Private sector urges govt to protect industrialists, businesspersons

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) have expressed serious concern over the arrest of media entrepreneur Kailash Sirohiya.

A joint statement issued by these three umbrella organisations of the private sector stated, "We are all clear that anyone proven to have acted against the law should be liable for action. However, we wish to highlight that detaining citizens based on a complaint does not send a positive message and will further demoralise entrepreneurs, businesspersons, and investors.

Historically, the FNCCI, CNI, and NCC believe that an individual should be given a chance for a hearing instead of being arrested when a complaint is filed or an allegation is made.

The three organisations suggest that entrepreneurs, businesspersons, or anyone should not be arrested based on complaints, but the state should hear them out. Furthermore, the private sector organisation urged the state to take advance bail if necessary and to proceed with legal action only after the charges are proven, as the trend of listening only after detention negatively impacts the entire sector.

The statement read, "It is well known that the country has not yet recovered from the economic crisis. With the joint efforts of the government and the private sector, the third investment summit was recently held to improve the economy, and all investors, both domestic and foreign, have been invited to invest in Nepal as the environment is favourable. In this situation, we suggest that the professional environment should not be disturbed. An investment environment cannot be created by demeaning any businessperson and discouraging them. Now, businesses of all sizes in the country need encouragement and support."

Meanwhile, the organisations urged the government to provide protection to industrialists and investors.