Printing industry has seen impressive growth in the last few decades due to increasing demand for printed materials. The industry, which has already seen the investment of around Rs 200 million, has been providing employment opportunities to more than 100,000 persons directly or indirectly. [break]
Apart from security printing, Nepali printers are capable of handling all printing tasks. Nepali printers are embracing advanced technology, which has led to substantial improvement in the quality of printing.
Although finishing is largely done manually, persons involved in printing business say Nepali printers can now compete with other companies in Asia in terms of quality.
But there are many impediments that have been hindering the growth of this industry. One big problem for the industry since the last four years has been the scarcity of workers.
"Workers in printing industry are enjoying good salary and facilities. Printers aren´t in a position to offer extra incentives to workers to stay on the job. Many workers are opting for jobs abroad because its benefits are incomparable," said Dibya Govinda Joshi, owner of Banglamukhi Offset Press.
"There is a huge demand for workers that have technical knowledge in printing in international job market."
Every year around 300-400 workers from this industry are leaving for foreign employment, according to Amar Shakya, executive director of Sewa Printing Press.
Another issue that the industry has been facing is the lack of vocational training facilities for workers. Workers only have practical knowledge through on-the-job training.
"Many our workers lack theoretical and technical knowledge," Joshi said.
Shakya was of the view that investors are not importing modern machineries because there are no trained workers capable enough to operate those machines.
Realizing the dearth of skilled hands for the industry, Nepal Printers´ Association - the umbrella organization of printing press - has been talking with the government to set up a vocational training school. "Should that happen, we will be able to meet both domestic and international demand for trained and productive workers," Shakya added.
Nepali printing presses import most of the paper they need because the quality of paper produced locally is not consistent. Nepali paper is also not that competitive in terms of price. That is why we are importing paper even though we have to pay a hefty tax of around 29 percent, printing press owners say.
Despite these hindrances, the industry with annual turnover of Rs 12 billion is faring well as compared to other industries in the country. But industry people see limitless possibilities.
"About Rs 6-7 billion is going out of the country, especially through government agencies, for security printing like stamps, checks and passports," Shakya said, adding, "Though we can compete with other Asian countries in terms of quality, there is still room for improvements."
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