FNCCI calls for stronger nepali brands and global reach

Kathmandu — Deepak Kumar Malhotra, Acting President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has stressed the need to prioritize branding, quality improvement and market expansion to strengthen Nepali products in domestic and international markets.
Speaking at a public event to release the research report “Nepali Brand Ecosystem, 2083,” Malhotra said that despite the good quality of many Nepali products, they have failed to gain the expected recognition in domestic and international markets due to weak branding. He also pointed out that counterfeit brands are being sold in the market in some cases.
“Nepal has products with significant potential. However, products such as Chhurpi, ginger and cardamom have not yet been branded effectively,” he said. He added that the branding sector faces legal challenges and stressed the need to formulate appropriate laws and implement them effectively and promptly.
Malhotra said Nepali brands are not merely names associated with goods or services but are closely linked to production capacity, entrepreneurship, employment, investment, technology, quality and Nepal’s economic identity.
He noted that although Nepal has long discussed increasing production, reducing imports and expanding exports, increasing production alone is not enough. Equal attention must be given to branding, quality, market expansion and building consumer trust.
“Even though Nepali products are of good quality, their recognition as Nepali brands in international markets remains weaker than expected,” Malhotra said. He emphasized cooperation among the government, private sector and media to establish a strong global identity for the “Made in Nepal” label.
He further stressed that Nepali brands should not be limited to the domestic market but should be developed to compete in regional and international markets. To achieve this, the government needs to ensure stable policies, a business-friendly environment, investment-friendly laws, infrastructure development and technological advancement.
According to Malhotra, the private sector should focus on improving product quality, innovation and competitiveness, while the media can play an important role in promoting Nepali products and sharing positive stories of successful entrepreneurship both at home and abroad.
He also thanked Corporate Nepal for preparing the study and report with a focus on the development of Nepali industries and businesses, promotion of domestic products and strengthening the identity of Nepali brands. He said the report would provide an important foundation for understanding the current situation, challenges and potential of Nepali brands.
Malhotra expressed confidence that the “Nepali Brand Ecosystem, 2083” report would also support future policymaking and business strategy development. He added that research- and evidence-based discussions could help further strengthen the private sector.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to work together to establish Nepali products proudly in both domestic and global markets, noting that stronger Nepali brands could contribute to increased production, employment, exports and overall economic growth.