Visiting Business People

Visiting Business People 2012

Nov 30, -0001 0 35 minutes 55 seconds to read

…

Visiting Business People September 2012

Nov 30, -0001 0 43 minutes 26 seconds to read

…

‘Certification Is Equally Important For All Organizations’

Nov 30, -0001 0 5 minutes 55 seconds to read

…

‘A Number Of Nepali Banks Are Interested In IS Audits’

Nov 30, -0001 0 6 minutes 48 seconds to read

…

National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective

Nov 30, -0001 0 7 minutes 7 seconds to read

…

The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant

Nov 30, -0001 0 4 minutes 49 seconds to read

…

We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment

Nov 30, -0001 0 2 minutes 32 seconds to read

…

Nepali Market Is Strategically Very Important For Us

Nov 30, -0001 0 3 minutes 56 seconds to read

…

Increased Awareness Of Incoterms Would Help Local Banks

Nov 30, -0001 0 4 minutes 35 seconds to read

…

Our Product Is Of National Interest For Nepal

Nov 30, -0001 0 6 minutes 47 seconds to read

…

The Nepali Market Is Dominated By SMEs

Nov 30, -0001 0 7 minutes 2 seconds to read

…

'Quality Control Is The Most Important Part' (September 2011)

Nov 30, -0001 0 6 minutes 54 seconds to read

…

'Huge Mobile Telephony Market Is Still Lying Untapped' (September 2011)

Nov 30, -0001 0 4 minutes 43 seconds to read

…

'We Want To Target Corporates On A Much Bigger Way' (august 2011)

Nov 30, -0001 0 10 minutes 37 seconds to read

…

'I Refuse To Call This A Liquidity Crisis' (august 2011)

Nov 30, -0001 0 9 minutes 31 seconds to read

…

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No Laughing Matter

The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

. . .
read more »

