The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) witnessed a significant leadership transition during its 22nd Annual General Meeting held in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Birendra Raj Pandey, who previously served as Senior Vice President, was unanimously elected as the new President of the industrial body, succeeding outgoing president Rajesh Kumar Agrawal in accordance with CNI’s constitutional provisions.
The oath-taking ceremony saw Agrawal formally hand over responsibilities to Pandey, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the influential business organization. Pandey brings to the position an impressive three-decade long career in Nepal’s construction sector, currently serving as Executive Director of Nepal Adarsha Nirman Company. His extensive expertise encompasses civil engineering, urban development, infrastructure projects, and sustainable construction practices, complemented by active involvement in agriculture and education sectors.
The AGM proved to be a landmark event with the election of 60 new national council members, representing a diverse cross-section of Nepal’s industrial landscape. The newly elected council includes prominent business leaders such as Gopal Kumar Agrawal, Hitesh Golchha, Sanjay Golchha, Amit More, Rohit Gupta, and Nirwan Chaudhary, along with provincial presidents from all seven provinces, ensuring comprehensive geographic representation across the nation.
In a significant organizational development, seven vice presidents were elected unanimously, with Nirvana Chaudhary assuming the crucial role of Senior Vice President. The leadership team was further strengthened with the nomination of Sandeep Kumar Sharda, Bidushi Rana and Prachi Agrawal as permanent invited members, reflecting CNI’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Addressing the gathering after assuming office, President Pandey outlined his vision for CNI’s future, emphasizing the need to institutionalize past achievements while elevating the organization to new heights. He paid tribute to his predecessor’s contributions during challenging economic times and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to drive industrial growth and economic prosperity.
The AGM also served as a platform to recognize excellence in Nepal’s industrial sector. Former CNI president Satish Kumar More was honored with the prestigious CNI President Award for his outstanding contributions. The event celebrated export-oriented companies making significant contributions to foreign trade, with awards presented across multiple categories including SAFTA exports, third-country exports, and Indo-Nepal trade arrangements.
Special recognitions were bestowed upon individuals and entities demonstrating exceptional commitment, including Gopal Agrawal as Most Active National Council Member, the Information Technology Council as Most Active Committee, and Bagmati Udyog CNI as Most Active Provincial Body. The awards ceremony, graced by the presence of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari, highlighted CNI’s pivotal role in shaping Nepal’s economic landscape.
As CNI embarks on this new leadership era, the organization remains committed to its mission of fostering industrial development, enhancing competitiveness, and contributing to Nepal’s economic transformation under President Pandey’s stewardship.
