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UN Adopts Guidelines on Large Land Investments
May 17, 2012
Following three years of negotiations, members of the co-ordinating body for global food security efforts have agreed on a new set of voluntary guidelines aimed at bringing responsible governance to large-scale land acquisitions, which have become increasingly common as a result of the 2007-2008 food crisis.
China, Japan, South Korea to Launch Trade Talks
May 17, 2012
China, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to begin formal negotiations later this year for a three-way free trade deal, heads of state from the three East Asian economies announced on Sunday 13 May.
Kuwait okays $30m softloan for Budhi GangaKuwait okays $30m softloan for Budhi Ganga
May 11, 2012
The Kuwaiti Fund has approved a soft loan worth US$ 30 million to construct the 30 MW Budhi Ganga hydropower project located in western Nepal. “We have just received the approval letter for the loan from the Kuwaiti Fund,” a senior Finance Ministry official said.
G-20 Report Says Trade Reform Could Help Boost Farm Yields
May 11, 2012
Governments should curb farm subsidies and discipline import and export restrictions in order to boost farm productivity, according to a confidential report by international agencies for the leaders of the G-20 group of major economies.
Consensus Proves Difficult as Rio+20 Conference Approaches
May 11, 2012
The Rio+20 negotiation process has entered the final stages, with less than six weeks remaining before the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) kicks off.
National Trade Policy for Export Success
April 24, 2012
This book helps the private sector and government policymakers weigh benefits and costs of trade policy options, and shows how reform can boost competitiveness.
Developing country governments and sovereign wealth fund executives see huge opportunity to invest in sustainable development
April 24, 2012
Executives of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and government ministers from developing countries said today that there are significant opportunities for investing in the world’s 48 poorest nations in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and agricultural processing.
Lamy Names Panel to Identify Future Trade Challenges
April 20, 2012
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy has announced the composition of a stakeholder panel to examine challenges to global trade in the 21st century, an initiative previously outlined at the December ministerial conference.
Trade Growth to Continue Slowing in 2012, WTO Says
April 20, 2012
World trade growth is expected to continue slowing in 2012, WTO economists announced last Friday, following a sharp deceleration in trade growth in 2011. The global trade body credited the European sovereign debt crisis, among other shocks, for being among the main causes for the global economy’s continued loss of momentum.
Trade and investment potential between Nepal and Ireland discussed
March 28, 2012
Nepal’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Dr. Suresh C. Chalise, has held discussions with the Irish Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, in Dublin on promoting trade and investment between the two countries. Regional Director for Asia and Latin America Unit of the Irish government, Ms Cliona Manahan, was also prese
Korean investor here to study potential sectors
March 28, 2012
A delegation of private sector from Korea is here to study the potential sectors for their investment.
During their study, a delegation led by Chief executive of ILIJIN International Company, Yon Yong Suk on Tuesday held meeting with Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) on Korean investment in Nepal’s hydropower and infrastructure sectors.
Aid Disbursements: Mid-West, Far-West largest recipients of aid money
March 21, 2012
Limping back to normalcy after the ravages of a decade-long conflict, western Nepal is slowly beginning to appear on donors’ radar. The country’s Mid West and Far West regions, known more for regular food shortages and roadless isolation, are now …
46th FNCCI AGM: Meet to focus on investment promotion, job creation
March 21, 2012
The 46th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), which scheduled to start from April 6, will mainly focus on investment promotion, employment generation, officials have said. The meeting will review the …
WTO to help Nepal promote its products
March 19, 2012
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) will help Nepal in promotion of three products—ginger, tea and pashmina—in the international market under its Trading Stories Project.
A four-member WTO team has arrived in Nepal to make documentaries on the production of these products. It will visit Kolbung and Dhulabari of Jhapa district to film ginger and tea production, according to WTO’s Nepal Enhanced Capacities for Trade and Development (NECTRADE) project.
