Kathmandu, April 10

Industrialist Bhawani Rana is assuming the presidential post of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) — the umbrella body of Nepal’s private sector — from Tuesday.

Rana, who is the current senior vice-president of FNCCI, is becoming the first woman president of FNCCI in the 51-year history of the organisation.

The amendment to FNCCI statute last year opened door for Rana to lead the organisation, as the amended statute

of FNCCI introduced a provision to automatically elect senior vice-president to the top post of the organisation for the next term.

With two-decade-long experience in industrial sector of the country under her belt, Rana is currently involved in hospitality, banking and agriculture sectors. She is the director of Sneha Hotel in Nepalgunj and chairperson of Sneha Group.

In 2003, Rana started contributing to the chamber movement from the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN).

She is also the founding member of FWEAN.

Rana joined FNCCI as executive member in 2006 and since then has served the federation under different capacities — as the chairperson of Agro Enterprise Centre, vice-president and senior vice-president.

“I am thankful to all who have supported me in this journey. I expect same support and love during my three-year tenure as FNCCI president,” Rana said while talking to The Himalayan Times.

Stating that she is fully aware of the huge responsibility and challenging days ahead, Rana pledged to prove herself as a successful leader and advocate of private sector. “I believe in teamwork and will strive for the same in FNCCI,” Rana said.

Informing that she will present her detailed plans as FNCCI president soon, Rana said that policy reforms and implementation, and collaboration with the government for economic growth of the country will be two of her major priorities during her tenure.

Meanwhile, FNCCI is holding its election for 64 different posts in the organisation on Tuesday morning.

Following the amendment to the FNCCI statute with provision to directly elect the incumbent senior vice-president to the top post of the organisation, election for the post of senior vice-president has a greater significance this year.

Two of current vice-presidents of FNCCI — Shekhar Golchha and Kishore Pradhan — are vying for the post of senior vice-president in the election. The one winning this race will lead FNCCI after Rana.

According to FNCCI Election Commission, 842 general members will take part in the voting for candidates vying for 64 different FNCCI posts in Tuesday’s election.