Perspective on Private Sector Needs to Change: FNCCI President

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has stressed the need to change the way the private sector is perceived in Nepal.

Welcoming the newly elected executive committee of the Society of Economic Journalists of Nepal (SEJON) at the FNCCI office on Tuesday, Dhakal said that although the private sector is the country’s largest employer, it is frequently targeted during protests—a matter of serious concern.

He noted that attacks on private businesses during recent demonstrations reflect a lack of understanding of the sector’s importance and urged the media to help foster a positive attitude toward private enterprise.

“The private sector is the backbone of the economy, contributing 81 percent to the GDP and 86 percent to employment. Yet it continues to be singled out,” he said. “During the recent Gen-Z movement, vandalism and arson caused an estimated loss of around Rs 80 billion, according to preliminary data. This is deeply troubling.”

FNCCI Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha said the recent incidents have created a sense of insecurity among entrepreneurs and emphasized the need to maintain law and order to boost the morale of both businesspeople and the public.

Vice President Hem Raj Dhakal called for the creation of a mechanism for continuous dialogue between the government and the private sector to restore the economy and ensure good governance, while also guaranteeing an environment where entrepreneurs can operate confidently and openly. -- RSS