FNCCI Commodity Candidate Shrestha: A Vision For Job Creation and Policy Reform
4th April 2026, Kathmandu
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) prepares for its 60th Annual General Meeting and Election on April 12–13, 2026 (Chaitra 29-30, 2082), and the leadership race is heating up.
FNCCI Commodity Candidate Shrestha Vision
Naresh Lal Shrestha, a veteran leader in the export sector, has officially announced his candidacy for the post of Vice President (Commodity), positioning himself as a champion for structural economic change.
With a platform centered on employment generation, an investment-friendly environment, and urgent policy reforms, Shrestha aims to leverage his extensive multi-sectoral experience to revitalize Nepal’s private sector.
A Vision for a Stronger Private Sector
Speaking to the media, Shrestha highlighted that the current economic climate requires a leader with a proven track record. “Experience, accessibility, and competence are the foundations of my candidacy,” he stated.
Shrestha has served three terms in the FNCCI Executive Committee and currently chairs the Export Promotion Committee, giving him a unique perspective on the hurdles facing Nepalese businesses.
Priority 1: Solving the Youth Migration Crisis
One of Shrestha’s core campaign pillars is the urgent need for local job creation. He noted that thousands of Nepalese youths go abroad daily for work, a trend he believes can be reversed by incentivizing local industries and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Priority 2: Creating a “Green Channel” for Investment
To attract both domestic and foreign investors, Shrestha proposes a “Green Channel” policy. This initiative focuses on:
Streamlined Bureaucracy: Ensuring company registration, licensing, and land availability are handled through a one-door system within six months.
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Tax Reform: Shifting focus from increasing tax rates to broadening the tax base to encourage compliance.
Customs Policy: Reducing high customs duties to curb illegal trade and increase state revenue through legitimate channels.
Focus on Energy and SME Growth
Shrestha, who also has significant interests in hydropower, healthcare, and hospitality, emphasized that Nepal’s energy future is inextricably linked to regional trade.
Energy Market Security: He advocates for long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with India to provide certainty for the 20,000 MW of power projects currently in the pipeline.
Supporting SMEs: Shrestha’s agenda includes creating dedicated industrial zones for small businesses, offering machinery import duty waivers, and providing five-year tax holidays for startups.
The Chandra Dhakal Panel Alignment
Reaffirming his commitment to a unified private sector, Shrestha confirmed he is contesting the election as part of the Chandra Dhakal Group. He believes that a strong, united panel is essential for effective lobbying with the government to ensure the private sector is recognized as the “backbone of the national economy.”
Key Highlights of Naresh Lal Shrestha’s Manifesto
| Category | Action Plan |
| Employment | Incentivizing labor-intensive manufacturing to reduce youth migration. |
| Hydropower | Strengthening Nepal-India energy ties and accelerating transmission line projects. |
| Policy | Implementing a “One-Door System” for industrial permits. |
| Fiscal | Advocating for lower interest rates and flexible banking policies for SMEs. |
FNCCI Election 2026 draws near, Naresh Lal Shrestha’s campaign is gaining momentum among commodity associations, promising a leadership style that is both accessible and result-oriented.
