Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Business Forum (NBF) today organized a brainstorming session with the representatives of Chambers of Commerce from the central development region on November 25, 2011.
Twenty three representatives from 13 districts from the central development region of Nepal and FNCCI executive committee members participated in the brainstorming session organized with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank. The objective of the session was to identify issues hampering Nepal's business sector and recommend policy measures to the government.
Earlier, Chief Guest of the opening session, Finance Secretary Mr.Krishna Hari Baskota addressing the gathering said, "Unless the export increases the country cannot develop. We are always working to bring an export-friendly policy." He urged to the business representatives to propose suggestions as to what kind of policy changes can help create an enabling environment for business in Nepal and also reaffirmed that the government will definitely help them.
Acting President of FNCCI, Mr. Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar giving his remarks on the opening session said, "The private sector should now redefine and reform their role in the changing socio-economic context." He also pointed out that economic uncertainty is the major problem facing the country. "If today's exercise could point out 50 projects for the upcoming Nepal Investment Year 2012/13, it would be quite an achievement," he said.
Laura Anne Watson, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist of IFC said the session would be helpful in delivering the promise of Nepal Investment Year 2012/13. "Private sector is the vibrant development partner of the government in every country. Nepal has improved its ranking on Doing Business indicators rising by three places to 107, which is a good signal to investors that Nepal is helping to create a better environment for entrepreneurs." she shared.
The opening session was chaired by Ms. Bhawani Rana, Vice President, Industry Commerce Council, FNCCI. She explained that there are various committees in Nepal Business Forum such as High Level Business Forum chaired by the Prime Minister, Private Sector Development Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, and Steering Committee chaired by the Minister of Industry. All issues identified in today's brainstorming session along with the proposed solutions will be presented as policy recommendations for promotion of the private sector to the relevant committees. The brainstorming session was chaired by Mr. Dhruba Bahadur Thapa, President, Central Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
