Trade Policy

The Trade Policy of Nepal 2009 (2065) was introduced to promote international trade, enhance export competitiveness, and integrate Nepal’s economy into the global market.

• It aims to make trade an essential tool for economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction.

• This policy emphasizes a liberal, open, and competitive trade regime, encouraging both domestic and foreign investment in trade-related sectors.

Vision:

To contribute to the national economy by developing Nepal as a dynamic and competitive trading nation, enhancing export capacity, and ensuring inclusive economic development through trade expansion.

Main Objectives of Trade Policy 2009:

• Enhance Trade Competitiveness:
  Improve the quality, productivity, and competitiveness of Nepalese goods and services in both domestic and international markets.
• Expand Trade and Market Access:
  Diversify Nepal’s export markets and products while improving access to regional and global markets.
• Promote Export-Oriented Industries:
  Encourage industries that can produce high-value, employment-generating, and exportable products.
• Increase Employment Opportunities:
  Create jobs through trade expansion, industrial growth, and the development of trade-supporting infrastructure.
• Integrate with the Global Economy:
  Strengthen Nepal’s participation in international trade organizations such as WTO, SAFTA, and BIMSTEC.
• Encourage Private Sector Participation:
  Promote active involvement of the private sector in trade development and policy implementation.
• Develop Trade Infrastructure:
  Strengthen logistics, transport, customs, and quality certification systems to support trade efficiency.
• Ensure Inclusive and Sustainable Trade:
  Promote equitable benefits of trade across different regions, communities, and genders.

Major Strategies of Trade Policy 2009:

• Product and Market Diversification:
  Reduce dependency on a few products and markets by encouraging a wider range of export goods and trade partners.
• Export Promotion:
  Provide incentives, subsidies, and technical support to export-oriented industries and entrepreneurs.
• Trade Facilitation:
  Simplify customs procedures, develop dry ports, and improve trade routes for faster and cheaper movement of goods.
• Development of Trade-Related Institutions:
  Strengthen institutions like the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), and Customs Department to support trade growth.
• Human Resource Development:
  Build skills and capacity among workers, traders, and exporters to meet international trade standards.
• Promotion of Services Trade:
  Encourage the export of services such as tourism, education, and information technology.
• Regional and International Cooperation:
  Enhance trade relations through regional and bilateral agreements to expand market opportunities.