March 31, 2026

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal Calls For Unanimous Leadership to Drive Private Sector Agenda

31st March 2026, Kathmandu

The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has emphasized that electing a unanimous leadership in the upcoming federation elections is vital for the effective implementation of the private sector’s economic agenda.

FNCCI President Dhakal Calls

Speaking at a candidacy announcement program organized by the Naresh Lal Shrestha group, who are vying for the Objective Vice President and other executive roles, President Dhakal underscored that unity within the federation is the only way to strengthen the collective voice of Nepalese entrepreneurs.

Five Major Agendas Successfully Initiated

Reflecting on his tenure, President Dhakal noted that the five core agendas he introduced during his swearing-in three years ago have largely been addressed or are in the final stages of implementation. These initiatives focused on:

Economic Revitalization: Navigating the post-pandemic recovery and recent liquidity challenges.

Investment Promotion: Creating a “red carpet” environment for both domestic and foreign investors.

Policy Stability: Advocating for long-term legal frameworks that do not change with political cycles.

Youth Entrepreneurship: Launching initiatives like “AIForAll” and digital literacy to empower the next generation.

Private Sector Morale: Elevating the dignity of business owners in the eyes of the state.

Business Establishments as “Peace Zones”

One of President Dhakal’s most significant recent achievements is the inclusion of private sector protection in the government’s 100-point reform agenda.

He argued that just as educational institutions are treated as sensitive areas, business establishments should be declared “Peace Zones.”

“We must change the 1990s-era perspective toward the private sector. Our establishments should not be targets of interference. They are the engines of employment and revenue, and they deserve a secure environment to operate without hindrance,” Dhakal stated.

Support for the Naresh Lal Shrestha Panel

The event marked the formal entry of the Naresh Lal Shrestha group into the FNCCI election race. The panel has proposed Hemraj Dhakal for Senior Vice President and Kamala Shrestha for the Women’s Vice President position, alongside a 17-member team representing diverse sectors, including IT, Agriculture, Tourism, and Fintech.

President Dhakal hinted that if a consensus is reached between the leading candidates and the Senior Vice President, he would openly support a unified team to avoid the divisiveness of a contested election.

Looking Ahead: FNCCI Election 2026

As the FNCCI prepares for its General Assembly on Chaitra 29-30 (April 2026), the call for “Unanimous Leadership” has become a central theme.

With the Nepalese economy at a critical juncture, especially regarding the planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, the federation’s role in policy advocacy has never been more crucial.