The Greater New York Nepali Chamber of Commerce celebrated its second anniversary and Nepali New Year 2083 with a cruise dinner on Saturday aboard the Horizon Edge yacht in Manhattan. The event brought together diplomats, business leaders, community figures, and supporters of the Nepali diaspora.
The evening featured remarks from Chamber President Pradeep Shrestha; Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa; Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari; Councilwoman Julie Won of District 30; lawyer Khagendra GC, who serves as an advisor to the chamber; and Dr. Sameer Maskey, founder and CEO of Fusemachines, along with networking, dinner, cultural performances, and the announcement of a major new business summit.
The chamber’s anniversary celebration was combined with a Nepali New Year observance, turning the gathering into both a community milestone and a cultural event.
In his remarks, Chamber President Pradeep Shrestha stated that the chamber was created to connect, support, and empower Nepali entrepreneurs in New York. He noted that the organization has spent the past two years building a strong foundation for the community by collaborating with city agencies, local institutions, and business groups to support growth and development.
Shrestha welcomed distinguished guests, including Lok Bahadur Thapa, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari; Councilwoman Julie Won; NYC Department of Small Business Services representatives Karen Watanabe and Mati Yang; Colonel Rohit Raj Gurung; Dr. Sameer Maskey; Tseyang Tenzin; Pema Genkhang; and Thomas Strodel. He also thanked Turkish Airlines, Voyzant, Viamerica Money Transfer, media partners, artists, sponsors, advisors, board members, and community supporters for making the celebration possible.
He highlighted that the chamber has organized networking events, tax and business workshops, and partnerships with organizations such as the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. Shrestha explained that the chamber exists to make it easier for first-generation immigrants to navigate regulations, tax systems, and resource access in the United States.
He noted that New York City is home to more than 100,000 Nepalis and over 500 Nepali-owned businesses, adding that the community’s potential is strongest when working together. He further noted that partnerships with Flushing Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Accompany Capital, and Everest Federal Credit Union are helping members access business banking, SBA loans, and professional guidance.
A major announcement of the evening was the Nepali American Business & Investment Summit 2026, scheduled for September 26–27, 2026, in New York City, with support from the Consulate General of Nepal in New York. Shrestha described the summit as a premier platform for Nepali entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and global stakeholders.
He noted that the timing—during the week of the United Nations General Assembly—would help attract a high-level Nepali delegation, diplomats, and Nepali American business leaders from across the United States and Nepal. He described the summit as a bridge between Nepal and the global Nepali business community that could open new opportunities for investment, collaboration, and economic growth.
In his speech, Lok Bahadur Thapa praised the chamber for its rapid growth since he inaugurated it two years ago. He stated that the chamber has created an important platform for Nepali-owned businesses, mentorship, and opportunities for the next generation.
Thapa congratulated Shrestha and the chamber team for building an organization that reflects the determination, creativity, and resilience of the Nepali diaspora in New York, a global hub for business and innovation. He added that the chamber’s work is strengthening the economic footprint of the Nepali community.
He also extended Nepali New Year greetings to the audience and urged the community to preserve their shared heritage, values, and culture while remaining connected, regardless of where they live.
Thapa spoke about Nepal’s role at the United Nations, including the adoption of a resolution proclaiming April 15 as International Wellness Day. He noted that the date carries cultural significance because it coincides with the Nepali New Year and reflects Nepal’s message of renewal, harmony, and balance.
He emphasized that wellness is not only a cultural value but also an area of national opportunity for Nepal, with the potential to strengthen the country’s soft power and connect it to the global wellness economy. He added that Nepal’s leadership at the UN has helped raise the country’s visibility and credibility on the global stage.
Thapa described members of the Nepali diaspora as cultural bearers, social connectors, and unofficial ambassadors who shape Nepal’s image abroad. He said their achievements in the United States and elsewhere bring pride to Nepal and demonstrate the community’s resilience and excellence.
He encouraged the diaspora to continue contributing through tourism, trade, investment, innovation, technology, and positive storytelling. He stated that their ideas, networks, and engagement are essential to advancing Nepal’s national interests.
Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari praised the chamber for establishing a strong presence in New York, calling it an important platform for representing Nepal on the global stage. He noted that the Nepali diaspora in major business centers like New York, London, and Sydney demonstrates the ambition, decency, and courage of Nepalis abroad.
Bhandari stated that Nepal is entering a period of political stability and economic transformation, and he urged the diaspora to join the government’s efforts to build a prosperous and developed Nepal. He emphasized that this goal requires significant contributions from Nepalis living overseas.
Bhandari endorsed the announcement of the Nepali American Business & Investment Summit 2026, confirming that the consulate will support the initiative. He noted that holding the summit during the week of the UN General Assembly will help Nepal showcase itself, connect with investors, and strengthen business partnerships. He described the summit as a practical step toward advancing Nepal’s economic ambitions and creating a platform for collaboration.
Bhandari highlighted that the East Coast is strategically important for Nepal and pointed to the role of second-generation Nepali youth, especially those studying at Ivy League and other top institutions. He said young Nepalis can contribute to Nepal’s economic transformation through technology and digital innovation. He urged parents and community leaders to encourage children to remain connected to their roots and consider how they can support Nepal’s future.
The Consul General also mentioned that the government of Nepal is expected to provide practical solutions regarding NRN (Non-Resident Nepali) investment, NRN cards, and NRN citizenship. He expressed hope that these concerns will be addressed soon so the diaspora can contribute more fully to foreign direct investment and national development.
Bhandari concluded by stating that he has been consulting with diaspora members and relaying their feedback to the government of Nepal to ease investment and improve the environment for overseas Nepalis to contribute back home.
The program was moderated by Sagarika Shrestha. Guests were also treated to live musical performances by renowned Nepali singers Adrian Pradhan and Nalina Chitrakar.
Suresh Shahi
View More PostsSuresh Shahi is the editor of NepYork, the showcase of Nepalis in the USA. He has also been an editor of Khasokhas, the voice of the Nepali diaspora in the USA, since 2012. Currently, he hosts the podcast ‘Community Cornerstone.’ Previously, he served as a host, anchor, and news reporter for ABC TV Nepal.
