Business Leaders in Biratnagar Discuss Private Sector Challenges Amid Policy Instability and Negative Perceptions

A comprehensive dialogue titled 'Private Sector: Questions, Identity, and Commitment' was held in Biratnagar to address the persistent problems faced by the private sector, negative societal perceptions, and policy instability from the state.

During the program, organized by the Morang Industry Organization and National Business Initiative, in coordination with the Koshi Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, industrialists and business owners vociferously raised their grievances and challenges.

Nandkishore Rathi, President of the Morang Industry Organization, stated at the event that vandalism and arson at industrial and commercial centers in the name of political movements have created a situation where industrialists fear investing in their own country.

He expressed concern over the construction of a negative and misleading narrative through social media, suggesting that investing is a sin and making a profit is a crime. Rathi questioned, “If such thinking persists, how can the dream of job creation and a self-reliant economy be realized in Nepal?”

He acknowledged that policy instability and corruption in the state force industrialists to seek proximity to political power centers, clarifying that this situation is unhealthy for both democracy and the private sector.

Kushkumar Joshi, Chairman of the National Business Initiative, stated that the private sector, which is the economic backbone, is currently trapped in a vortex of fear and uncertainty. He mentioned that even when adhering to laws and paying taxes, the societal perspective remains negative, discouraging new investment.

Similarly, Kishore Pradhan, Central Coordinator of the National Business Initiative, urged against viewing the private sector merely as a profit-oriented group and announced that programs would be held in all seven provinces to dispel such misconceptions.

In the panel discussion, former Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Chiranjivi Nepal emphasized that the government must bring stability to economic policies to boost the morale of the flagging private sector. Human rights activist Subodh Raj Pyakurel argued that the bureaucracy is intimidating the private sector, stating that the state should adopt policies to empower the private sector rather than suppress it.

Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bhawani Rana, advocated for re-establishing mutual trust through dialogue. Former President of the Morang Industry Organization, Rakesh Surana, argued that if there were rule of law based on procedures and systems, rather than individuals or parties, the private sector would not need to seek political patronage.

Furthermore, Bhaskar Raj Karnikar, President of Media Alliance Nepal, noted that when the private sector weakens, the nation weakens, while young entrepreneur Siddhi Adhikari demanded a long-term industrial policy and transparent implementation.

The event, attended by representatives from various district Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Koshi Province, economists, civil society members, and entrepreneurs, factually highlighted the challenges faced by the private sector and expressed a firm commitment to a shared future.