Ministry of Commerce And Supplies - Enhanced Integrated ...

Chapter 11Trade Support Institutions: Business DevelopmentServices for Trade Supply CapacityN T I S201011.1 IntroductionStrengthening the capacity of current or potential Nepalese exporters across many export sectors, includingthe 19 sectors identified as export potentials in the NTIS 2010, requires a range of trade support services. InNepal, trade support services are offered by a wide range of institutions that have geographical (national, subnational,and bilateral), sector-specific, and functional remits. Nepalese Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) areeither public, private, NGO, or even joint public-private organizations. A key to consolidating Nepal’s exportsupply capacity lies in strengthening TSIs and improving the mechanisms for exporters to access their services.The most important factor underpinning the success of the country’s trade support infrastructure is that itmust reach out to producers at national and district level.This chapter addresses: The needs of Nepalese exporters in the 19 priority sectors selected; and The capacity development needs of existing TSIs.Twenty-eight TSIs (apex, sector, district, bi-national, and specialized institutions) and approximately 190businesses were identified and surveyed. Institutions were surveyed through questionnairesand enterprisesby means of focus groups meetings. Through the questionnaires TSIs were asked to describe their services,their strengths and weaknesses, as well as perceived needs.TSIs and enterprises were selected mostly among the 19 priority sectors identified in the NTIS 2010. TwentyTSIs responded to the questionnaire. One hundred and forty-three enterprises attended the focus groupmeetings.11.2 Nepalese TSIs: Capacity and NeedsThis section provides a snapshot of the TSIs that responded to the questionnaire. It also incorporates the gapsidentified by exporters in the services of the TSIs based on their relationship with those institutions.Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)The FNCCI is the apex TSI of the Nepalese private sector. It was established in 1965 to promote and protectthe rights of businesses and industries. Its membership includes 92 district or municipality chambers ofcommerce and industry in all 75 districts, 73 commodity or sector associations, 342 public and private sectorundertakings, and ten bi-national chambers of commerce and industry. It has a full-time secretariat, a businesslibrary, a training unit, a human resource development (HRD) centre, an ICT unit, a product display hall, andconference/meeting facilities.The business development services (BDS) offered by the FNCCI include: Representing the business community in national and international fora; Preparing recommendations for promoting exports and investment; Promoting joint ventures; Providing advisory service to exporters, importers, and investors; Facilitating participation in national and international trade fairs and exhibitions; Promoting better industrial relations; Providing business information and research services;NEPAL TRADE INTEGRATION STRATEGY 2010BACKGROUND REPORT227