Nepal Garment Association President (GAN) Pashupati Dev Pandey Urges Government to Save Domestic Industry
8th April 2026, Kathmandu
In a strong appeal for industrial reform, Nepal Garment Association President Pashupati Dev Pandey has called on the government to introduce a specialized relief package to safeguard the domestic garment sector.
GAN President Pashupati Dev Pandey
Speaking at a high-level interaction program on Tuesday, President Pandey emphasized that while Nepalese apparel is gaining global recognition, internal policy bottlenecks are stifling local growth.
As the leader of the Garment Association Nepal (GAN), Pandey highlighted that the industry is at a crossroads, balancing record-breaking export potential with a lack of domestic infrastructure and financial support.
The Call for a “Green Garment Village” and Policy Implementation
One of the primary concerns raised by Pashupati Dev Pandey is the government’s delay in establishing a Green Garment Village. This project, designed to foster sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing, has been a long-standing demand of the association.
“We have been advocating for a dedicated garment zone for years, yet the initiative remains confined to official paperwork,” Pandey remarked. He stressed that without a centralized, environmentally friendly manufacturing hub, Nepal risks losing its competitive edge in an international market that increasingly prioritizes sustainable supply chains.
Budgetary Shortfalls and Technological Stagnation
President Pandey expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the annual budget allocations for the textile and garment sector. He noted a stark contrast between industry needs and government commitment:
Financial Gaps: The association frequently requests substantial funding for industry promotion, but government allocations often fall short by millions.
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Innovation Barriers: According to Pandey, this chronic underfunding prevents small and medium-sized garment factories from adopting the latest manufacturing technologies, making it difficult to scale production.
Unlocking 50,000 New Jobs: Reviving Sick Industries
A major highlight of Pandey’s address was the untapped potential of Nepal’s “sick” or struggling garment units. He claimed that with the right financial restructuring and government intervention, the sector could immediately generate 50,000 new jobs.
“Reviving dormant industries is the fastest way to solve unemployment and boost our national GDP,” Pandey stated. He urged the government to provide easier financial access and tailored action plans to bring these factories back to life.
A Glimmer of Hope: Government Use of Nepalese Textiles
Despite the challenges, President Pandey welcomed the government’s recent decision to mandate the use of Nepal-made clothing in state offices.
He described this move as “oxygen” for the domestic industry, providing a reliable local market that allows manufacturers to sustain operations while looking toward international exports.
As the Nepal Garment Association President, Pashupati Dev Pandey remains committed to bridging the gap between industry stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that “Made in Nepal” garments continue to thrive globally.
For more: GAN President Pashupati Dev Pandey
