FNCCI president urges government to resolve industrial power cuts immediately

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged the government to immediately resolve widespread electricity cuts affecting industries across the country.

Speaking at a public private dialogue held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, Dhakal said dozens of industries have been forced to shut down after electricity lines to industrial premises were disconnected, putting thousands of jobs at risk. He said the nation is suffering a huge economic loss as the line cuts have negatively affected industrial production, exports and overall economic activity.

Dhakal called for a solution through dialogue and communication and urged the government to create an environment of cooperation to resolve the dispute. He said maintaining the morale of industrialists and businesspeople is essential for economic recovery and warned that attacks on private industrial establishments during the Gen‑Z protests have exposed weak industrial security, created fear among investors and undermined investor confidence.

“If the morale of industrialists and businesspeople cannot be kept high, not only will new investment not come into the country, but existing capital could be diverted,” Dhakal said. “An environment where industrialists and businesspeople feel safe is necessary for internal and external investment. It is sad that the private sector, which creates employment and pays taxes to the state, becomes a victim of attack during every protest. A change in the approach towards the private sector is necessary and the government must take appropriate initiative for this.”

Meanwhile, Dhakal welcomed government decisions on industrial security and the reconstruction of damaged industries but cautioned that slow policy implementation remains a problem. He also welcomed the government’s decision to hold district‑level meetings with chambers of commerce and industry, other business representatives and district security committee officials to foster a favourable business environment and ensure necessary coordination.