Trade Policy Review: Nepal 13 and 15 March 2012
March 16, 2012
The first review of the trade policies and practices of Nepal took place on 13 March and 15 March 2012. The basis for the review was a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Nepal.
Where to Spend the Next Million? Applying Impact Evaluation to Trade Assistance
March 15, 2012
In recent years, the international development community has been galvanized by a new “aid-for-trade” mantra. The goal is to reduce trade costs and promote exports in developing countries by helping governments improve customs and ports and firms meet standards and market their products in foreign markets. Across all donors, aid-for-trade commitments reached nearly $40 billion in 2009, a 60 percent increase from the average levels in 2002-2005. The World Bank, which is playing a leading role, more than doubled its own trade-related lending over the period.
India Grants First Compulsory License to Generic Drug Producer
March 15, 2012
In a landmark move, the Indian Patent Office announced on Monday that it has issued its first compulsory license to a domestic generic drug-maker. The decision effectively ends German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG’s monopoly over an anti-cancer drug and authorises the production of a low-cost version for the Indian market.
Compulsory licensing is when a government authorises a party other than the patent owner to produce the patented product or process, without the patent owner’s consent.
Fifth National Agro Expo, 2012
March 13, 2012
The fifth Agro Expo was organized by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, from 9th to 11th March at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu.
There were altogether 5 pavillions – Herbal Pavillion, One Village One Product (OVOP) Pavillion, Coffee Pavillion, Dairy Pavillion and Honey Pavillion. A total of 150 exhibitors showcased there products under these Pavillions. The expo had around 40,000 visitors in the span of three days.
Apart from the product display, a workshop was conducted parallely on the Role of Private sector in development of NTFPs related enterprise and export promotion.
Germany okeys grant assistance for NHSP-II
March 8, 2012
The German Government has agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs. 1056 million (equivalent to Euro € 10 million) to the Nepal government for the implementation of the ongoing Nepal Health Sector Programme II (NHSP-II).
‘IFC wants to support Nepal’s economic transition’
March 8, 2012
Lars H Thunell is Executive Vice President and CEO of International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. Thunell was in Nepal recently to oversee IFC’s ongoing engagement and explore future cooperation with the country. Mukul Humagain talked with Thunell on IFC’s plans for Nepal.
WTO Members at Odds Over Anti-Counterfeiting Pact
March 8, 2012
The ongoing debate over the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has once again found itself in the spotlight at the WTO, with developed and developing countries sparring last week over the deal’s possible effects on non-signatories, internet freedoms, and access to medicines.
ACTA is a plurilateral trade pact that strengthens global standards for the enforcement of intellectual property rights beyond the minimum standards set by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), with the aim of combating counterfeiting and piracy more effectively
Minister wants Germans to invest in Nepal
March 6, 2012
Minister for Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta has called European investors, including Germans, to invest in infrastructure development in Nepal, assuring them that the business environment has become investment-friendly with the country’s transition about to end.
Minister Bhatta, who had left for Germany last week, said this during a series of meetings with senior officials from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and German Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Face to Face : ‘Will be ready to market investments by the start of next fiscal’
March 5, 2012
Ever since its formation, Investment Board has drawn a lot of attention. And, with the government announcing the next fiscal year as ‘Nepal Investment Year,’ the Board has a huge responsibility of attracting foreign investors to the country and make them invest. The Kathmandu Post caught up with its Chief Executive Officer, Radhesh Pant, and sought more information on the preparations being made by the board for the Investment Year.
2012 Should Not be a “Wasted Year,” Lamy Urges WTO Members
February 16, 2012
“2012 cannot and should not be a wasted year,” WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy told delegates in Geneva on Tuesday 14 February. Instead, WTO members should use this year to try taking “small steps” in their efforts to move the Doha talks out of their current stalemate, and avoid setting “unattainable targets or packages.”
Handicraft entrepreneurs form NTIS Cell
February 9, 2012
Handicraft entrepreneurs have formed a Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) Cell for handicraft products to prepare annual plans.
