Banking News – The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has expressed appreciation for the praise given to the private sector, including the Chamber, for their support and achievements in disaster management during the 37th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, who chaired the meeting while praising the role played by the private sector including the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, informed that the private sector, which makes important contributions during disasters, will be honored on behalf of the Government of Nepal. The Chamber has stated that it felt encouraged by this.

The Chamber has noted that the recognition and appreciation from the higher levels of the state for the private sector’s contribution has encouraged the entire private sector, and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce has highly valued this step by the government.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has stated that it views positively the initiatives and coordination made by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, with the active involvement of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, to make search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation work effective during the Bhote Koshi flood and subsequent monsoon-related disasters.

The Chamber has stated that coordination with government agencies has remained important, particularly in delivering resources, means, relief materials, health services, transportation, and other support available from the private sector along with government mechanisms to affected areas as needed during disasters.

Noting that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been advancing disaster management as a multi-sectoral responsibility, emphasizing coordination between federal, provincial, and local levels as well as security agencies and relevant stakeholders, the Chamber has stated that the operation of various mechanisms for monsoon-related disaster preparedness, information and early warning systems, search and rescue, relief, and rehabilitation is positive.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has stated that the private sector has been voluntarily providing necessary support to the government during disasters and remains committed to further organizing collaboration and coordination with the government in the days ahead.

The Chamber has emphasized that to make disaster management effective, priority must be given to long-term reconstruction along with immediate relief, rehabilitation of affected businesses, restoring supply chains, smooth supply of essential goods, and resuming economic activities in affected areas.

The Chamber has noted as a welcome step the decision of the 37th meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee to review ongoing search operations in affected areas and also advance rehabilitation and recovery work.

The Chamber has emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs must develop a clear mechanism for regular dialogue and coordination with the private sector in disaster management. The Chamber believes that through such a mechanism, resources and capacities available with the private sector can be identified in advance and mobilized immediately as needed during disasters.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has stated that disaster management is not just the responsibility of the state but a shared responsibility of the government, private sector, civil society, and community, and that human and economic losses from disasters can be minimized through effective coordination, preparedness, and swift decision-making processes.