Water from the Himalayas: Nepal's Rising Tide in Global Exports

KATHMANDU - Over the past decade, Nepal has embarked on a journey of exporting water, witnessing a significant surge in recent years. The export of mineral-rich purified and semi-purified water has gained momentum, reflecting the nation's potential in this sector.

In the fiscal year 070/71, Nepal exported water worth NPR 34,000, equivalent to 528 liters. Fast forward a decade, and the Bhansar Department's data reveals that the country exported water worth NPR 543.952 million in the last fiscal year. This is a stark contrast to the previous year's export value of NPR 305.312 million and the mere NPR 6.5019 million recorded eight years ago. Countries like Bhutan, India, Hong Kong, Australia, China, UAE, Japan, Germany, and France are among Nepal's water export destinations.

The current fiscal year's budget announcement by Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized branding Nepal's water exports under the title "Water from the Himalayas." The budget statement highlighted the need to facilitate the export of Himalayan mineral water and purified water.

Prominent brands like Rasuwa Water, Himalayan On Tap, Kinley, and Aqua Final, among others, are being exported, as per Gokul Thapa, the Secretary of the Nepal Bottle Association. He expressed concerns over the inability to meet the rising demand due to limited production. Despite significant demand from countries like India, Bangladesh, China, and Korea, Nepal has struggled to match the supply. Thapa emphasized the need for consistent exports to meet the demands from Gulf countries, which currently remain unmet due to production constraints.

A study titled "Water Export Potential from Nepal to the Middle East (2076)" highlighted that despite being the second-richest country in freshwater after Brazil, Nepal has not been able to capitalize on its potential. In 2018, Middle Eastern countries like Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait imported bottled water worth $172.3 million, equivalent to 183.8 million liters. The report suggests that Nepal has the potential to produce bottled purified water, spring water, and glacier water. To boost large-scale water exports, the government should plan special economic zones for beverages in six provinces.

Capitalizing on Worldwide Thirst

The global bottled water industry is soaring as people become more health-conscious and seek pure drinking water. Experts predict that the worldwide bottled water market will hit USD 505.19 billion by 2028, with an 11.1% CAGR. With its exceptional access to untarnished Himalayan water sources, Nepal is in a prime position to make its mark in this booming sector.

The Nepalese Advantage

What makes Nepal unique is its proximity to the Himalayan springs, which are widely regarded as some of the purest water sources on the planet. The concept of drinking water from the serene Himalayas has a special appeal that can be smartly promoted. Companies can use this distinctive advantage to set Nepalese water apart from rival products.

Exploring Markets and Collaborations

Though Nepal already exports to countries such as India, Bhutan, and a few European nations, North America and other Asian regions represent untapped markets where demand for high-quality bottled water is growing. By partnering with global distributors and launching marketing efforts emphasizing the purity and distinctiveness of Nepalese water, exports could flourish even more.

Obstacles and Solutions

Nevertheless, hurdles remain. Improvements in infrastructure, consistent quality control, and eco-friendly bottling practices are required. Cooperation between the government and private entities is crucial in tackling these issues so that the water export industry can expand sustainably, without harming the environment.

Additionally, investing in research and development could yield innovative products like flavored or fortified waters, further diversifying Nepal's presence in the global marketplace.

In Summary

As Nepal finds itself on the brink of a major opportunity, strategic planning, persuasive branding, and responsible practices will be essential. The worldwide bottled water industry offers vast potential, and with a well-executed approach, Nepal can claim a notable portion of it—leaving a positive impact on both the country's economy and international reputation.