The cell includes pashmina, handmade paper, woolen products, and silver jewellery.
“We have formed a NTIS Cell to develop plans and programmes for pashmina, handmade paper, woolen products and silver jewellery,” said president of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal Bikash Ratna Dhakwa, who is also the chairperson of the NTIS Cell.
“We will provide suggestions and also prepare an annual plan for developing the four products which are in the priority list of NTIS,” he said.
GIZ – a German development cooperation — has started implementing its promotion programme for silver jewellery. Under the initiative, GIZ will also organise a six-month training programme for 10 people.
Past Event – Nepali Times Eco Fair, 2012
February 8, 2012
Nepali Times Eco Fair 2012 is being held on 11th – 12th February 2012. GIZ WTO/EIF-SP is supporting Nepal Herbs and Herbal Producers Association (NEHHPA) with six stalls in this fair to showcase their herbs and herbal products.
Artha ko Artha – Nepal Television Programme
February 8, 2012
One of the outputs of the GIZ-WTO/EIF-SP is to develop an advocacy plan and partially implement it. As part of the concept of advocacy platform, the GIZ-WTO/EIF-SP along with SAWTEE carries out advocacy activities through the use of mass media. Both radio and television are utilized to sensitize a general mass on the WTO issues.
The television programmes are broadcasted through Nepal television in a regular show called ‘Artha ko Artha’. The first episode was broadcasted on June 2011. There are a total of 11 episodes which are broadcasted fortnightly. It consists of reports and interactions with relevant stakeholders on the WTO issues. It is broadcasted in Nepal Television, every alternate Sunday at, 9:35 to 10:05 PM.
Aid for Trade (Episode 10)
Supply side constraints and trade facilitation (Episode 9)
Past Event – BioFach, 2012
February 8, 2012
“GIZ WTO/EIF-SP is supporting the participation of five Nepali companies in the Biofach 2012 (Feb 15 – 18) to be held in Nurnberg, Germany. BioFach is a World Organic Trade Fair which offers an extensive range of organic food and fair trade products, plus everything worth knowing about agricultural and marketing supplies. It attracts highly qualified, international professionals every year. The objective of the participation in this fair is to improve the market linkages between the Nepalese MAPs sector and the European market.”
Single window for trade
February 2, 2012
Doing Business 2012 named Singapore and the Republic of Korea as one of the best performers in the Trading Across the Border index. Singapore stood first and Korea fourth out of 183 countries. Trading Across the Border is an index to gauge the trade facilitation level when goods move across borders. Nepal scored 162 in the index. Among the South Asian countries, Sri Lanka performed the best recording a rank of 53.
EU, India Trade Talks Make Progress Ahead of February Summit
February 2, 2012
Trade talks between Brussels and New Delhi, which were launched in 2007, are reportedly moving forward in advance of the upcoming India-EU Summit, scheduled for 10 February in New Delhi. While the pact is unlikely to be ready for signature by the February meet, both sides have confirmed that steady progress is being made toward concluding negotiations, possibly by year’s end.
Cabinet shuffles top bureaucrats
February 1, 2012
In a major reshuffle at the highest level of bureaucracy, a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday decided to transfer 19 government secretaries and regional administrators. This is the largest ever reshuffling carried out by the incumbent government.
Govt plans to add metal craft, garments to major exports list
January 31, 2012
The Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) is considering listing metal craft and garments made of natural fibres among the country’s major exportable items. The ministry has formed a cell to study the issue and add these two products to the list in response to discontent that they have not been included in the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2010 as priority export items.
WTO Members Look to Davos for Post-Ministerial Way Forward
January 31, 2012
The annual World Economic Forum kicked off earlier today, bringing together policymakers and business leaders against the backdrop of renewed fears of a global economic slowdown. With the 2011 WTO Ministerial Conference now in the rear-view mirror, trade ministers are regrouping informally this weekend to discuss the way forward for the global trade body in 2012.
