NRNs call on exporters to launch country-specific promos

KATHMANDU:

To increase sales of Nepali products in the foreign market, exporters need to launch target specific promotional campaigns for which Nepali diaspora can extend support, according to Non Resident Nepalis.

“Though the job of marketing and promotion of products in the foreign land are responsibilities of exporters and manufacturers, NRNs can provide additional logistic support by extending information regarding the place, business opportunities, and even helping with accommodation among other things,” said president of NRN Association Jiba Lamichhane during an interaction between NRNs and the Nepali business community organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry today.

More than 65 countries are included in the NRN network, while Nepal does not have embassies in more than 32 countries, so exporters can get better support from NRNs, Lamichhane added.

The NRNA was established in 2003 and has about 500,000 members across 65 nations. One of the aims of the association is to encourage NRNs to contribute to economic and social development of Nepal.

“Though many people complain that the NRNA has not been able to do much for the country’s economic development, NRNs have invested in sectors such as hydropower, media, telecommunications and tourism, among others,” he said, emphasising, “More than 20 MW of hydropower is being produced or is in the pipeline, thanks to NRN investment in the hydro sector.”

Badri KC of NRNA-National Coordination Committee-Russia pointed out that trade fairs do not mean instant business, so traders should not be disappointed if they do not secure large deals.


“Instead, Nepali exporters who participate in any trade fair abroad should consider it an opportunity to build contacts and network for business in the future,” he said.

He further said: “Efforts made by NRNs in trade promotion of the country is very crucial as few years ago Nepal did not export much goods to Russia, but now due to insistence of NRNs in Russia, the country imported Nepali goods worth Rs two million last fiscal year.”

According to FNCCI president Suraj Vaidya, exporters need to promote products based on the need of their target customers in different countries to increase their sales volume. The programme also saw discussions on promotion of Nepali handicraft and handmade papers, among others, in countries where NRN presence is strong.

Source: THT