Kathmandu [Nepal], July 21 – Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday directed government ministries to take immediate steps to support Nepal’s readymade garment industry including the formation of a Textile and Clothing Development Council and the revival of struggling industries.
During a meeting with office-bearers of Garment Association-Nepal at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Shah said the government was committed to protecting the interests of garment manufacturers and promoting the sector.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed the concerned ministers to move ahead with the formation of the proposed Textile and Clothing Development Council.
Garment manufacturers have said the council would help promote exports of readymade garments produced using locally available raw materials and improve import management.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Industry to immediately restart ailing industries based on demands raised by industrialists and business representatives.
He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate negotiations for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to strengthen the garment sector.
Shah also expressed commitment to developing skilled manpower needed to support the government’s “Farm to Fiber”, “Fiber to Fabric”, “Fabric to Fashion” and “Fashion to Export” initiatives.
Highlighting the need for Nepal to graduate from an underdeveloped country to a developing country, Shah said challenges facing the garment industry must be addressed to support that transition.
The meeting was attended by Garment Association-Nepal President Pashupati Dev Pandey, First Vice President Basanta Raj Adhikari, General Secretary Bhim Kumar Giri, Chief Executive Officer Suyash Khanal and Technical Advisor Prakash Kumar Jha.
