KATHMANDU, Jan 3: Three professional bodies of the private sector have started deliberations to join hands on their common issues and press the government in unison to address their concerns.
Finding the government of two-third majority heedless to their concerns, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) are making efforts to go together with a single and strong voice on various common issues.
The idea of unity among these bodies, who were rarely seen on the same board even on common issues in the past, has come forward at a time when the government is supposed to be stable. The government has failed to boost domestic investments and invite more foreign direct investments so far despite making tall promises to work hand in hand with the private sector for national prosperity.
The three bodies have also complained that government is not showing a liberal attitude toward the private sector. They think that Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada does not give space to the private sector’s concerns, while the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Yadav is also illiberal toward them.
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The delay in endorsement of laws related to the private sector and investments has left them worried, among other issues.
Executives of the business bodies say they even fear to openly criticize the government when they feel to do so. Their common complaint is that their requests are not taken seriously.
President of the CNI, Hari Bhakta Sharma, confirmed that talks were underway among the three bodies to go together on issues of common concern.
“Such move is not new as we had come together in the past as well when we faced difficulties. It is important to go ahead with a common voice when we all have a common agenda,” said Sharma.
“We feel that such move is essential to draw the attention of the government on our agendas in a stronger way. Otherwise we may have to face further problems,” added Sharma.
Sharma also said that they will also table a framework for economic agendas to the government. Chairman of the NCC, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, echoed Sharma’s view.
“We are under discussion on the matter of making a unified agenda to the government. We want to address, through a common voice, all the problems the private sector is facing,” added Shrestha.
Likewise, FNCCI president Bhawani Rana said that they were working on making a united voice among them. “We all have similar problems and coming up with a unified voice is urgent at this moment,” added Rana.
