Kathmandu, July 17: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pledged that the government will provide necessary support to promote the export of footwear manufactured within the country.
During his meeting with office bearers and members of Footwear Manufacturers’ Association of Nepal (FMAN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to facilitating efforts to replace footwear imports with domestic products, and create job opportunities.
He said that skill-generating and enhancement training on footwear production will be implemented in coordination with the government. “Private sector will be encouraged in the promotion and marketing of Nepali footwear,” the Prime Minister added.
Similarly, PM Shah said the tracking on limitations on the imports of raw materials as per the capacity of industries and archive management will be made further effective.
During the discussions, the delegation urged the government to implement measures to curb cross-border smuggling of related products, bring both international and national products that remain outside the tax net into the taxation system, ensure mandatory quality testing of imported goods, and discourage the import of substandard products.
Similarly, the delegation assured that the government that domestic footwear industries would be operated at their full- capacity if the government provides the necessary policy support, ensures market protection, and implements industry-friendly provisions.
Association President Suraj Banjade, outgoing President Rudra Neupane, general secretary Nirmal Bhattarai, advisor Kalidas Gautam, footwear entrepreneur and House of Representatives (HoR) member Vidushi Rana were among those present in the meeting.
