Nepal Chamber of Commerce VP Highlights Need for Policy Flexibility in Labor Market

Kathmandu. Nepal Chamber of Commerce Associate Vice President Pravaljung Pandey has stated that practical policy flexibility is necessary to face the existing changes and challenges in the labor market. 

He emphasized the need for increased enterprise productivity and strong tripartite cooperation. Vice President Pandey stated this while addressing the 114th session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, on behalf of the Employers' Council of Nepal.

He mentioned that Nepal is currently going through a significant economic transition. While the government has shown commitment to good governance, investment promotion, and infrastructure development, challenges such as slow economic growth in the domestic market, limited industrial development, and rising business costs remain, he called the world community's attention to this.

‘Nepal's youth population is continuously migrating to foreign destinations for employment. This is a matter of concern,’ he said, ‘We must create dignified and productive employment opportunities within the country by connecting investment-friendly policies, skills development, and education with the actual demands of the labor market.’

Discussing the changing global environment and the digital economy, Vice President Pandey said that the involvement of youth in digital services such as online business, ride-sharing, and delivery platforms is rapidly increasing in Nepal. While this brings new opportunities for entrepreneurship, it has also created new debates on labor standards and social security, he said.

He stressed the need to provide necessary flexibility for developing countries like Nepal to implement labor reforms and legal arrangements in accordance with their national realities, institutional capacities, and economic conditions, instead of imposing rigid global standards.  

He also presented details of the main priorities put forward by Nepali employers and the efforts being implemented.

He stated that after the implementation of the National Occupational Safety and Health Action Plan, employers have become more aware that a safe and healthy workplace is not only a social responsibility but also an indispensable element for productivity, sustainability, and business competitiveness. Pandey informed that initial work has already begun under this, with the creation of specific guidelines in sectors like tea and cardamom.

The Chamber stated that it has successfully launched a pilot project of the CARE model in selected industries. He expressed confidence that this will greatly help in creating employment opportunities, especially for women, and enhancing social inclusion and community welfare in the workplace.

Vice President Pandey emphasized that global discussions on the future of work should include providing technical assistance to countries like Nepal, which are vulnerable to green jobs and climate risks.

Similarly, he mentioned that the role of employers will be crucial in protecting employment, ensuring business continuity, and strengthening mutual dialogue in a situation where geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are directly affecting economies like Nepal, which depend on remittances, imports, and tourism. 

Vice President Pandey requested long-term technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO) to increase enterprise productivity, workplace cooperation, skills development, and promote innovation.

Reiterating that the Chamber is fully committed to social dialogue, cooperation, and decent labor, he expressed confidence that economic growth and labor rights can be advanced together through mutual trust, partnership, and balanced policies.