South Asian Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) organized a discussion Program on "Addressing non-tariff barriers of export of ginger. Participated by expert senior government officials, people representing various business organizations, civil society members, there were intense discussions tariff barriers and other issues regarding the export of ginger.

Chaired by president of SAWTEE Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, speakers commented on the study report presented by former secretary of Commerce and Supply Purushottam Ojha. Presenting his study report harnessing export potential of ginger, Ojha said there is potential for the export of ginger as well as challenges.

“There is large swing in the volume and value of annual export. Ginger export from Nepal increased by 162.5% in 2012-2013 but declined by 66.2 percent to 450 million rupees in 2013-014. President of Federation of Nepalese Chamber and Commerce and Industry Pradeep Jung Pandey stressed the need to create conducive environment to increase the ginger’s export.

Joint secretary and head of Planning and International Trade and Cooperation of Ministry of Commerce and Supply Toya Nath Gyawali has made it clear that his ministry is working to address the problems faced by exporters in various products including ginger. “Ginger has potential for export as well as challenges,” Gyawali.

Concluding the interaction, Dr. Pandey stressed the need to have institution like Nepal Business Forum to coordinate among various institutions dealing bilateral trade matter with India. Hera Mani Ghimire, executive director of SAWTEE highlighted the importance of the program.