KATHMANDU, August 26: A delegation of Nepali business community has requested India to removing non-tariff barriers imposed on Nepali exports to India.
During a meeting with India’s Minister of State for Commerce, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Friday, the delegation led by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Bhawani Rana requested India to allow easy access for Nepali products in the Indian market.
The Nepali business delegation is currently in New Delhi as part of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s state visit to India which began on Wednesday.
Chandra Dhakal elected Senior Vice President of FNCCI
The non-tariff barriers include hurdles in quarantine, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade and rules of origin, among others.
Nepal’s exports of ginger, betel nuts and pork have been affected due to various non-tariff barriers imposed by India.
The delegation has also sought India’s technical support to enhance quality of Nepali products as well as improve laboratory tests, according to a statement issued by the FNCCI.
Rana urged Sitharaman for bringing Indian investment and technology to Nepal in sectors like food processing, hydroelectricity, and service, among others. During the meeting, Rana also expressed concern over Nepal’s worsening trade imbalance with India.
The team comprised of former FNCCI president Pashupati Murarka, incumbent Senior Vice President Shekhar Golchha, Vice President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Treasurer Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, according to the statement.
