The government has discriminated the small entrepreneurs while providing the cash incentives for exports, though it was meant to promote exports, the entrepreneurs blamed.
Addressing a workshop on ‘Internationalisation of Nepali Products’ under the Go International Project, organised by Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and supported by European Union (EU), here today, Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) president Puspa Man Shrestha, said that the government has discriminated the small exporters while providing the cash incentives, though they have been one of the largest exporters of Pashmina.
“The big exporters walked away with the cash incentive, whereas the smaller exporters were left out,” he said, adding that there is a huge potential for increasing Pashmina exports, but the international market competition, labour trouble and power outage at home, and government’s apathy has forced Pashmina entrepreneurs out of the business. “Only 20 per cent that is around 500 entrepreneurs are still in the business, though, they have exported Rs 2.5 billion worth Pashima was exported in the last fiscal year 2012-13. “Nepal is exporting Pashmina to around 81 countries and have registered collective trademark of ‘Changra Pashmina’ in 41 countries.”
Nepal lost the international market of Pashmina to India and China that are more competitive compared to Nepal. In 1997, Nepal used to export Rs 30 billion worth Pashmina, whereas the export has dropped to Rs 1 billion in 2001.
Likewise, lack of international standard lab, Nepal has lost the silver jewellery market in the international market, said Federation of Handicrafts Association (FHAN) president Hem Ratna Shakya, on the occasion.
Silver jewellery export dropped in the recent years due to cadmium issue, he said. Nepal had exported Rs 339 million worth silver jewelley three years ago, however, it dropped to Rs 184 million in the last fiscal year, he added.
Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies Madhav Prasad Regmi , on the occasion, informed that the ministry is revisiting the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) to include more products that have export competitiveness.
Likewise, CNI president Narendra Kumar Basnyat expressed his hope that the newly formed government will show their positive commitment towards economic liberalisation, export promotion and creating favourable investment atmosphere in the country.
Representative of European Union Delegation Maria Castaldi, on the occasion highlighted that EU Delegation is ready to encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth.
CNI vice president Hari Bhakta Sharma highlighted the aims of the Go International Project that is planning to identify some 100 business plans from women and youth entrepreneurs and facilitate them for export.