CNI, Helvetas hold regional conference, call for private sector expansion

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Helvetas Nepal organised a two-day event, 'Private sector engagement for inclusive growth', in Kathmandu on Friday. 

The regional conference called for a major expansion of private sector involvement in development as countries confront rapid changes from artificial intelligence, rising labour mobility and climate change.

About 150 participants attended the regional conference, including policymakers, business leaders, development practitioners, financial institution representatives, academics and entrepreneurs from Nepal and neighbouring countries.

The conference focused on aligning business incentives with development goals and scaling best practices in skills training, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. Delegates from Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Vietnam took part in three thematic sessions on skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development, exchanging experiences and discussing how businesses, governments and development partners can work together to create business value while delivering social impact.

National Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Gunakar Bhatta, the chief guest, said the government was committed to creating an environment that supports investment, innovation and private sector-led growth. "The public sector alone cannot be the sole engine of economic growth," he said, adding that limited state resources and flexibility required a dynamic private sector. He urged enterprises to include marginalised areas, small businesses and underutilised workers in regional and global value chains.

Former Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal highlighted the private sector’s role in productivity, innovation, investment and job creation. "If Nepal is to fulfil its ambitions regarding investment, export, energy development, and job creation, an environment must be created where businesses can invest with confidence and the government plays the role of a facilitator rather than a controller," he said.

CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle employment challenges and boost competitiveness. "The future demands a new development pact," he said, adding that it "must be based on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility among the government, businesses, workers, development partners, and the community."

Helvetas’ Continental Coordinator for Asia, Dr Juerg Merz, said private sector engagement went beyond mobilising funds to building structured partnerships that create shared value. He noted development cooperation was shifting from grant models towards co-financing, blended finance and technical assistance that mobilise private investment and produce systemic impact.

Matthias Mayer, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Nepal, reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support for market-oriented development and inclusion. "The private sector is indispensable for sustainable development," he said, adding that meaningful partnerships must share costs, risks and responsibilities.

Helvetas-Nepal Country Director Maneesh Pradhan urged turning dialogue into action, saying effective engagement required long-term relationships that align incentives, share risks and build trust, and that clear roles were needed to help market systems work more effectively and inclusively.

A skills competition for trainees from Bagmati Province showcased technical abilities in information technology, automobile and hospitality sectors. Winners were Sushma Tamang (information technology), Prem Gole (automobile) and Sudip Waiba (hospitality). Amrita Praja won the CBPI Presidential Award 2026 for the highest marks in the trainee exam. Softy Hygiene received a certificate of appreciation, accepted by Managing Director Yadav Ghimire.

A digital marketplace at the event displayed innovations in skills training, employment services, entrepreneurship and enterprise support. Exhibitors included GLocal, Helvetas Bangladesh, Helvetas Vietnam, Rupandehi Chamber of Industries, CNI, the ReMI Project and Buddha Incubation Centre. Organisers said the marketplace showed how digital tools can link people to opportunities and scale practical, data-driven solutions for more inclusive and resilient economic development.