KATHMANDU, JULY 18

Nepali exporters have been urged to make greater use of the United Kingdom's preferential trade scheme, which provides duty-free access to nearly 99 per cent of eligible Nepali products entering the UK market.

The call was made at an interactive programme on "Unlocking Tariff-Free Access to the UK: Opportunities for Nepali Exporters under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)" held in Kathmandu on Friday.

The event was jointly organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the British Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal in Business–Growth Advisors and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking at the programme, British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn said greater use of the DCTS could help boost Nepali exports, create jobs and further strengthen economic ties between Nepal and the UK.

Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Advisor for South Asia at the British High Commission, said Nepal benefits from the scheme's Comprehensive Preference tier, which provides duty-free access to approximately 99 per cent of eligible products.

The scheme also allows manufacturers to source inputs from up to 95 countries under more flexible rules of origin, including regional cumulation arrangements with countries such as India and Vietnam for eligible products, according to the organisers.

The programme highlighted export opportunities in carpets, garments, pashmina and wool products, tea, natural products, handicrafts and home décor.

Participants were also briefed on product classification, rules of origin, documentation, UK standards and record-keeping requirements necessary to claim preferential access under the scheme.

Buddha Bahadur Gurung, joint secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, said the DCTS offered significant opportunities for Nepal to diversify its exports beyond traditional products such as garments, carpets, pashmina, felt items and handmade paper.

He stressed the need for Nepali businesses to increase production capacity, improve technical capabilities and meet international standards to fully tap the potential of the UK market.

Shiv Prakash Khemka, executive committee member of the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to supporting Nepali businesses through trade promotion, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships to strengthen bilateral trade and investment between Nepal and the UK.