Kathmandu. KATHMANDU — Prime Minister Dr Balendra Shah has pledged that the government would facilitate in the export promotion of footwear and footwear produced in the country. During a meeting with the office-bearers and members of the Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today, the Prime Minister said that the government would provide necessary support for the import substitution of footwear and employment generation.

He pledged to conduct skill-oriented training on footwear production in coordination with all three tiers of government and encourage the private sector in promotion and marketing of Nepali footwear and sandals. Likewise, the tracking and record management of raw materials import would be made effective as per the production capacity of the industry, he said.

On the occasion, office-bearers and members of the association drew the attention of the Prime Minister to control illegal smuggling through various border points, to bring international and national products outside the ambit of tax to the legal framework, to control the import of substandard footwear and slippers and to implement mandatory quality test on imported footwear. They have also expressed the belief that the domestic footwear industry can run in full capacity with the necessary policy support from the government, market protection and industry-friendly arrangements.

Association President Suraj Banjade, immediate past President Rudra Neupane, General Secretary Nirmal Bhattarai, advisor Kalidas Gautam and member and member of the House of Representatives Bidushi Rana were present on the occasion.