Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 3:

While MNC Colgate-Palmolive is reported to be downsizing its production activities in Nepal, another consumer giant has vowed to stay in the kingdom where it has roots in the community. Unilever Nepal, in which Indian consumer major Hindustan Lever holds 80 per cent, said in a press statement that it had ‘long-term plans’ in Nepal. “We are very much here, we take pride in our ‘Made in Nepal’ legend,’ the multinational was today quoted,

“Unilever has long term plans in Nepal despite the difficult business situation here and the change in Indian policy by imposing countervailing duty.” Unilever Nepal, earlier known as Nepal Lever, set up its factory 13 years ago in Hetauda in Makwanour district in central Nepal.

However, unlike the latter, Unilever Nepal chose to concentrate on the local market instead of focusing on exports. Most of its raw materials, except chemicals, are obtained from Nepal and the products are marketed locally. It provides direct employment to 120 people and indirect job opportunities to nearly 900.