FNCCI President Dhakal meets ILO Director-General Houngbo, emphasises expanding employer-targeted support

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal met Gilbert F Houngbo, Director-General of International Labour Organization (ILO), on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference to discuss labour and employment issues.

At the meeting, Dhakal said the FNCCI has been working diligently towards decent work and inclusive economic growth, and he stressed the need to expand employer-targeted support. He expressed confidence that, with the ILO’s ongoing assistance, both Nepali workers and enterprises could achieve tangible progress and looked forward to further collaboration.

“Nepal is set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, after which new trade rules will come into effect. This could affect our export capacity and associated jobs. Therefore, we now require support,” he said.

He urged the ILO to highlight in international discussions the necessity of measures such as expanded trade facilities, improved investment access and technical assistance for countries like Nepal.

As the sole official employer organisation of Nepal’s private sector, the FNCCI plays a pivotal role in the tripartite labour system, Dhakal added. Welcoming this year’s ILO report, he noted: “Its focus on formalisation, strengthening worker protection and creating decent employment is directly relevant to Nepal.”

He pointed out that the FNCCI has established structured platforms for social dialogue, signed bilateral memoranda of understanding and strengthened industrial relations to enhance cooperation with labour organisations.

Dhakal thanked the ILO office in Kathmandu for its continued support and recalled Nepal’s selection as one of the 'Global Champion' countries for promoting formalisation of the informal economy, saying this accolade recognised the FNCCI’s long-standing efforts.

He also highlighted the private sector’s potential, citing a youthful, skilled workforce, growing digital competencies and key industries such as hydropower, tourism and information technology.

On the occasion, Director-General Houngbo expressed his positive views on mutual cooperation with the FNCCI.

While in Geneva, Dhakal also held separate talks with Roberto Suárez Santos, secretary-general of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).