FNCCI President Dhakal Meets ILO DG Houngbo: Nepal Labor, Decent Work & LDC Graduation
12th June 2025, Kathmandu
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), held a meeting with Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
FNCCI President Meets ILO DG
The meeting took place in Geneva on the occasion of the 113th International Labour Conference, where various issues related to labour and employment were discussed.
On the occasion, President Dhakal stated that the Federation is committed to the goals of decent work and inclusive economic growth and emphasized the need to expand support targeted at employers. Expressing confidence that Nepalese workers and enterprises can make substantial progress with the continued support of the ILO, he also shared hopes for further assistance in the future.
“Nepal is graduating from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026, after which new trade rules will be implemented. This may affect our export capacity and the jobs linked with it. Therefore, we need support during this period,” he stated.
He further expressed that the ILO should raise issues like extended trade facilities, improved access to investment, or technical assistance for countries like Nepal in international discussions.
President Dhakal clarified that as the only official employer representative of Nepal’s private sector, FNCCI has played a vital role in the tripartite labour system. He welcomed this year’s ILO report and remarked, “Its focus on formalization, strengthening of worker protection, and the creation of decent jobs are all directly relevant to Nepal.”
He highlighted the Federation’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with trade unions by establishing structured platforms for social dialogue, signing bilateral agreements, and striving to improve industrial relations. He expressed gratitude for the continuous cooperation with the ILO and thanked the ILO office in Kathmandu for its support.
Recalling Nepal’s selection as one of the “Global Champion” countries for promoting the formalization of the informal economy, President Dhakal stated that this recognition honors the Federation’s years of effort.
He also pointed out the growing potential in Nepal’s private sector, particularly in areas such as youth, skilled workforce, rising digital skills, and promising sectors like hydropower, tourism, and information technology.
On the occasion, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed his positive stance on mutual collaboration and partnership with the Federation.
While attending the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, President Dhakal also held separate meetings with Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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