FNCCI inspects private sector infrastructure damaged during protests

• FNCCI President emphasises need for a secure business environment, investor confidence

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) conducted an on-site inspection of private sector infrastructure damaged during the protests on September 8 and 9.

The inspection team, led by FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, examined damage to the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu, Kantipur Media Group, the Golchha Group and Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, as well as property belonging to businessman Upendra Mahato.

FNCCI’s immediate past president Shekhar Golchha, Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha, vice presidents Sur Krishna Vaidya, Hem Raj Dhakal and Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya and other members attended the visit and gathered information from businessman Mahato, Kantipur Media Group Chairman Kailash Sirohiya, Bhat-Bhateni Managing Director Min Bahadur Gurung and directors of the Hilton Hotel.

During the inspection, President Dhakal stated that creating an environment in which private investment is secure is the priority today and that it is the state’s responsibility to instil confidence in investors.

He said the attacks on private property during the protests were regrettable and negatively impact the business environment, urging the government, civil society and all stakeholders to maintain an atmosphere of peace and security.

“The private sector makes a substantial contribution to the country’s overall economic development and job creation. Recent developments have raised serious questions about business security. A peaceful environment is essential for the protection of private sector property and business stability,” he said.

President Dhakal demanded that the government take action against those responsible and arrange appropriate compensation for the victims, adding that such incidents must not be repeated.

The FNCCI stated that it remains committed to supporting businesspeople in creating a secure business environment.