Panel Announced: FNCCI Associate VP Candidate Jyotsna Shrestha Leads Diverse Team Toward 2026 Election Victory
30th April 2026, Kathmandu
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) elections, Vice President Jyotsna Shrestha has officially announced her panel for the Associate category.
Panel Announced FNCCI Associate VP Candidate
The team launch was held under the leadership and strong endorsement of current FNCCI President, Chandra Prasad Dhakal.
Stating that the support from President Dhakal ensures a certain victory, Shrestha emphasized that her group is prepared to tackle the current economic and commercial challenges facing Nepal.
A Vision for Economic Stability and Private Sector Rights
During the announcement, Shrestha highlighted the critical role of the private sector in Nepal’s recovery. She noted that while a new government has taken positive steps, the business community is still navigating a difficult period.
“The state must realize that the private sector is the main engine of the economy, contributing over 81% to the GDP, 86% to employment, and over 80% to national revenue,” Shrestha stated.
She urged the government to build trust with entrepreneurs and consider these vital statistics when drafting new laws and regulations.
Key Advocacy: Stopping Unwarranted Arrests
A major highlight of the team’s agenda is the protection of business dignity. Shrestha and her supporters expressed serious concern over the recent arrests of prominent business figures based solely on allegations.
Due Process: The group called for an end to “detention before investigation.”
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Economic Impact: They argued that arresting entrepreneurs—who are responsible for thousands of jobs—without a conviction disrupts the supply chain and hampers investment.
Stability: Shrestha clarified that they do not oppose legal action if someone is proven guilty after a full investigation, but a secure environment is necessary for investment expansion.
Strong Backing from FNCCI Leadership
President Chandra Prasad Dhakal voiced his full support for the Jyotsna Shrestha group, noting that this new team is essential to completing the unfinished work of the Federation. He mentioned that the current government’s “Private Sector Protection Plan” must be implemented with urgency.
Hemraj Dhakal, a candidate for Senior Vice President, also backed Shrestha, citing her previous successful tenure as Vice President. He noted that the recent detention of former President Shekhar Golchha for investigation has significantly lowered the morale of the Nepalese business community.
The “Jyotsna Shrestha Panel” Members
The team represents a blend of seasoned veterans and energetic young entrepreneurs. The candidates contesting for the Associate members include:
| Candidate Name | Candidate Name |
| Avinash Bohra | Ambika Sharma Lamichhane |
| Gopal Khanal | Chandra Dhakal |
| Jamuna Paudel (Women’s Quota) | Jash Shrestha |
| Deshbandu Basnet (Ajit) | Er. Binod Dhakal |
| Batu Lamichhane | Balram Sapkota |
| Bharat Ranabhat | Ram Raja Shrestha |
| Dr. Ramsharan Thapaliya | Rajkumar Timalsina |
| Shailendra Guragain | Sunil Narayan Shrestha |
| Sachin Dhakal | Shobha Gyawali (Women’s Quota) |
| Sandeep Agrawal (Makharia) |
Industry Support
Former FNCCI officials, including Chandi Raj Dhakal (President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce), Shashikant Agrawal, Gyanendra Lal Shrestha, and Umesh Lal Shrestha, attended the event to wish the panel success.
They collectively agreed that Jyotsna Shrestha’s deep understanding of the “Chamber Movement” and the Nepalese industry makes her the right choice to lead the Associate wing toward policy reform and business security.
As the election approaches, the Jyotsna Shrestha team is positioning itself as a powerhouse of policy advocacy, aiming to bridge the gap between the government and the private sector.
