Kathmandu: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has said that he sees opportunities and possibilities everywhere in Nepal.
Speaking at the Himalayan Conclave held in Texas, USA on Saturday, Dhakal said, “I often hear people say there are no prospects in Nepal, that Nepali capital can’t achieve anything, and that there is no environment for business — but I don’t agree. I have never seen opportunities and potential like those in Nepal anywhere else.”
Dhakal remarked that many sectors in Nepal remain unexplored, adding, “We have barely done anything yet. The more we explore, the more opportunities we discover. What we need now is to work towards realizing those opportunities. So, saying there’s no potential in Nepal without making any effort is simply wrong.”
He dismissed the notion that Nepal lacks a favourable investment environment, urging investors based in the United States to explore foreign investment opportunities in Nepal.
Dhakal said, “Under FNCCI’s leadership, at least 30 laws have been amended to make the business environment more investment-friendly. The government has also begun implementing recommendations made by the High-Level Commission for Economic Reform, formed with private sector participation. In recent times, both domestic and foreign investors have been actively exploring Nepal’s investment potential. Therefore, it is time for all of us to work together to build this environment.”
He also shared that to demonstrate Nepal’s investment potential and the capacity of domestic capital, FNCCI has recently established the Nepal Development Public Limited (NDP) with an investment of NPR 10 billion, involving both Nepali and non-resident Nepali investors.
To further promote foreign direct investment (FDI) and help resolve potential investment-related challenges, Dhakal said FNCCI has established an FDI Help Desk and once again invited investors to invest in Nepal.
Responding to a question about recent attacks on private sector institutions and personal properties, Dhakal said, “Such incidents send a very negative message. The private sector contributes 81% to the national economy and provides 86 percent of total employment. Attacks that demoralize this sector are extremely wrong.”
He emphasized that the private sector is the main engine of Nepal’s economic development, but due to misconceptions spread on social media and among the public — that entrepreneurs only seek profit — a change in mindset is urgently needed.
Dhakal said, “The perception toward the private sector, which contributes massively to the economy and employment, is deeply flawed. This attitude must change — among political parties, the government, bureaucracy, and the general public. If that doesn’t happen, such unfortunate incidents may continue in the future.”
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