KATHMANDU: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed government agencies to give priority to domestically produced goods and services in their procurement.
The directive, issued in line with Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s instruction, calls on all government offices to fully implement the provision while complying with existing laws and regulations governing public procurement.
In a statement, the PMO has urged all public bodies—including federal ministries, commissions, secretariats, provincial governments, local governments and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad—to prioritise Nepali products when purchasing goods and services.
OPMCM spokesperson Hemraj Aryal said the initiative aims to increase the contribution of domestic production to the national economy, promote local products by reducing dependence on imports, protect traditional skills and entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities within the country.
Under the new arrangement, government offices have been encouraged to use Nepali handicraft products as much as possible for meetings, official ceremonies, gifts and decorations.
Similarly, locally produced goods should be given priority when procuring stationery, printing supplies, furniture, decorative materials, construction materials, machinery, tools and equipment, agricultural and livestock products, as well as food and beverages.
Heads of government agencies have been instructed to regularly monitor procurement to ensure effective implementation of the policy. The concerned ministries will also conduct quarterly inspections to verify whether government entities are giving due priority to domestic products.
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