KATHMANDU, June 7: A two-day training on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was organized on June 4 and 5, 2022 in Biratnagar.
Speaking at the program, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), Dilendra Prasad Badu said that the government of Nepal is committed to the timely implementation of the WTO TFA. "The partnership between the government, the EU, ITC and FNCCI for sustainable capacity building of the private sector on this matter is very much appreciated,” Badu said, adding: “The government is eager to listen to, and address the constraints faced by the private sector for an improved business environment in the country. I hope that the training will bear useful results which will contribute to the trade development of Nepal."
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According to the organization, the training was aimed at raising awareness on the provision and benefits of the WTO TFA for public and private sector stakeholders and advocating for the implementation of trade facilitation reforms and help boost Nepal's trade and export.
Thirty five representatives from the public and private sectors benefited from the training where they learnt about WTO TFA which entered into force in February 2017. The training was organized by the International Trade Center (ITC) under the EU-funded Trade and Investment Project (TIP) in collaboration with the Government of Nepal and FNCCI.
Mim Hamal, representative from the European Union (EU) stated that the EU has been a trusted development partner of the Nepal government for socio-economic development of the country since 1973. He said that the EU-funded Trade and Investment (TIP) projects aim at sustainable development, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country through concerted efforts of all stakeholders. He underscored that the training is a step toward sustainable capacity-building of Nepali institutions for boosting international trade
Similarly, Rajesh Aggarwal, director at the division of market development of ITC, who addressed the attendees through a video call shed light on the goals of TFA and how it can help for fair and hassle-free trade development. He vowed to provide sustained support to Nepali public and private sector to address the issues concerning trade facilitation
