Key Takeaways:

• PM Shah met Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN)
• Govt to expand skill-based training and strengthen raw material tracking
• FMAN urged stricter controls on illegal and substandard imports

KATHMANDU, JULY 17 Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pledged government support to promote exports of domestically manufactured footwear, saying the sector has significant potential to reduce imports and create jobs. During a meeting with office-bearers of the Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Friday, the Prime Minister said the government would facilitate the growth of the domestic footwear industry through policy support and market promotion. He said the federal, provincial and local governments would coordinate to expand skill-based training in footwear manufacturing while encouraging the promotion and marketing of Nepali-made shoes and slippers. The government will also strengthen tracking and record-keeping systems for raw material imports based on industries' production capacity, he added. FMAN representatives urged the government to curb illegal imports through border points, bring untaxed domestic and imported products into the formal tax system, tighten controls on substandard footwear imports and make quality certification mandatory for imported footwear. The association also called for stronger policy support, market protection and industry-friendly measures, saying the domestic footwear industry could operate at full capacity if provided with a favourable business environment. FMAN President Suraj Banjade, former president Rudra Neupane, General Secretary Nirmal Bhattarai, adviser Kalidas Gautam and lawmaker Bidushi Rana, among others, attended the meeting.