FNCCI welcomes new commodity association officials

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) held a welcome and interaction programme to honour newly elected officials from various commodity associations on Sunday.

Organised by the FNCCI Commodity Council, the event congratulated incoming office bearers across the trade spectrum and urged closer collaboration between associations and the federation to address sectoral challenges.

Speaking at the event, FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha said commodity associations play a key role in resolving private-sector difficulties, enacting policy reforms and creating a business-friendly environment. He called on associations to present their issues and opportunities to the government through the federation.

“The problems of all commodity committees are the common problems of FNCCI. FNCCI is always ready to place these problems before the government and take the initiative to solve them,” he said.

President Shrestha warned that business owners currently operate under fear amid a worsening commercial climate and weak market demand, and urged the government to build a supportive trading environment to boost economic activity and restore business confidence.

FNCCI Senior Vice President Sura Krishna Vaidya said active participation from commodity groups is necessary to make the private sector’s voice more effective and that issues must be presented with supporting facts. FNCCI Vice President (Industry Commerce) Krishna Prasad Sharma said the federation would facilitate solutions to association concerns and stressed the need for a unified voice on common private-sector matters.

Naresh Lal Shrestha, Chairman of the Commodity Council and FNCCI Vice President (Commodity), said commodity associations are vital pillars of the federation and pledged stronger collaboration and joint efforts to address enterprise challenges. FNCCI Vice President (Associate) Prabal Jung Pandey highlighted that policy stability, investment-friendly conditions and competitive markets are necessary for industrial growth.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Commodity Council Vice Chairman Bhakta Bahadur Hamal pledged to strengthen cooperation among associations and advance shared private sector priorities.

Presidents from several trade bodies outlined sectoral concerns and called for joint action by the government and FNCCI on policy and practical challenges. Those present included Biplab Adhikari of Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal; Balaram Gurung of Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Anil Rajbhandari of Courier Service Association of Nepal; Prahlad Dahal of  Nepal Dairy Association; Deepak Kunwar of Nepal Land & Housing Developers Federation; Krishna Prasad of Federation of Nepal Brick Industries; Narendra Bahadur Bohora of Nepal Hostel Association; Bhim Bahadur Gole Tamang of Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association; and Manoj Kumar Chapagain of Rudraksha Byavasayi Sangh.

The representatives urged coordinated measures to tackle issues in pharmaceuticals, carpets, courier services, dairy, housing, brick manufacturing, hostels, tourist transport and the rudraksha trade. Newly elected leaders were presented with traditional ceremonial stoles by senior FNCCI officials.