Chamber of Commerce Vice President Candidate Pledges to Prioritize Private Sector Agendas for Economic Prosperity

Kathmandu. Hemraj Dhakal, the current Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and a candidate for Senior Vice President, has pledged to advance economic prosperity by ensuring private sector agendas remain a priority for the government. Addressing the nomination announcement program organized in connection with the 60th Annual General Meeting of the FNCCI, Dhakal stated that he is ready to face the challenges of the upcoming term while taking ownership of the successes of the current leadership.

He lauded the tenure of the current President, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, as historically successful, noting that the formation of the High-Level Economic Reform Suggestion Commission and the implementation of its recommendations are currently underway. Dhakal praised the candidates from his panel for the position of Commodity Vice President, Naresh Das, and the candidates for the District/City and Associate categories, Umesh Dalmia, Kalpana Gaire, and others, urging for their victory.

He emphasized the need to move forward as a single team within the FNCCI rather than engaging in factionalism. Dhakal claimed that significant achievements have been made as per the President's initial commitments, such as stopping the jurisdiction of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) from entering the private sector, holding an investment summit, amending laws, and restarting the CIP awards. He stated that securing the passage of strategic plans like PSPP from the government, despite the adverse economic conditions and post-COVID recession, was a major achievement for the team.

Dhakal mentioned that businesspersons are encouraged by the Finance Minister's courage to abolish the Department of Internal Revenue Investigation and repeal 15 old laws. He expressed hope that the next term would be somewhat easier as private sector agendas are now included in the government's manifesto.

Expressing concern over the sluggish market and the emigration of youth, he stressed the need to create an environment conducive to earning a livelihood within Nepal. He clarified that his main agenda is to create employment opportunities through the rapid development of hydropower, tourism, industry, and agriculture.

Dhakal argued that the main goal of the next leadership must be 'double-digit' economic growth to overcome the country's current economic contraction. Recalling his tireless efforts in every responsibility assigned by the FNCCI over the past three years, he appealed to all industrialists and businesspersons to support him based on his experience and commitment.