KATHMANDU, July 25 – Roberto Suarez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), has lauded the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for its proactive role in improving labour relations in Nepal.
Santos, who is currently on a three-day official visit to Nepal from July 24 to 26, held a meeting with FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and senior federation officials on Thursday. The visit follows an invitation extended by President Dhakal during their earlier meeting at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
During the discussion, Secretary-General Santos praised FNCCI’s contribution in the areas of minimum wage determination, promotion of social security, and efforts towards formalising employment structures. He remarked that such initiatives reflect exemplary practices in employer-employee cooperation.
In the meeting, FNCCI President Dhakal highlighted the importance of IOE’s support as Nepal prepares for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. He noted that this transition would bring both challenges and opportunities in international trade and competitiveness.
“As Nepal moves beyond LDC status, we seek IOE’s partnership for global advocacy, experience sharing, and technical support to enhance the private sector’s resilience and competitiveness,” said Dhakal. He also emphasised FNCCI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industrial harmony through collaboration among the government, employers, and labour unions.
In response, Secretary-General Santos reaffirmed IOE’s commitment to supporting Nepal in the post-LDC transition phase. He acknowledged FNCCI’s constructive role in fostering balanced labour relations and stated that Nepal’s practices could serve as a model for other countries.
The meeting underscored the importance of international cooperation and employer-led initiatives in shaping inclusive and sustainable economic growth.