Citizens Bank International Chairman Prabal Jung Pandey Announces FNCCI Vice President Candidacy
24th March 2026, Kathmandu
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) 2026 election cycle has reached a fever pitch following a major announcement in Kathmandu.
Citizens Bank Chairman Prabal Jung Pandey
Citizens Bank Chairman Mr. Prabal Jung Pandey has officially declared his candidacy for the pivotal role of Associate Vice President, backed by a formidable “Power Panel” of industrial leaders.
As Nepal navigates a shifting post-2025 global economy, Pandey’s leadership group is positioning itself as the catalyst for the “Second Phase of Economic Reform.”
A Powerhouse Coalition: The Associate Vice President Team
On March 23, 2026, Pandey unveiled a diverse roster of candidates for central membership. This team represents a strategic blend of seasoned industrial veterans and energetic innovators across various sectors. The panel includes:
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Abhigna Malla & Ambika Prasad Paudel
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Hemant Golcha & Rajesh Kumar Agrawal
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Juna Mathema & RS Bhandari
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Nikolas Pande & Priyaraj Regmi
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Shakti Kumar Begani, Sushil Thapa, & Suyesh Pyakurel
Pandey emphasized that this assembly was curated specifically to provide the technical expertise and collective bargaining power necessary to influence national fiscal policy.
Profile of Leadership: Citizens Bank Chairman Mr. Prabal Jung Pandey
Mr. Pandey is not a new face to the Nepalese industry; he carries a legacy of leadership combined with modern corporate success.
Banking & Finance: As the Citizens Bank Chairman, Mr. Prabal Jung Pandey has steered one of Nepal’s leading financial institutions through complex liquidity environments.
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Industrial Impact: Serving as the Managing Director of the Lomas Group, he has significantly expanded the domestic footprint in pharmaceuticals and cement.
FNCCI Veteran: With three terms as a central executive committee member, he possesses a granular understanding of the Federation’s internal mechanics and historical challenges.
The Election Landscape: A Battle of Visions
The race for Associate Vice President sees Pandey facing off against Jyotsna Shrestha. This specific seat is critical, acting as the primary liaison between industrial associate members and the government.
While the competition is expected to be close, Pandey’s group is branding itself as the “Reformist Wing.” Their focus remains on administrative efficiency and direct lobbying for industrial protectionism to shield Nepalese businesses from volatile import markets.
The “Second Phase of Reform” Platform
The core of Pandey’s campaign is a demand for updated economic policies. His strategic vision includes four primary pillars:
Industrial Advocacy: Lowering interest rates on industrial loans to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector.
SME Digitalization: Creating a digital bridge for small and medium enterprises to access FNCCI resources easily.
Fiscal Consultation: Strengthening the FNCCI’s role as a primary consultant for the Ministry of Finance during budget drafting.
Sustainability: Prioritizing renewable energy and domestic production over reliance on imports.
Why the 2026 Election Matters
With Nepal facing infrastructure financing needs and liquidity fluctuations, the business community requires a leader who can bridge the gap between the boardroom and the parliament.
The entry of Citizens Bank Chairman Mr. Prabal Jung Pandey into this race signals a shift toward a more professionalized, results-oriented Federation.
As the election approaches, the industrial districts of Nepal are closely watching to see if Pandey’s message of “Action over Rhetoric” will secure the mandate needed to drive national economic development.
