Top 10 Countries with Highest Export of Intraocular Contact Lenses from Nepal

Last updated on 2024-04-15

It may seem strange to learn that a developing country like Nepal exports contact lenses to a variety of countries. However, this is correct. Many people throughout the world have benefited from lenses imported from Nepal. For the past 25 years, Tilganga Eye Hospital has been producing contact lenses. Tilganga is the first hospital in South Asia to manufacture contact lenses. It imports raw materials from the United States and the United Kingdom. Here, we have ranked the top ten countries to which Nepal exports intraocular contact lenses.

*The data is collected from the Ministry of Finance and the ranking is done according to the export value.

10. United States

Image Source: Things to Know

The United States is one of Nepal's most important trading partners. Nepal was recognized by the United States in 1947, and diplomatic ties were established in 1948. Bilateral ties are cordial, and the United States' policy goals are to assist Nepal in building a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and democratic society. The US and Nepal have signed a trade and investment framework agreement, which will serve as a platform for bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing trade and investment, discussing specific trade concerns, and promoting more comprehensive trade agreements between the two countries. Following the introduction of the US Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (H.R.1907) to aid Nepal's economic recovery following the 2015 earthquakes, the duty-free program went into effect on December 16, 2016. Headbands, blankets, hats, and gloves, as well as carpets and rugs, shawls, scarves, luggage articles, handbags, and other containers, and headbands, blankets, hats, and gloves, can now enter the US market with no tariffs. In Mid July 2020-21, Nepal exported 192 intraocular contact lenses to the US, with an export value of 522 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 522
Export Quantity (PCS) : 192

9. Fiji

Image Source: Lonely Planet

Nepal and Fiji established their diplomatic relation on June 12, 1986. Despite the fact that the two countries have maintained amicable relations since then, diplomatic activity between them has been slow. Although the two countries have met at international conferences on occasion, there have been no formal visits between the two countries (aside from those of the ambassadors). Despite the vast amount of opportunities, bilateral trade remains low and irregular. Nepal exported $1.39 million to Fiji in 2019. Medical Instruments were the most common products exported from Nepal to Fiji. Nepalese exports to Fiji have fallen at an annualized rate of 0.23 percent during the previous 13 years, from $1.42k in 2006 to $1.39k in 2019. In Mid July 2020-21, Nepal exported 2,060 intraocular contact lenses to Fiji, with an export value of 1,375 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 1,375
Export Quantity (PCS) : 2,060

8. Taiwan

Image Source: CNN

The two countries' glorious traditional links were recorded in a 1955 agreement that led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between them. Friendship, mutual support, understanding, and appreciation of each other's objectives and sensitivities have all been present. Nepal and Taiwan maintain friendly business links as well. In recent years, bilateral trade has been on the rise. The fact that Nepal's economy continues to be dominated by an ever-increasing trade deficit is cause for concern. However, there is a huge potential for Nepalese exports to grow, and the government is working hard to improve its export capacities. According to the Ministry of Finance, in the year 2020-21, Nepal exported 1,400 intraocular contact lenses to Taiwan, a province of China, with an export value of 1,633 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 1,633
Export Quantity (PCS) : 1,400

7. South Africa

Image Source: Nationa Online Project

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 28, 1994, Nepal and the Republic of South Africa have had strong relations. The two countries' relations have remained warm, cordial, and excellent, characterized by equality, mutual trust, greater understanding, strong links of friendship and solidarity, and increased engagement. Though small in scale, trade between Nepal and South Africa is growing steadily. Nepal sold commodities worth NRS 31,867,000 to South Africa, according to statistics issued by the Trade and Export Promotion Center of Nepal (TEPC). Carpets, clothing, paintings and drawings, statuettes and ornaments, and other items were among the most popular exports. According to the Ministry of Finance, Nepal exported 3,197 intraocular lenses to South Africa in 2020-21, worth 2,440 thousand rupees export value.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 2,440
Export Quantity (PCS) : 3,197

6. Trinidad and Tobago

Image Source: Rough Guides

Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean country with two islands that is close to Venezuela and has distinct Creole traditions and cuisines. Nepal exports to a variety of countries, including Trinidad & Tobago, which is one of Nepal's top ten export destinations for intraocular contact lenses. Nepal exported $140 to Trinidad and Tobago in 2015. Salt is Nepal's most important export to Trinidad and Tobago. Nepalese exports to Trinidad and Tobago have fallen at an annualized rate of 16.4% during the last 18 years, from $3.53k in 1997 to $140 in 2015. In mid-July 2020-21, Nepal exported 3,040 intraocular contact lenses to Trinidad and Tobago for a total of 2,921 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 2,921
Export Quantity (PCS) : 3,040

