KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) on Friday pledged policy and institutional support to strengthen the domestic footwear industry, saying the government will promote import substitution, expand exports, and create jobs through the sector.

During a meeting with office bearers and members of the Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Shah said the government would coordinate with all three tiers of government to provide skill-based training for shoe manufacturing. He added that the private sector would be encouraged to lead branding, marketing, and the promotion of Nepali footwear.

The prime minister also said the government would strengthen monitoring and record management of imported raw materials based on the production capacity of industries while prioritizing the use and market expansion of domestically produced footwear.

FMAN representatives urged the government to curb illegal cross-border smuggling, bring untaxed international and domestic brands into the legal tax and VAT system, restrict the import of low-quality and inexpensive footwear, and make quality testing mandatory for imported products.

The association said domestic footwear manufacturers could operate at full capacity if provided with adequate policy support, market protection, and an industry-friendly business environment.

FMAN Chairperson Suraj Banjade, Immediate Past Chairperson Rudra Neupane, General Secretary Nirmal Bhattarai, Advisor Kalidas Gautam, House of Representatives member Vidushi Rana, and other association representatives attended the meeting.