Building a Digital and Physical Future: CNI and FCAN Join Forces to Reform Public Procurement Laws

22nd April 2026, Kathmandu

Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) hosted a high-level welcome ceremony for the newly elected executive committee of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN).

CNI and FCAN Join Forces

The meeting, led by CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey and newly elected FCAN President Nicholas Pandey, focused on a shared vision: transforming Nepal’s current $45 billion economy into a robust $100 billion powerhouse within the next decade.

Infrastructure: The Foundation of a $100 Billion Goal

During the reception at the CNI Secretariat, President Birendra Raj Pandey emphasized that reaching the $100 billion milestone is only possible through massive investment in the infrastructure sector. CNI’s strategic roadmap highlights that while the service sector has grown, the long-term stability of the Nepalese economy relies on boosting production and completing large-scale physical projects on time.

Key areas of collaboration discussed include:

Policy & Legal Reforms: Aligning advocacy efforts to ensure a stable investment climate.

Make in Nepal – Swadeshi: Encouraging the use of domestic construction materials to reduce the trade deficit and foster self-reliance.

Capital Expenditure: Addressing the persistent challenge of weak budget implementation in provincial and central development projects.

Navigating Current Economic Hurdles

The leadership expressed deep concern over the rising costs of petroleum products and raw materials. These price hikes have significantly inflated project costs, threatening the viability of ongoing national infrastructure.

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“The government must look toward alternative financing sources and provide sessional relief to contractors to ensure that development does not grind to a halt,” stated FCAN President Nicholas Pandey.

Procurement Reform: A Long-term Vision

A major highlight of the discussion was the pending amendment to the Public Procurement Act. Both CNI and FCAN leadership urged the government to move beyond temporary fixes and adopt a sustainable, transparent procurement framework.

Such reforms are seen as essential for attracting both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nepal’s energy, transport, and urban development sectors.

Industry Leaders in Attendance

The ceremony saw participation from several influential figures in the Nepalese business landscape, including:

Sandip Sharda, CNI National Council Member.

Basanta Bahadur Chand, President of the Young Community for Nepalese Contractors (YCNC).

Dr. Ghanashyam Ojha, Director General of CNI.

As Nepal prepares for its next fiscal budget and upcoming economic cycles, this alignment between CNI and FCAN signals a unified front for the private sector, prioritizing “Skill-First” approaches and massive infrastructure spending to drive national prosperity.

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