NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 draws over 29,000 visitors on opening day

KATHMANDU: Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) inaugurated the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 at a special event held at the Blue Pavilion Auditorium Hall at the Nepal Police Club. The expo will run until August 16.

NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya said the expo is not merely a venue for buying and selling vehicles but a shared platform bringing together the entire mobility ecosystem. She said that frequent policy changes create uncertainty among entrepreneurs, posing challenges in attracting new investment, and urged the government to modify policies only after thorough consultations with the private sector and relevant stakeholders.

Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki opined that businesspeople should not focus solely on selling vehicles but should also fulfil their corporate social responsibility regarding road safety. He emphasised that vehicle brands must place strong emphasis on after-sales service.

Anjan Shrestha, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said the government has long viewed the automobile sector merely as a source of revenue and advised treating the sector as a necessity rather than a luxury. He pointed out that Nepal enforces some of the highest customs tariff rates in the world on automobiles and recommended maintaining a consistent policy for electric vehicles. He added that the private sector is ready to invest, but the government must create an enabling environment.

Birendra Raj Pandey, President of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), said the automotive sector is one of the major contributors to government revenue and should be given high priority. He expressed confidence that investments in the transport sector and its sustainable development would significantly contribute to the country’s economy.

Kamlesh Agrawal, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, said mobility is no longer just a matter of transport but is directly linked to the country’s economic prosperity. He presented statistics showing the mobility sector contributes approximately 7% to Nepal’s GDP and noted the sector’s links with banking, insurance, tourism, construction and information technology, arguing it should be recognised as an engine of economic growth.

The inaugural session witnessed senior government officials, representatives from diplomatic missions, officials from prominent organisations, board members and member institutions of NAIMA, exhibition partners and organisations associated with the auto sector in attendance.

On the first day, various brands launched 48 new vehicle models and over 29,000 visitors attended the expo. Around 150,000 visitors are expected throughout the event.

A panel discussion titled 'Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mobilising Fuel for Economic Growth' was held on the opening day. Facilitated by former banker Anil Keshary Shah, the panel featured Dr Satyendra Timilsina, Executive Director and Head of the Economic Research Department at Nepal Rastra Bank; Tim Gocher, Chairman of Dolma Foundation; Manoj Gyawali, Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank; and NAIMA President Vaidya. Over 300 participants attended Tuesday’s Learning Session alone.

Throughout the expo, programmes such as learning sessions, policy dialogues and industry interactions led by domestic and international experts will be conducted. Grandee International Hospital delivered a presentation on Basic Life Support and immediate care after road traffic accidents.

The expo features significant participation from domestic and multinational vehicle manufacturers and importers. Key attractions include brands entering Nepal for the first time and new models of electric cars, e-scooters and electric commercial vehicles. Banks, financial institutions and insurance companies are offering special deals and subsidised loans for vehicle purchases at the venue.