Nepal’s exporters struggle to tap global e-commerce boom
Summary
Nepali exporters are struggling to join the global e-commerce boom despite rising demand for handicrafts and garments. Trade experts say Nepal needs regulatory reforms, better logistics and easier cross-border payment systems to tap digital trade before LDC graduation erodes trade preferences.
Key Points
- A SAWTEE study says e-commerce could lift exports of high-quality readymade garments by 25 to 35 percent, but adoption among Nepali firms remains extremely low.
- Exporters face barriers including weak marketplace onboarding, limited access to international payment systems, customs and logistics hurdles, and restrictive rules on advance payments.
- Experts say Nepal must amend trade, postal and customs laws, improve digital literacy and build logistics systems to compete on global platforms like Alibaba and Amazon.
- UNCTAD reports that least developed countries are lagging in digital services trade, with connectivity, payment costs and skills shortages holding them back.