5. Thailand

Image Source: Eight Eyes Travel

On November 30, 1959, Nepal and Thailand established diplomatic ties. In May 1969, the status of diplomatic representation was elevated from Ministerial to Ambassadorial. Nepal and Thailand are linked by a shared culture and set of values. The two countries bilateral relations are characterized by strong friendliness, goodwill, and understanding. Buddhism has remained one of the most powerful bonds between Nepalese and Thai peoples. The peoples of Nepal and Thailand share a warm feeling and a similar desire to promote economic and commercial links between the two countries. Bilateral commerce is increasing, although it is strongly skewed in Thailand's favor. Handicrafts, woolen carpets, and Nepalese paper products account for the majority of Nepalese exports to Thailand. According to the Ministry of Finance, Nepal sold 4,775 intraocular lenses to Pakistan in 2020-21, worth 4,025 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 4,025
Export Quantity (PCS) : 4,775

4. Sri Lanka

Image Source: Lonely Planet

On July 1, 1957, Nepal and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties. Goodwill, mutual understanding, and cooperation characterize the two countries' relationship. In 2017, Nepal and Sri Lanka commemorated the 60th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic relations. The people of both countries have become closer as a result of religious and cultural ties. Despite negotiating a bilateral trade agreement in April 1979, the level of trade between the two countries remains small. Wool, horsehair yarn and woven fabric, textile articles, printed books, newspapers, photos, and other printing industry products were among Nepal's top exports to Sri Lanka in 2019. According to the Ministry of Finance, Nepal sold 5,477 intraocular lenses to Pakistan in 2020-21, worth 10,499 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 10,499
Export Quantity (PCS) : 5,477

3. Pakistan

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

On March 20, 1960, Nepal and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan established diplomatic ties. In 2019, both countries commemorated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between Nepal and Pakistan was established in 1983 at the level of Finance Ministers to foster economic cooperation between the two nations. In July 1982, the two countries inked a trade pact to increase bilateral trade. Raw hides and leather, gum, turpentine oils, contact lenses, textile products, and medical and surgical devices are among Nepal's main exports to Pakistan. Nepal sold 29,886 intraocular lenses to Pakistan in 2020-21, worth 21,265 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 21,265
Export Quantity (PCS) : 29,886

2. China

Image Source: TripSavvy

China is the second-largest trading partner of Nepal. Nepal and the People's Republic of China have a long and storied relationship. On August 1, 1955, the two countries established diplomatic relations, formalizing their relationship. Friendship, understanding, mutual support, cooperation, and respect for each other's sensitivities have characterized the two countries' relations. In recent years, bilateral trade between our two countries has increased. Tibet and Hong Kong are the main gateways for Nepal's trade with China. Overland trade has been opened at six places along the Nepal-China border. Kodari-Nyalam, Rasua-Kerung, Yari (Humla)-Purang, Olangchunggola-Riyo, Kimathanka-Riwo, and Nechung (Mustang)-Legze are the points in question. Nepal receives the most foreign direct investment from China. In 2020-21, Nepal shipped 27,010 intraocular contact lenses to China, for a total of 27,870 thousand rupees.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 27,870
Export Quantity (PCS) : 27,010

1. Hong Kong

Image Source: Velvet Escape

The diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) dates back to the British rule in Hong Kong at the time. From the Royal Nepalese Liaison Office in Hong Kong, the relationship was maintained. The "British Gurkhas," a well-known force of Nepali descent who served in Hong Kong as a member of the British army from the 1960s to 1997, are one of the most important links between Nepal and Hong Kong. The Government of Hong Kong SAR has always been generous in its support and aid to Nepal's development endeavors as a development partner and trade partner in our journey for socio-economic development. Nepal's trade with Hong Kong is now not particularly promising, although the potential is enormous. According to the Ministry of Finance, Nepal exported 45,772 intraocular contact lenses to Hong Kong, with an export value of 64,351 thousand rupees in the year 2020-21.

Export Value (in Thousands) : Rs. 64,351
Export Quantity (PCS) : 45,772