Pokhara. President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha said that the state’s attitude towards the private sector should be more positive and based on cooperation.

Addressing the 36th general convention and 72nd annual general meeting of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) here today, Chairman Shrestha stressed on policy stability and private sector-friendly environment for the country’s economic development.

He also urged the government to focus on the role of regulator and facilitator, saying excessive regulation and control over the private sector would discourage investment.

He suggested that the government could adopt the public-private partnership (PPP) model for the operation of industries that have been closed for a long time. Chairman Shrestha stressed on the need to convert the available demographic advantage into production and employment to end the situation of youths going abroad for employment.

Stating that the tendency to make laws in a hurry was causing problems to the private sector, he said that adequate discussion and time should be given to the private sector in the formulation of laws and policies. He also said that the FNCCI has been taking initiatives for the tax code for the integrated tax law and is preparing to submit the draft law related to credit transactions to the government soon.

Stating that the country has been facing some adverse natural situation every year in recent times, Shrestha said that now the time has come to move forward with a different thinking. “There has been a huge loss of life and property due to floods, landslides and natural disasters. In this situation, the time has come to think for the long term while building our infrastructure. On the other hand, along with rescue and relief, there is a need to pay attention to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected families and industries. He said that during the disaster, the rescue is done by the government and the private sector will be supported. ”

The FNCCI also urged international partners and around 70 chambers of different countries for their support for the revival of industrialists and entrepreneurs who have been hit by disaster, he added.

Stating that natural disasters have compelled Nepal to think about building safe infrastructure in the long term, Chairman Shrestha said that emphasis should be laid on climate-resilient infrastructure. He said that to reduce the risk of glacial lake outburst, we should think about the construction of safe settlements and infrastructures in collaboration with China and also pay attention to the environmental risks in the construction of hydropower projects.

Stating that Nepal has suffered a lot from the impact of climate change, he said it was necessary to raise strong voice before the international community for the compensation for the impact of climate change.

Saying the FNCCI has been taking initiatives to operate the Korala transit effectively at the two major border points between Nepal and China in the context of obstructions, he said the matter had also been discussed with the Chinese ambassador and the government should move ahead by carrying out study based on technical feasibility due to geographical location.

President Shrestha said that the FNCCI has been working for the capacity expansion of the private sector and economic transformation through six pillars and 60 initiatives, while prioritizing the issues of service consolidation and expansion, economic development and revitalization and enhancement of competitive capacity. He said that the government and the private sector should work together to expand exports by making Nepali products competitive in the international market and to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youths in the country.

He also said that the government and private sector should take joint initiative for the operation of regular international flights from Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airport. He also stressed on the need to expand tourism infrastructure and services targeting Indian tourists.