Chamber of Commerce President Welcomes Government Move to Amend Public Procurement Act

Kathmandu. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that the government's decision to form a working group to amend the Public Procurement Act is a positive step. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 26th General Assembly and 13th Convention of the Nepal Contractors' Association, he expressed happiness that the demand raised by the private sector for changing the long-unrealistic Act is finally being addressed.

He mentioned that it is encouraging for the construction sector that the current government, with a two-thirds majority, has initiated the amendment process in less than a week. President Dhakal expressed confidence that many policy-related problems prevalent in the construction sector will be resolved if the Act is amended.

He emphasized that construction entrepreneurs must present their genuine and clear problems to the newly formed working group. Since the government has moved forward by forming the working group based on the suggestions of the FNCCI, he expects the complexities in the construction sector to be removed this time.

During his address, Dhakal also discussed the practical difficulties faced by construction entrepreneurs. He specifically mentioned that even though there is a provision for bank guarantees in the contract process, work often halts in some situations without any fault of the entrepreneurs.

He pointed out that there is a tendency to blame the construction entrepreneurs and terminate contracts even when work cannot proceed due to other technical or governmental reasons, stating that such practices should be reformed through the new Act. He conveyed that he understands the current government is seeking to resolve the construction sector's problems promptly and urged entrepreneurs to confidently present their agendas.