NEPSE

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115%;font-family:">‘We want to do a Long Term Business in Nepal’</span></span></p>
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	<br />
	<img alt="" border="1" height="360" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Jagannath-Patanaik.gif" vspace="10" width="242" /></p>
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	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Raj Mehta </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the CMD of Little Italy Restaurant and Bar, an Indian restaurant chain well known for authentic Italian cuisine. </span></span></p>
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<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:</span><br />
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the prospects that Little Italy sees in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Nepal is a growing economy and a lot of tourists visit Nepal. Besides, Nepalis travel to a lot of places and so, people do know about different kind of food. The culture for eating out is also very good. There is a lot of potential for food as it is a never-dying business. Globally, food can be categorised into four major categories – Indian, Chinese, Italian and French. Indian as well as Chinese foods have good presence in Nepal while Italian food too is there but not as a proper fine dining option. That is the reason we chose Nepal and are very happy to be here. Kathmandu can sustain two more Italian dining outlets. Pokhara, being a major tourist destination, can also sustain an outlet. It is just a matter of time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Little Italy is a new brand name for Nepal. How do you plan to market your brand along with Italian food? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">First, launching the brand will increase the visibility of a particular brand in the market. We are covering the brand name through newspapers and e-marketing is being taken care of by our marketing team. The food business has a lot to do with word-of-mouth. We are certain on it because we are confident about the food. Once the food is tried and tasted, the word-of-mouth spreads like fire. There are marketing strategies in place but we believe most in the word-of-mouth publicity. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the brand value of Little Italy at present? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand was started in 1989 from Pune as a family run business. When an outlet was established in Mumbai in 1995, we got a big exposure. After that, we understood that there are a lot of prospects throughout India. As the world was getting narrower because of globalisation, we started franchising. That was one of the best ways to grow. This is a fine dining restaurant, so, we need a local partner to look after its day-to-day affairs. We have presence in most of the two-tier and three-tier cities in India. We started our first international outlet last year in Dubai which is doing very well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the specialities of your restaurant? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We always wanted to be a fine dine restaurant for unique experience. We prepare food in an authentic Italian way - as the Italians prepare it. We like to keep the menu authentic as we don’t believe in getting things tailored. Everything is fresh here and we never compromise on quality. </span><strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Usually, the branded and chain restaurants in Nepal are priced comparatively high. How have you priced your menu? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our target customers are local people, Indians residing in Nepal who know about us during their travels to India and other tourists. For tourists, Italian food is a kind of staple food. Relatively, this brand is a value for money. We maintain our standards that can be compared to a five-star restaurant but we believe that the price has to be value for money. We want to do a long term business rather than a short term business in Nepal. This will be a destination for good food and value for money. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the level of competition you feel here?</span>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Fortunately, there is no competition. The market is a virgin territory for us. There are hardly any players in this particular Italian fine dining segment. There are few places for continental and multi-cuisine delicacies but something like fine dining is missing. There are a few players in Kathmandu market who are scattered here and there but those having a full-fledged setup are unfortunately missing. So, we don’t see any competition at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">KFC and Pizza Hut recently faced a serious labour problem. How would you tackle the situation if similar situation arise in this restaurant too? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I would say things have to be seen positively. We should be able to take care of all the scenarios which are unfortunately common here in Nepal. It was kind of similar throughout the world years before. We must try to understand the situation. If both management and staff are well taken care of, such kind of scenario will not come up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Consumers are Shifting Towards High Quality Products’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Rajendra-Desai.gif" vspace="10" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Rajendra Desai </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the General Manager for Business Development at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL). </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He has recently been appointed to the post of Country Head for Nepal and will be looking after the operations here. Having a work experience of three-and-a-half decades, Desai has worked at Asian Paints for 26 years in various capacities. He has been associated with Nerolac for the last seven years. Kansai Nerolac is a Japan-India Joint venture company. After the acquisition of Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd, the company has transformed into Japan-India-Nepal tripartite joint venture. In an interview with New Business Age, Desai shared details about the acquisition and the moves ahead. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints has acquired 68 per cent stakes in Nepal Shalimar Paints. What are the reasons behind this move? