IOE Secretary-General Santos holds meeting with FNCCI officials

• Santos praises FNCCI's role in improving industrial relations

KATHMANDU: Roberto Suarez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), currently visiting Nepal, has praised the role played by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in improving industrial relations.

He expressed this view during a meeting with FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and other officials on Thursday.

Santos, visiting at the invitation of FNCCI President Dhakal, stated that the federation’s role in the recently agreed minimum wage determination, social security and formalisation efforts has been exemplary.

Secretary-General Santos is on a three-day visit to Nepal from July 24 to July 26. During a meeting at the International Labour Conference in Geneva earlier this year, Dhakal invited him to visit Nepal.

In their meeting, President Dhakal discussed IOE’s facilitation of Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 and its impact on the nation’s international trade. He also emphasised the need for IOE support to enhance the private sector’s competitiveness and other areas. “As Nepal graduates from LDC status in 2026, we face both opportunities and challenges. To move forward, we expect IOE’s support for experience sharing, advocacy on behalf of Nepal in the global community and closer collaboration,” he said.

He added that FNCCI has consistently worked to create a favourable investment environment and establish harmonious relations between the government, employers and labour organisations to build a conducive industrial climate.

On the occasion, Santos said the FNCCI’s efforts in establishing good labour relations are commendable and could serve as a model elsewhere. He also assured that IOE remains committed to providing necessary international facilitation after Nepal’s LDC graduation.

During the meeting, FNCCI Vice President Hem Raj Dhakal, FNCCI Vice President and Chairperson of the Employers' Council Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, FNCCI Central Member and Deputy Chairperson of the Council Babukaji Karki, and Arniko Rajbhandari, among others, shared their views on the federation's role in building good relations between employers and workers and creating an industrial environment in Nepal.

Established in 1920 with its headquarters in Geneva, the IOE is the world’s largest private sector network, representing more than 150 employer organisations in over 140 countries. In Nepal, FNCCI is a member of the IOE.