Kathmandu, January 31:

Readymade garment exporters have started thinking that ‘market and product diversification’ may revive Nepal’s already ailing export sector.

After the expiration of multi-fibre agreement (MFA), Nepal’s readymade garment exports declined sharply in 2005. The trade balance and economic growth have become weak in 2006 as per various agency’s predictions.

In connection with diversifying export market of readymade garments, a group of exporters including Kiran Sakha, president and Sanjay Agrawal member of Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) left for Paris today to participate at the Pret A Porter Paris, an internationally recognised readymade garments fashion’s trade fair.

According to a press release, at a time when US market is discouraging Nepali readymade garments, exporters are concentrating their export base to European countries to revive the export sector. In this connection, Nepali exporters have left for Paris today.

GAN’s members were hopeful that market promotion in Europe and other countries besides US might fetch results.

“One of the major objectives to participate at the fair is to lure European buyers to purchase Nepali readymade garments,” says GAN.

The members of the delegation would disseminate the information on the customs facilities (in 29 readymade garments groups) availed by Nepal under EU derogation provision, according to GAN.

A total of 1600 products such as ready to wear (jumpers, trousers, coats, shirts, and T-shirt) from all over the world are being displayed at the Paris fair including Nepali garment products.

About 1000 exhibitors from Italy, Spain, Sweden, UK, Germany are taking part in the expo. GAN believes that participation in such fairs would explore new markets.