SATV, July 17, 2025, Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has honored 30 prominent companies and institutions with the Commercially Important Person (CIP) award in recognition of their significant contributions to trade promotion and economic development.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies in collaboration with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the prestigious awards were presented at a special ceremony held in Kathmandu. Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, handed out the honors to the recipients.

Among the awardees, 21 are leading commercial firms and companies, while nine institutions representing the private sector received honorary CIP recognition.

Notable recipients of the honorary CIP title included FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, and Immediate Past President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Rajesh Kumar Agrawal. They were recognized for their organizations’ role in promoting export trade and contributing to the national economy.

Additional honorary awards were presented to representatives from trade associations such as the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal and the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal. Commodity-based associations including Nepal Churpi Business Association (Jhapa), Nepal Carpet Exporters Association, Nepal Readymade Garments Association, and Nepal Wool Felt Producers and Exporters Association also received CIP recognition for achieving exports worth over NPR 5 billion in the fiscal years 2079/80 and 2080/81 (B.S.).

Five individual entrepreneurs representing the top export commodities to third countries were also recognized. The awardees included:

Third Eye International (Woolen Carpets),

Nepal Fashion Pvt. Ltd. (Readymade Garments),

National Exporters Pvt. Ltd. (Wool Felt Products),

Manram Himalayan Handicrafts Pvt. Ltd. (Churpi),

Tricot Industries (Pashmina Products).

Based on export volumes to India, Dabur Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Aarti Strips, and Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd. were awarded. For exports to China, Chomen Traders, Fingzo Sonam Enterprises, and Ashtamangal Kathmandu were recognized. In the handicraft sector, Gift Land Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. received the CIP award for generating the highest revenue through the export of indigenous crafts.

In the category of priority exportable agricultural goods, Nepal Everest Cardamom Production, Jhapa was honored, while AB Herbal Traders and Suppliers, Darchula received recognition for contributions in the medicinal herbs sector.

Among female exporters, Janakpur Refineries, Kathmandu stood out as the top exporter in terms of total export value. Companies such as The Shangrila Carpet & Handicraft, Everest Fashion, Triveni Spinning Mills Ltd., and the startup Mindful Craft Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu were recognized for achieving exports exceeding NPR 1 billion to third countries over the past two fiscal years.

IME Limited was honored for bringing in the highest volume of foreign currency through remittance via the banking system, and Everest Hospitality Hotel Ltd. was recognized for generating the most foreign exchange in the tourism sector.

In his address, Minister Bhandari emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to ensure national prosperity. “This award is not just a formality—it is a step toward boosting the morale of our business community,” he said. “Economic development and prosperity are impossible without a strong private sector.”

Minister Bhandari also noted that with Nepal’s upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, collaborative strategies between the government and private sector are more crucial than ever.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, speaking at the event, expressed optimism about Nepal's export potential. He stated that the country could reach annual exports of NPR 1 trillion and attract foreign investment equivalent to 10% of GDP within a few years. Dhakal also advocated for celebrating a designated "CIP Day" every two years to institutionalize the honor and boost motivation in the business community.

He further acknowledged the government’s support and emphasized the private sector’s efforts in revitalizing the economy and promoting investment through policy advocacy and strategic programs.

The CIP awards are intended to recognize excellence and inspire businesses to strive further in promoting exports, generating foreign income, and contributing to Nepal’s economic growth.