Sunil KC elected NICCI President

The 30th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) elected Sunil KC as its president for the next two years. KC is the managing director of Singati Hydro Energy Ltd. 

KC has proposed establishing a NICCI branch office in New Delhi to create a permanent channel of communication between Indian and Nepalese businesses. “This will facilitate smoother trade and investment processes and provide a central hub for resolving any business-related issues,” he said.

Speaking during an event held in the capital recently, he shared that Nepal and India share immense potential to strengthen economic cooperation. However, there are gaps that still need to be bridged, particularly in attracting more Indian private investments into Nepal, which have declined in recent times. The private sector must play a pivotal role in our economic partnership, especially in areas like infrastructure, energy, tourism, digital economy, manufacturing, and innovation. He stressed that NICCI is committed to fostering these collaborations.

According to KC, one pressing issue is the long-standing challenge of exporting Nepali products to India. For instance, some Nepali shoe brands and agro-products like ginger and cardamom face numerous barriers that need resolution. Addressing these will not only boost Nepal’s economy but also ensure that Indian consumers can benefit from the high-quality goods Nepal produces. “We urge all stakeholders to prioritize this matter and work on a sustainable solution. The promotion of joint ventures in power projects is another key area where both nations can win,” said KC. “Nepal’s vast hydropower potential, when coupled with Indian expertise and investment, can lead to mutual prosperity. We encourage greater collaboration in this sector to harness our energy resources more efficiently.”

KC also proposed organizing a Nepal-India summit every year, stating that such a platform would allow stakeholders from both sides to discuss, debate, and resolve critical issues like foreign direct investment, trade facilitation, and economic growth. 

"We also see immense value in establishing targeted partnerships with Indian state governments to focus on attracting FDI in specific sectors. Each Indian state offers unique opportunities, and fostering such collaborations will allow us to tailor investments to meet regional needs and goals." said KC.

KC, who is also the executive Committee member of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and managing director of Asia Corp., added that the time has come to focus on the future by setting up the Nepal-India Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. “This initiative will support startups, promote innovation, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to collaborate across borders, driving sustainable growth and technological advancement,” he said.