At 114th ILC session, FNCCI VP calls for regulatory flexibility, higher enterprise productivity

GENEVA: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Vice President (Associate) Prabal Jung Pandey today urged delegates at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva to back practical regulatory flexibility and higher enterprise productivity. He also called for stronger tripartite cooperation as countries adapt to rapid changes in the world of work.

Speaking on behalf of the FNCCI Employers’ Council, Vice President Pandey said Nepal is undergoing an economic transition with government efforts to improve governance, investment and infrastructure, but cautioned the domestic economy still faces modest growth, limited industrial expansion and rising operational costs. He said the continued out-migration of young Nepalis seeking work abroad remains a major national concern and called for policies to create dignified, productive jobs at home through investment-friendly measures, targeted skills training and closer links between education and the labour market.

Pandey highlighted the rapid expansion of Nepal’s digital and platform economy, saying freelancing, ride-sharing and digital services offer new entrepreneurial opportunities for young people while raising urgent questions about labour standards and social protection. He argued that developing countries need flexibility to adapt labour rules and regulatory frameworks to national realities and institutional capacity rather than applying one-size-fits-all standards.

On workplace safety and inclusion, Pandey pointed to the National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Action Plan and said employers now view safe and healthy workplaces as drivers of competitiveness, sustainability and productivity. He noted sector-specific guidelines are being introduced in tea and cardamom production and that FNCCI has launched pilot care models in selected enterprises to expand employment opportunities for women and improve workplace inclusion.

Pandey drew attention to climate-related disruptions such as floods and landslides that threaten business continuity, agriculture and livelihoods, and urged international dialogue to support green jobs and provide technical assistance to climate-vulnerable countries. He warned that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affect remittance flows, increase the urgency for employers to protect jobs, keep businesses running and strengthen social dialogue to build economic resilience.

Concluding his address, Pandey requested long-term technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation to boost enterprise productivity, drive workplace innovation and enhance skills development. He reaffirmed FNCCI’s commitment to tripartite social dialogue and said sustainable economic growth and labour rights must advance together through institutional trust, balanced national policies and deep social partnership.