They have categorically mentioned that deteriorating peace, worsening labor relation, power crisis, extortion and political unrest are the major obstacles to industrial growth in the country. [break]
“Though we have been repeatedly knocking the doors of the government for peace and order, arrangement of electricity for industries, priority to domestic products and reasonable interest rate on loans, we are feeling that our voices have fallen on deaf ears," said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
Joshi was speaking on a function organized to mark ´Industry and Commerce Day-2010´ on Saturday.
Joshi also expressed dissatisfaction over rising attacks on business people increasing extortion and indiscriminate closure of industries.
He asked trade union leaders to join hands with business people to improve industrial environment to protect the industrial sector and interests of the workers.
“Development of industrial sector is not possible without good labor relations. As neither businessmen and industries nor the employees will survive without good labor relations, there is no option for employers and trade unions but to go hand in hand,” he said.
Binod Shrestha, acting president of General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GFONT), refused to accept the charges from the business people that the laborers are solely to be blamed for worsening industrial climate in the country. “Losses caused by strikes by industrialists and political parties are far higher than that from the labor strikes. Employers are compelling workers to go for strikes by denying their rights,” said Shrestha.
Laxman Basnet, the president of Nepal Trade Union Congress (Independent), said warm relationship between employers and employees is a must to create conducive industrial environment.
CA Chairman Subas Nembang said the problems facing the industrial sector should be treated as national problems.
FNCCI sets up journalism award in GPK´s name
Meanwhile, recognizing the contribution of journalists to the development of the private sector, the FNCCI has announced to institute an ´Economic Journalism Award´ in the name of the Late Girija Prasad Koirala, who brought about economic liberalization in Nepal.
FNCCI president Joshi informed that an initial revolving fund of Rs 1.2 million has been collected for the award that will carry a purse of Rs 100,000. The award will be given to a selected economic journalist every year.
FNCCI, its office bearers and other personalities have contributed to the fund so far.
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