Kathmandu -In a landmark move for Nepal’s automotive sector, the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA)was officially launched today with the powerful vision of Empowering Growth through Mobility. The event marked a significant milestone in unifying the voice of the nation’s mobility stakeholders under one platform focused on innovation, inclusivity, and policy advocacy.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Ritu Singh Vaidya, who made history as the first woman to lead an automotive association in Nepal. In her keynote address, Vaidya articulated NAIMA’s mission to become a catalyst for change—advocating progressive policies, supporting sustainable innovation, empowering consumers, and improving infrastructure and road safety. She described the association as a “unified platform for strategic collaboration, development, and advocacy at both national and international levels.”
At the core of NAIMA’s agenda are five foundational pillars that guide its vision and actions. These include Mobility Solutions for All, focusing on inclusive and accessible transportation; Safety and Infrastructure Enhancement, aimed at improving road conditions and reducing accidents; Policy and Regulatory Advocacy, working to influence effective transportation-related policies; Human Capital & Industry Best Practices, emphasizing workforce development and operational excellence; and Consumer Empowerment & Shared Mobility, encouraging informed choices and promoting modern, efficient mobility models.
Setting itself apart from traditional associations, NAIMA operates on a non-political, consensus-driven model, with leadership based on voluntary participation rather than elections—highlighting its commitment to integrity, unity, and long-term vision.
Vaidya also introduced the association’s founding board members, a distinguished group of leaders from Nepal’s auto and business communities: Suhrid Raj Ghimire, Shekhar Golchha, Cabinet Shrestha, Saurabh Jyoti, Sandeep Kumar Sharda, Nirakar Shrestha, Yamuna Shrestha, Nikunj Agrawal, Hemant Golchha, and Udayan Kabra. Together, they bring a shared commitment to steering the industry with foresight and collaborative leadership.
A major announcement at the launch event was the unveiling of the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025, which is set to become the country’s largest mobility exhibition to date. Scheduled to take place from August 6–10, 2025 (Shrawan 21–25, 2082) at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, the expo promises to showcase the future of transportation—from electric vehicles and next-generation mobility solutions to auto accessories and infrastructure innovations.
The announcement was delivered by Gaurav Sharda, a member of NAIMA’s Auto Show Committee, who also revealed the event’s official logo and confirmed Media Space Solutions as the event manager. The expo will feature thematic zones, live product demonstrations, test drives, expert panels, and business networking opportunities, aimed at bringing together local and international stakeholders across the automotive and mobility value chain.
Closing the event, founding board member Suhrid Raj Ghimire expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted NAIMA’s broader goal of becoming a trusted authority in Nepal’s mobility ecosystem. “This is more than an association—it’s a national movement toward a smarter, safer, and more inclusive mobility future,” he said.
The launch of NAIMA and the announcement of the Nepal Mobility Expo signal a transformative chapter for Nepal’s transportation landscape. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, NAIMA is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility and economic growth in the country.
