All three candidates say will make efforts for consensus

KATHMANDU, June 29:

All three candidates for the post of president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), who filed their nominations on Saturday, say they are for electing the new president on consensus basis.

Acting President Pashupati Murarka, Vice President Bhawani Rana and former Senior Vice President Bhashkar Raj Rajkarnikar are in fray for FNCCI presidency. The post is lying vacant after President Pradeep Jung Pandey was removed from the post on March 18 in connection to a three-decade-long corruption case.

All three candidates told Republica on Sunday that they will make efforts for consensus until the eleventh hour.

"We need to show unity as even political parties have forged consensus on constitution writing," Rana said. "Regardless of who is elected, FNCCI leadership should work for economic recovery after the economy after earthquake. FNCCI should work in coordination with the government economic prosperity and show solidarity against groupism and conflict within the federation."

Rana said she would make effort for consensus till the eleventh hour. If elected to the post, Rana said she would promote 'one-district, one-product' concept and help to create jobs at local level by utilizing local resources.

Similarly, another candidate Murarka said election of new president on consensus basis will relay positive message about FNCCI. "I shall put efforts for consensus till the end," he said. Outlining his plan, Murarka said his focus will be to build credibility of FNCCI, something which he has been doing for years. "I will also try to resolve differences among members and build trust among them," he said, adding that he would work in coordination with government agencies to get pending laws related to country's economy endorsed from the parliament.

Rajkarnikar also said election of president unopposed would disseminate positive message about FNCCI. "We should honor the suggestions of past presidents and the spirit of our members by electing new president unanimously," he said. If he is elected to the post, Rajkarnikar said he would work to strengthen FNCCI, build trust and understanding among business people and work in coordination with stakeholders for socio-economic development of the country.

Source: Republica