Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (Naima) is organizing 'Naima Expo-2025' from next Wednesday i.e. from July 21 to 25 at Bhrikutimandap. It is said that more than 50 automobile brands will participate in the expo named 'Nepal Mobility Expo 2025' and 35 new vehicles will be launched. Organizers claim that the latest mobility tools from electric vehicles will be presented at the exhibition. In this context, the edited part of the opinion expressed by the participants in the 'round table' organized by Kantipur Media Group on the state of the automobile sector in Nepal, its market, prospects and future on Friday:

  'We are in favor of a stable policy'
- Mahesh Bhattarai, Director General, Customs Department

The largest share of the budget allocation goes to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. A large part of it is still in road expansion. Maximum use of available resources has been in road expansion. Provincial and local governments also prioritize road expansion projects. Road infrastructure is being built as per requirement. Accordingly, vehicles are being imported. 

Revenue collection has to be done, revenue is needed for running the state. So let's look at it primarily. On the other hand, what will be the effect on the consumer, which vehicle will be taxed and how much will be taxed. We are also looking at what kind of vehicle will be beneficial in the long run. This is why we have been promoting electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. We have been promoting EVs with low rates of revenue. Recently, the number of EV imports has been increasing. At first glance, it may seem that customs is only about collecting revenue. Not that, we have to look at electricity generation and consumption together.  

While preparing the budget for the current financial year, no policy was changed in the case of vehicles. It has not been changed because policy stability should be given. Businessmen should also have a safe environment and consumers should also have a safe environment. As tax rates change every year, there is a possibility of taking profit from betting. Some consumers may be confused. Sometimes the secondary market is affected when the tax rate is lower. So we are in favor of a stable policy. Parliament has also accepted the proposal accordingly. 

Policy-wise we are in the right direction. The National Bank is adopting policies taking into account all aspects of vehicle availability and purchasing power in the market. Currently, vehicles are coming from Tatopani, one of the points connecting China. After the flood on June 24, the Rasuwagadhi crossing is closed. It is being implemented. Bridge construction has progressed. The construction of the bridge connecting the Lhende river will be completed by the middle of October. 

The Syafrubansi-Rasuwagadhi road was under contract. In the meantime, the road has been damaged due to flooding in Bhotekoshi. For the time being, road construction is underway in the areas damaged by floods and landslides. Vehicles can also be imported through India. How much is the potential of auto business, how much is the cost, how much is the market, it is the job of the private sector to analyze it as a whole. Facilitating it is done by us. We are ready to help the businessman. Revenue from electric vehicles has declined. But if a private sector wants to build a charging station, the government grants it. 

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'Consciousness raising and new vehicles'

-  Ritu Singh Vaidya, Chairman, Naima

Naima has 50 brands associated with it. We are launching 35 new vehicles at the expo we are organizing. All the automobile industry will be participating in the expo. Efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure available at the Bhrikutimandap for the Expo.

Large-sized stalls, disabled-friendly access, food stalls, cafes, CCTV coverage, fire safety, ambulance and other facilities are in the expo. We have tried to make the expo not only a means of selling vehicles for importers but also a place to influence society and consumers and create awareness. For that, a 'learning session' will be organized every day, in which discussions will be held with relevant experts on the past, present and future of automobiles, workforce development, employment, road safety, infrastructure, etc.  

We were preparing to open a new organization since 4/5 years ago. Having multiple umbrella organizations within a single organization can sometimes obscure the real agenda. Realizing this need Naima was formed. Naima was established to deal with problems and issues related to the import and production of vehicles on a priority basis. Naima should also be involved in policy making and infrastructure development, which can have an immediate impact on both the import and production side. Cases of members of other umbrella organizations will be taken up through those organizations. Since it is the first year of Naima formation, it is natural to ask why there are two organizations in the automobile sector. But within the next 4/5 years, the main reasons for the formation of Naima will become clear.

Currently there are many importers and the private sector has become stronger. The problem can be solved if the company that sells more vehicles assembles them. For that our policy needs to be stable and clear. Transportation arrangements  The

department called to discuss the issue of automobile sector. We were there representing all 50 brands. The department has said that it will proceed according to the conclusion after listening to our problem. If laws, laws and policies are made in consultation with the private sector, effective and correct laws are more likely.  While forming

Naima itself, we have decided on five 'pillars'. Cooperation with the government is not a matter of individual ability. We will actively participate in matters such as laws, regulations, innovation and traffic management coming from the government. Our aim is not just to sell vehicles. After the sale of the vehicle, we will also be concerned about whether the necessary infrastructure is there. We will also participate in infrastructure improvement. Our goal is to advance the agenda through the community, to convey the consumer's voice to the relevant bodies. 

