Mahesh Swar has been elected president of the Nepalese Marketing Association (NMA).

The association’s fourth general convention on Tuesday formed a nine-member executive committee under Swar’s leadership. Swar is the chief executive officer of Kantipur Media Group.

The committee members are Punam Singh, Gopal Thapa, Abhaya Prasad Gorkhalee, Govinda Prasad Dhakal, Bijay Amatya, Sujanraj Shrestha, Shrees Karmacharya and Niti Basnet, the association said.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel distributed certificates to the newly elected committee during the convention.

Kharel said the current government has a mandate to hold elections on March 5 and is actively working towards that goal. “We are engaging with party offices, meeting leaders and consulting all stakeholders to create an environment for elections,” he said, adding that polls are now assured.

He also said a recent meeting between Prime Minister Sushila Karki and top leaders of major parties at the President’s residence had further ensured the elections.

The minister said the country’s industry, trade, and business sectors are in a fragile state, and the government is working closely with the private sector.

The convention also formally welcomed and congratulated the new executive committee and the newly formed advisory committee.

Addressing the gathering, Swar said the marketing sector contributes around 10 percent to Nepal’s gross domestic product and should be mobilised more effectively. He said marketing can play a major role in branding Nepal’s sectors and promoting Nepali businesses globally.

“We are ready to work in coordination with the government, the National Planning Commission and the private sector,” Swar said, urging the government to create a supportive environment for such collaboration.