Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has said that the continuity of duty-free access is essential for sustaining and increasing exports to the United States.
Speaking at a Dialogue on US-Nepal Trade and Investment: Prospects and Challenges in Kathmandu on Monday, Dhakal said the duty-free access on 77 Nepali products granted by the US following the 2015 earthquakes is set to expire next year. “The upcoming Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting scheduled for next week is crucial for Nepal,” he said, emphasizing the need to prioritize the continuity of this facility and the reinstated generalized system of preferences (GSP) facility.
The dialogue was organized jointly by the FNCCI, Garment Association of Nepal, Nepal-US Chamber of Commerce, USAID and the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal. It focused on the opportunities and challenges of Nepal-US trade and investment.
Also speaking on the occasion, Industry Secretary Krishna Raut said the government would discuss the issue of duty-free access with the US government based on the suggestions from the private sector.
Likewise, lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli assured that he would advocate for the continuation of trade facilities in parliament and other relevant platforms.
Pashupatidev Pandey, president of the Garment Association of Nepal, said the government should prioritize lobbying with the US for the continuation of trade facilities.
The US is Nepal’s second-largest export destination.