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, India entered the joint venture with Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd (NSPL), one of the leading paints manufacturers in Nepal and acquired 68 per cent stake in the Nepali paints manufacturer. The investment made by Kansai Nerolac towards this acquisition is about Rs 125.8 million. With this acquisition, Nerolac expects to consolidate 10 per cent market share for Kansai Nerolac in Nepal. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd has shown significant business interest in the country. Further, the company would be giving a loan of Rs 120 million to fund the working capital requirement of NSPL. Considered in the top five bracket of Nepal, Nepal Shalimar commands a market share of 8 per cent in Nepal. It had a turnover of Rs 205.7 million in 2010/11 and approximately Rs 250 million in 2011/12. The company’s consolidated profit would improve and in turn increase EPS which will also benefit KNPL shareholders. KNPL is utilising the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar and manufacturing the entire Nerolac range of products that are currently exported to Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">After the acquisition, Nerolac envisages to capture more than 15 per cent market share. How do you plan to achieve that? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are here to make Nepal almost self-reliant with the production of paints that match international standards in quality. Rapid urbanisation, construction boom in the past and growing awareness among customers has triggered the demand of paints, giving a leg up to the mostly joint ventures and subsidiary of Indian multinational companies. We believe that urbanisation not only in Kathmandu but also creation of new urban centres across the country with the flow of remittance in rural and semi-urban areas has been an encouraging factor to expand the paints market. We will be focusing to cash in on the emerging market. </span> <span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We have observed in recent times that the market is growing for paints despite slowed demand in the construction sector as consumers have become more aware and are shifting towards high quality products. Population growth and infrastructure development will have advantage to increase in demand of the paints. Due to growing demand, we aim to deliver international quality and healthy home paints at the right price which will be the unique selling point of our brand to achieve higher market share. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the market prospects you see in Nepal? </span></strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We are proud to say that our water-based products are heavy metal free such as lead, mercury, chrome etc and all the products are almost zero VOC-(Volatile Organic Compound). We offer a wide range of decorative paints for exterior and interior walls as well as for wooden and metal products. Some of our products for exterior walls are Nerolac Excel Total, Excel Antipeel and Suraksha Advance in premium, middle and economy range respectively. Likewise, our products for interior walls are Nerolac Ecoclean, Impression 24 Carat Luxury of premium class, Lotus Touch Premium Emulsion for mid-range, Beauty Emulsion and Little Master for economy range. We have also offered Beauty Acrylic Distemper for our customers. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Our end consumers, paints dealers and painting contractors are loyal to Nerolac brand and have huge confidence in it. We have always served our customer needs in the best way possible. Likewise, we constantly make sure that the health of our customers is not affected while using our products. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">You are also planning to use the production capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. What will be the range of products that will be produced within Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are augmenting the existing capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. We have added some new paints grinding machines for better quality and higher production capacity. We will be using same technology of manufacturing as we do in Japan and India. So, there will not be any variation in the quality of products produced here. We will be producing a full range of products in Nepal that we currently manufacture in India such as water-based emulsion for both Interiors and exteriors along with solvent-based primers and top coats with ancillaries. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the products that you plan to launch soon in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">A complete range of Nerolac paints is being launched in Nepal as we were already doing business via our range of products by importing in the past. Now, we will be manufacturing the same in Nepal at our Birgunj plant. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand Nerolac is endorsed by popular celebrities like Shahrukh Khan. How do such endorsements add value to the brand that also influences the Nepali market?<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Shahrukh Khan is a leading celebrity of Bollywood and has a huge fan base not only in India but across the globe including Nepal. The brand endorsement has given boost to our sales figures in India and the same is expected in Nepal as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Nepal is a Strategically Important Country to Focus Upon’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Jagannath Patanaik </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Director-Channel Sales (South Asia) of Kaspersky Lab India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Kaspersky Lab is one of the fastest growing IT security vendors worldwide. Over 300 million people worldwide are protected by Kaspersky Lab products and technologies. Its corporate client base exceeds 200,000 companies located around the globe, ranging from small and medium-sized businesses all the way up to large governmental and commercial organizations. The Lab has more than 120 global partner and technology OEM agreements with companies and today, it’s the world’s largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection solutions. In an interview with New Business Age, Patanaik talked about Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 and market prospects for Kaspersky products in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Can you please tell us the purpose of your current visit to Nepal? