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Nepal begins exporting power poles to Bhutan
BIRATNAGAR, NOV 23 - Three Nepali manufacturers have begun exporting electricity poles and electrical equipment required for two Bhutanese hydropower projects after wining a global tender worth Rs. 1.11 billion.
The three manufacturers, Mainabatti Steel Industries, Hulas Steel Industries and Bhagwati Steel Industries, had jointly bid to supply the equipment.
Bhutan had awarded the contract to the Nepali companies as they offered quality products at better prices compared to potential suppliers from India and other countries.
The two hydropower projects where the equipment is headed are being operated by the Japan government and the Asian Development Bank.
According to Tulasi Agrawal, owner of Mainabatti Steel Industries and senior vice president of Morang Merchants Association, the export of power poles to Bhutan has provided relief to export-oriented manufacturers troubled by falling sales.
"Large companies from various countries including India had submitted tenders, but we got the contract as transportation is cheaper from here," said Agrawal. "We were selected for the quality of our products too."
He said that his factory in Khanar, Sunsari had exported electricity poles worth US$ 600,000 during the last three months.
Chandra Kumar Golchha, managing director of Hulas Steel Industries, said that the three manufacturers had been jointly awarded the contract worth US$ 15 million. "It is encouraging for Nepali industries that we are exporting to Bhutan," he added.
Hulas Steel till date has exported 14,000 tons of electrical poles to Bhutan. The poles produced from hot rolled coils are being exported to Bhutan through the Kakkarbhitta border point.
According to the Mechi Customs Office, Nepal exported 1,520 tons of electricity poles worth Rs. 112.09 million via Kakkarbhitta to Bhutan during the first three months of the current fiscal year. After musuro, electricity poles have become the second largest export to third countries.
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