FNCCI urges govt to ensure secure environment for businesses

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has urged the government to ensure a secure environment in which business can be conducted with dignity and high morale.

A delegation led by FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal met Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at the Ministry of Home Affairs today to put forward the request.

Dhakal suggested that the government take immediate, concrete steps to guarantee peace and security. He emphasised that the private sector does not feel secure in various districts and urged the government to focus on security measures. The FNCCI president also stated that some entrepreneurs are ready to assist with the reconstruction of police infrastructure and requested that chief district officers be informed of this cooperation via the chambers of commerce and industry.

He further urged Minister Aryal to take action against those involved in attacks, vandalism and arson of private sector property during recent protests. He said the government should send a positive message to the private sector, which contributes to the country’s revenue and provides employment, by creating an environment in which businesses can operate with dignity.

The private sector contributes 81% to the Nepali economy and provides 86% of employment.

During the meeting, Home Minister Aryal stated that the government is sensitive to the peace and security of ordinary citizens and businesspeople.

FNCCI vice presidents Hemraj Dhakal and Jyotsana Shrestha, along with Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, said hundreds of private sector businesses were affected during the protests and suffered significant financial losses due to vandalism and arson. They requested security guarantees and warned that a state of impunity would arise if the culprits were not punished. FNCCI is currently compiling details of the damage.