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have just launched the new edition of Kaspersky internet security and Kaspersky mobile security anti-virus here in Nepal. Essential to any level of PC security is superior anti-virus protection that does not slow down your system. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 has been loaded with the latest technologies that work behind-the-scenes while delivering real-time, cloud-enabled protection from the latest threats, and proactive protection from unknown dangers. It is the essential protection for your computer and mobile these days. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Tell us about some latest features of the new edition of Kaspersky 2013. </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is packed with the latest Kaspersky Lab technologies from our team of world-class security experts and engineers. It works surreptitiously with intelligent scanning and small, frequent updates, while delivering real-time protection. It goes beyond simply scanning for vulnerabilities and now includes analysis and control over the actions of programs and applications with vulnerabilities, so they cannot cause any harm. With a single mouse click, File Advisor uses cloud-based technologies to check the safety of any file you would like to access. In addition, our URL Advisor adds color-coded tags to all web links to advise you of the danger level of the link and subsequent pages. The users can fully enjoy the PC and Internet without being dragged down by security software. Small, smart updates and intelligent scanning operate behind the scenes while delivering maximum PC performance. </span> <br />
	<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the Nepali market for Kaspersky? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><strong> </strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">There is lack of purchase habit regarding software in South Asian market and Nepal is no different. Although being a piracy-oriented country, we need to motivate people to develop a habit to purchase software. However, we have been able to penetrate the market and make people understand the benefits of our product. Nepali market is indeed a challenging market for us. Nevertheless, we are able to make some enrollment. Today, we are talking about reducing the piracy in order to create a virus free Nepal slowly. We have begun to set up Kaspersky anti-virus in every government institution of Nepal for six months for the virus free Nepal campaign. Thus, we are highly positive about the Nepali market in the days ahead as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali market needs to grow. We are trying to educate people regarding the anti-virus security here. Nepal is one of the strategically important countries to focus upon. We are planning to provide security software services to 100,000 computers in Nepal so as to increase the awareness regarding genuine internet security. </span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	Who are the targeted customers for Kaspersky?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Anybody who owns a computer is our target customer. Major targeted customers are the individual consumers and then we are also targeting the government institutions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What do you consider to be the USP of Kaspersky amongst the targeted clientele here in Nepal?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Default" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt;line-height:10.05pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">As we know that online transactions </span><span mso-bidi-theme-font:="" new="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:" times="">are increasing each day, we have unique features in our new edition of Kaspersky 2013 known as “safe money”. Safe Money protects data during online financial transactions. Apart from it, the new Automatic Exploit Prevention ensures that vulnerabilities will not compromise your PC. Similarly, there is an improved version of Virtual Keyboard and Anti- Phishing protection guard against identity theft. A new Secure Keyboard mode protects personal data entered via physical keyboard. Anti-Spam and Anti-Banner protection block unwanted content. The new improved Advanced Parental Control keeps your children safe and responsible online. Hassle-free protection ensures maximum PC performance. All this makes Kaspersky irresistible for computer users all around the globe including Nepal.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Can you tell us about the innovative business solutions regarding the product?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">In the consumer section, we have internet security anti-virus while in enterprises segment, we have Kaspersky security for virtualization. As people have started to use virtual machines, we are trying to use security solutions for cloud. Kaspersky workspace security (KOSS-1) deals with the protection for workstation and Centralized Administration Kit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Kaspersky Business Space Security (KOSS-2) protects data, file Server, workstations etc. Similarly, Kaspersky Enterprise Space Security (KOSS-3) is for protecting e-mail Server, data, and file server. Kit Kaspersky Total Security (KOSS-4) protects internet gateway, email Server, data/file Server.</span><br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Do you currently have any competition for your product in Nepal? If yes, how do you plan to keep ahead of the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Currently, we are leading the business. I think that continuous improvisation in the product has created a tough competition to our competitors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">What are your business plans for Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">We operate through business channel partners and do not directly go to the market. We go through distributors and channel partners and do a lot of marketing in order to increase awareness and visibility. We are targeting piracy in order to increase our business. We are in the middle of a long tour to educate people regarding the benefits of the software even in Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">How do you compare Nepali market with other markets for your product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">Nepali market is a unique one and we are the number one in this market. In India, we are in the second position. However, we are leading in most South Asian markets. The product