FNCCI president urges immediate construction of Budhigandaki hydel project, says NDP ready to invest

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged the concerned parties to immediately proceed with the construction of the Budhigandaki storage hydroelectric project.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of 10th Dhading Festival organised by Dhading Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, FNCCI President Dhakal placed special emphasis on the need to advance the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, which has been a topic of discussion for a long time. On the occasion, he also signed a petition as part of a signature campaign aimed at exerting pressure to begin construction immediately.

President Dhakal said Nepal Development Public (NDP) has been established with investment from entrepreneurs, businesspeople and investors from across Nepal, and that if there is a shortage of resources for the project, they are ready to invest through the company on behalf of private sector. "There is immense potential for hydropower development in Nepal. Along with the development of hydropower, it will help to further uncover the possibilities for minerals, agricultural production and other businesses here. We are ready to assist if necessary," he said.

Dhakal added that NDP is ready to invest in potential sectors in Dhading district, such as minerals, agriculture and other enterprises. He reiterated that private sector completes projects within the specified time, quality and budget/resources.

He recalled that "during the infiltration that occurred in the Gen-Z movement last August, there was a situation where many private sector industries, factories, hotels and business establishments were subjected to arson and damage. However, almost all of us in the private sector have already brought those businesses back into operation by repairing, maintaining and reconstructing them. We in the private sector complete any project within the specified time, specified quality and specified budget/resources."

FNCCI President Dhakal said the private sector has been alarmed by crackdowns and attacks on private businesses. "The private sector has produced. It has built infrastructure. It has provided services. It has created employment. It has paid revenue. But why is the private sector always neglected?" he asked.

Dhakal also emphasised the role of local fairs and festivals in promoting and marketing local products, noting that FNCCI has always prioritised such events. "Such fairs and festivals help to promote local products and potential. Since this helps to expand economic activities at the local level and create employment, we have been promoting such fairs and festivals with particular importance," he said.