NCC President Kamlesh Agrawal Warns of Rs 80 Billion Loss Following Gen Z Protests

21st March 2026, Kathmandu

The President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Kamlesh Agrawal, has issued a stark warning regarding the “extreme volatility” of the Nepalese economy.

NCC President Kamlesh Agrawal

Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Trade Association, Agrawal highlighted that the private sector has faced a staggering Rs 80 billion loss due to the recent Gen Z-led movements and ongoing macroeconomic stagnation.

Economic Stagnation and Post-Pandemic Challenges

According to NCC President Kamlesh Agrawal, the projected economic growth rate of 4.4% for the fiscal year 2081/82 (2025/26) is under significant threat.

He attributed the current crisis to the lingering “scarring effects” of COVID-19 and a subsequent lack of efficient management by state authorities.

“The Nepalese economy has reached a highly sensitive and stagnant phase,” Agrawal stated. He emphasized that without a “formal guarantee of security” for industrial and commercial establishments, the private sector’s morale will remain at an all-time low.

The Rs 80 Billion Impact of Gen Z Protests

One of the most critical points raised by the NCC President was the financial toll of the protests held on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24). The movement, led by the “Gen Z” demographic, resulted in:

Direct Private Sector Loss: Estimated at Rs 80 billion.

Operational Disruptions: Widespread impact on supply chains and industrial productivity.

Investment Hesitation: A sharp decline in the confidence of domestic and international investors.

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Why the Youth are Protesting

NCC President Kamlesh Agrawal noted that the unrest is a symptom of a deeper systemic failure. With over 2,500 Nepalese youth leaving the country daily for foreign employment, the frustration over job scarcity has reached a boiling point.

Agrawal acknowledged that the Gen Z demands, specifically good governance, corruption control, and domestic job creation, are not just social issues but the “first steps toward economic prosperity.”

A Call for Policy Stability

The Chamber President lamented that despite Nepal’s vast natural resources, the lack of political and economic policy stability has hindered progress. He urged the incoming government to prioritize:

Industrial Security: Protecting private property and business operations from political unrest.

Job Creation: Implementing policies that utilize the experience of returning migrants.

Governance Reform: Eliminating corruption to build trust with the younger generation.

“The results of the recent elections have sparked hope,” Agrawal remarked. “It is now up to the government to ensure that the private sector can operate without fear, as we are the backbone of the nation’s economy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhzJ9iC3unA

For more: NCC President Kamlesh Agrawal