The private sector has pledged to fully cooperate with the government in reconstruction, rebuilding, and reviving Nepal’s economy following the damages caused by recent protests.
During a meeting with newly appointed Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, business leaders expressed their readiness to collaborate, while also presenting recommendations for economic reforms. The government has already established a reconstruction fund to assess and address damages from the unrest.
“We have also suffered losses,” said Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). “We are ready to collaborate and assist the government.” Dhakal called for a continuous dialogue mechanism between the government and private sector, tax submission extensions, and an environment where businesses can operate openly and confidently.
Responding to FNCCI’s request, Finance Minister Khanal approved a one-month extension for filing tax returns due on September 10.
FNCCI Senior Vice-President Anjan Shrestha suggested mobilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for reconstruction. Other representatives emphasized Nepal’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, warning that recent damages could complicate the transition. Citing Bangladesh’s efforts to delay its own graduation, they stressed the urgency for Nepal to act.
Dhakal further urged for loan restructuring, rescheduling, income tax exemptions, reduced VAT on essentials, special tourism packages targeting Indian visitors, and concessional loans for SMEs. He also highlighted the need for better governance, efficient IT-enabled services, and ethical practices.
Similarly, CNI President Birendra Pandey emphasized strengthening business confidence, while Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamalesh Kumar Agarwal underlined the private sector’s contribution to the economy. NADA President Karan Chaudhary called for collective efforts to revive the auto industry, and Bhatbhateni Supermarket founder Min Bahadur Gurung—despite suffering massive losses—reaffirmed his commitment to invest, create jobs, and contribute to revenue.
Finance Minister Khanal assured the private sector that economic reform measures would be pursued in consultation with them. Business leaders also pressed for immediate relief, including deferring the working capital loan directive for at least two years.
