Industrialists seek govt support to maintain access to Indian market
Summary
Nepal’s jute industries have urged the government to secure access to the Indian market and seek diplomatic talks after India moved to impose countervailing duties on some Nepali jute products. Industrialists warn that seven mills in Biratnagar are at risk of closure, threatening around 15,000 jobs and the livelihoods of thousands of farming families.
Key Points
- Nepali jute producers want the government to pursue high-level diplomatic and trade talks with India after the DGTR moved to impose countervailing duties on Nepali jute products.
- Industry leaders say Nepali jute has already lost about 95% of its market share in India and that seven mills in Biratnagar could shut down.
- The sector says it supports about 15,000 jobs directly and involves around 75,000 farming families in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari.
- Entrepreneurs also want stronger enforcement of domestic-use policies for jute bags and other local goods in public offices and packaging.
