South Asian Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) organized a discussion program on addressing the non-tariff barriers in the export of ginger. Participated in by experts and senior government officials, the event saw several people, representing various business organizations, civil society members,  engage in intense discussions on the barriers and issues in the export of ginger.

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

“There is a large swing in the volume and value of the 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 export.

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

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