Government Directs Public Bodies to Prioritise Domestic Products and Services

Kathmandu: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed all public bodies to prioritise Nepali products and services in government procurement, within the framework of existing public procurement laws.

The directive, issued on the instruction of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, applies to federal ministries, commissions and secretariats, as well as provincial and local governments and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.

According to the Spokesperson at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Hem Raj Aryal, the initiative is aimed at increasing the contribution of domestic production to the national economy, promoting Nepali goods as a means of reducing imports, protecting local skills and enterprises, and creating employment opportunities within the country.

Under the directive, government offices have been asked to use Nepali handicraft products, wherever possible, for meetings, official functions, gifts and decorative purposes.

Similarly, domestic products are to be given first priority when purchasing stationery, printing materials, furniture, furnishings, construction materials, machinery, tools and equipment, agricultural and livestock products, as well as food and beverages.

The government has clarified that such procurement must comply with the Public Procurement Act, 2063, and other prevailing laws. Domestic goods should be purchased only after ensuring their availability and meeting required standards relating to quality, price and safety.

Public bodies will also be required to incorporate provisions giving preference to domestic products when preparing tender documents.

To ensure effective implementation, heads of the concerned public bodies will be responsible for regularly monitoring the procurement and use of domestic goods. The concerned ministries will conduct quarterly inspections to assess implementation and ensure that the policy is being followed.

The government says the measure is intended to strengthen domestic production and enterprises while supporting employment and reducing dependence on imported goods through public-sector demand.