Kathmandu, January 3

Three private sector representing bodies — Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) — have joined hands to develop a common understanding on recent industrial issues and policies of the government.

The three bodies have recently agreed upon to move ahead with a common agenda to pressurise the government to ensure

favourable investment policies and a conducive environment for doing business in the country.

“The three bodies have agreed to move ahead with a common agenda of the private sector against the backdrop of the business

environment not improving as expected. However, we are yet to sit for a meeting on developing a necessary roadmap and agendas,” informed an official at the FNCCI on condition of anonymity.

This preparation of different private sector bodies has come at a time when the private sector has been criticising the government for its failure to improve the doing business climate in the country despite political stability and formation of a two-third stable government.

Meanwhile, CNI President Hari Bhakta Sharma, said that common understanding among private sector representing bodies is

necessary as industrial issues and the concerns of the private sector have not been dealt with properly by the government while

implementing the new federal system of governance.

“Our agreement to this effect primarily intends to develop a consolidated approach of the private sector towards ongoing policy reforms and different challenges being witnessed in the business sector while implementing the federal system,” informed CNI President Sharma.

Citing that the business environment has not improved properly and the country’s trade deficit is growing at an alarming rate, Sharma opined that consolidated agenda from the private sector will also facilitate the government to take necessary measures to boost the country’s production base, address different issues hindering the growth of the industrial sector and help the country to achieve its economic and development targets.