Introduction

Fair Trade Group Nepal (FTG Nepal) is a consortium of Fair Trade organizations working with the aim to uplift socio-economic status of underprivileged and marginalized producers of Nepal. It was informally established in 1993, was formally registered as an NGO in 1996 and in 1997 the FTG Nepal secretariat was established.

FTG Nepal aims to develop constructive collaboration among the Fair Trade organizations to influence policy makers to adopt Fair Trade friendly policies and to promote Fair Trade practices in Nepal. Further, it aims to strengthen the networks and solidarity at national, regional and international level to advocate Fair Trade movement. It is also a platform where the members discuss their common problems, issues and share the ideas and information with each other.

The members of FTG Nepal are providing business support services to their producers in terms of operating fund for production, small capital investment, design inputs, training and access to the local and international market. In addition, these organizations are also providing social services such as education to the producers’ children, treatment and rehabilitation to leprosy affected people, orphanage for street children and orphan girls etc. By raising self-reliance among marginalized people these members are encouraging indigenous skills based enterprise in handicrafts, food and non timber forest products.

At present, more than 7000 underprivileged producers and 35,000 producers are directly and indirectly benefiting through its members.

Affiliation

Fair Trade Group Nepal is a member of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), Country Coordinator of WFTO in-country members in Nepal, and founder member of WFTO – Asia.

Vision

We envision improved quality of life of low income groups of people through Fair Trade.

Mission

“To promote fair trade and provide support to members and like- minded organizations contributing towards sustainable livelihood at grass-roots/local level through fair trade focused enterprises”

Objectives

To advocate and lobby for formulation and implementation of Fair Trade Policies and Laws in Nepal
To increase membership and outreach
To enhance the capacity of member organizations of FTG Nepal
To further strengthen the unity among the members and to capitalize their existing resources
To promote/develop FTG Nepal as a BDS resource centre
To design and implement projects contributing for the livelihood enhancement of low income groups of people
To institutionalize FTG Nepal as a leading institution to promote fair trade through organization development
To develop, design and implement Fair Trade monitoring mechanisms
To facilitate Fair Trade market expansion
To expand and strengthen national, regional and international network
To promote Fair Trade movement at national and international level