NADA Delegation Meets With The Finance Minister; Demands To Open Import Of Vehicles

A delegation led by NADA Chairman Dhruba Thapa met Hon'ble Finance Minister Janardan Sharma to discuss the ban on the import of vehicles. Hon'ble Minister Sharma suggested that the import of private vehicles will be tightened only for a short period of time.

Hon'ble Minister Sharma said that the country's economy is under some pressure now. He said, "This is the time for everyone to work together for economic development. Please do not object to the structures imposed on the import of private vehicles. This is only for a short period of time."Stating that unnecessary comments are being made about the economy, he said that the government is working for a strong economic system.

During the meeting, Chairman Thapa said that the Nepalese automobile sector has an investment of more than Rs 350 billion with a contribution of more than Rs 150 billion in revenue every year and has provided employment opportunities to more than 98,000 people in the country.

Similarly, Chairman Thapa had requested to open the obstruction being made by the banks and financial institutions regarding the opening of the letter of credit (LC) for the import of vehicles. Similarly, he also requested for allocating budget for the construction of a well-equipped exhibition venue of international standard as there is a lack of suitable places for the exhibition of national and international products in Kathmandu.

During the discussion, Vice-Chairman Rajan Babu Shrestha briefed the Hon'ble Minister in detail about the implications of stopping the import of vehicles in the country. Similarly,Vice President Sunil Rijal requested for a special surveillance system to control the smuggling of spare parts from Nepal's borders. During the discussion, General Secretary Surendra Upreti requested to create a conducive environment for the establishment of the automobile industry in Nepal.

NADA treasurer Milan Babu Malla, central working committee members Akash Golchha, Abhik Jyoti, Nishan Dhakal and association secretary Surendra Pradhan were also present at the discussion.