KATHMANDU, Aug 21: The EU Nepal Trade and Investment Program, in coordination with the Department of Customs (DoC), organized a public-private dialogue to jointly design to expedite the Authorized Business Persons (ABP) program.

Private sector representatives, particularly exporters and importers, were consulted for the ABP program, which is being designed. The program aims to expedite the customs processes for trusted traders.

The ABP program is being developed in line with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to reduce time and the cost of doing business. With technical support from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the DoC is endeavoring to design and roll out the program based on globally recognized practices.

The program is voluntary and open to importers and exporters, including MSMEs whose needs are being specifically catered to by the DoC within the program. “We can maximize the benefits and relevance of the ABP program by designing the program with our private sector partners. The ABP will be enriched after incorporating the inputs from the private sector, especially those involved in the global supply chain,” said Punya Bikram Khadka, director of the DoC.

Moti Mittal from Nepal Overseas Traders Association stressed the need to improve the trust between traders, and customs officials. He praised the collaborative approach adopted by DoC for the design of the ABP and the future introduction of this trust-based mutually beneficial program that will provide preferential treatment to trust-worthy traders.

Ram Chandra Parajuli from Nepal Trans Himalayan Traders Association said the competitive capacity of Nepali goods should be enhanced in international markets expediting and simplifying the customs process at a time when Nepal is scheduled to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026. Parajuli welcomed the introduction of the ABP program by the DoC, stating that the program will enhance the international credibility and profile of exporters that will join it.

Senior Trade Facilitation Expert from ITC, Richard Chopra said the ABP programs are globally recognized drivers for a predictable and transparent trading environment. “Such programs will not only foster the customs-business partnership and reduce the cost of trading across borders in Nepal but it will also raise the profile of the country worldwide,” he said.

According to the EU-Nepal TIP, it will be conducting a week-long consultation with government officials and the private sector in Kathmandu to enhance the capacity of Nepali customs officials and the private sector in simplifying customs measures to facilitate exports/imports.

 
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