A delegation from the Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), led by President Karan Chaudhary, met with Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal to discuss the current economic situation, challenges in the automobile sector, and possible solutions.
During the meeting, President Chaudhary emphasized that business morale is declining due to instability and security concerns in the country. He urged the government to adopt business-friendly policies and presented a 22-point proposal to strengthen the investment environment and ensure compensation mechanisms for losses.
NADA specifically requested increasing the loan-to-value ratio for hire-purchase loans on petrol and diesel vehicles from 60 percent to 80 percent. The delegation also highlighted potential price hikes following the implementation of Vehicle Emission Standards 2082 and called for clear policies and relief measures.
Finance Minister Khanal assured that the government would consider NADA’s suggestions and conduct a survey of damages caused by recent disruptions to implement necessary relief and restoration programs. He also stated that studies would be undertaken to explore possible incentives through the tax and banking system.
Secretary of the Finance Ministry, Ghanshyam Upadhyay, added that preparations are underway to resume vehicle imports through the Tatopani border and that coordination with the Ministry of Environment will be carried out to assess the impact of emission standards.
The meeting was attended by NADA Vice President Nirakar Shrestha, Secretary Bikram Singhania, Treasurer Milan Babu Mall, Co-Treasurer Pankaj Agrawal, and central members Akash Golcha, Prakash Kapuri, Meghraj Paudel, Yamuna Shrestha, and Abhik Jyoti.
