CNI holds discussions with FM Rana, Chief Secy Aryal on economic diplomacy

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) held separate discussions on Wednesday with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, and Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal to press for stronger economic diplomacy and private sector reforms.

During the meeting with Minister Rana, CNI’s newly elected President, Birendra Raj Pandey, emphasised that Nepal cannot achieve its development goals through domestic investment alone. He called for a legal, policy-level and conducive business environment to attract foreign capital, country-specific economic strategies and the active mobilisation of Nepali embassies and missions to promote domestic goods abroad. Pandey said CNI aims to expand the national economy to $100 billion and secure double-digit growth within the next decade, adding that the government must facilitate these efforts.

Minister Rana responded that her ministry has prioritised legal and policy reforms to boost foreign and domestic investment. She cited several laws already amended and said further legislation is under review. She reiterated that economic development hinges on a thriving private sector and assured CNI of the government’s commitment to resolving its concerns.

In a separate session, Chief Secretary Aryal congratulated CNI’s new executive committee and agreed that industry and private sector are indispensable to economic progress. He confirmed that the government plans to amend around 120 laws related to the economy, industrial development and forests, and has issued guidelines requiring public bodies to favour domestic products. Aryal also said the Public Procurement Act is being revised to mandate the use of indigenous goods and invited sector-wise recommendations for broader economic development.

CNI Vice Presidents Raj Bahadur Shah and Hem Raj Dhakal, executive committee member Sandeep Sharda, permanent invitee Vidushi Rana and Director General Ghanshyam Ojha, among others, attended both discussions.