What does FNCCI want in the coming elections?

The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) wants the political parties to include energy development programs in their election manifestos.

We want all the political parties in the country to come up with economic programs, prioritizing the energy sector development, so that we can gradually reduce energy deficit in the country. We will start negotiations with the top leaders of the political parties soon.

How will FNCCI lobby for this?

FNCCI will request the political parties to forge consensus on common minimum economic agenda for sectors like tourism, agriculture, energy and service.

What about Nepal’s trade?

There is the need to promote trade with India and China, and we have already started a process to form a tripartite high-level team. We are already in talks with the Indian business leaders in this direction. We will also hold talks with our Chinese counterparts to form a high level think tank which will play a vital role in promoting trade among the three neighbors.

What is your view on the growing labor dispute over fixing the minimum salary?

The private sector was not in a position to fix the minimum remuneration of Rs. 12,000-Rs. 15,000 per month as demanded by the trade union representatives. We are for increasing the minimum remuneration on the basis of inflation rate calculated by the government. Most of the factories will be closed down if the remuneration is increased as demanded by the trade unions.