Kunal Keyal Appointed Vice President of Nepal–India Chamber of Commerce and Industry: A Strategic Move for Bilateral Economic Ties

9th October 2025, Kathmandu

In a significant development aimed at invigorating economic collaboration between Nepal and India, the Nepal–India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Kunal Keyal, Chairman of Sanima GIC Insurance Limited, as its new Vice President.

Kunal Keyal Appointment

This elevation is anticipated to be a pivotal factor in further strengthening cross-border cooperation in various key sectors, leveraging Mr. Keyal’s extensive experience across finance, industry, and international diplomacy. NICCI’s leadership expressed strong confidence that his strategic vision and proven dedication will inject renewed dynamism into the bilateral economic partnership, driving mutual prosperity through trade, investment, and joint ventures.

Recognition of Decades of Dedication and Expertise

Mr. Kunal Keyal’s appointment to the Vice President role is a direct recognition of his sustained and impactful involvement with NICCI over the last five years. Having previously served as the Treasurer in the organization’s former executive committee, and maintaining an active advisory role in the current one, his promotion reflects a commitment to institutional continuity and a clear appreciation for his strategic contributions. NICCI views his leadership as crucial for realizing its mission of deepening economic relations between the two nations, particularly in high-potential areas such as:

Investment and Trade Facilitation: Enhancing the flow of capital and goods across the border.

Energy and Hydropower: Promoting joint development and trade in the energy sector, which is critical for Nepal’s economic future.

Infrastructure and Real Estate: Attracting necessary investment for large-scale development projects.

Technology Transfer and IT: Fostering collaboration in modern sectors, including human resource development and information technology.

Tourism and Hospitality: Boosting cross-border tourism and cultural exchange.

The Chamber is optimistic that Mr. Keyal’s comprehensive understanding of both the Nepali and Indian business environments will be instrumental in fostering a more collaborative environment for policy dialogue and investment promotion.

The Dual Power of Business Acumen and Diplomatic Insight

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr. Kunal Keyal brings a formidable combination of financial expertise and industrial leadership to his new role. He serves as a Director of the Keyal Group, a well-established and highly diversified industrial and commercial conglomerate in Nepal. The Keyal Group’s broad portfolio spans numerous critical sectors that are central to Nepal’s economy, including:

Manufacturing: Focusing on construction materials like iron and steel products (as evidenced by its manufacturing units, such as Narayani Rolling Mills and Shree Krishna Steels, primarily based in Birgunj).

Energy: Involvement in both hydropower and solar energy projects.

Finance and Banking: A significant presence, demonstrated by his role as Chairman of Sanima GIC Insurance Limited (which was formed from the merger of Sanima General Insurance and General Insurance Company, where he previously served as Chairman).

Real Estate and Infrastructure Development: Projects that contribute directly to the country’s modernization.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Healthcare Services.

This multi-sectoral expertise positions Mr. Keyal perfectly to navigate the complexities of cross-border trade and investment. His strong industrial network is expected to significantly benefit initiatives aimed at attracting Indian investments into Nepal and assisting Nepali enterprises in exploring business opportunities in the Indian market.

Furthermore, Mr. Keyal’s role as the Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal provides an invaluable layer of diplomatic experience. This unique international exposure is essential in bringing a global perspective to NICCI’s strategic direction, particularly as the Chamber seeks to benchmark its activities against international best practices and support Nepal’s efforts to diversify its trade relationships beyond the South Asian region. His proven capability in international representation adds substantial weight to the Chamber’s mission of advancing Nepal’s global economic footprint.

Strengthening NICCI’s Operational and Institutional Structure

In parallel with Mr. Keyal’s appointment, the NICCI Executive Committee also announced the promotion of Mr. Marshal Rathour to the position of Director. Mr. Rathour’s dedication is equally noteworthy; he has been associated with NICCI for over 24 years, previously serving as Deputy Director. This move highlights the Chamber’s commitment to reinforcing its internal structure by promoting experienced institutional veterans.

NICCI views both appointments as integral to a broader vision focused on ensuring strong, knowledgeable leadership and organizational continuity. This strengthened executive structure is designed to enhance NICCI’s operational efficiency and keep the Chamber at the forefront of the increasingly complex and vital Nepal–India economic partnership.

A Bridge to a More Resilient Economic Future

The Nepal–India Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains one of the most critical bilateral business associations in South Asia, acting as a crucial platform for promoting industrial growth and policy coordination. With Mr. Kunal Keyal as Vice President, NICCI anticipates a surge in focused initiatives aimed at fostering a more dynamic and interconnected economic relationship. His combined background in corporate finance, diverse industrial management, and international diplomacy positions him as a key architect in advancing Nepal’s economic agenda.

The expectation is clear: under this reinforced leadership, NICCI will continue to serve effectively as a “bridge of trust, opportunity, and prosperity” for businesses on both sides of the border, contributing significantly to a more resilient and vibrant economic future for Nepal.

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