is making us proud. We are increasing people’s awareness regarding Kaspersky being a reasonably priced product. With this product, the Nepali consumers can experience a sense of security while using the computer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Our Main Strategy is to Customize Basic Products According to Nepali Customers’ Demand’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" height="284" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Milind-Pandharipande.gif" vspace="10" width="178" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Milind Pandharipande </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#211D1E">is the CEO at ITS (Information and Telecom Systems) in India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">While pursuing his Masters in Computer Science in USA, he also worked as a research scientist for Horizon telecommunications USA. After some years, he returned to India and established his own company. His company had an effective operation from June 2006 and it began to roll out the products from 2010 onwards. Although it’s a fairly young company, he is confident about his business. He was in Kathmandu last month for launching his cash and check deposit machine. In an interview with New Business Age, Pandharipande talks about the importance of deposit machines in Nepali financial sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The primary purpose of my visit to Nepal is to promote ITS’s self service Kiosk products, the ones which have been successfully deployed in India already. These products have been especially designed to work in conditions like extreme climate and power shortages which is common in countries like Nepal and India. Our products have been designed for the banking sector, the utility sector and are primarily focused on self service. If you are familiar with ATM machine where the customer can directly withdraw cash, our products can help customers not only withdraw the cash but also deposit the cash or check in his or his friend’s account. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the features of your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">These products have multiple features, where a customer can perform cash deposit, check deposit, account-to-account money transfer, balance inquiry etc. For instance, I can enter my account number and then decide whether to make cash deposit or check deposit. If I make cash deposit, the machine will instruct me to put all my notes in a cash tray and it will accept it one note at a time. Once, all the notes are accepted, it will provide me a transaction receipt and my account will be credited for that amount. These products are fitted with high performance security system which has made them robust. A type of mechanism has been built into it including a back-up UPS. Also, if the machine is stolen, it will automatically inform the law enforcement agencies. Every tampering with machines, either physical or software is recorded and transmitted to the enforcement agencies. This way the machine becomes a formidable piece of hardware.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Who are your target group of customers? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are basically promoting these products for Nepal’s banking and financial sector. And obviously, the major customers are the banks, finance companies and utility companies, for instance, mobile operators. There are also clients from electricity companies and other companies who are into financial transactions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span>&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are talking to the news media basically the ones who can promote our products. We are seeking promotion of these products from our local partner World Distribution Nepal (WDN). It is difficult for someone coming from India to spread their business covering the entire country of Nepal. For quick penetration, we need other local partners here who can introduce the products in the market. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have tried to make our products customer friendly and are also offering more features on it. The only way that we can grow our business is by local customization. We cannot just bring the products from India and sell in Nepal. We ask consumers how they want to customize them. Like, if I offer coffee to you, I would not prepare coffee against your interests. I would ask how much milk and sugar you want which makes you very comfortable to drink that coffee rather than me telling you to drink coffee of my choice. Our main strategy is to bring the basic products that have been developed in India and then customize it according to the demand of the customers in Nepal, for instance, language customization. Customers from Nepal might be interacting or having certain bank transaction differently than what we have customized for Indian customers. That is why we consider local customization a key to our success.<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">It is not just Nepali industries, it is important for overall businesses in Nepal. For instance, if I ask my customers to come between nine in the morning and five in the evening and suggest that I can sell the products only during this time, the customers may not feel comfortable to shop. Instead of that, if you take your shop to where the customers are, you will be able to flourish your business. Likewise, with these machines, customers can get service anytime, anywhere. We are bringing these products to our neighborhood and it could be operated 24hrs/7days. This will absolutely raise the number of customers and the bank’s revenue will increase. Many a time, customers do not pay utility bills not because they do not want to pay but because they do not have the avenues to pay. When the bank is closed after five, customers look forward to the next day. With these products, they will be able to deposit their cash after 10 pm also without having to go to the branch office. It is like an ATM machine where you can withdraw your cash rather than having to wait for the bank. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How do you observe the market demand for your products? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We will follow the same strategies what ATMs in Nepal have already been following. Every year, we have been doubling the features that are getting deployed. There has been a high demand for our products in Nepal. Nearly four banks have shown interests in our products who are likely to start using our products soon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
