NADA delegation meets Industry Minister, discussed challenges & policy recommendations

KATHMANDU: A delegation led by the Chair of the Nepal Association of Domestic Transport (NADA), Karan Chaudhary, met with the Honorable Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhattarai, to discuss various issues on Monday.

During the meeting, Chair Chaudhary highlighted the negative impact of unrestricted entry of Indian freight vehicles into Nepal, which is significantly affecting Nepalese freight operators.

He raised concerns about the government’s lack of a positive approach toward industrial businesses in the country.

Chaudhary emphasized the need for a favourable market environment for Nepalese products, pointing out that finished goods under the name of the Lubrexent Industry are being imported and sold in Nepal, which he urged should be stopped.

Chair Chaudhary also discussed the lack of standardized regulations for the tire industry in Nepal. He suggested that the establishment of foreign investment in tire production under the “Boot Model” could be a viable option for the country.

Furthermore, Chaudhary presented NADA’s six-point written suggestions, urging the government to create an environment where industries and businesses can thrive and generate revenue within Nepal.

In the same meeting, NADA’s Vice Chair,, Rajanbabu Shrestha, raised the issue of the pending Agency Registration Act, which has caused significant problems for vehicle importers. He urged the government to pass the act as soon as possible.

NADA’s General Secretary, Surendra Kumar Upreti, informed the minister about the state of Nepal’s battery industry and suggested relocating the currently closed Gorkhakali Rubber Industry to a more suitable location, possibly converting it into an SEZ (Special Economic Zone).

At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Bhattarai expressed frustration over the lack of awareness regarding the country’s industrial sector in Parliament.

He mentioned that the government is following an open market economic policy and that profits of up to 700% are possible in such an economy.

He also assured that NADA’s suggestions would be forwarded to the Revenue Advisory Committee for consideration. Regarding the pending Agency Registration Act, the minister confirmed that the relevant ministry would expedite the passage of the law.

Minister Bhattarai emphasized his commitment to creating a conducive environment for the upliftment of industries and businesses in Nepal.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Ministry’s Commerce Secretary, Govinda Karki; Industry Secretary, Krishna Bahadur Rawat; Private Secretary, Suman Dhital; and Personal Secretary, Anand Prasad Bhatt.

On NADA’s side, Secretary Vikram Singhania, Co-Treasurer Pankaj Agarwal, and Association Secretary Surendra Pradhan were also present.