Kathmandu-The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the British Embassy Kathmandu, the UK–Nepal Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA), and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI) jointly organized an interactive programme titled “Unlocking Tariff-Free Access to the UK: Opportunities for Nepali Exporters under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)” on July 17, 2026, at Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu.

The programme brought together government officials, trade experts, exporters, and private sector representatives to explore the opportunities available to Nepali businesses under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Discussions focused on tariff-free market access, eligibility and compliance requirements, and practical strategies to help Nepali exporters strengthen their competitiveness and expand into the UK market.

The event opened with remarks by His Excellency Rob Fenn, British Ambassador to Nepal. He highlighted the UK’s growing focus on trade, investment, and economic diplomacy with Nepal, noting that recent engagements in London had strengthened partnerships between British and Nepali trade promotion rganizations. He further expressed confidence that wider utilization of the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) would boost Nepali exports, create employment opportunities, and further deepen bilateral economic ties.

This was followed by a keynote presentation by Ms. Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Advisor for South Asia at the British High Commission, who provided valuable insights into the DCTS framework and its benefits for Nepali exporters. Ms. Parker highlighted that Nepal continues to benefit from the scheme’s Comprehensive Preference tier, providing duty-free access for approximately 99% of eligible products entering the UK market, alongside simplified and more flexible rules of origin that allow manufacturers to source inputs from up to 95 countries, including regional cumulation with countries such as India and Vietnam for eligible products. Participants were briefed on emerging market opportunities in carpets, garments, pashmina and wool products, tea, natural products, handicrafts and home décor, as well as the practical steps required to claim DCTS preferences, including product classification, compliance with rules of origin, documentation, UK standards and record-keeping. The workshop encouraged Nepali businesses to make greater use of the UK’s preferential market access to enhance exports, diversify products and strengthen Nepal’s international trade competitiveness.

The programme also featured a keynote address by Mr. Buddha Bahadur Gurung, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, who highlighted the importance of enhancing Nepal’s export potential and further strengthening Nepal–UK trade relations. He highlighted the significant opportunities available to Nepali exporters under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), noting that the scheme provides duty-free and preferential access for a wide range of Nepali products and can help Nepal expand beyond its traditional exports such as garments, carpets, pashmina, felt items, and handmade paper. He empathized emphasized the need for Nepali businesses to strengthen production capacity, improve technical capabilities, and meet international standards in order to fully capitalize on the untapped potential of the UK market.

Concluding the programme, Mr. Shiv Prakash Khemka, Executive Committee Member of NBCCI, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting Nepali businesses through trade promotion, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and strategic partnerships that enhance bilateral trade and investment between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

About the Organizers

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the UK government department responsible for promoting business growth, international trade, and investment. The British Embassy Kathmandu leads the United Kingdom’s diplomatic engagement in Nepal, working to strengthen political, development, and commercial ties between the two countries. Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA) is a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funded and DAI Global implemented initiative that provides advisory support to help Nepali enterprises grow, improve export readiness, and access international markets. The Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI) is the leading bilateral chamber dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and business partnerships between Nepal and the United Kingdom.