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			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-11-01',
			'modified' => '2013-06-07',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:',
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			'title' => 'Visiting Business People   September 2012',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We have been Able to Address the Problems Faced by Nepali Traders’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="viraj" border="1" height="449" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Viraj-Rai.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Viraj Rai </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the Line Manager of TLPL Shipping &amp; Logistics Pvt Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management. To ease the export/ import business into Nepal, the company is expanding its business in Nepal by offering Thru B/L service thereby transforming the ICD of Birgunj either into a truly functional hinterland dry port of loading to ICD or into a Dry Port. Rai was in Kathmandu to participate in a trade meet organized by Nepal Foreign Trade Association. In an interview with New Business Age, Rai has emphasized on the need of transport facilities for the importers operating international trade in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Could you please highlight the reason for your visit? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The reason for visiting Nepal this time has been to organize the trade meet, a long-term demand of the Nepal trade. So, we are promoting it through BL service, whereby importers in Nepal can greatly scan by availing our single window point-to-point total logistic solution. It will facilitate picking up the cargo from the port of origin or from the factory of the supplier and move it up to ICD Birgunj and issue them one single multimodal document BL for their entire service. As a result, they end up saving huge amount of cost. In normal convention system right now, they pay for detentions or delays from Kolkata port right up to ICD Birgunj. Moreover, we take care of that by providing that service and giving delivery to them in Birgunj and any delay in between is not a cost for them as we cover that risk in our service.</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	The whole purpose of our visit was to promote our services especially in Kathmandu. We have started this service more than a year ago. Earlier, it was introduced in Birgunj under the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, and we wanted to fine tune and improve it further. Therefore, we have been learning, fine-tuning, and improving ourselves during this period. We have felt in recent times that we are ready to take this to the next level. That is why we felt the need to organize this trade meet and address the entire trade in Kathmandu </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What types of problems are the Nepalis importers facing while bringing goods from different ports through ICD Birgunj? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Since Nepal is a landlocked country, it is wholly dependent on nearby Kolkata ports. There are many problems put forward by Nepali importers while bringing goods from different ports. To begin with, they do not have control over the shipment period or the time and the container in sea. However, once it reaches the land, there is still uncertainty because there may be some delays at the Kolkata port in loading the container or delays in the train itself. Throughout this entire process, they have to depend on outside agencies for information flow and updates. Currently, they have to depend on shipping land to know the status when the container would reach Kolkata. They need to depend on the forwarder or the CHA to know when the container would be cleared at Kolkata port. Then they need to know when it would be loaded on wreck after which they need to follow up to know when the ship will reach Birgunj. In our service, we do away with all this. We give a single window solution and all the information flow is provided locally here at Birgunj. Therefore, this is a big solution to one of the biggest problems that Nepali trade is facing. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the same time, because we are covering TLPL up to Birgunj, we have seen most of them paying huge amount of detention cost in the current conventional system. Due to this, crores of rupees is being paid to Indian shipping agents for the time taken for the containers to come from Kolkata and to go back which is normally much beyond the free time given by shipping lines. So, in our case, we cover that risk by providing service up to Birgunj so that there is further cost saving to the trade. These are two of the major problems being faced by the Nepali traders and we have been able to address it. At our level, we cannot address other problems that have been faced by the traders. It has to be done in accordance with India- Nepal treaties. However, the problems that we are addressing are within our control as it is based around shipping and land logistics. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What were the queries from the importers during the trade meet? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the end of it, everybody is looking at the bottom line. Therefore, they look at ways to reduce the cost. The feedback we received from the audience is that sometimes the Kolkata port is congested. The next concern was how fast the container can be loaded for Birgunj. In the present scenario, it is not possible to give a guaranteed time. Then there is addressing of issues on a larger scale from government-to-government through transit treaty or rail service agreement between the two nations. </span> <br />
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you going to address the problems faced by the importers and exporters?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">One is the timely flow of information. There are also times when the traders find our rates little high so they give their business to the traditional forwarders. However, they are still in touch with us to try to get information that possibly they are not getting as accurately from their existing forwarders. Therefore, we do get calls regularly from importers in Nepal asking us to cross check on information. In the present scenario, they probably want to verify the information they are getting. In our service, the information flow will come from us directly and given to them in Nepal. They do not need to call at Kolkata as the entire single window solution will be given here in Nepal itself.<br />
