Texas (U.S.) — President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has described Nepal as a country full of potential and urged investors to strengthen their confidence in the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the Himalayan Conclave held in Texas, Dhakal challenged the prevailing pessimism about Nepal’s business climate. “People often say there are no opportunities, no capital, and no favorable environment for business in Nepal,” he said. “But wherever I look, I see possibilities and opportunities everywhere.”
He added that many sectors in Nepal still remain unexplored. “We have done very little so far. The more we explore, the more opportunities we will discover,” Dhakal noted, emphasizing that dismissing Nepal’s prospects without effort is a mistake.
Investment Reforms and Domestic Initiatives
Dhakal highlighted that significant steps have been taken to create a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors. Under FNCCI’s initiative, more than 30 laws have been amended to make investment easier, he said.
He added that recommendations made by the High-Level Economic Reform Commission, formed jointly by the government and the private sector, are now being implemented.
Calling on Nepali and foreign investors in the United States to explore opportunities in Nepal, Dhakal said, “There are abundant prospects — what we need is confidence and initiative. The environment for investment exists; now it is time to act.”
To demonstrate that large-scale projects can be realized through domestic capital, Dhakal shared the recent establishment of Nepal Development Public Limited (NDP) — a company with an initial capital of Rs 10 billion.
“We don’t have to rely solely on foreign investment. This initiative proves that Nepali capital can also achieve big results,” he said. Dhakal also announced the creation of an FDI Help Desk at FNCCI to facilitate foreign investment and assist investors with necessary policy and procedural support. “Our responsibility is to respond promptly whenever investors face challenges,” he said. “Nepal’s doors are open for investment.”
Private Sector Concerns and Economic Outlook
Addressing recent incidents involving attacks on private enterprises and business properties, Dhakal expressed concern that such actions send a negative message about the country’s economic environment.
“The private sector contributes 81 percent to the national economy and provides 86 percent of employment. Discouraging this sector through such acts is wrong,” he stated.
He stressed that the private sector is not only about profit but also about creating jobs and generating revenue for the state. Political parties, government institutions, and the general public, he said, must all work to change the negative perception toward entrepreneurship.
Dhakal emphasized the need to change the widespread notion that businesspeople only work for personal profit. “The private sector is indispensable for national development,” he said. “Without recognizing that fact, the country cannot move forward.”
He added that long-term economic stability and investment growth are possible only when policymakers and citizens adopt a positive and collaborative mindset.
