Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 5:

Speaking at a meeting of Trade Facilitation Committee, organised by the Department of Custom (DoC), businessmen and representatives from various commercial organisations voiced the need for making customs documents simple.

Organised with the objective to identify various problems being faced by businessmen and to find quick and relevant remedies for them, the meeting saw active participation from representatives of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Nepal Rastra Bank, ministry of industry, commerce and supply, Department of Custom and business leaders. Various issues related to customs were discussed at the interaction.

Presenting the revenue collection of the first eight months of the current fiscal year, Krishna Hari Banskota, director general at department of custom said that the DoC has been able to collect Rs 20.94 billion, which is Rs 1.72 billion more, as compared to the figure during the corresponding period of previous fiscal year.

Speaking at the programme, businessmen said that the import duty on goods that could be produced in Nepal should be more and the government should work to create an investment-friendly environment. Sectors with comparative advantageous should be given priority to compete in the regional arena.

Namgayal Lama, president of Nepal Freight Forwarders Association said that recent developments in facilities at the airport has been impressing and extending the working hours of customs offices will further help boost the export-import sector.

Gopal Prasad Chettri, president of Nepal Textile Association said that policies that address ‘special tax’ should be made practical and simple. Chettri also stressed on the need of introducing programmes that would help in increasing revenue from domestic products, which would enhance economy of the country.