Bridges WTO Ministerial Conference: Chair Gavels Decisions, Maps Out Future
December 20, 2011
The WTO’s eighth ministerial conference came to a close on Saturday evening, after three days of high-level meetings that saw the accession of Russia, Samoa, and Montenegro, along with the clinching of a 42-country deal that would liberalise billions of dollars in public contracts.
Budget ceiling for districts set at Rs 98.5b for FY 2012-13
December 13, 2011
With the government making preparations for the budget for the next fiscal year, the National Planning Commission (NPC) has set the upper limit of the budget to be spent through district development committees (DDCs) at Rs 98.5 billion.
Export Import Data Bank
December 8, 2011
Trade data on the Export Import Data Bank covering the period from January 2010 to June 2011 is now available.
Cardamom crashes on low export orders
December 8, 2011
The price of large cardamom has plunged to Rs 1,000 per kg this year from Rs 1,750 last year on low overseas demand.
After hitting a high of Rs 1,750 per kg last year, cardamom fluctuated between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,400 this season. During the September-October period, large cardamom was hovering between Rs 1,300 and Rs 1,400 per kg.
Nepal investment year: Investment policies being revamped
December 8, 2011
The Ministry of Industry (MoI) has moved to amend various acts and policies to provide greater incentives to foreign investors as part of the build-up for Nepal Investment Year 2012-13 (NIY).
The MoI is amending a number of industrial laws including the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, Industrial Enterprises Act, Company Act and Labour Act and introducing the Intellectual Property Act and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act.
Donors Launch New Global Aid Partnership at Korea Meet
December 8, 2011
Delegates from 160 countries have agreed upon a new global partnership aimed at ensuring that foreign aid reaches those most in need, after meeting last week in South Korea. While the agreement was praised for having gained endorsements from emerging donor countries, particularly China, questions have also been raised about whether the partnership’s non-binding nature will undermine its own effectiveness.
Closed-door talks to review thorny issues
November 24, 2011
With the view to reviewing the overall gamut of bilateral relations centering water issues, the sixth bilateral meeting of the Joint Committee in Water Resources (JCWR) is being held in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday. An 18-member Nepali delegation …
India allows NRB to invest in 91-day T-bill
November 24, 2011
India has finally given its consent to Nepal to invest on 91-day treasury bills, a move that would enable Nepal´s central bank enjoy better returns and also facilitate its international payments.
Govt to propose six-month extension of CA today
November 24, 2011
KATHMANDU: A meeting of the legislative-parliament has been called on Thursday afternoon at 11 am, where the government will be officially tabling a proposal, seeking a fresh six-month extension of the Constituent Assembly (CA). Minister for Law and Justice Brijesh …
Past Event – Handicraft trade fair begins today
November 24, 2011
The ninth Handicraft Trade Fair, the country’s largest business exhibition of handicraft products, begins from Thursday in Kathmandu. The five-day event to be held at Exhibition Hall, Bhrikuti Mandap will showcase handicraft products from across the country.
EU, India Renew Push to Finalise Trade Talks
November 24, 2011
The EU and India are hoping to clinch a free trade deal within the coming months, according to top-level officials from both sides. The February 2012 EU-India Summit has now been set as the new deadline for completing the talks, which were launched in 2007.
WTO Govt Procurement Talks Continue; New Draft Decisions Tabled for Ministerial
November 24, 2011
With the WTO Ministerial Conference less than four weeks away, delegations are making a concerted push to finalise a plurilateral agreement that would liberalise access to billions of dollars worth of public procurement contracts for 42 countries.
Government unveils five-year anti-money laundering plan
November 15, 2011
With a view to preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism, the government on Monday made public a five-year strategy which incorporates specific action plans and a timeline to implement them.
