A file photo shows farmers harvesting cabbage in Dhankuta.
Dec 12, 2017-Government officials have been discussing the possibility of exploiting the export opportunities presented by the embargo against Qatar by its neighbours.
Nepal can export fresh vegetables, dairy products and spices to the Gulf country which is having a hard time obtaining supplies due to economic sanctions, said officials.
On Monday, a discussion was held at the National Planning Commission on exploring short- and medium-term business opportunities with Qatar by sending fresh vegetables, dairy products and spices like ginger and large cardamom, said Shankar Sapkota, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Agricultural Development.
On June 5, Qatar’s Gulf Cooperation Council neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain blocked access to Doha by air and land. Qatar, which imports most of its food, is looking for new vegetable sources following the imposition of the blockade.
The government started discussing the issue with the private sector after Qatar asked Nepal if it could meet its vegetable and spices requirements for the short, medium and long terms, government officials said.
“There is huge demand for fresh vegetables, dairy items and spices in Qatar. Nepal can cash in on the opportunity,” he said, adding that Nepali produces could get better than expected rates. “We can establish a long-term agro business relationship with Qatar too.”
Most agro products like large cardamom, coffee and tea have been organic certified, and they can be exported without hassles, Sapkota said.
Likewise, Nepal can produce organic vegetables that can fetch better prices in Qatar. The ministry has been holding talks with private traders and producers whether they can meet some of the demand.
Dec 12, 2017-Government officials have been discussing the possibility of exploiting the export opportunities presented by the embargo against Qatar by its neighbours.
Nepal can export fresh vegetables, dairy products and spices to the Gulf country which is having a hard time obtaining supplies due to economic sanctions, said officials.
On Monday, a discussion was held at the National Planning Commission on exploring short- and medium-term business opportunities with Qatar by sending fresh vegetables, dairy products and spices like ginger and large cardamom, said Shankar Sapkota, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Agricultural Development.
On June 5, Qatar’s Gulf Cooperation Council neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain blocked access to Doha by air and land. Qatar, which imports most of its food, is looking for new vegetable sources following the imposition of the blockade.
The government started discussing the issue with the private sector after Qatar asked Nepal if it could meet its vegetable and spices requirements for the short, medium and long terms, government officials said.
“There is huge demand for fresh vegetables, dairy items and spices in Qatar. Nepal can cash in on the opportunity,” he said, adding that Nepali produces could get better than expected rates. “We can establish a long-term agro business relationship with Qatar too.”
Most agro products like large cardamom, coffee and tea have been organic certified, and they can be exported without hassles, Sapkota said.
Likewise, Nepal can produce organic vegetables that can fetch better prices in Qatar. The ministry has been holding talks with private traders and producers whether they can meet some of the demand.
