Exporters facing problems

KATHMANDU, FEB 13 - Women-run enterprises related to allo and handmade paper are facing transport problems, documentation hassles, procedural obstacles at customs, transit problems and lack of branding for exports in South Asia, according to a study.

The study was carried out by South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) in association with Asia-Pacific Regional Centre of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Baglung, Dolakha, Kathmandu, Rukum and Sankhuwasabha.

Presenting the findings at a consultative workshop here on Thursday, SAWTEE Executive Director Hiramani Ghimire said challenges in the exports of allo and handmade paper were found to be mainly related to expansion and operation.

He said these findings were different from other studies which showed that 86.3 percent of the problems were related to quality.

Sophie Kemkhadze, deputy country-director at the UNDP, said non-tariff barriers hindered trade within the South Asian region.

Speaking at the programme, Radhika Aryal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, said the ministry has always been committed to the empowerment of women and has been providing training at district- and VDC-level.

SAWTEE Executive Chairman Posh Raj Pandey stressed on the need for a wholesome package, including training, management and marketing, to promote women entrepreneurship.

Source: eKantipur