RUPANDEHI:President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that the private sector has been targeted in every movement.

He asked why there is such negative thinking and understanding towards the private sector.

In the inaugural session of the 67th annual general meeting of Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) held in Bhairahawa today, FNCCI President Dhakal clarified that running a business is not only for the benefit of the entrepreneur but also for the general public. He stated that a business cannot sustain if it is not profitable.

Dhakal said, “Operating any industry or business should convey the message that it creates employment, contributes to state revenue to run the government, develops infrastructure, and provides services to the general public. The general public needs to be made aware of this.”

He stated that just as the Government of Nepal has declared schools as peace zones, the Federation has prioritised private sectors, industrial establishments, and factories as areas where strikes, arson, and vandalism are banned, and has provided an outline plan on this to the government. He expressed confidence that the current government’s cabinet will make a decision on this matter soon.

The FNCCI President questioned what the situation would have been like without the private sector, saying: “Annually the government agencies have employed three thousand five hundred to four thousand people, while the private sector is generating employment for 86 percent more.”

He stated that efforts will be made on his part to ensure the regular operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

Dhakal emphasised that the FNCCI upcoming new leadership should be selected unanimously. He said, “The Federation’s stature has grown in a short period, and my view is that a consensual leadership must be chosen to continue this; you too should take initiative for this.”

Deputy Mayor of Siddharthanagar Municipality, Uma Adhikari, said that the local government is working with the private sector. She expressed the view that there are opportunities as well as challenges with the open border.

FNCCI Vice President Hemraj Dhakal stated that ignoring the younger generation has caused problems in the country. He expressed the view that there are many opportunities in the country, so one can achieve significant results.

Krishna Prasad Sharma, FNCCI Lumbini Province President, stated that the private sector is seeking stability in the country. He emphasised that Gautam Buddha International Airport should operate regularly.

FNCCI Bagmati Province President Dilsundar Shrestha stated that the private sector has become disappointed due to the completed airport not being regularly operational.

Netra Prasad Acharya, President of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rupandehi, said the chamber, representing the private sector, has been demanding that political stability, economic prosperity, and development-oriented policies should be made the main agenda of the government and political parties.

At the programme, the SCCI’s senior vice-president Dilip Kumar Kandu, general secretary Krishna Prasad Ghimire and others expressed their respective views.

The secretary of the SCCI, Mangal Bhandari, stated that various individuals and organisations were honoured at the programme.