Private Sector Leadership Under Anjan Shrestha: New Partners for a Powerful Government

Leadership of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has transitioned from Chandra Prasad Dhakal to Anjan Shrestha. Shrestha has committed to redefining the relationship between the private sector and the government over the next three years, amplifying the private sector’s voice in policy-making processes. During Dhakal’s tenure, an investment-friendly environment was fostered and an Economic Reform Recommendation Commission was established to position the private sector as a development partner. (April 6, Kathmandu)

More than 500,000 entrepreneurs and businesspeople across the country are connected in some way to the Federation led by this handover. Despite economic fluctuations and challenges, Dhakal provided effective leadership and has entrusted the Federation’s significant responsibilities to Anjan Shrestha. Upon stepping down, Dhakal expressed greater confidence in opportunity than pessimism amid these economic challenges.

Business leaders have long identified political instability as the root cause of policy inconsistency. Through the elections held on March 5, 2026 (21 Falgun 2082 BS), the people endorsed the National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party) to form a near two-thirds majority powerful government in the country. In this context, according to Shrestha, “The central goal of private sector leadership over the next three years will be to partner and collaborate effectively with this strong government.”

The private sector contributes approximately 82 percent to Nepal’s economy and accounts for 86 percent of employment. Shrestha has indicated that the new leadership plans to play an active role in protecting entrepreneurs’ interests, boosting morale, and expanding the economy. At the Federation’s 60th Annual General Meeting, Shrestha analyzed the opportunities and challenges facing the economy as the prospective leader.