The Business community has demanded necessary security for uninterrupted business operation and the supply chain of essential goods.

In separate press statements issued on Friday, private sector umbrella organisations – Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries and Nepal Foreign Trade Association (NFTA), demanded necessary security for the operation of businesses and industries regularly.

Expressing grief over the loss of life and property during the protests and demonstrations across the country, they have paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests.

They have also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

FNCCI has called on the Nepali Army to provide security for uninterrupted business operations and to prevent the federation's members from running out of essential goods.

The FNCCI said, “The young generation has shown interest in issues such as good governance, corruption control, freedom of speech, decent employment, self-employment, and proper utilisation of revenue. For this, it expects the country to move forward on the journey of progress in line with the wishes of the young generation."

The FNCCI has called for necessary peace and security arrangements for the smooth operation of business and industry, as the private sector is the main source of the budget required for renovation and reconstruction in the coming days.

The FNCCI is ready to coordinate and collaborate to end the chaos for the progress of the country and maintain good governance, read the press statement.

The Federation has a presence in all districts and more than 100 municipalities for its member industry and commerce associations. It represents about 600,000 small, medium, and large industrialists and businessmen across the country through district, municipal, commodity, and associate memberships.

Condemnation of vandalism of commercial property

The Feder ation has condemned the vandalism of personal and commercial property in the name of protest.

‘In the recent developments following the Gen-Z protest, there have been incidents of vandalism and arson in the industries, establishments, offices and residences of some entrepreneurs. The Federation condemns such incidents of vandalism of personal and commercial property,’ it said. The Federation has also drawn everyone’s attention to ensure that commercial and personal property is not attacked in the future.

It said that due to vandalism and arson, billions of rupees have been damaged in industrial and commercial establishments across the country.

‘Although the Federation is collecting more details about this, it has been initially estimated that the damage will have a serious impact on the revenue and gross domestic product,’ read the press statement.

Similarly, it said that if private sector activities cannot be operated smoothly, there will be further problems in the economy and a negative impact on revenue in the coming days.

‘Therefore, first of all, we request that security be provided to ensure that the general public and entrepreneurs can conduct their business without hindrance,’ the Federation said.

It requested that the movement of essential services and professionals, and the transportation of goods such as medicines, food, milk, water, fruits, vegetables, and petroleum products, among others, be facilitated even during the prohibition and curfew.

‘For this, the Federation requests the participation of representatives of the Federation and its member chambers of commerce and industry in the security committees at the federal, provincial, and district levels,’ the statement said.

Similarly, it urged all entrepreneurs and businessmen across the country to ensure a regular supply of quality goods and prevent shortages in the market.

In addition, the concerned provincial, district, municipal and commodity associations have been urged to monitor this.

Although the international airport is operational, many customs checkpoints are currently closed. It requested the creation of an environment to ensure security at customs checkpoints for the import and export of essential goods.

Similarly, the CNI expressed its belief that the country will enter a new phase, giving high importance to the aspirations of the young generation, including good governance, prevention of corruption, and transparency in the public sector.

"We believe that peace and order will be maintained in the country in accordance with the desire of the common Nepali to move forward by overcoming the existing confusion. The Confederation is committed to providing the necessary support, cooperation, and coordination for this, "it said.

Stating that the incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting of public and private property during the movement have caused great pain and concern to industrialists and businessmen, the Confederation said these activities have frightened investors and affected the employment of many.

"If investors continue to be frightened, it will have a serious impact on domestic and foreign investment, along with employment. So, the CNI urges to create an environment for conducting business without any obstacles and guarantee of security," it said.

"Due to COVID-19 and the regulatory provisions taken thereafter, the economy has faced a very challenging situation for about three years. If industries and businesses cannot operate smoothly in the current situation, the economic cycle itself may be affected, which may affect the development of the overall economy and the government's revenue. Therefore, the Confederation requests all parties concerned to create a proper environment in a timely manner."

Stating that it is everyone's duty to create an environment where everyone can jointly move the country's economy forward, CNI said that serious efforts should be made from today onwards to embody the aspirations of the new generation and take the country to a new stage.

"Entrepreneurs, businessmen, industries, establishments, their offices, and residences have been targeted for vandalism and arson during the protests. The Association believes that such incidents will affect domestic and foreign investment in businesses in the long term and will hinder the journey to prosperity," said NFTA.

Citing the current complex situation, the Association appealed to all member and non-member entrepreneurs to move forward with a sense of professional duty and not to disrupt the supply chain of essential goods.

If the private sector, the driving force of the economy, cannot operate business and industry confidently in a fearless environment, further problems will definitely arise in the economy.

Therefore, security arrangements should be strengthened to create an environment where the general public and entrepreneurs can freely conduct their business at first," it said.

By: Laxman Kafle