Feen Electro Tech 2026: NCC president urges shift to electricity- and technology-based economy

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal has urged a shift towards an electricity- and technology-based economy. He said such a move is essential for the country’s industrial transformation and economic growth.

Speaking at the inauguration of 'Feen Electro Tech 2026', organised by the Federation of Electrical Entrepreneurs of Nepal (FEEN) in Kathmandu on Friday, Agrawal said the international exhibition will raise collaboration in technology, energy and industry in Nepal. He called the event more than a commercial fair, characterising it as a campaign for innovation, eco-friendly development and the creation of a green economy.

Agrawal said the exhibition will enable entrepreneurs, manufacturers and service providers in the electrical and electronics sectors to exchange information, experience and technology, and that bringing national and international participants together will expand economic ties.

He argued that events of this kind can help narrow the gap between production capacity and market opportunities and contribute to meeting Nepal’s economic growth targets. Agrawal noted that such activities could play a significant role in achieving the government’s goal of 7% growth.

Highlighting the country’s low energy use, NCC President Agrawal pointed to annual per capita electricity consumption figures of about 1,500 kilowatt-hours in India and 7,100 kilowatt-hours in China, compared with roughly 465 kilowatt-hours in Nepal. He said the disparity underscores a large gap between energy utilisation and industrial development in Nepal and stressed that expanding electricity consumption and energy use is fundamental to economic transformation.

Agrawal also raised concerns about the current maximum retail price (MRP) system, saying mandatory MRP labelling at the customs point has created practical difficulties for businesses as multiple types of goods often arrive in a single container. He added that customs infrastructure remains underdeveloped, placing unnecessary pressure on traders and calling for reform to promote competition and market expansion, which would also benefit consumers.

He expressed confidence that the exhibition will help develop Nepal as a hub for technology, energy and innovation.