On July 16, 2025, the Government of Nepal conferred the prestigious Commercially Important Person (CIP) awards upon 30 individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the nation’s economic development, particularly in the export and trade sectors. The ceremony, held in Kathmandu, was organized in collaboration with the Nepal Federation of Industries and Commerce.
Awardees and Recognition
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, Nepal Chamber of Commerce
Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, Nepal Chamber of Commerce
Rabindra Shakya, Nepal Handicrafts Federation
Govind Prasad Ghimire, Export Traders Association
Resham Bahadur Pokharel, Nepal Churpi Traders Association
Balram Gurung, Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association
Pashupatidev Pandey, Nepal Ready-to-Wear Association
Naresh Lal Shrestha, Nepal Woolen Felt Producers and Exporters Association
Chhewang Dandul Lama, Sri Third Eye International
Hariprasad Bhatt, Nepal Fashion Pvt Ltd
Chandra Bahadur Thapa, National Exports
Sujan Kumar Shrestha, Manram Himalayan Handicraft
Shaktikumar Golyan, Tricot Industries
Harkirat Singh Bedi, Dabur Nepal
Divyaraj Sapkota, Aarti Stripes
Akshay Golyan, Reliance Spinning Mills
Pasang Sherpa, Chomen Traders
Karma Chodup Gurung, Phinzo Sonam Enterprises
Urgen Lama, Sri Ashtamangal
Padmaratna Dhakhwa, Giftland Enterprises
Omkrishna Wimli, Nepal Everest Cardamom Production
Janakraj Awasthi, AB Herbal Traders and Suppliers
Raisa Tibdewal, Janakpur Refineries
Dorje Gyalchen Lama, The Sangrila Carpet and Handicraft
Maheshwar Shrestha, Everest Fashion
Ramchandra Sanghai, Triveni Spinning Mills
Kuveer Sapkota, Mindful Craft
Hemraj Dhakal, IME Limited
Gaurav Aggarwal, Everest Hospitality Hotel
These individuals were honored for their leadership in facilitating exports exceeding NPR 5 billion during the fiscal years 2022/23 and 2023/24.
Government’s Commitment to Economic Growth
In his address, Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with the private sector to achieve national prosperity. He highlighted the importance of boosting the private sector’s morale and outlined plans to develop strategies in anticipation of Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
Commerce and Supplies Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire echoed these sentiments, stating that the nation’s development is inextricably linked to the growth of the private sector.
Future Outlook
Sharad Vikram Rana, Executive Director of the Trade and Export Promotion Center, noted that the CIP awards have significantly uplifted the private sector’s confidence. Chandra Prasad Dhakal projected that Nepal’s annual exports could reach USD 10 billion, with foreign investment potentially increasing from the current 0.2% of GDP to 10% in the coming years.
The CIP awards serve as a testament to the vital role of private enterprises in Nepal’s economic advancement and underscore the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth and international trade.
