Prime Minister Holds Talks with Export Industries, Assures Customs Facilitation and Legal Reforms

Kathmandu / July 24: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the legitimate concerns of entrepreneurs and businesses to help expand the international market for Nepali products.

The commitment came during a nearly two-hour meeting held on Friday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers with representatives of major export-oriented industry associations. Participants included representatives from the Nepal Plywood Manufacturers’ Association, Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association, Nepal Pashmina Industries Association, and Nepal Dog Chew Manufacturers’ Association.

During the discussion, Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association President Balram Gurung informed the Prime Minister that new regulations in the United States requiring certification from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had created obstacles for carpet exports. He requested that the government send a diplomatic note through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the U.S. Customs authorities seeking a one-year exemption from mandatory testing, as the laboratory of Nepal’s Department of Weights and Measures has been damaged.

Responding immediately, Prime Minister Shah directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take the necessary steps to implement the request.

The Prime Minister also instructed the concerned authorities to arrange quarantine certification for imported wool raw materials twice a week to facilitate exports. Expressing support for the proposal to establish a Carpet Development Board, he said the government would assist in promoting sheep farming and wool production in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.

During the meeting, Nepal Plywood Manufacturers’ Association President Hom Prasad Ghimire raised concerns that raw materials were being exported to India at low customs duty rates. In response, Prime Minister Shah said the government would increase customs duties to discourage the export of raw materials.

Similarly, Nepal Pashmina Industries Association President Dhan Prasad Lamichhane highlighted difficulties faced by sheep farmers in Himalayan grazing areas due to provisions in the Forest Act. The Prime Minister assured participants that the government would hold discussions to amend the legislation. Lamichhane also called for the establishment of raw material collection centers at the local level and processing facilities in provincial governments.

Nepal Dog Chew Manufacturers’ Association President Resham Bahadur Pokharel urged the government to classify dog chew products as a “pet food” industry rather than a dairy industry and to facilitate the import of skimmed milk powder. Prime Minister Shah said the government would study the proposals and make an appropriate decision.