FWEAN IPP Shova Gyawali: A Multi-Faceted Leader For FNCCI Associate Member Rights

9th April 2026, Kathmandu

The upcoming General Assembly and election of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) have stirred significant momentum within the Nepalese business community.

FWEAN IPP Shova Gyawali

As the apex body of the private sector prepares for a leadership transition, the candidacy of Shova Gyawali for the post of Executive Member (Associate Category) has emerged as a focal point of discussion.

Representing a blend of seasoned corporate governance, media influence, and a dedicated focus on women’s entrepreneurship, Gyawali’s presence strengthens what many analysts are calling the “incumbent powerhouse” team.

The Powerhouse Coalition: Continuity and Vision

In the landscape of Nepalese trade and commerce, stability often dictates progress. The team Gyawali has joined carries the explicit endorsement of the current FNCCI President, Chandra Prasad Dhakal. This alignment suggests a commitment to continuing the initiatives launched during the current tenure while injecting new energy into the Federation’s executive wing.

The strategic lineup for this group includes:

Hem Raj Dhakal: The current Vice President, contesting for the pivotal role of Senior Vice President.

Jyotsna Shrestha: The current Vice President, seeking the position of Associate Vice President.

Shova Gyawali: Contesting as a key member of the Associate Executive team.

The fact that sitting office bearers and high-ranking officials are openly backing this group has positioned them as the frontrunners. This “Strong Team” claim is built on the foundation of institutional memory and a proven track record of navigating the private sector through recent economic fluctuations.

Shova Gyawali: A Multi-Faceted Leader for a Global Nepal

Shova Gyawali is not a new face to leadership; she is a household name in Nepal’s media and industrial sectors. As the Chairperson of Nepal Republic Media, she has overseen one of the country’s most influential media houses, championing transparency and public discourse. However, her contribution to the Nepalese economy extends far beyond the newsroom.

Her resume reads like a roadmap of institutional leadership:

Immediate Past President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN).

Immediate Past President of the Nepal-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Current Central Member of FNCCI.

Advisory Roles in various medical, scientific, and professional organizations.

Gyawali’s candidacy is viewed as a bridge between traditional industrial interests and the modern, inclusive economic model that Nepal desperately needs. Her experience in international chambers suggests she will be instrumental in fostering foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthening bilateral trade ties.

Beyond Business: The Intellectual and Creative Edge

What sets Shova Gyawali apart from typical corporate candidates is her deep-rooted connection to Nepalese culture and literature. A prolific writer, her works like ‘Sampurna Aakash’ and ‘Sangharsh’ reflect her ability to analyze societal challenges with empathy and depth.

In a leadership role at FNCCI, this creative side translates into “out-of-the-box” problem-solving. In an era where the private sector must communicate effectively with the public and the government, Gyawali’s ability to articulate complex economic issues through media and literature provides the FNCCI with a sophisticated voice.

She represents the “New Era Nepalese Entrepreneur”—one who is as comfortable in a boardroom as they are engaging in public intellectual debate.

Core Pillars of the Campaign: Empowerment and Production

The “Experienced Leadership” team, with Gyawali at its core, is campaigning on several key pillars designed to revitalize the Nepalese economy:

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Having led FWEAN, Gyawali understands that the next phase of Nepal’s growth must be inclusive. Her focus remains on transitioning women-led micro-enterprises into formal, scalable businesses. She advocates for easier access to credit and specialized training for female entrepreneurs across all provinces.

Promotion of Domestic Production

A recurring theme in Gyawali’s public discourse is the need for “Made in Nepal” to be more than a slogan. Her team emphasizes policy lobbying to reduce the cost of production, making Nepalese goods competitive both locally and in the international market.

Institutional Reform within FNCCI

The private sector often faces bureaucratic hurdles even within its own representative bodies. This team promises a “Result-Oriented” work style, focusing on quick grievance redressal for associate members and a more transparent election and decision-making process.

SME and Associate Support

The Associate category represents the backbone of the FNCCI, comprising various service sectors, trading houses, and medium-scale industries. Gyawali’s campaign focuses on ensuring that the voices of these diverse businesses are not overshadowed by large industrial conglomerates.

Why This Election Matters for the Nepalese Economy

Nepal’s economy is currently at a crossroads, facing challenges such as liquidity fluctuations, high interest rates, and a need for digital transformation. The FNCCI acts as the primary intermediary between the government and the business world.

The presence of established figures like Shova Gyawali, Hem Raj Dhakal, and Jyotsna Shrestha ensures that the Federation will have the “gravitas” required to sit across the table from policy-makers and demand meaningful reforms. Analysts believe that a fragmented or inexperienced leadership at this stage could lead to policy stagnation. Therefore, the “Strong Team” narrative is not just a campaign slogan; it is a strategic necessity for the stability of Nepal’s business environment.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Resilient Private Sector

As the election date approaches, the momentum behind Shova Gyawali and her team continues to grow. Her candidacy offers a unique combination of experience, inclusivity, and vision. By leveraging her background in media, her history of institutional leadership, and her passion for social empowerment, Gyawali aims to redefine the role of an FNCCI Executive Member.

For the voters in the Associate category, the choice is clear: a leadership that has already demonstrated its capability and a candidate who brings a multi-dimensional perspective to the table.

With the support of President Chandra Prasad Dhakal’s legacy and the energy of a new mandate, Shova Gyawali and her team are poised to lead the FNCCI toward a more prosperous and inclusive future.

For more: FWEAN IPP Shova Gyawali