Kathmandu – Ritu Singh Vaidya, President of the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), has emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the automobile and mobility sector, citing its significant contribution to Nepal’s economic growth.
Speaking at the opening session of the NAIMA Mobility Expo, which began on Wednesday in Kathmandu, Vaidya highlighted that the sector alone has created around 4.7 percent employment in the service industry, marking it as a key pillar of the national economy.
“We are working in collaboration with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and the Ministry of Education to invest in skill development,” Vaidya said. “With the import of electric vehicles, we are harnessing new opportunities to equip youth with employable skills under our workforce development campaign.”
According to her, the mobility sector—especially with the rise of green technologies—has created new jobs in areas like charging infrastructure development, technical training, and innovation. She added that the sector, like health, tourism, and financial services, is providing both direct and indirect employment to thousands of Nepalis.
Vaidya reiterated NAIMA’s commitment to acting as a unified voice for automobile importers and manufacturers. “NAIMA will continue working to expand access to quality services and mobility—both in urban and rural areas—while also investing in skilled human resources,” she added.
The NAIMA Mobility Expo, being held at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Ground, will run until August 10 (Shrawan 25). According to NAIMA, over 50 brands are participating in the event.
The expo was officially inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel. The event will see the launch of 15 two-wheelers, 15 four-wheelers, and 5 commercial vehicles.
The exhibition space has been designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities, and features improved drainage systems, enhanced security, and emergency services, NAIMA stated.