KATHMANDU: Commercialisation of herbal industries can create more employment and boost Nepali exports, opined experts here today.

“Quality, price and timely delivery are the three major factors that herbal companies should maintain to remain competitive,” said K P Oli, senior leader of CPN-UML. “Long-term policies will be developed by the government to support herbal sector,” he said on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Herbo International Pvt Ltd.

National Planning Commission (NPC) vice-chairman Dr Yubraj Khatiwada, said herbal companies should focus on processing and quality control. “The private sector and government should work together to develop herbal companies,” he added.

Senior economist Prof Dr Bishwambher Pyakurel said that if Herbo International opted for scientific marketing and social networking process, it could well replace Dabur company that has turnover of Rs 4 billion a year.

“WTO membership has opened new doors for the business sector of Nepal as it not only provides a platform to compete in the international market but also allows individual quality approach,” said Rajendra Khetan, businessperson and CA member.

Nepal Chambers of Commerce president, Surendra Bir Malakar said, “With skill enhancement programmes, it is obvious that the existing business of herbal products will boom in a short period.”

Kanchanjunga Tea Estate founder Deepak Baskota said organic tea farming employs more than 5000 people. He added that the patent of Camellia species of tea, a pure organic green tea of Nepal, is a turning point for the branding of Nepali products.

The merger of Kanchanjunga Tea Estate and Herbo International Pvt Ltd was also announced during the programme. Herbo International director Netra Bastola, said the merger will enhance the quality of herbal products.