Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has called on all sectors of Nepal to accelerate their pace of development, noting that the country has already fallen behind in the national growth race. Addressing the 17th edition of NADA Auto Show 2025 in Kathmandu on Tuesday, he emphasized that Nepal must now “run faster than others” to catch up.

Citing a story from the book My Vision by the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Oli likened Nepal’s development challenge to that of a lion and a deer in a jungle. “If the lion cannot run faster than the fastest deer, it starves. And if the deer cannot outrun the lion, it dies. To survive, everyone must run faster,” he said. “We are already behind in development; now we must run faster than everyone else.”

The Prime Minister urged youth, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to move forward with fresh ideas and energy. He highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement globally, recalling that when U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated television in 1939, it seemed impossible, yet today it is a ubiquitous part of life. Drawing a local parallel, he said, “When black-and-white television arrived in Nepal in 2042 B.S., it was a big deal. Today, we are in the smart era; our school students are building motorcycles and satellites - this is a proud achievement.”

Oli also praised NADA’s youth leadership, describing its chairman as energetic and visionary, and encouraged young Nepalese to embrace the opportunities before them. “The time for youth has arrived, and I believe they can lead,” he added.

At the same event, Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), welcomed recent policy reforms by the government, saying these have injected optimism into the national economy. Dhakal requested the government to allow some flexibility in implementing the recently introduced Euro VI emission standards, which have posed challenges for certain businesses.

The Prime Minister officially inaugurated the auto show by turning on lights using IoT-based technology in collaboration with the Robotics Association of Nepal, demonstrating the country’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the 50th issue of NADA Auto News, the association’s flagship publication, was released during the ceremony.

The NADA Auto Show 2025, which showcases Nepal’s automotive sector and technological innovations, highlighted the country’s growing focus on digital transformation, sustainable mobility, and youth-led entrepreneurship. PM Oli’s remarks underscore the government’s vision to combine technological advancement with accelerated national development, signaling a push for Nepal to not only catch up but compete on a global scale.