CNI Concludes 23rd AGM with Focus on Building a $100 Billion Economy
The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) successfully concluded its 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Soaltee Kathmandu under the theme “$100 Billion Economy: Bold Ambition, Smart Strategies, Shared Prosperity.”
The AGM was conducted in two sessions. The closed session was held from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, setting the institutional framework for the year ahead. The inauguration session took place from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the presence of government officials, private sector leaders, development partners and CNI members.
The inauguration session was graced by Finance Minister Hon’ble Dr. Swarnim Wagle as the chief guest. Welcoming the participants, CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey highlighted the private sector’s role in driving Nepal’s economic transformation and emphasized the need for policy stability, investment-friendly reforms and stronger collaboration between the government and businesses.
In his address, President Pandey underscored the importance of the “Make in Nepal-Swadeshi” campaign to promote domestic production and reduce import dependency. He noted that CNI has been actively working with the government on policy reforms, industrial development, skills enhancement and employment generation. He also stressed the need to mobilize available liquidity in the banking sector, increase capital expenditure and create an environment that encourages private sector investment.
Highlighting CNI’s long-term vision, President Pandey shared findings from a study conducted in collaboration with the Investment Board Nepal, which suggests that Nepal has the potential to grow into a $100 billion economy within the next decade. He said achieving this goal would require sustained economic growth, policy consistency, infrastructure development, industrial expansion, increased investment and stronger public-private partnerships.
President Emeritus Binod Kumar Chaudhary reflected on CNI’s journey since its establishment and shared his vision for the organization’s future. He also highlighted the role of the CNI Foundation and emphasized the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and institutional strengthening in advancing Nepal’s economic development.
The event also recognized outstanding contributions from industries, institutions and individuals through a series of awards.
The Export Excellence Awards were presented to Nepal Express Parcel and Logistic Pvt. Ltd., Accent Exports Pvt. Ltd., C.G. Foods Nepal Limited, The Nepal Distilleries Pvt. Ltd., R.M.C. Foods Pvt. Ltd., Annapurna Vegetables Product (P) Ltd., Baba Vegetable Oil Industries Pvt. Ltd., Litmus Industries Ltd., Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd. and Shivam Plastic Industry Ltd. for their significant contribution to Nepal’s exports.
Chitwan Industry Association received the award for Best District Industry Association, while CNI Koshi Province was recognized as the Best Province. Rishiraj Thapa was honored as the Best Staff.
The prestigious President Award was presented to Raj Kumar Agrawal, former Vice President of CNI and Founder and Chairman of Shiv Shakti Group, in recognition of his contribution to Nepal’s industrial and business sector.
Chief Guest, Finance Minister Hon’ble Dr. Swarnim Wagle said Nepal is entering a new phase of economic reform as the era of institutional and policy capture by limited interest groups comes to an end. He emphasized the government's commitment to good governance, healthy competition and digital transformation to improve public service delivery. Stressing the importance of public-private partnership, he said the private sector remains a key driver of investment, production, employment and economic growth, while the government continues to create an enabling environment through policy and regulatory reforms.