Entrepreneurs urge for Nepali products’ logo

Exporters and entrepreneurs on Monday, have urged the government to develop and register a trademark for major Nepali export items such as woollen carpets and  pashmina.

Speaking at an interaction jointly organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Economics and Media Society (NECOMES), they said that such trademark or logos in Nepali export items ensure the identity among the international buyers.

Since there is no trademark or logo for major export items like pashmina and woollen carpets, Nepal has lost its credibility in the international markets, they said

Kiran Saakha, president of Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) speaking at the same interaction said, trademark or specific logo will not only ensure quality, uniformity and consistency in the product design and quality but also build the consumers' confidence towards Nepali products.

Saakha also notified that the export-oriented industries, especially readymade garments, carpets and pashmina are facing tough days and most of the industries have been already closed down or running below the production capacity.

“Nepal needs a broader and dynamic export policy that will not only address the current problems but also set a long-term vision to exploit opportunities under  regional and multilateral trade arrangements,” Saakha said.
Saakha was of the opinon that the government should support entrepreneurs for  duty free access of Nepali garment and textile products to the US market. “Nepal has a strong possibility to get duty free access under GSP facility among the least developed countries (LDCs) in Asia and Pacific region,” Saakha said.

Responding the queries, Rameshore Khanal, revenue secretary at the ministry of finance said, "Government has realised that the export is declining at an alarming rate."

Khanal said that the budget would not focus on raising revenues, instead focus on providing relief to reinvigorate their strength.

Purushottam Ojha, acting secretary at the ministry of industry, commerce and supplies informed that the government is formulating a new trade policy that would incorporate recent concerns of the private sector and integrate latest trend of the trade development.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of FNCCI and Gopal Tiwari, president of NECOMES also expressed their views on the same occasion.