Undesirable

It is sad that competition in the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) election has started to display two very undesirable traits -- severe division in the business community and a high level of political interference. Both these traits will only damage the private sector, which still lacks a corporate culture and professionalism in its operations. The division comes at a time when FNCCI, as an apex body of the Nepali business community, has been losing its luster. Over the years, it has fallen short in addressing the critical constraints and challenges facing the private sector.



Undue price hikes and growing anomalies in the market, on the other hand, have exposed its disconnect with the general consumer, leaving it aloof from the journey of socio-economic transformation that the country is undergoing. In such a situation, the clear challenges facing FNCCI are: how to regain credibility in the market and rebuild capacity and sharpen its edge to overcome domestic constraints, and how to give wings to the desires of entrepreneurs to realize business prospects in the global market.



Contrary to the need of the hour, however, the FNCCI election has split the business community into half. And as if that were not enough, business leaders have started knocking on the doors of political parties for their blessings. Worse still, businessmen not affiliated to any party have started getting enquiries and ‘suggestions’ from the political parties. Although the interest of politicians in FNCCI elections is nothing new, the present level of interference was never seen before. Undoubtedly, this has dented FNCCI’s image as an apolitical organization and weakened its overall social posture. Elections are a healthy democratic exercise, and should bring out the best in leaders and institutions. However, the trend at FNCCI suggests otherwise. This situation must be corrected.



The business community is suffering the ill effects of a longish political transition. Acute politicization of the trade unions, energy crisis and eroding competitiveness have only added to the woes. In such a situation, approaching the elections on the basis of personal ego and petty interests is a grave mistake. Business leaders must not forget that the private sector in Nepal is an engine of growth, a creator of wealth for the country and opportunities for millions of citizens. They can do justice to this trust only by delivering the goods.



Besides, FNCCI leaders must not lose sight of the fact that some hard-line political leaders are pushing policies that will diminish the role of the private sector. It’s high time FNCCI rose to the occasion, delivered of its best, and proved its real worth. While fighting elections, business leaders must bear in mind the larger picture and the role they must play for a better economic future for Nepal.

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