Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s first and only billionaire, is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial brilliance, resilience, and global ambition. As the chairman of CG Corp Global, a transnational conglomerate with over 160 companies and 123 brands in more than 30 countries, Chaudhary has built a business empire that transcends borders. Though based in Nepal, his business interests span various parts of India, including the northeastern state of Sikkim, where CG Corp has made a significant economic footprint.
This blog explores the life, legacy, and business influence of Binod Chaudhary, with a special focus on his industrial ventures in Sikkim, and how his conglomerate CG Corp Global is reshaping industries across the globe.
Early Life and Business Inception
Born in 1955 in Kathmandu, Nepal, Binod Chaudhary hails from a Marwari business family originally from Rajasthan, India. His grandfather moved to Nepal to start a textile business, and his father, Lunkaran Das Chaudhary, established the family’s trading company. Young Binod took over the reins of the family business in his early twenties due to his father’s illness.
Despite never completing college, Binod’s entrepreneurial vision and determination soon transformed the modest family business into an international powerhouse. His ventures have touched industries such as FMCG, hospitality, real estate, energy, education, and finance.
The Rise of CG Corp Global
CG Corp Global is one of South Asia’s most diversified business conglomerates. Headquartered in Nepal, the group operates in:
- Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
- Hospitality and Hotels
- Real Estate and Infrastructure
- Education and Financial Services
- Energy and Telecom
The group is best known globally for its Wai Wai noodles, a household name across South Asia and Southeast Asia. Under Binod Chaudhary’s leadership, the brand transformed from a local snack into a billion-dollar food empire, available in over 35 countries.
Wai Wai: A Game-Changer in the Noodle Industry
Launched in the 1980s, Wai Wai revolutionized the noodle market in South Asia. Unlike traditional instant noodles, Wai Wai offered pre-cooked, flavored noodles that could be eaten straight from the pack, cooked, or made into a salad. Its versatility, affordability, and taste made it immensely popular, especially among youth and working-class communities.
The brand’s success enabled CG Corp to expand aggressively into other markets and industries, fueling the group’s multinational ambitions.
Industrial Presence in India: Focus on Sikkim
Why Sikkim?
CG Corp Global has chosen Sikkim, one of India’s northeastern Himalayan states, as a key manufacturing hub for its FMCG products. The state is known for its investor-friendly policies, clean environment, and strategic proximity to markets in Northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
The government of Sikkim has promoted industrial growth while maintaining its ecological balance, making it an ideal location for companies focused on sustainability. CG Foods, the FMCG arm of CG Corp, has actively leveraged this.
CG Foods Plant in Sikkim
In 2016, CG Foods inaugurated its Wai Wai noodle manufacturing plant in Sikkim. Located in the South Sikkim district, the factory produces several variants of Wai Wai noodles, contributing significantly to the region’s employment and economy. The plant reflects CG Corp’s vision of creating self-sustaining, community-oriented infrastructure that promotes local employment and minimizes environmental impact.
With its Sikkim-based operations, CG Corp not only caters to Indian markets but also exports to nearby countries, making Sikkim a strategic manufacturing and distribution point.
Economic and Social Impact in Sikkim
CG Corp’s investment in Sikkim has had a positive impact on the state’s economy. Key benefits include:
- Employment generation for local communities.
- Skill development through vocational training and on-the-job learning.
- Boost to local vendors and ancillary industries.
- Sustainable operations that respect Sikkim’s ecological balance.
By aligning its corporate goals with local development agendas, CG Corp has set a benchmark for ethical and inclusive industrialization in India’s Northeast.
Global Hospitality Ventures
Binod Chaudhary’s vision extends far beyond FMCG. CG Hospitality, the hospitality division of CG Corp, owns and operates over 150 hotels and resorts across 12 countries under brands like Taj, Alila, Zinc, The Fern, and Radisson.
One of the group’s major investments was in partnership with the Taj Group of India, where CG Hospitality co-owns Taj Samudra in Colombo and other landmark properties. These ventures exemplify Chaudhary’s knack for combining luxury with local authenticity.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
True to his roots, Binod Chaudhary is deeply committed to philanthropy and social development. The Chaudhary Foundation, established in 1995, undertakes extensive initiatives in:
- Education
- Health care
- Post-disaster reconstruction
- Women and youth empowerment
Following the devastating Nepal earthquake in 2015, the foundation led major reconstruction efforts, building schools, shelters, and hospitals in affected areas.
In Sikkim and other parts of India, CG Corp promotes CSR initiatives that support education, hygiene, and nutrition, particularly among underprivileged communities.
Recognition and Accolades
Binod Chaudhary has received several national and international honors for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts:
- Featured on Forbes Billionaires List (Nepal’s only entry)
- Recognized among Asia’s Most Powerful Business Leaders
- Honored by multiple governments for his contributions to regional development
- Author of the best-selling autobiography “Making It Big”, which chronicles his journey from Kathmandu to the global stage
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Binod Chaudhary’s story is not just about building wealth but also about inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. His strategic choices — like investing in a relatively remote state like Sikkim — reflect a boldness and vision that young business leaders can learn from.
He often speaks at global economic forums, sharing insights on emerging markets, responsible capitalism, and the importance of innovation in entrepreneurship.
Conclusion: Binod Chaudhary and the Future of CG Corp in Sikkim and Beyond
Binod Chaudhary’s entrepreneurial journey is a remarkable tale of grit, foresight, and global ambition. With his ventures in Sikkim, he has demonstrated that business growth and regional development can go hand in hand. As CG Corp Global continues to expand into new sectors and geographies, its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation will likely shape the future of industry in South Asia.
Sikkim stands as a symbol of that vision—a place where tradition meets technology, and local communities grow alongside global brands. Through the leadership of Binod Chaudhary, CG Corp Global is not just creating products but building futures.
