KATHMANDU, JULY 21 Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government is committed to promoting Nepal's ready-made garment industry and addressing challenges facing the sector. During a meeting with office-bearers of the Garment Association Nepal at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, Shah assured industry representatives of government support for the growth and competitiveness of the domestic garment sector. Following the discussion, the Prime Minister directed the concerned ministry to immediately form a Textile and Clothing Development Council, a long-standing demand of garment entrepreneurs. Industry representatives said the council would help promote exports and better manage imports by supporting products based on locally available raw materials. Shah also instructed the Ministry of Industry to facilitate the revival of sick industries and directed relevant agencies to address barriers affecting exports, including issues related to testing certification and market access. Emphasising the need to strengthen the entire value chain-from raw materials to exports-the Prime Minister pledged support for producing skilled human resources required by the textile and garment sector. He stressed that strengthening export-oriented industries such as garments would be important for Nepal's transition from a least developed country to a developing nation. The meeting was attended by Garment Association Nepal President Pashupati Dev Pandey and other industry representatives.