha, Saurabh Jyoti, Sandeep Kumar Sharda, Nirakar Shrestha, Yamuna Shrestha, Nikunj Agrawal, Hemant Golchha, and Udayan Kabra, underscoring their shared dedication to steering the organisation with integrity and collaboration.

A highlight of the programme was the official announcement of the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025, which is expected to become Nepal's largest mobility exhibition. Gaurav Sharda, a member of the NAIMA auto show committee, unveiled the expo's logo and announced the dates of the event, set for 6–10 August 2025 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. Sharda introduced Media Space Solutions as the event manager and presented details about the exhibitors, thematic zones, and registration process. The Nepal Mobility Expo aims to showcase innovative mobility solutions and highlight the evolving mobility culture in Nepal.

The programme concluded with remarks by founding board member Suhrid Raj Ghimire, who expressed gratitude and stated that the launch marks a new beginning.

Speaking to Business 360, Saurabh Jyoti outlined NAIMA's goals, including promoting growth through sustainable policies that safeguard the interests of importers and manufacturers, integrating assembly industries to foster self-reliance in automobile manufacturing, and facilitating the adoption of clean energy vehicles such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles through collaboration with policymakers and the government.

NAIMA's vision focuses on reforming infrastructure, traffic regulations, safety standards, and policies to enhance mobility for all.