Driving FDI in Nepal: How the Mobility Sector is Becoming a New Magnet for Foreign Investment
12th August 2026, Kathmandu
Discover how Nepal’s booming mobility sector and EVs are driving foreign direct investment (FDI) at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026. Explore green transport trends!
Driving FDI in Nepal
With the rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal, the mobility sector is emerging as a high-potential area for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Centering on this potential, the ‘NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026’ hosted extensive discussions on investment, technology transfer, and the development of green transportation systems.
Organized by the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the first day of the expo on Tuesday drew over 29,000 visitors, with various brands unveiling 48 new vehicle models. According to the organizers, approximately 150,000 visitors are expected to attend throughout the duration of the expo.
During the inaugural ceremony, NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya stated that Nepal’s mobility sector is undergoing a rapid transition and should be understood not merely as a market for vehicle sales, but as a sector tied to investment, technology, and job creation. She noted that policy instability has confused new investors, emphasizing the need for long-term and predictable policies.
In a special panel discussion held on the first day titled ‘Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mobility-Fueled Economic Growth,’ participating speakers highlighted that sufficient groundwork has been laid in Nepal’s mobility sector to attract foreign investment.
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They noted that increased hydropower generation, growing demand for electric vehicles, and the expansion of charging infrastructure could successfully capture the attention of international investors.
Dr. Satendra Timilsina, Executive Director of the Nepal Bank, mentioned that green economies and clean energy-based industries are increasingly becoming global investment priorities, allowing Nepal to reap these benefits. Manoj Gyawali, Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank, expressed the view that the mobility sector should be viewed not just as an automobile trade, but as an integrated economic ecosystem linked with energy, finance, infrastructure, and technology.
According to business leaders, the surge in EV sales in Nepal is creating vast investment opportunities in areas such as charging networks, battery management, spare parts manufacturing, assembly plants, and the development of technical human resources. They believe that if policy stability is maintained, Nepal can position itself as an attractive destination for green mobility investments in South Asia.
Anjan Shrestha, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that the automobile sector should not be viewed merely as a source of revenue collection, but should be connected with industrial development and investment promotion. Kamlesh Agrawal, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, noted that the mobility sector contributes approximately 7% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and new investments in this area will further expand economic activities.
Business leaders anticipate that the NAIMA Expo will serve less as a platform just for showcasing new vehicles and more as a strategic avenue to present Nepal’s potential for green transportation, technology transfer, and foreign investment to the international community.
For more: Driving FDI in Nepal