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'Infrastructure is meaningful only when vehicles are accessible to everyone'

-  Shekhar Golcha, former president, Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Even though the automobile sector is the pulse of the country's economy, it has not been addressed in the policy made by the government. When mobility increases in the transport sector, it drives the economy. But when mobility declines, it slows down the economy. Now the Human Development Index (HDI) has also increased in the areas where roads have reached. Prosperity has also been seen in those places. Those sectors are directly connected with the country's economy.

is a topic related to transport infrastructure. Therefore, not only roads should be built, vehicles should also be accessible to common people. And only infrastructure is meaningful. But vehicles are often considered to be just a luxury item. However, it needs to be seen as a means of increasing the productivity of every individual.

There were some expectations from the budget of the current financial year. Although some things were mentioned in the budget, with the advent of flexible monetary policy, some regulatory changes were necessary regarding investment in the automobile sector. But due to the lack of monetary policy, it is felt that the automobile sector is a bit overshadowed. I believe, some positive changes will definitely come in the coming days. On the one hand it is a matter of vehicle accessibility, on the other hand it is also a major source of revenue for the state. So it should be done in a balanced way. When vehicles become accessible to the masses, the economy will become more robust and dynamic.

Now there are two organizations related to the automobile sector. Some people see this as an 'agenda diversion', but that is not true. Both organizations have the same objective. So we add 1 and 1 to 11. The issue being raised by Naima and NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal has been presented in one voice, which has made the voice of the automobile sector stronger. We are not competing organizations, we are complementary. 

Currently, 80 percent of the two-wheeled vehicles in Nepal are assembled locally. The government has been giving a 50 percent discount on excise duty on parts required for the assembling industry. But we get only 30 to 35 percent discount when we have to pay at the customs point. If the government does not give this discount, the price of two-wheelers will increase by 10 to 15 percent. Due to the government's policy, 80 percent of the total sales of two-wheelers are assembled in the country. At least 5,000 people have been given employment. There is a misconception among many that the government has given a lot of concessions to the assembly industry, which has led to a decline in revenue. How much was the value addition? What benefits do consumers get? Such questions arise frequently. As the first industry set up, these questions keep coming to me and I would like to clear this up. The assembly industry can always be seen as the 'mother industry'. Only after the assembly industry is established can other ancillary industries open up.

The assembly industry cannot come by first opening the auxiliary industry. Looking at the history of India, assembly industry was the first to come into operation. After that, the overall development of the automobile sector took place only after the opening of ancillary industries. It looks the same in China.

Even in Nepal, we have to be patient. The ancillary industries may not be many, but I believe that 20 to 30 percent can be produced locally. As far as revenue is concerned – many are of the view that the assembly industry has been greatly relieved. Of course, 80 percent is being produced because of some discount. But there is no customs duty exemption on materials coming for the assembly industry, only 50 percent exemption on excise duty. But since the excise duty has to be paid at the customs point, in practical terms only 30 to 35 percent discount is available. This discount is enough. Therefore, 80 percent of the two-wheelers are being assembled in the country. If this can be continued, subsidiary industries will also open in Nepal. The previous excise duty rate has now been doubled, so total revenue has not declined. Therefore, the revenue of the government has not been affected. The assembly industry currently has 10 to 15 percent value addition and will increase further in the future.

The assembly industry requires patience and a positive attitude, otherwise the progress made so far may be in vain. A competitive market is itself a witness as to whether consumers benefit or not. In an open market economy, 80 percent of vehicles are assembled, so any company can compete by lowering prices. They can try to increase their market share by lowering prices. Its direct benefits reach the consumer. The facility provided by the government has been fully adjusted. 

It is possible to sell vehicles at the current price due to the concession given by the government regarding the annual increase in excise duty. In an open market economy, the consumers are directly benefiting from the discounts given by the government, not the consumers. We can present everything transparently. We are satisfied with the government's policy on the assembly industry, but this policy needs to be stable. 

The resale value of diesel and petrol vehicles has been established. But the resale value of electric vehicles is still unclear. Because this technology has only been introduced in Nepal for two to three years. Consumers are not fully convinced of it, but it will be established in time.

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'More polluting vehicles must be removed'

-  Rajeev Pokharel Director General, Department of Transport Management

According to the proportion of vehicles entering, there is a big problem of traffic jams in the valley due to lack of road infrastructure. It is not that the government has not worked on the physical infrastructure, the upgrading and expansion of highways is being done. After I took over the work of the department as Director General, it is being emphasized that the ratio of infrastructure and imported vehicles should be adjusted. Currently, the vehicle and import standards are being prepared. We are discussing it with the concerned authorities. 

We have planned to go into more detail about the cost of importing what kind of vehicles in Nepal in the future. Whatever problems arise, they are directly referred to the government agencies. Government agencies are also gradually changing. Laws, policies and standards have been formulated by discussing with the concerned agencies. The government is eager to support the private sector in order to increase economic activity.

