By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Apr. 10: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel said on Friday that the government was committed to enhancing export trade by addressing the genuine demands of the exporters through the upcoming budget.
Addressing the first general meeting of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN), Minister Paudel said the government would move ahead by adopting the suggestions of the exporters to boost export trade and reduce trade deficit.
He said that achieving the goal of prosperous Nepal without developing confidence among the private sector was impossible.
Stating that the latest political situation was creating confusion among the people and the entrepreneurs, he urged the private sector not to be panic as the present government would not be replaced with a new one.
On the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the government has been promoting export trade by mobilising the Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.
“We directed all heads of Nepali diplomatic missions to work keeping the economic diplomacy in the centre,” he said.
Nepal has been enjoying trade privileges in international market, but Nepal has failed to use such facilities to promote export trade, he said.
“No country is against Nepal and its economic development. But we have to utilise the available trade facilities,” he said.
Stating that poor quality and lack of branding are major obstructions for the promotion of
export, he asked the businessmen not to compromise on quality and packaging. “Credibility is the most important factor to increase export. So, the manufacturers should supply quality goods,” he said.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung stressed the need for promoting goods at home and abroad through technology.
“Entrepreneurs should adopt e-commerce and e-payment system in trade,” he said. President of Confederation of Nepalese Industry Satish Kumar More asked the government to provide cash incentives based on the value addition to promote export trade and narrow the trade deficit.
Senior Vice-president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chandra Dhakal suggested the government to use Nepali diplomatic missions for export promotion and attract foreign direct investment.
“The government should give emphasis on manufacturing industries through the budget instead of discouraging exports,” he said.FEEN president Ram Bahadur Gurung demanded the government should provide up to 15 per cent cash incentives on export based on the value addition.
Stating that the FEEN has a target to double Nepal’s export in three years and by seven folds in next five years, he said that the government should pay due attention to export promotion.
On the occasion, FEEN also released its five-year strategic plans for export promotion.
The FEEN also honoured individuals for their contribution to the field of export promotion.