Kathmandu, June 18:

Exporters and entrepreneurs today urged the government to develop and register a trademark for major Nepali export items such as woollen carpets and pashmina.

They also pointed out the need of such identification as a key factor to boost the exports as well as to ensure the identity among the international buyers. In an absence of such trademark or logo for major export items like pashmina and woollen carpets, Nepal has lost its credibility in the international markets, they said spea-king at an interaction jointly organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Economics and Media Society (NECOMES), today.

The trademark or specific logo will not only ensure quality, uniformity and consistency in the product design and quality but also build the consumers’ confidence towards Nepali products, said Kiran Saakha, president of Garment Association of Nepal (GAN). “If we use a logo or trademark that depicts the product is made in Nepal, customers would be sure that the products is in fact from Nepal,” he said. He also apprised that the export-oriented industries, especially readymade garments, carpets and pashmina are facing tough days and most of the industries have been already closed down or running below the capacity.

“For this, Nepal needs a broader and dynamic export policy that will not only address the current problems but also set a long-term vision to exploit opportunities under regional and multilateral trade arrangements,” Saakha said, adding that the policy should also incorporate programmes to enhance private sector’s capability, ensure better investment environment and substitute skyrocketing imports.

Saakha asked the government’s support for duty free access to Nepali garment and textile products to the US market. “Nepal has a strong possibility to get duty free access under GSP facility among the least developed countries (LDCs) in Asia and Pacific region,” he said.

Responding the queries, Rameshore Khanal, revenue secretary at the ministry of finance said that government would consider the genuine concerns of private sector in the budget. “Government has realised that the export is declining at an alarming rate. Considering the fact, the budget would not focus on raising revenues, instead focus on providing relief to reinvigorate their strength,” he added.

Purushottam Ojha, acting secretary at the ministry of industry, commerce and supplies informed that the government is formulating a new trade policy, which would incorporate recent concerns of the private sector, as well as integrate latest trend in the trade development.

“The proposed policy will incorporate ways to integrate Nepali economy regionally and internationally,” he said.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of FNCCI and Gopal Tiwari, president of NECOMES also expressed their views on the occasion.