KATHMANDU, AUGUST 25
The automobile sector contributed Rs 81 billion to government revenue last year, accounting for around 8–9 per cent of the state's total revenue, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Anjan Shrestha said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 18th NADA Auto Show 2026 in Kathmandu, Shrestha said the automobile industry should not be viewed merely as a luxury sector and called for policies to encourage domestic vehicle and spare-parts production.
He urged the government to introduce measures to boost business confidence and develop production-oriented industries that can create jobs and reduce dependence on vehicle imports.
Vice-President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, inaugurating the expo, described the automobile sector as a key pillar of the economy and called for greater use of electric vehicles over fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.
Yadav urged the government and private sector to work together to expand charging infrastructure and promote domestic automobile production, saying the sector could contribute to economic transformation and employment generation.
NADA President Surendra Kumar Upreti called for an international-standard exhibition centre in Kathmandu, saying the existing Bhrikutimandap venue lacks adequate space for displaying trucks, buses and heavy equipment.
Upreti also sought clear policies and incentives for charging infrastructure and domestic vehicle assembly, citing the growing adoption of electric vehicles in Nepal.
The auto show organised under the theme "From Industry to Employment" to mark NADA's 50th anniversary, will run until September 9.
