IOE Secretary-General hails FNCCI in improving industrial relations

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 26: Roberto Suarez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), who is currently on a visit to Nepal, has praised the role played by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in improving industrial relations. 

He expressed this view during a meeting with FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and other officials on Thursday. 

Santos, who is on a visit to Nepal at the invitation of FNCCI President Dhakal, stated that the federation's role in the recently agreed upon minimum wage determination, social security and formalisation efforts has been exemplary

Secretary-General Santos is on a three-day visit to Nepal from July 24 to July 26. 

During the meeting, FNCCI President Dhakal discussed the facilitation by IOE regarding Nepal's graduation from the status of the Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026 and its impact on Nepal's international trade. 

He emphasised the need for IOE's support in enhancing the private sector's competitive capacity and other areas.

 "As Nepal graduates from LDC status in 2026, we face both opportunities and challenges. To move forward from this, we expect IOE's support for experience sharing, advocacy on behalf of Nepal in the global community, and collaboration," said Dhakal. 

He further stated that FNCCI has always done significant work in creating an investment environment in Nepal and establishing a harmonious relationship between the government, employers and labour organisations to build a conducive industrial environment. 

On the occasion, Secretary-General Santos stated that the role played by FNCCI in establishing good labour relations in the country is commendable and that such good practices can be exemplary for others. He also assured that IOE is always positive about providing necessary international facilitation after Nepal's LDC graduation.

During the event, FNCCI Vice President Hem Raj Dhakal, FNCCI Vice President and Chairperson of the Employers' Council Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, FNCCI Central Member and Deputy Chairperson of the Council Babukaji Karki, and Arniko Rajbhandari, among others, shared their views on the federation's role in building good relations between employers and workers and creating an industrial environment in Nepal. 

Established in 1920 with its headquarters in Geneva, the International Organisation of Employers is the world's largest private sector network, representing more than 150 employer organisations in over 140 countries. FNCCI is a member of the IOE.