The government has already decided to remove 20-year-old vehicles. After the case was heard in the Supreme Court, a decision was made that the vehicle should be tested for fitness and if it is not suitable, it should not be driven and if it is, it should be driven. After federalism, many powers went to the states, so accordingly we sent the verdict to the states to implement the Supreme Court's decision. Bagmati Province has decided to remove 20-year-old vehicles and has already sent a letter to the traffic police. 

is currently in its implementation phase. It also has some obstacles. There are organizations and labor-organizations related to different traffic. We are discussing traffic business regarding the old vehicles 20 years. Roads must be removed 20 years old and more pollution. It is discussed who discussed who should be carved. We are making policy. It contains various topics. We are discussing how to manage it. At present, motorcycles have been rotted at the police office. Has been placed in a motorcycle and scooter for years. We have prepared to take a public information about this during that period. You have to promote 'mass transpotation' to reduce the vehicle. & Nbsp; The

Valley is currently running from 40 electric vehicles in the 60 and the private sector. Now the new government is giving Nepal from one hundred from one hundred from electronic vehicle subsidy from one hundred. These bus shared transport will run. We are struggling to prioritize mass transplets than the small car. The problem of the license is also coming too much. The printed is not required by connecting the licenses as a license. It has already been implemented to Bagmati. So we are reducing to printing. No one has come to pick up two lakh license printed.

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'battery recycles industry is open in Nepal' & NBSP;

-& NBSP; Yamuna Shrestha member, Nama

Nepal is a very old industry in Nepal. Many have analyzed many for the birth of Nama in this market. There is also a nada, why is the question of Kill. Due to technology and innovative thinking, there are now in more than 50 brand markets. In the past, only 9/10 brands were staying branded. Last year, New Yorork Times have published a large number of electronic vehicles in Nepal, said that the use of electronic vehicles in Nepal expanded by 76 percent. It also confirms that the use of electric vehicles in Nepal has increased much. Nepal said the fourth of the world in terms of electronic riding use. But I think Nepal is in the second of Norway. & Nbsp;

is also their own needs and characteristic including ICE and Hybrid. But the demand for electric vehicle is growing in the last year. Therefore, the ICE demand is being reduced. The government ranked about 9 years about 9 years ago. It was about 3 months to arrive in the vehicle to arrive in Nepal by importing all all the processes. At that time, ICI did not come to the ICE. So the demand for Eve was high. Now the share of ICE is seen for about 30 percent. Overall, if we can increase some of the size of the Auto industry, all that increase the demand for all types of vehicles. Even because of Nepal's geographical status, we need all types (IV, ICE, hybrid) all types of vehicles.

is going to grow up with electrical vehicles in the latest year. It has a lack of expenses. Electronics in electric vehicles have a lot of inconsistenance than other vehicles. It has had a positive effect on the market after the customer choice, requirement, interests. Build two vehicles in Nepal (Acebrib) has increased. We have a chance of adequate amounts of electricity generation. In order to increase the consumer of electrical vehicles, electricity increases electricity to the imports to exit imports in imports.

is a definite life used in electronic vehicle. This does not mean that it will not use the battery of the car of the car for 8 or 10 years. His life is still long for a long time. Currently, the government's policy should not throw it here. It is that there is a lot of money to be taken back. However, it does not mean that it is not what is going to work. It can be 'recycled'. Can be used for inner 'backup'. Therefore, the government must be brought for a powerful policy to reveal the industry to reveal the industry for Batrian ';. In Nepal, the battery used in an electronic car was not here. Such battery had to send abroad. The situation is now again. Be the maintenance in Nepal & NBSP; Is beginning. & Nbsp;

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has been brought to the vehicle for the exo '& nbsp;

- Grump Sharda Sharda member, Nama

Expoxa has come by customer customs. Therefore, it doesn't mean a ride to the Expo. As the Ten and Titus, Rasuwa is more than Rasuwa, the road is likely to be jammed. However, in Rasuwa, Rasu also wants the construction of new structures, for immediate construction, will make Balibridge. In this, we found information on the Chinese government and the Government of Nepal to expedite the work.

-BREAK has not modified the government's tax rate on the budget of electric vehicle. This also indicates that the government also wants policy stability. These policies were not only for now but not long run. The private sector planned to plan its investment on the same basis if the government said that it would not change in the policy so or until it would change. The private sector investment plan has also affected when the government is not a long-term plan of government. It was estimated that NRB has increased the limitations of the vehicle's purchase of vehicles by monetary policy. Unfortunately, our expectations could not be addressed this year. We are optimistic that it will change the border by reviewing monetary policy. The

market has not been stopped by the Speirers Parts of the vehicles through the inner road. Spare Packers, especially in India, looks so much that the Schire Patkers built in India are over. Spear Patters who have not provided the customs due to the open border are widespread in the market. With if not 'Originalul', the parts made by the producer company is legally imported. Spare Patters are also coming through low invoices. Comparatically, the supply part of the spare part of the Spear Partus of the Spear Partus imported in the organized industries has not decreased. But Spear Patters is still there is a constant discussion with customs and agriculture to organize.