Minister calls for end to syndicate‚ cartel system

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekhraj Bhatta has urged transporters to support the government drive to abolish cartel and syndicate systems in the market.

Cartel, syndicate and black marketing have deep roots everywhere, Bhatta said at the second annual general meeting of the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs Nepal.

“Transporters should come forward to end the syndicate system in the sector,” Bhatta said, adding that the government will provide other benefits to transporters is they end the syndicate system.

According to the minister, the market ills have been compelling him to monitor the market.

“The situation will not change unless business communities become responsible,” he added.

Responding to transporters’ query on the transportation law, he said that the government will draft and promulgate the law after consulting stakeholders. “The government is open for discussion,” minister Bhatta said.

President of the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs Nepal, Santa Bahadur Dumjan has asked the government to enforce a new law to regulate the transport sector. The transport sector wants a law that clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of transporters, he said.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry urged the transport sector to end the syndicate system for the benefit of the people.

“Competition in the transport sector will reduce costs which will eventually help consumers,” said vice president of the association Pradeep Jung Pandey, adding, “It will also make Nepali goods competitive in the international market.”

Transport entrepreneur R B Rauniyar, urged the government to revise and ratify the Clears Liability Act for the development of the transport sector. “The law was drafted nine years ago but has not been passed yet,” he said, “The law has clearly defined the responsibilities of transport entrepreneurs.”

General secretary of the federation Gyan Kumar Shrestha urged the government to immediately enforce the Transport Act and Regulation to regulate

the sector. “Once the government introduces the law and policy, it will be easier to regulate the

sector,” Shrestha said, adding that the government should also facilitate the transport sector by providing parking places, and immediate custom clearance to name just a few.