NAIMA delegation meets finance and transport ministers, calls for stable auto policies

KATHMANDU: A delegation from Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), led by President Ritu Singh Vaidya, recently met Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal to present policy recommendations and seek systemic reforms for the automobile sector.

During a courtesy call with Finance Minister Wagle, NAIMA submitted detailed suggestions aimed at creating a stable and predictable policy environment through stakeholder consultation. The association urged that the automobile sector be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury. It called for measures to reduce the overall tax burden, to simplify and balance the tax structure, and to facilitate finance for buyers by maintaining a hire-purchase arrangement of 80% loan and 20% down payment.

NAIMA stated that the practice of raising audit arrears after customs clearance, based on differing interpretations at the auditing level, was creating business uncertainty. The association pressed for a clear, uniform and transparent audit and customs regime. It also raised concerns about customs facilitation and the development of vehicle testing infrastructure. Meanwhile, NAIMA also asked for a review of the Transport Act, better integration of digital systems, and stronger measures on road safety and pollution control. The association urged promotion of local assembly under the 'Make in Nepal' initiative and called for long-term policy stability. It sought clear policy arrangements for electric vehicles and fair classification and treatment of hybrid vehicles according to their technological features.

Responding to the proposals, Finance Minister Wagle said, "The suggestions presented by NAIMA are highly relevant," and praised the association for bringing together the integrated issues of both importers and manufacturers. He added, "The private sector is a major pillar of the national economy. The government is positive about creating a private sector-friendly environment and is working toward making the overall tax system more balanced and practical." Minister Wagle also said the ministry would seek to include the presented suggestions in upcoming policies, programmes and the budget to the extent possible.

In a separate meeting with Transport Minister Lamsal, the NAIMA delegation discussed contemporary issues in mobility and the automobile industry. Minister Lamsal expressed gratitude for the sector's contribution to national revenue, job creation and economic activity. He said the government was taking positive initiatives to reinvest a portion of tax revenue paid by importers and manufacturers back into sector development and assured the delegation that "the actionable suggestions presented by NAIMA would move toward implementation without delay."

NAIMA is an integrated representative organisation of automobile importers and manufacturers in Nepal that works on policy reform, industry promotion and sustainable mobility. Its members contribute to national revenue, generate employment and play a role in developing a modern, safe and sustainable transport system.

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