IME Group has launched “Nepal Pulp and Paper Industries” in Ramnagar, Gaushala Municipality-1, Mahottari district. The Rs 2 billion facility will produce 75 metric tons of writing and printing paper daily to meet domestic demand in education, administration, and various sectors, according to the group.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli officially inaugurated the factory on Thursday, March 6. 

Speaking at the event, IME Group Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal highlighted the project’s alignment with Nepal’s goals for self-reliance, economic growth, and sustainable industrial development.  

“This initiative is a crucial step toward job creation, reducing labor migration, and revitalizing Nepal’s industrial sector,” Dhakal stated. He added that the factory will directly employ over 300 individuals and generate more indirect jobs. More than 50% of the workforce will be local and female employees.  

Dhakal also serves as the president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the country’s top private sector bodies.

The launch marks IME Group’s – which has so far invested in remittances, banking, insurance, IT, hydropower, and hospitality sector – formal entry into the manufacturing sector.  

The group’s top investment priority remains the cable car projects.  

However, one of IME Group’s latest cable car ventures, the Pathibhara Cable Car project, has faced strong opposition from local groups. While Dhakal claimed the project was initiated at the request of local residents and government authorities, he warned that ‘external’ interference could discourage future investments.  

The Mukkumlung Conservation Joint Struggle Committee, representing the indigenous Limbu/Yakthumba community, has been leading protests against the project. They argue that it threatens their cultural and spiritual heritage, which dates back centuries, and poses environmental risks. Despite these concerns, the foundation stone was laid last November amid resistance from local activists. The opposition to the project has only intensified recently.  

Dhakal urged political leaders, institutions, and stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure development, employment generation, and economic growth.

“Any disruption to infrastructure projects sends a negative signal to global investors,” he emphasized.