Private Sector Urges Government to Ensure Security, End Impunity

The private sector has drawn the government’s attention to ensure security for industrialists and businesspersons and end the culture of impunity.

Presidents of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) — Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Birendra Raj Pandey, and Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, respectively — raised these concerns on behalf of the business community during a meeting with Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal on Monday.

The business leaders expressed concern that the recent infiltration into youth-led movements had resulted in attacks on the private sector, which contributes 81 percent to the national economy and 86 percent to employment. They warned that failure to take legal action against those involved in looting and arson could further discourage entrepreneurs.

Emphasizing their commitment to zero tolerance against corruption, the three presidents urged the government to ensure a safe and enabling environment for businesses to operate without hindrance. They also called on entrepreneurs to adhere to professional ethics and conduct business with integrity.

Finance Minister Khanal assured that the government has been working to boost the morale of the private sector. He said the government has introduced programs such as tax exemptions for reconstruction, banking facilities, and insurance support.

He further said that transparent market transactions are expected to increase with the abolition of the reference price system and the implementation of an online customs valuation database.

The leaders of the three major business organizations welcomed these government initiatives and urged their members to make effective use of the new database system. The system, inaugurated by Minister Khanal at Biratnagar Customs Office on September 25, will record the valuation details of all cleared goods. It is expected to address traders’ concerns over the periodic revision of reference price lists.

According to the government, the digital system will help analyze and compare import data, facilitating fair valuation and transparency in customs clearance.

The business leaders further noted that while the government’s main focus is the upcoming elections, it also has an opportunity to lay the foundation for reform. The private sector recommended organizing a multilateral finance conference under its leadership to attract investment and reassure stakeholders.

They reiterated that timely elections would strengthen both the open market system and democratic governance, expressing the private sector’s readiness to cooperate with the government in this regard.