	<br />
	The second one is the cost element that we see on an average. There is a huge amount of detention cost being paid because of delays between Kolkata and Birgunj and empty containers going back. In our service, the container is going to be allowed up to Birgunj after which we plan to give three days free time for local importers at Birgunj and five days for importers from Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to me, these are ample time frames for the importers to empty containers and send them back to Birgunj. Once they return the containers to Birgunj, their responsibility ends there. They have no detentions to worry about because it’s us who cover that cost element. This is a two-fold benefit and we will see how we can add further value to this entire service. Along the line, we would also look for cutting down on costs that are within our control.</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the weaknesses of Nepali exporters/importers while using your services?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Many traders import from China. There seems to be a miscommunication between the importer and supplier. Therefore, when we approach the supplier, we find it has not been properly informed that we are the nominated carriers. We see this mistake on flow of information to the suppliers a number of times. The other mistake is about error in documentation. There are times when the information provided to us is not accurate and we have to give back the documents to the importers. In addition, sometimes the documents sent for clearing the container at Kolkata are incomplete. These are small mistakes but they definitely lead to delays and increase the cost. Luckily, we have the provision in Indian customs to clear the cargo through copies of the documents so that it saves time while couriering the originals. With time, the number of mistakes has lowered as our customers are more aware now. With the new customers, we have to possibly educate them beforehand and see how they can avoid these mistakes.</span><strong><br />
	<br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">In your opinion, how can Nepali traders become more competitive?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">There is certainly a disadvantage being a landlocked country where you are dependent on ports. However, by utilizing our services, the traders would get advantage of cost which will make them competitive. In addition, if they focus on error free documentation and timely information flow, it will lead towards reduction of mistakes and eventually provide cost competitiveness to them. In today’s world when everything is online, I am sure that they can utilize the tools being offered by technology to bring down costs. We have seen in the past how Nepal has played its role in the export of garments and carpets. Therefore, there is an advantage of labor and craftsmanship somewhere along the line. If the traders can change their set mindset and accept the new technological services provided by us, it will definitely be beneficial for them.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali traders complain that they do not get information of their goods after they load it at the port to be sent to Nepal. What is your take on it?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Most of the customers who had the problem of not getting timely information are not particularly going by the system of traditional movement right now. This is where they have answered their own problem. We have assured them timely information and movement of the containers provided they give us the chance. Our service is the solution to their existing problems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">They also say that your service is a bit expensive and takes more time in comparison to other modes of transportations to Nepal. What do you say?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We have not seen any importers who have not paid detentions. In fact, most of them are paying it. They need to look at their cost and compare it. When we prepare quotations, most of the customers ask for cost breakup till Kolkata. This is not possible for us as we offer complete package solution. At the end of the day, we say that give us a chance to serve you. Our existing customers believed in us and subscriber to our idea. Moreover, those who started with us have stuck to us so far. We can always negotiate and come to an agreeable rate. Nevertheless, I can assure that in the long run, the cost benefit to the Nepali traders would be far more than what they think right now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘A Restaurant is a Personality Driven Business’</span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="harikarki" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Hari-Karki(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="257" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Hari Karki </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the owner of GURU, a Hong Kong based Indian Restaurant as well as a Spanish eatery. </span></span> <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He started his career as a trainee in Hotel Soaltee Oberoi in 1993. Besides Food &amp; Beverage business, he is involved with Universal Music Company. Karki, permanent resident of Hong Kong is also involved in a website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is worth 15 million Hong Kong dollars. In an interview with New Business Age, Karki divulged his plans for business expansion in Kathmandu in the near future. Excerpts:<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to kindly share some experiences regarding early days in your career?<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I started my hotel career as a trainee in Soaltee Oberoi in 1993 that lasted for nine months. Although the training was very basic, it was helpful for building the foundation of my career. After that, I joined Hotel Himalaya, which was a very important decision for my career. It provided me a strong base and I received support from many good colleagues there. That is where I learned the value of decision-making procedures. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp; <br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How was your experience working in the Food and Beverage industry abroad? