FNCCI, JTUCC commit to strengthen industrial relations

Kathmanbdu, Aug. 26

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) have expressed their commitment to strengthening industrial relations, improving the investment climate and expanding new employment opportunities in the country.

A meeting of senior officials from the two organisations held in Kathmandu on Wednesday reached an agreement on the 'Procedure for the Operation of the FNCCI–JTUCC Bilateral Coordination Committee'.

Both sides expressed confidence that the procedure would provide a strong foundation for institutionalising continuous dialogue and cooperation between employers and trade unions and for working jointly on matters of mutual interest.

Addressing the meeting, FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha said labour relations in Nepal were improving and an environment in which employers are stronger and workers are better protected was gradually being established.

He stressed that employers and workers should not merely be treated as witnesses when the government formulates labour and employment policies and laws, but should be meaningfully involved in the policy-making process itself. Shrestha also expressed the view that promoting a system that allows people to work alongside their studies and according to their age would help enhance skills development and productivity.

JTUCC President Binod Shrestha said the bilateral forum should not be limited to general discussions, but should serve as an effective platform for identifying and resolving practical problems in the labour sector.

Similarly, Prabal Jung Pandey, Chairperson of the Employers’ Council and vice-president of the FNCCI, said the coordination committee would study the challenges faced by both sides and seek common solutions.

The meeting also agreed to develop joint strategies on emerging challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, automation, the gig economy and the 'future of work', and to jointly engage with the government, the International Labour Organization and other stakeholders on these issues.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 27 August 2026.