KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed government agencies to prioritize Nepali products and services in their procurement and official activities.
Following the prime minister’s directive and consultations with domestic entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has asked federal ministries, provincial and local governments, and Nepali missions abroad to prioritize locally produced goods and services.
The directive aims to promote domestic skills and enterprises, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports.
Government agencies have been instructed to prioritize Nepali products when purchasing stationery, furniture, construction materials and food items. They have also been asked to use Nepali handicraft products at official meetings, ceremonies and as gifts.
Public agencies must include provisions giving preference to domestic products in tender documents. The implementation will be regularly monitored, with quarterly inspections also required.
