Resilience and Vision: Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s Call to Rebuild Nepal’s Private Sector
14th September 2025, Kathmandu
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, a prominent business leader and the current president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has shared a powerful message of resilience and hope for Nepal’s private sector and its citizens.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s Call
His story is a testament to the power of dedication and vision, as he began his entrepreneurial journey from a position of limited resources and connections. Four decades later, his enterprises have grown into a major force in Nepal’s economy, employing over 20,000 people directly and countless others indirectly. Dhakal’s journey is not just a personal success story but a powerful narrative about the private sector’s crucial role in national development, job creation, and fostering a culture of shared prosperity.
A Philosophy of Shared Prosperity and Community-Centered Growth
From the very beginning, Dhakal’s business philosophy was rooted in three key principles: aligning with the state’s priorities, addressing the needs of ordinary citizens, and focusing on long-term potential. This guiding framework led him to establish ventures that were not only profitable but also deeply integrated with the communities they served. He pioneered a model of shared ownership, where local communities were offered shares in his projects and local hiring was prioritized. This approach transformed his businesses from “narrow footpaths” into “broad highways” of opportunity, demonstrating how private investment can uplift entire regions and build social trust. A poignant example of this philosophy is his early venture into remittance services, which was inspired by the hardships faced by Nepali migrant workers struggling to send money home. This enterprise, which began in Malaysia, grew into a major financial institution, and Dhakal attributes its success not to his business acumen alone but to the goodwill and blessings of the migrant workers and the wider Nepali community.
Leading Through Crisis and a Call for Renewal
Dhakal’s leadership has been tested by some of the most significant crises Nepal has faced, including the devastating 2015 earthquake, a crippling trade blockade, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. In each instance, he urged entrepreneurs to stand firm and to “dust off the ashes,” emphasizing that resilience is a core asset of the private sector. Today, he faces another major challenge. The recent nationwide protests, which turned violent, have resulted in widespread damage to industries and private properties, including his own.
Despite the personal losses, Dhakal has chosen to focus on rebuilding rather than despair. He deliberately refrained from publicizing images of the destruction, fearing that it would deter foreign and domestic investors and shake public confidence. Instead, he has stepped forward as a figure of reassurance, urging his fellow entrepreneurs to see the destruction as an opportunity for renewal and to continue their critical role in rebuilding the nation. In a powerful message, he reminded the private sector that it is the engine of Nepal’s economy, contributing over 81 percent of the country’s GDP and generating more than 86 percent of employment.
A Roadmap for a Brighter Nepal
Dhakal’s call to action is a powerful roadmap for the future. He has urged entrepreneurs to take immediate steps to rebuild damaged industries, invest in job creation to stem the tide of youth migration, and strengthen partnerships with local communities to restore and reinforce social trust. His message also carries a direct appeal to Nepal’s youth, urging them to recognize that entrepreneurship is far more than just a pursuit of profit; it is the fundamental driver of national progress and economic independence.
His words are both realistic and optimistic. He acknowledges the heartbreak of seeing hard work destroyed but insists that “our determination, struggle, and capacity for hard work are our true assets.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as it highlights that while physical structures can be rebuilt, the spirit and resilience of the Nepali people are unbreakable. Dhakal’s message is a call for unity, an invitation for all Nepalis to work together towards a prosperous future. He concludes with a powerful and hopeful vision, urging everyone to “Believe this, a golden morning will come. We will rise again, move forward, and create a roadmap for a brighter Nepal.” His journey and his leadership provide a compelling example of how a single individual’s vision, honesty, and courage can not only transform a business but also inspire an entire nation to move towards a more prosperous and stable future.
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