What happened to the Nepali garment import bill?

Unfortunately the bill that was proposed in the American Senate for a tax subsidy to Nepali garment imports was rejected because of the controversy surrounding the 18 Tibetan refugees being sent back to China. Hollywood is enamoured of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and it was from that lobby that the most pressure came to squash the bill. But it wasn't passed only because of the deportation of the refugees.

How can the situation be remedied?

The Nepali garment industry and the government must now attempt to get the ball rolling again. His Majesty's Government has already sent a formal request to the American Senate to reconsider the tax subsidy bill. Entrepreneurs, too, must launch a movement through their lobby explaining that Nepal was under pressure from our northern neighbour to deport the refugees. We must convince America that our actions were prompted by immense duress from other forces and we are willing to work at creating a positive atmosphere.

What is our position in the American market?

We have always looked towards Europe to export our carpets, but trade hasn't been what it used to be in the past. Nepal must therefore look to America and spend as much time and money investigating the market here as we have done in Europe.