Vaidya announces FNCCI presidency bid

MAHENDRANAGAR, Feb 14: Suraj Vaidya, senior vice president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), on Monday announced his candidacy for presidency of the apex business organization in the country.



Vaidya made public his intent to announce candidacy for the post while inaugurating the Industrial and Tourism Fair that kicked off in Mahendranagar on the day.[break]



“I will file my candidacy for FNCCI President in the upcoming annual general meeting,” said Vaidya. He even added that his priority for the days ahead would be toward promoting establishment of industries and industrialization of the far west region.



Far west is the least industrialized region of the country.



With the announcement, Vaidya has become the second business leader to publicly declare himself as contestant for the post. Earlier, Azad Shrestha, FNCCI vice president and Pokhara-based businessman, had announced his candidacy on Jan 19.



The 45th general body meeting of FNCCI is due within a couple of months. It will elect new leadership for two-year tenure.



Shrestha has expressed commitment to improve eroding business environment in the country and take initiative in generating more employment opportunities by joining hands with political parties.



Vaidya, on the other hand, blamed the political parties for the current erosion of business confidence and deteriorating investment climate. He urged the parties to work together to end political instability and lead the country´s investment confidence back on track.



“Current political imbroglio has only spurred unemployment and as an industrialist, we feel sad to see huge exodus of Nepali workforce,” said Vaidya. He expressed hope that the parties would pull affairs back to normalcy soon.



The Industrial and Tourism Fair, which is organized by Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to promote locally manufactured goods and tourism attractions of the far-western region. The 10-day fair is showcasing local products, handicrafts and culture and tourism destinations through 160 stalls.



“We expect 100,000 persons to visit the fair and get acquainted with business and travel opportunities the region offers,” said Jung Bahadur Malla, general secretary of Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.



The organizer also estimates the fair to generate a total turnover of Rs 30 million for the participating companies and firms. In order to attract the visitors, Mahakali and Seti Bus Entrepreneurs´ Committee, among others, have announced 10 percent discount on travel fare for the fair period.

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