‘I will build an energetic and vibrant FNCCI, Won’t let private sector morale decline’: President Anjan Shrestha

KATHMANDU — Newly elected President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Anjan Shrestha, has pledged to strengthen the voice of Nepal’s private sector and uphold the dignity and institutional credibility of the federation during his tenure.

Speaking at an introductory and interaction program organized for newly elected office bearers, Shrestha said he is committed to making the federation more effective, dynamic and action-oriented over the next three years.

Recalling his early exposure to the private sector movement, Shrestha said he first developed an emotional connection with the federation during his childhood.

“I had gone with my elder uncle to the silver jubilee celebration of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry around 2036/37 BS. The impression I received at that time and the opportunity to understand the federation through my family ultimately brought me to this leadership position today,” he said.

Expressing concern over the country’s current economic condition, Shrestha noted that despite ample liquidity in the banking sector, investment expansion has remained weak due to declining confidence among industrialists and business operators.

He said one of his major priorities will be to restore the morale of the private sector and create a more investment-friendly environment.

According to Shrestha, the federation will work over the next three years to redefine relations between the government and the private sector, increase domestic private investment and strengthen the institutional structure of FNCCI by further enhancing coordination among district, commodity and sectoral associations.

Shrestha announced the slogan “Josilo Mahasangh, Jiwanta Mahasangh” (Energetic Federation, Vibrant Federation) as the guiding theme of his tenure.

He also unveiled a strategic roadmap titled “Six Pillars, Sixty Initiatives,” which includes 60 commitments aimed at institutional reform, economic policy advocacy, private sector protection, investment promotion and modernization of federation services.

Under the plan, FNCCI will prioritize strengthening service delivery, digital transformation, startup promotion, governance reforms, investment facilitation, export promotion, industrial competitiveness and coordination with provincial and local governments.

The roadmap also includes plans to establish policy research and legal support units within the federation, launch private sector confidence surveys, promote “Made in Nepal” campaigns, strengthen special economic zones, facilitate digital transformation of industries and improve ease of doing business.

Shrestha further announced initiatives focused on skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, labor productivity, climate finance, investment mobilization from non-resident Nepalis and international business partnerships.

The newly elected FNCCI president said the federation would actively advocate for the protection of private property rights, legal reforms related to business disputes and improvement of Nepal’s overall investment climate.

FNCCI recently concluded its 60th annual general meeting and elected a new leadership team under the automatic presidency system, through which Shrestha assumed the top position after serving as senior vice president.