New export import act on cards

KATHMANDU, MAR 23: 

The Department of Commerce is preparing to introduce a new Export-Import Act.

“We have already prepared the draft for the new Export–Import Act and also organised different interaction programmes with the stakeholders,” said the acting director general of the department Shankar Prasad Poudel.

“The current Act is more focused on controlling trade which is not in tandem with the present export–import scenario,” said Poudel, adding that the new Act will provide the necessary facilities to exporters.

To promote the exporters who have been doing an exceptional work, the Act will grant them certain privileges. The new Act will replace the Export and Import (Control) Act , 2013.

“The current Act does not have any guidelines for Export- Import documentation which will be included in the new Act and be available on our website too,” he said. 

Center for Public Policy Dialogue in cooperation with Nepal Economic Agriculture and Trade Activity is preparing a report based on the interaction between government representatives and stakeholders on the draft formed for the new Export–Import Act.

“The report is in its final stage and will be forwarded to the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies,” he informed. The final report after its approval from the ministry will again be forwarded to the stakeholders for a final interaction. “The final draft will then be proposed to the cabinet,” he said. The Strategic Plan of Department of Commerce 2011– 2013 has mentioned the need for promoting exports and the development of a new Export and Import Act.

“The new Act will mainly focus on the promotion of products that have been identified by the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010 programme,” he said. NTIS has identified 19 key commodities and services that have export potential. 

The products that have been identified are cardamom, ginger, honey, lentils, tea, noodles, and medicinal herbs/essential oils in the agro-product category, handmade paper, silver jewellery, iron and steel, pashmina, and woollen products in the handicrafts and industrial goods category and tourism, labour services, IT and BPO services, health services, education, engineering and hydro-electricity in the services category.

Source: THT