Kathmandu- The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026, organised by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), has attracted more than 29,000 visitors on its opening day at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
The expo was formally inaugurated on Tuesday amid a special ceremony, bringing together automobile brands, mobility companies, business representatives, government officials and stakeholders from across the mobility sector.
NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya said the expo is not limited to showcasing and selling vehicles but aims to bring Nepal’s broader transportation and mobility ecosystem onto a common platform. She said frequent changes in government policies have created uncertainty among businesses and urged the government to consult the private sector and other stakeholders before making policy changes.
Nepal Police Inspector General Karki stressed that automobile businesses should focus not only on vehicle sales but also on road safety and corporate social responsibility. He also urged automobile companies to strengthen their after-sales services.
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Anjan Shrestha said the government should not view the automobile sector only as a source of revenue. He said vehicles should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury and called for stable policies for electric vehicles.
Confederation of Nepalese Industries President Birendra Raj Pandey said the automobile sector is among the major contributors to government revenue and therefore deserves higher policy priority. He expressed confidence that investment in the transportation sector and its sustainable development could make a significant contribution to Nepal’s economy.
Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamalesh Agrawal said the mobility sector should not be viewed merely as a transportation issue, as it is directly connected with the country’s economic growth. He highlighted its links with banking, insurance, tourism, construction and information technology.
On the opening day, various companies and brands unveiled 48 new vehicle models. Organisers expect around 150,000 visitors to attend the expo throughout its duration.
The first day also featured a discussion on “Investment and Foreign Direct Investment: Fuel for Economic Growth.” The session was moderated by former banker Anil Keshary Shah and included Nepal Rastra Bank Executive Director and Economic Research Department Chief Dr. Satyendra Timilsina, Dolma Foundation Chair Tim Gocher, Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gyawali and NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya as panellists.
More than 300 participants attended the learning session on the first day. According to the organisers, various learning sessions, policy dialogues and industry interactions involving Nepali and international experts will continue throughout the expo.
A special awareness session on immediate first aid and emergency care following road accidents was also conducted by Grand International Hospital.
The organisers said the expo will provide an important platform for showcasing electric and next-generation vehicles, technology and infrastructure, while promoting information exchange and business collaboration across Nepal’s transportation and mobility sector.
