Kathmandu, April 5:

An exclusive meeting of 12 export-related organisations held today has demanded withdrawal of the Nepal bandh beginning tomorrow which is likely to hit the export industry hard. Namgyal Lama, president of Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA), while talking to The Himalayan Time alleged that the government has not given priority to the export sector and it is not listening to the problems rai-sed by the sector for long.

Lama complained that no government so far has given priority to exports, despite the government having receiving huge foreign currency. Citing an example of Bangladesh, he said that the government there gives priority to the export sector.

Even during bandhs, exporters are given passes to supply goods to seaports and airports, he informed.

He complained that despite NEFFA having requested the government to provide passes to exporters for smooth supply of goods to airport 15 days in advance, nothing has happened yet.

Nepal bandhs have already sent a negative message to our buyers abroad and there have been cancellation of orders and the potential buyers of Nepali goods are choosing Indian market as an option, he informed. Export Task Force of various export related associations was formed four years back with a view to solve export sector’s problems. But nothing has been done, he said.

At the interaction organised by ETF, Rajan Sharma, assistant coordinator of ETF said, even political agendas for which strikes are called are not met. So parties calling strikes should think of the deteriorating economy and stop all action that hampers economic activities in the country, he added.

Rameshwor KC, vice president of Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA), urged for curfew passes and escorts for vehicles carrying export goods.

“Despite our various efforts to continue operation during the curfew period and bandhs, the government has not provided any security for our vehicles,” he added.