From Ashes to Ambition: FNCCI President’s Message to Nepal’s Entrepreneurs

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has called on the private sector to stand united and rebuild after widespread destruction of industries, businesses, and property during the Gen Z-led anti-corruption and anti-social media ban protest on 8 and 9 September.

In an emotional message posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, 13 September, Dhakal reflected on his own entrepreneurial journey — how he had started with no capital, driven only by a dream to create opportunities. “I was not a businessman, nor did I have seed money. But I had a dream and the determination to pursue it,” he wrote, recalling how honesty, hard work, and perseverance helped turn his modest venture into an enterprise now employing over 20,000 Nepalis directly.

Dhakal said he had always tried to align his ventures with the country’s needs, public demand, and long-term sustainability, while ensuring local ownership through shareholding and job creation. “A business alone cannot make the country prosperous. That is why we advanced by sharing investment and benefits with local communities,” he said.

He recounted how his first venture—launched to help low-income Nepalis abroad send their earnings home safely—had grown over decades into a network of businesses contributing to national development.

Now, he said, he faces one of the most challenging moments of his career, as several of his companies have suffered heavy losses in the recent unrest. While admitting he felt heartbroken, Dhakal said he cannot allow himself to falter because thousands of employees depend on his morale and leadership. “I am responsible for keeping the private sector’s spirits high. Even if I am hurting, I must offer comfort to others,” he said.

He noted that industries and private assets worth billions were vandalised or torched during the protests, putting thousands of jobs at risk. “After enduring a decade-long conflict, an earthquake, a blockade, and the COVID pandemic, we had only just begun trying to recover from the recent economic downturn, and this destruction has dealt another heavy blow to the economy,” he said.

“Seeing even my own businesses attacked when I am working to attract foreign investment and build a business-friendly environment has been deeply disheartening,” he added, revealing that he had urged his staff not to post images of the destruction to avoid discouraging investors.

Yet with images and videos now circulating on social media, he said he felt compelled to speak out to lift morale. “We have no choice but to rise again, however difficult. Let us treat this tragedy as a new opportunity to rebuild industries, create jobs, and revive the economy,” he urged.

Dhakal called on entrepreneurs not to panic or give up. Instead, they must show the younger generation that the private sector—contributing over 81 percent to GDP and generating more than 86 percent of jobs—is the engine of Nepal’s economy. “There can be no prosperity without the private sector. We must rebuild so that future generations do not have to leave for the Gulf or Malaysia in search of work,” he said.

Acknowledging the deep pain of seeing homes and businesses—built with “a lifetime of sweat, dreams, and dedication”—burn to ashes, he said this was not just the loss of material assets but a blow to hearts and dreams. Still, he urged fellow entrepreneurs to draw strength from their resilience.

“Fire can burn bricks and wood, but not our spirit, determination, and courage. What we have lost materially can be regained through our perseverance and hard work,” he said.

“We are not alone. Let us carry each other’s pain, stand together, and rise stronger,” he concluded. “Believe that a golden dawn will come. Let us rebuild, move forward, and inspire future generations through our courage. Together, let us chart the path to a prosperous Nepal.”