NCC, FNCCI urge Minister Aryal to ensure security

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 19: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has urged newly appointed Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal to ensure security to boost the morale of entrepreneurs. 

A team of NCC led by its president Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal met Home Minister Aryal at Singha Durbar Thursday.

While congratulating Home Minister Aryal and wishing him a successful tenure, the delegation emphasised the need for the state to take initiatives to secure private investment and instill confidence in investors. 

Minister Aryal also looks after the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. 

NCC president Agrawal said that attacks on government and private property during the Gen-Z protests are regrettable and such incidents have had a negative impact on the business environment.

According to a press statement of NCC, Agrawal said, "The private sector has a major contribution to the overall economic development and employment creation of the country. Private sector investment in the country is more than 81 per cent. Recent developments have raised serious questions about business security."

He said that a peaceful environment is indispensable for the security of private property and business stability.

In the current situation, a special mechanism should be created for rapid exchange of information between the concerned government bodies, including Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Nepal Rastra Bank, security agencies and the private sector, said the NCC.

The Chamber has also suggested Home Minister Aryal to create a special security plan to keep economic infrastructure safe during natural disasters or chaotic situation.

The suggestion given by the Chamber to Home Minister Aryal stated, "It is necessary to provide training related to economic sector security, digital security and crisis management to the security agencies."

The Chamber has also suggested conducting public awareness programmes related to economic security. 

President Agrawal said that the NCC ready to provide all possible support for the reconstruction of government property during the protests Meanwhile, a team of officials of the NCC has made an on-site inspection of the Bhat Bhateni supermarket in Naxal, which was damaged during the protest. 

The Chamber has already issued an internal circular to entrepreneurs and businessmen to collect details of the damage caused to the private sector during the Gen-Z protests. 

Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) on Thursday met Home Minister Aryal and urged to ensure a secure environment for doing business with dignity and high morale.

A delegation led by FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal suggested that the government take immediate, concrete steps to guarantee peace and security.

He emphasised that the private sector is not feeling secure in various districts and urged the government to pay special attention to security. 

Dhakal also said that some entrepreneurs are ready to help with the reconstruction of police structures and requested that Chief District Officers be informed about this cooperation through the chambers of commerce and industry.

During the meeting, Home Minister Aryal said that the government is sensitive to the peace and security of ordinary citizens and businesspeople.