FNCCI unveils '6 Pillars, 60 Initiatives' under President Anjan Shrestha

KATHMANNDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) elected Anjan Shrestha as its 21st president at its 60th annual general meeting (AGM) and unveiled a strategic programme to strengthen the private sector and attract investment.

The new leadership launched a phased action plan titled '6 Pillars, 60 Initiatives', which will begin with the president’s inauguration. The programme is intended to enhance FNCCI’s institutional capacity and make the private sector’s collective voice more effective, credible and results-oriented.

FNCCI said the initiative focuses on long-term private sector interests, creating an investment-friendly environment and modernising the federation’s services. Priority areas include protection of business rights, promotion of industry and entrepreneurship, expansion of investment, stronger policy advocacy, coordination with provincial and local governments, digital transformation, youth entrepreneurship and international trade relations.

Under the first pillar, FNCCI plans to expand its network and services by conducting a needs assessment of district and municipal members, professionalising the secretariat and establishing district and commodity desks. The federation also intends to launch a digital membership portal and mobile application, and to set up systems for resolving policy, business and administrative grievances, including a commercial dispute resolution and arbitration mechanism.

The second pillar emphasises economic reform and governance. Proposed measures include a research branch for public policy, economy, trade and law; a law desk for regulatory consultation; policy recommendation papers for budgetary and monetary matters; monthly economic summaries; and a Business Confidence Survey alongside a Private Sector Morale Index.

Measures to boost competitiveness and growth include a 'Made in Nepal' campaign, efforts to improve the effectiveness of industrial zones and special economic zones, export promotion and logistics upgrades, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. The programme also highlights digital transformation and the promotion of contract manufacturing.

Other pillars address development cooperation, private sector development, labour and skills improvement, and private sector protection. Planned actions include a Development Partnership Branch, skill development programmes and a national Skill Academy, a tripartite framework linking industry, education and government, representation and defence of business rights, reforms in insolvency and commercial justice, and initiatives to mobilise alternative finance and promote women’s entrepreneurship.

FNCCI said the action plan assigns specific initiatives, timelines, responsibilities and expected outcomes for each pillar, and that implementation will proceed in phases following the inauguration. The federation adopted the theme '6 Pillars, 60 Initiatives, One FNCCI' to summarise the programme’s scope.