RUPANDEHI: President of the Federation of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has urged the government to prepare the upcoming budget in line with the recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reform Commission.
Speaking at an interaction on budget and revenue policy organized by the Revenue Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Finance in Rupandehi on Saturday, Dhakal said that aligning the budget with the commission’s suggestions would help address several pressing economic issues.
He emphasized that the budget should be focused on increasing production and employment, grounded in people-centered development and current national priorities.
He expressed concern that the government’s emphasis on revenue collection often comes at the cost of job creation, production growth, and import substitution.
“In our import-based economy, high customs duties have only encouraged illegal imports, especially due to the open border with India,” Dhakal said.
“Instead of raising tax rates, the government should focus on expanding the tax base. Efforts should also be made to promote domestic production and open up mineral exports.”
He also highlighted that internal remittance transactions have remained halted for the past two years, creating difficulties for small business owners and ordinary citizens in making small payments for education, healthcare, and other daily needs.
Dhakal urged the government to take immediate steps to reinstate such transactions.
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