Private sector cannot be kept aside to revive economy: FNCCI President Dhakal

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has said that Nepal’s economy cannot be uplifted by sidelining the private sector.

Speaking at the 16th Annual General Meeting and Award Ceremony of the Nepal Forum of Economic Journalists in Kathmandu on Sunday, Dhakal stressed that the government must end the practice of excluding private-sector stakeholders from policy-making.

He noted that Nepal has long held a misguided perspective toward the private sector, which has hindered economic and policy reforms even after major political changes.

According to him, policies formulated without private-sector participation are rarely effective.

“In our country, the general attitude toward the private sector is flawed, and there is a tendency to avoid involving them in policymaking. As a result, despite political movements and changes in the system, we have lagged behind in moving forward on economic agendas. Until we take the private sector along with us, no policy framed by keeping them aside will be effective, nor will economic activities grow. This has already been proven,” he said.

Dhakal emphasized the need for a collective approach, arguing that real economic outcomes are possible only when the government and private sector work hand in hand.

He further stated that Nepal has the capacity to develop major projects by mobilizing domestic capital.

The FNCCI, he said, has been working to shift the perception that Nepal lacks potential, toward one that recognizes significant economic opportunities within the country.