FNCCI calls for youth-led entrepreneurship, industry-academia collaboration
KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Anjan Shrestha has called for greater youth and women participation in entrepreneurship to drive economic transformation. Speaking at the Sudurpashchim Province Startup and Innovation Summit 2083 in Dhangadhi on Sunday, he also stressed closer collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
Addressing the summit inauguration, FNCCI President Shrestha said Nepal needs a domestic environment that supports local production, employment generation and business growth. The summit was jointly organised by the FNCCI, Far Western University (FWU) and Kailali Multiple Campus (KMC).
“We currently face a reality where we depend on external markets for everything from consumer goods to employment opportunities. To reverse this trend, we must integrate our youth into entrepreneurship. Achieving economic capability and self-reliance requires collective contributions from all sectors,” Shrestha said.
Shrestha said FNCCI has been working with the government on drafting the national startup policy and called for revisions to the startup loan programme to improve access for entrepreneurs. He urged the National Planning Commission (NPN) to extend startup loan repayment periods from five years to 10 years and introduce loan facilities ranging from Rs 20 million to Rs 50 million for large-scale collaborative projects.
He said FNCCI recognises more than 100 emerging entrepreneurs annually through its Startup Challenge initiative.
FNCCI has also signed collaboration agreements with Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan University and Gandaki University to narrow the gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements.
“The disconnect between academic output and industry needs must be eliminated. Curriculums must align with market demands, and students should be afforded opportunities to gain practical work experience within industrial environments alongside their academic studies,” Shrestha said.
He also stressed the importance of women’s participation in production, entrepreneurship and employment, saying national prosperity cannot be achieved without their involvement. He added that FNCCI plans to expand cooperation with provincial and local governments and municipal associations to strengthen local marketing and job creation, while supporting regional employment fairs in coordination with the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment.
Citing the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) annual economic activity report for Sudurpashchim Province for fiscal year 2025/26, Shrestha said the province’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at Rs 463 billion. Economic growth is projected at 3.28% at consumer prices and 2.71% at basic prices.
According to the report, land use for major crops declined by 2.11% during the review period, but total production increased by 0.82%. Average industrial capacity utilisation in the province stands at 51.29%, with most surveyed industries reporting higher output.
In the service sector, studies indicate rising occupancy rates, increased real estate registrations and growing revenues. Banks and financial institutions channelled 73.48% of total regional credit to service-sector enterprises, while hydropower installations in the province had reached a combined generation capacity of 169 megawatts by mid-February.
“The global economy is transitioning away from open-market ideals towards frameworks centred on national interest and mutual benefit. In this context, Nepal must systematically build its own manufacturing capabilities, technical skills and entrepreneurial capacity. Nepal’s development must be forged by Nepalis themselves,” Shrestha said.
