Championing Nepal’s
Export Industry Since 1996
The apex non-profit trade association representing Nepalese export firms in traditional garments, handicrafts, and woolen goods.
The Export Council of Nepal (ECON) is a legally registered, non-profit, non-governmental umbrella organization established on 16 Poush 2053 B.S. (13 December 1996 A.D.). It was founded during a period when Nepal’s export sector faced significant structural constraints. At the time, restrictive pricing controls, limited market intelligence, and critical policy gaps prevented exporters from operating competitively in regional and international markets.
Enterprises were often unable to determine product prices based on actual production costs, reducing their ability to scale, innovate, or respond effectively to global demand.
Recognizing these challenges, leading industrialists, traders, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs came together to establish ECON as a unified institutional platform.
The Council was envisioned as a catalyst for systemic reform—one that could advocate for evidence-based policy improvements, support the creation of an enabling business environment, and strengthen the institutional capacity of export-oriented enterprises across the country.
Since its inception, ECON has aimed to address structural bottlenecks by promoting dialogue between the private sector, government stakeholders, and development partners; enhancing the competitiveness of Nepali exports; and fostering sustainable, market-led growth. Its founding reflected a collective commitment to transforming Nepal’s export sector into a more resilient, efficient, and globally integrated engine of economic development.
Shaping Policy, Expanding
Market Access
As a representative body for the country’s export sector, ECON plays a strategic role in policy dialogue, advocacy, capacity strengthening, export promotion and market development. By facilitating coordination among private-sector actors and engaging constructively with government institutions and development partners, ECON aims to enhance the competitiveness, promotion, sustainability, and global integration of Nepal’s export industries.
Government Agencies
Shaping export-friendly trade policy
Industry Associations
Coordinating sector-wide standards
International Partners
Opening doors to global markets