KATHMANDU, June 21: The government has unveiled the Commercial Policy Implementation Action Plan 2081, which envisions establishing and upgrading warehouses, cold stores, and high tech quality testing laboratories at major border points to strengthen export capacity and reduce the country’s growing trade deficit. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) has said the plan aims to bring a structural shift in Nepal’s trading system by promoting an export oriented economy.
The action plan highlights the need to secure international certification for agricultural and herbal products, while also strengthening institutions such as the Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. Expanding the network of internationally recognized laboratories is expected to increase the reliability of Nepali products in the global market.
Recognizing the growing role of modern technology, the plan places e commerce at the top of its priorities. To promote IT based exports, the government has committed to legal and policy reforms in coordination with the Digital Nepal Framework. The plan emphasizes effective implementation of the e Commerce Act, wider use of digital signatures, and removal of obstacles in international payment systems to make online business more reliable and secure.
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Officials expect that by implementing the plan, Nepali handicrafts, software, and other service sector products will gain direct access to the global market. To protect and promote indigenous products, campaigns such as Make in Nepal and Made in Nepal will be intensified under the plan. The government also plans to enforce its policy of requiring public institutions to use at least 20 percent Nepali products. Branding and marketing of local goods will be supported through exhibition venues and koseli houses in all seven provinces.
The action plan further incorporates protective measures such as effective enforcement of anti dumping and countervailing laws, along with new policies for safeguarding intellectual property rights. It also emphasizes promoting “green business” and low carbon industries in response to climate change challenges.
Coordination among the three tiers of government has been clearly defined: provincial governments will focus on infrastructure development, local governments will handle data collection and product promotion, while the federal government will lead policy formulation and international trade agreements.
For successful implementation, the MoICS has arranged regular evaluation through a high level monitoring mechanism to ensure timely achievement of the set goals.
