NCC urges government not to stop export subsidy

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has urged the government not to end the export subsidy.

A delegation of NCC officials, including President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, met Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha at Singha Durbar on Friday and asked that the concessional export subsidy be maintained.

The NCC said the government's recent decision would discourage exports when domestic products lack competitiveness and production costs remain high.

The chamber also asked Minister Sinha to ease policy constraints to resolve economic problems and restore investor confidence, and to guarantee industrial and business security to create an investment‑friendly environment.

"To strengthen the economy, the government must prioritise policy clarity, an investment‑friendly environment and business security by partnering with private sector," the statement said.

The NCC welcomed measures including loan rescheduling for businesses hit by protests, concessional loans, 50% customs duty exemption and excise duty relief on reconstruction imports, and faster insurance claim settlements.

The chamber also welcomed the move to use transaction value as the basis of valuation, the removal of the reference book, and the start of an online valuation system at Biratnagar Customs Office.

The NCC urged an end to tax collection under pressure caused by unclear laws and called for quick, easy loans for young entrepreneurs in line with the Gen-Z protests, and for simpler, digital‑friendly business registration, tax and licensing procedures.

Stating that over half the population is young, NCC President Agrawal said youth employment must be central to building a self‑reliant economy.

On the occasion, Minister Sinha said the government is working to create an investment‑friendly environment and to guarantee private sector security, and described the NCC's proposal for an integrated security system for industry and business as appropriate.