FNCCI to select leadership through consensus

Kathmandu, Jan. 9

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has said that the Federation would make efforts to select its leadership through consensus at the upcoming 60^th general convention.

Citing the need for institutional reform, policy continuity, and unity within the private sector, he stressed on electing leaders through consensus. Speaking at the inauguration of the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on Wednesday, Dhakal said a consensus-based leadership would help strengthen the federation as an umbrella organisation of the private sector. 

He stated that he would take the initiative towards this goal. According to him, the FNCCI has been continuously engaging with the government through dialogue and cooperation to promote policy reforms, create an investment-friendly environment, and safeguard the rights and interests of the private sector. 

He noted that the business body has played a significant role in advocating against bringing the private sector under the jurisdiction of anti-corruption bodies, pushing for the formation of a high-level economic reform commission, and contributing to amendments to dozens of laws aimed at improving the investment climate.

He emphasised that policy stability and collaboration between the government and the private sector are essential for boosting production, employment and investment. According to Dhakal, FNCCI’s sustained efforts have resulted in several policy-level improvements, with a stronger presence of the FNCCI observed in domestic investment promotion and reform initiatives.

However, he acknowledged growing concerns over declining morale in the private sector in recent times. He said businesses were seeking assurance of peace, security, and a conducive environment for investment. Stressing the need to restore confidence for economic recovery, he called for legal action against those responsible for incidents of vandalism and attacks on industries, businesses, and private property during the Gen-Z demonstrations in September last year.

Highlighting FNCCI’s priority on investment promotion led by the private sector, he said work was underway to establish the Nepal Development Company with a paid-up capital of Rs. 10 billion under the FNCCI’s initiative. 

Likewise, Dhakal said the company aims to facilitate private sector participation in large infrastructure projects, promote investment in productive sectors, and generate employment, urging local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity.

He described Bhaktapur district as a hub not only of historical, cultural, and tourism significance but also of traditional handicrafts, cottage industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises. He said local chambers of commerce had an important role to play in promoting local industries, businesses, and tourism.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 January 2026.