FNCCI delegation meets Industry Minister, seeks guarantees to protect businesses
KATHMANDU: A delegation from Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), led by President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has requested formal guarantees for the protection of businesses and personal property following widespread damage during recent Gen-Z protests.
In a meeting with Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha at the ministry on Thursday, the FNCCI stated that public properties, industries, offices, and residences of industrialists were subjected to vandalism and arson during the demonstrations.
FNCCI said assurance of protection is needed to restore the morale of the public and business community. FNCCI President Dhakal demanded guarantees that there would be no further attacks and urged the strictest action against perpetrators, stating that the damage to industries and business establishments amounts to approximately Rs 80 billion.
“FNCCI is prepared to cooperate with the government in establishing good governance by ending the uncertainty for the prosperity of the country,” Dhakal said, noting the private sector contributes 81% to the national economy and 86% to employment.
On the occasion, Minister Sinha described the private sector’s goodwill and readiness to cooperate despite heavy losses as a positive sign and said the government is serious about public and business security. He added that private sector cooperation is essential for industrial revival and reform.
FNCCI Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha said the private sector is routinely targeted during protests and called for a change in attitude and greater use of domestic goods in reconstruction.
Shrestha, in a different context, suggested the government ask the United Nations to postpone Nepal’s planned graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category in November 2023, given current circumstances.
FNCCI Vice Presidents Hem Raj Dhakal and Jyotsna Shrestha, and Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, said a general guarantee of the rule of law is the immediate priority and urged steps to build a corruption‑free society and foundations of good governance in line with the protesters’ demands.