Duty exemption limit raised to Rs 1,000
November 11, 2011
The government has raised the customs duty exemption for goods imported from bordering markets for household purposes to Rs 1,000 from Rs 100. A cabinet meeting on Monday took the decision to this effect. This means that those who buy goods worth up to Rs 1,000 by crossing the border will not be required to pay import duty.
Nepal’s trading partners changing, says WTO report
November 8, 2011
Nepal is witnessing a “gradual diversification” when it comes to its trading partners as well as products in the last few years, according to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) International Trade Statistics-2011.
The export/import trend of the last three years shows that except India, there has been a change when it comes to trading destinations for both exports and imports, the WTO’s latest report said.
FNCCI, MoI identify five investment areas to lure FDI
November 4, 2011
In a bid to help foreign investors find appropriate sectors for investment in Nepal, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Ministry of Industry (MoI) has identified five potential areas for foreign investment.
Nepal, Czech Republic agree on joint economic commission
November 3, 2011
Nepal and Czech Republic have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade through the formation of a joint economic commission.
Past Event – 13th Nepal-China Tibet Economic and Trade Fair kicks off
November 3, 2011
The 13th Nepal-China Tibet Economic and Trade Fair 2011 kicked off in the capital with an aim of boosting bilateral trade and economic ties between the two nations from Wednesday.
WTO releases trade and tariff data for 2010
October 25, 2011
The WTO released on 21 October 2011 its annual package of trade and tariff data, giving the full picture of trade developments in 2010.
Market access and trade facilitation support in South Asia
October 25, 2011
Strengthen the national capacities for conforming to the emerged global market access requirements in the beneficiary countries by strengthening of standards, metrology, testing and quality institutional structures.
Finish Line “Clearly in Sight” for WTO Govt Procurement Deal: Chair
October 24, 2011
Forty-two countries are close to finalising a deal that would liberalise access to billions of dollars worth of public procurement contracts, the chair of the WTO committee on government procurement said yesterday. Delegations are being urged to finish negotiations by the global trade body’s December ministerial.
Eight Countries Sign Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Pact
October 13, 2011
The controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), a multi-country intellectual property trade agreement that has been in negotiations since 2006, was signed on Friday by eight countries, including the US. Representatives from the eleven negotiating parties gathered in Tokyo, Japan on 1 October for the ACTA signing ceremony. The pact has been a source of substantial debate in terms of the agreement’s potential impact on non-signatory countries.
WTO Public Forum Draws Civil Society to Geneva to Discuss Future of Multilateral Trading System
October 13, 2011
With the shadow of Doha and the ongoing financial crisis hovering in the background, representatives from civil society, academia, business, government, and the media flocked to the WTO’s Geneva headquarters this week for a series of over forty sessions centred on the future of the multilateral trading system.
India WTO Review Highlights Growth, While Urging for More Reforms
October 13, 2011
The last four years have seen strong economic growth in India, largely as a result of trade liberalisation and structural reforms set in motion in the 1990s, according to a new WTO secretariat report on the country’s trade policies.
WTO Meeting Highlights Aid for Trade Success, Though Work Remains
October 13, 2011
Delegates, civil society members, and private sector representatives meeting in Geneva this week spoke to the successes and shortcomings of the WTO’s Aid for Trade (AFT) initiative, as the spectre of Doha coloured the background of many presentations.
Expression of Interest (EoI)- Government of Nepal, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies
September 2, 2011
The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) has taken steps to put in place the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a global initiative for trade related capacity building of LDCs. The NIU/NECTRADE is thus seeking EoI from all interested public, private and non-government agencies for immediate collaboration.
Welcome to the Website
August 16, 2011
We are proud to introduce you to the new website www.nepaltrade.org which is an open repository of information for a wide range of trade-related issues in Nepal. This website has been designed primarily with a view towards creating a transparent, detailed and real-time overview of the implementation status of Nepal’s WTO commitments as well as the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS). In addition, it offers a wide range of features and services both to logged-in users as well as the general public.
