NCC President: International Exhibition Center Key For Nepal’s Product Promotion & Economic Growth
10th April 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamlesh Agrawal stresses the need for an international exhibition center to boost local products. Policy reforms are needed to redirect remittances into productive sectors for economic growth.
NCC President International Exhibition Center
Challenges in the hydropower, agriculture, and industrial sectors require immediate attention. Honorees recognized for contributions to trade, tourism, agriculture, and social service.
Why Nepal Needs an International Exhibition Center?
Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, has emphasized the urgent need for an international standard exhibition center in Nepal. Speaking at the 74th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Agrawal highlighted that such a facility would play a crucial role in promoting local products, increasing exports, and managing imports efficiently.
Boosting Local Products Through a One-Door System: Agrawal stated,
“An international exhibition center will help in the integrated promotion, marketing, and quality measurement of Nepali products through a one-door system.”
This centralized approach would enhance visibility for Nepali goods in global markets, fostering trade and investment opportunities.
Redirecting Remittances into Productive Sectors
A major concern was the misuse of remittances, with nearly 90% spent on consumption rather than productive investments. Agrawal urged policymakers to create an enabling environment for remittance inflows to be channeled into sectors like agriculture, hydropower, tourism, and IT, which have high growth potential.
Challenges in Hydropower Development
Despite Nepal’s energy production progress, policy hurdles hamper hydropower development. Agrawal pointed out that court rulings, forest ministry restrictions, and unclear provisions in the Energy Bill have stalled transmission lines and project construction. He called for legal amendments to resolve these bottlenecks.
Additionally, the Securities Board’s halt on IPOs for nearly 50 hydropower companies has created financial roadblocks, delaying under-construction projects.
Land Ceiling Limits Industrial & Agricultural Growth
Agrawal highlighted that land ceiling laws are restricting large-scale industrial and agribusiness ventures. He advocated for flexible land-use policies based on business needs to encourage modernization and commercialization of agriculture.
With Nepal importing agricultural goods worth NPR 3 trillion annually, he stressed the need for mechanization, subsidies for genuine farmers, and policies to revive barren lands.
Employment Generation & Skill Utilization
To reduce dependency on foreign employment, Agrawal proposed:
Skill-mapping of returning migrant workers at immigration points.
Utilizing their expertise in domestic industries.
Cooperative Sector Crisis Needs Resolution
The ongoing crisis in Nepal’s cooperative sector has impacted small and medium entrepreneurs. Agrawal called for a special mechanism to resolve issues and ensure financial stability.
Honoring Contributions to Nepal’s Economy
The 74th AGM of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding contributors across sectors:
Lifetime Achievement & Sectoral Awards
Ishwarlal Lifetime Achievement Award: Ravi Bhakta Shrestha (IJ Group)
Banwari Lal Mittal Memorial Award (Tourism): Amar Bahadur Shahi (Raaika Travel & Tours)
Raj Bahadur Chipalu Memorial Award (Agriculture): Phani Narayan Aryal (Triputra Bagwani Farm)
Indrabhakta Memorial Award (Industry): Purushottam Lal Sanghai (Triveni Group)
Balkrishna Shrestha Memorial Award (Social Service): Chitwan Medical College (Dr. Harish Chandra Neupane)
Janak Das Shrestha Memorial Award (Women Entrepreneurs): ZERO Circular (Anima Piya)
Regional Honorees
Lumbini Province: Tank Prasad Pokharel
Sudurpaschim Province: Binod Mall
Kailali Chamber: Pramod Adhikari
Devdaha Chamber: Kosh Bahadur Gurung
Conclusion: A Call for Economic Reforms
President Agrawal’s address underscores the need for:
International Exhibition Center to promote Nepali products.
Policy reforms to boost hydropower, agriculture, and industry.
Productive use of remittances for long-term economic growth.
Resolving cooperative and land ceiling issues to support businesses.
Nepal must act swiftly to enhance domestic production, reduce imports, and create jobs to achieve self-reliance.
By implementing these strategies, Nepal can strengthen its economy and increase global competitiveness.
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