KATHMANDU: An interactive program aimed at helping Nepali businesses maximize tariff-free access to the United Kingdom was held on July 17 at Hotel Shanker.

Titled “Unlocking Tariff-Free Access to the UK: Opportunities for Nepali Exporters under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS),” the event was jointly organized by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the British Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA), and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI).

The workshop gathered government officials, trade experts, exporters, and private sector leaders to discuss eligibility, compliance requirements, and strategies to expand Nepal’s footprint in the UK market.

Under the DCTS Comprehensive Preference tier, Nepal benefits from duty-free access for approximately 99 percent of eligible products. Furthermore, the scheme features simplified, flexible rules of origin that allow manufacturers to source inputs from up to 95 countries, including regional cumulation with nations like India and Vietnam.

British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, opened the event by emphasizing the UK’s growing focus on economic diplomacy with Nepal. He noted that recent engagements in London have strengthened ties between British and Nepali trade promotion organizations, expressing confidence that wider utilization of the DCTS will boost Nepali exports and create local employment.

During the session, Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Advisor for South Asia at the British High Commission, briefed participants on practical steps to claim DCTS preferences, including product classification, documentation, and adhering to UK standards.

Emerging market opportunities were highlighted in sectors such as carpets, garments, pashmina, wool products, tea, natural products, handicrafts, and home décor.

Buddha Bahadur Gurung, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, delivered a keynote address urging Nepali businesses to expand beyond traditional exports.

He emphasized that fully capitalizing on the UK market requires local enterprises to strengthen their production capacities, improve technical capabilities, and meet strict international quality standards.

NBCCI Executive Committee Member Shiv Prakash Khemka reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting bilateral trade and investment through ongoing knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships.