Kathmandu: Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Roberto Suarez Santos, has praised the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for its efforts in fostering improved industrial relations in Nepal.
Santos, who is on a three-day official visit to Nepal from July 24 to 26, made the remarks during a meeting with FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and senior officials on Thursday. He commended the federation’s role in the recently concluded minimum wage agreement, as well as its contributions to social security and the formalisation of labour practices.
The visit follows an invitation extended by President Dhakal during their earlier interaction at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
During the meeting, Dhakal highlighted the challenges and opportunities Nepal faces as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026. He called for IOE’s support in strengthening the competitive capacity of Nepal’s private sector and in global advocacy efforts.
“As Nepal moves towards LDC graduation, we expect IOE’s continued support in sharing global experiences, promoting Nepal’s trade interests, and fostering international collaboration,” Dhakal said.
He also reiterated FNCCI’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment and strengthening cooperation among the government, employers, and labour organisations.
Secretary-General Santos acknowledged the FNCCI’s efforts as exemplary and pledged IOE’s support in providing international facilitation in the post-LDC transition period.
Senior FNCCI officials including Vice Presidents Hem Raj Dhakal and Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, and Central Member Babukaji Karki, among others, also shared their perspectives on enhancing employer-worker relations and building an industrially conducive atmosphere in Nepal.
The IOE, founded in 1920 and based in Geneva, is the largest private sector network in the world, representing over 150 employer organisations across 140 countries. FNCCI is a member of the IOE from Nepal.