Readymade garment manufacturers in Nepal have been looking for new buyers beyond their traditional markets the European Union (EU), India and the United States. The Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) said Nepali garment producers were entering new markets like Japan, South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Brazil.

According to GAN, South Africa, Australia and Japan are the main emerging markets for Nepali garments.

Garment exports to Japan amounted to 203.23 million Nepali rupees (some 2.3 million U. S. dollars ) last year, up from 89.96 million rupees in 2007-08.

“Although these countries are buying Nepali products in

small quantities now, we are

making attempts to increase our export volume there,” Udaya Raj Pandey, president of GAN was quoted by Friday’s eKantipur.com as saying.

Meanwhile, United Fashion which has been exporting garments to the EU, has now started exporting its products to South Africa and Australia.

United Fashion’s proprietor Yagya Pokharel said that they were planning to export their garments to Brazil too from next year.

According to GAN, products like bags, shirts, caps and outfits made of natural fibres besides the usual garments are in demand in these countries.

Pandey said products in European designs were among the major attractions in these countries.

With exports to the US in a slump, the EU has emerged as

the biggest destination for

Nepali garments. GAN said

new markets could prove to be a lifeline for the ailing garment industry.

The GAN has urged the government to maintain an export-friendly environment amid the new political scenario. — Xinhua