Kathmandu, Aug. 26
The Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) has
called for the establishment of a Textile and Clothing Development Council to
support the country’s apparel industry and strengthen exports.
The proposal was made during a discussion with
the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) held in Kathmandu the
other day. The discussion reviewed the current state of Nepal’s garment
industry, its challenges and emerging opportunities, GAN said in a statement.
GAN highlighted the growing scrutiny of
transshipment issues under United States customs regulations, describing it as
a major challenge for Nepali garment exports. It said that a specialised
council could provide structured support to the industry, helping it respond to
market changes and seize opportunities in international trade.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and
Supplies Damodar Bhandari said that preparations were underway to make the
upcoming Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) dialogue between Nepal
and the United States more productive.
According to him, the government was aware
of the risks posed by transshipment concerns and was working to address them.
The minister also emphasised the role of export-oriented industries, including
garments, in creating employment, supporting economic growth and improving the
trade balance.
Director General of the Department of
Industry, Rajeshwar Gyawali, said that long-standing processes to certify
consumption levels of raw materials used in garments had been completed. He assured
continued government support to the exporters.
Participants of the meeting said that the
government’s plans and commitment to exports had given them encouragement to
push ahead with efforts to expand production and international trade.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 August 2025.
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