Imported goods will enter markets only after lab testing: Minister Bhandari

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said goods imported from abroad will only reach the market once they have been tested in domestic laboratories.

He made the remarks during an interaction in Kathmandu today ahead of the forthcoming Investment and Development Summit, stressing that laboratory testing of imported consumer goods is essential to curb adverse effects on public health.

He underlined, “We will establish industries and factories of international standard in the country, which will have long-term importance for the development of our industries and for improving the living standards of the people.”

The minister added that preparations are underway to export 77 products under a zero-tariff facility through the Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP), as the United States is the second-largest destination for Nepali exports. He said the federal government is pursuing a policy of not compromising on consumer health and safety.

He also called for cooperation across all sectors to boost production while preserving the pashmina and carpet industries, “as pashmina and Nepali carpet are the identity of Nepal.”

Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah urged the private sector to invest without hesitation, citing the province’s sufficient infrastructure for industrial development. “The provincial government will provide the land required for establishing industries in the province, and we want to turn the province’s potential into reality by collaborating with the private sector. Support from all is necessary in this initiative,” he said.

Most participants at the interaction agreed that investment should not be delayed, as Sudurpaschim possesses both the infrastructure and immense potential for industrial growth.

The Investment and Development Summit is being organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies in partnership with the Sudurpaschim Province government.

(With inputs from RSS)