21st September 2025, Kathmandu
On September 20, 2025, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), appealed to the government, political parties, and other stakeholders to take decisive action to protect Nepal’s investment environment.
FNCCI Urges Protection
His urgent call followed a recent wave of violent incidents where protesters vandalized and set fire to private businesses, including prominent entities like Ncell, CG Park, and Chandragiri Hills. Dhakal warned that these attacks pose a significant threat to both domestic and foreign investor confidence and could reverse years of progress in economic development.
FNCCI’s Response to the Crisis
In the immediate aftermath of the violent protests that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2025, FNCCI President Dhakal, accompanied by other key FNCCI leaders including Vice Presidents Hemraj Dhakal and Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, and central committee members, conducted a field visit to the affected business properties. The purpose of the visit was to assess the extent of the damage, express solidarity with the affected entrepreneurs, and demonstrate the private sector’s resolve to overcome the crisis. The FNCCI delegation inspected several damaged sites across the country, including those of multinational telecom operator Ncell, the Chaudhary Group’s CG Park, and Chandragiri Hills. This on-site assessment provided a firsthand view of the widespread destruction, which affected private enterprises of all sizes.
The FNCCI’s leadership has been vocal in its demand for strong government action. They have already met with the Finance Minister and the Home Minister to urge them to ensure peace and security for industrialists and entrepreneurs. The FNCCI stressed that it is the state’s responsibility to protect private property and bring those responsible for the violence to justice. They have also called for legal action against the perpetrators of the vandalism and arson, highlighting that a firm response is essential to deter future attacks.
The Economic Stakes of the Unrest
The FNCCI’s concern stems from the significant role the private sector plays in Nepal’s economy. According to the organization, private enterprises are the primary engine of economic activity, contributing more than 81 percent of the country’s GDP and providing over 86 percent of employment. When businesses are attacked, the ripple effects are immediate and severe. Production halts, jobs are put at risk, and government revenue from taxes declines. Dhakal explicitly warned that the recent attacks have already caused revenue losses for the government.
Beyond the immediate financial losses, the long-term impact on investor confidence is the FNCCI’s greatest worry. Dhakal noted that such incidents send a “deeply negative message” at both national and international levels. For years, the FNCCI has been working tirelessly to attract foreign direct investment and promote domestic capital formation. The recent violence threatens to undermine these efforts, as potential investors may choose to redirect their capital to more stable and secure markets. The attacks on well-known, large-scale ventures like Ncell and Chandragiri Hills, which are visible symbols of both foreign and domestic investment, are particularly damaging. They create an impression of instability that could discourage future investment in key sectors like tourism, hydropower, and technology.
Call for a United Front
Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s appeal is a call for unity among all stakeholders to prioritize a peaceful and stable investment environment. He urged political leaders to set aside their differences and work together to safeguard the private sector. The FNCCI has consistently advocated for legal reforms and stronger law enforcement to protect private property. The federation believes that only a firm, united response from the government and political parties will restore investor confidence and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This episode highlights the fragile balance between political dissent and economic stability in Nepal. While peaceful protests are a democratic right, the violence that erupted has significant economic consequences. The FNCCI’s message is clear: sustained economic growth and the creation of jobs depend on a predictable and secure environment where businesses can operate without fear of disruption or destruction. By taking swift, transparent, and decisive action to address the recent violence, the government has an opportunity to reassure investors that Nepal remains a committed partner in economic progress and a viable destination for long-term investment.
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