‘Balen shoes’ craze gives Nepali footwear brands a boost
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah's choice of local Goldstar 'Balen shoes' has sparked nationwide demand, boosting Nepal's domestic footwear industry amid rising exports and challenges like smuggling and taxes.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah's wearing of Goldstar's Arc Series sneakers sparked nationwide demand for locally made 'Balen shoes'.
- Demand surge has boosted sales and visibility for Nepal's domestic footwear brands, including increased exports.
- Industry faces challenges like smuggling, counterfeit products, skilled labor shortage, and high raw material taxes.
- Experts say with proper government policies, Nepal can become self-reliant in footwear production and reduce import dependency.
