A delegation of the Garment Association Nepal (GAN), led by Mr. Pashupati Dev Pandey, President of GAN, and comprising Mr. Basanta Raj Adhikari, First Vice President, and Mr. Bhim Kumar Giri, General Secretary, held a meeting with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal to discuss policy and structural reforms required for the revival of Nepal’s readymade garment industry, export promotion, and strengthening industrial competitiveness.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the Government of Nepal remains committed to working with the private sector and providing necessary support to promote the production and export of readymade garments. The Prime Minister also expressed interest in promoting the processing and value addition of raw materials available in different parts of Nepal.
The GAN delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the historical performance of Nepal’s garment industry. The Association recalled that in Fiscal Year 2001/02, Nepal’s readymade garment industry exported approximately USD 400 million in a single year, establishing itself as one of the country’s leading export-oriented industries. However, following the termination of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA) in 2005, garment exports declined significantly, resulting in the closure of many industries, substantial investment losses, and the loss of employment for hundreds of thousands of workers.
The Association informed that Nepal’s current annual readymade garment exports have declined to approximately NPR 10 billion, highlighting the need for urgent measures to revive and strengthen the sector.
