Kathmandu, August 13:

Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) has asked the government to support TRADE Act-2005, which advocates for duty free access to the US markets. A delegation of GAN members led by Kiran Prakash Sakha, its president met Kirti Nidhi Bista, vice-chairman of the council of ministers and apprised him about the fact finding visit of the US Congressional Staff to Nepal.

Sakha also presented a joint memorandum on behalf of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and other export industry organisations to Bista. The memorandum has urged the government for its full support on early endorsement of the TRADE Act-2005. The bill, which is tabled at the US Congress, urges the United States to provide duty free access for the Nepali garment and textile products and to give an equal treatment for more than 3,000 exportable products that are not included in GSP facility. The bill is presented at the US Congress and Senate in request of 14 Least Development Countires from Asia-Pacific region.