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">While working at Hotel Himalaya, I thought about pursuing higher studies. So, I went to Bahrain for management studies and afterwards, worked for a year there. Thereafter, I went to Hong Kong for holidays. That is how I landed in Hong Kong. In the meanwhile, I resigned from the Bahrain hotel I was working at. In Hong Kong, I started working at Curry Pot Restaurant as one of my friends was working there already. They were looking for manager at that time. The moment I landed there, I realized the tremendous potential that the restaurant had. I started working and within a few months, I brought about many changes within the restaurant. We were able to open three outlets of the restaurant soon. We also created a brand “Curry in a Hurry” fast food chain in Hong Kong. Later, I was given 25 per cent equity and there were 145 employees working under me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">One important aspect of this industry is to make customers feel that we care for them and at the same time, not ready to compromise with high standards. You need to improvise on the quality of food, service, and everything else. Hong Kong is a very competitive city and there are unique ideas and people everywhere. You need to compete with them in order to capture the market.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you involved in any other business currently apart from Food and Beverages business?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Besides Food and Beverage business, I am involved with Universal Music Company. We are involved in website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is a 10 million Hong Kong dollar project with additional five million for marketing. This makes the project worth a total of Rs 15 million Hong Kong dollars. The reason for setting this website is for lottery, horse racing, football gambling etc. Since HKJC cannot directly promote gambling, they create lifestyle websites called as Fasttrack.hk to encourage youths towards such activities. It is the Asian perspective of entertainment and we promote it as an essence of lifestyle. We update our subscribers with new information regarding fashion, music, politics etc. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;Currently, I am planning to expand the Food and Beverage business. I am also working on a Brazilian concept outlet. I think this is a good idea as Brazil is hosting the 2014 Football World Cup. At that time, the craze for Brazil will be higher therefore, we are working on that aspect. I am also looking forward to invest in Kathmandu so I am trying to find right partners here to start unique ventures.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the new trends, besides food, to run restaurants successfully in today‘s age?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I think the new trend is the people who run such businesses. Besides food, interior plays a vital role and adds soul to restaurants. It is a personality driven business. It could be the personality of the manager, waiters, or the restaurant itself. If you could put the soul of your staffs to provide service to your customers, they matter more than the expensive furniture, wines, or any other aspect of the restaurants.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Therefore, gone are the days when the hotel employees treated the customers with mere words. These days, there is a new trend in Hong Kong where the customers and the employees of restaurants or hotels treat each other as friends. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to explain about the potential cutleries that are to be used in restaurants?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Everybody wants to be updated these days. When anything comes to your table, it is very essential to work on details. You want to use contemporary utensils to catch up with the changing desires of the customers. Having said so, I would like to add that the look of the equipments and the cutleries should match with the theme of the restaurant. If you are running a modern restaurant, you cannot afford to place old cutleries there. Therefore, you need to update accordingly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the areas that Nepali hoteliers should improve upon?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I came here a couple of years ago. The sad thing is that when I went to the same place, I found that the menu had not changed. The good part was that the people working there were the same. However, it was clear that they were not being able to keep pace with the trend. The question is not only about wanting to upgrade but whether the entrepreneurs are actually doing it in practice. However, at the end of the day, it’s the customers who decide about the change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Customers visit the restaurants and hotels to feel the difference. However, if they get the same boring treatment through the services of hotels and restaurants, they would not enjoy it. Therefore, in this particular business, the first thing is to upgrade our services in a similar manner we upgrade our life itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">It is said that the services of the five star hotels here in Nepal is equivalent to the services of three star hotels abroad. What is your comment on this comparison?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Well, I do not think that the comparison is fair. The categorization of hotels or restaurants depends on the kind of service you provide to your customers. For instance, there are many ways of providing service to your customers. Serving is an art in itself which sets you apart from others. It is an important aspect that every restaurants and hotels should understand while providing services to their clients.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What improvements should the service provider bring to achieve perfection in services provided to the clients? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I think, to begin with, the trainer should get the proper training themselves. Then only, they will be able to train their staffs accordingly. When you do not update yourself, you will not come to know about new trends in the business. These days, customers seldom complain about your service. They simply stop coming to your place. If your customers complain about your services, you must take it positively and think of these customers as your well-wishers. People do not have the time to point out your weaknesses all the time so it is your responsibility to upgrade your service in accordance with the present time. Tell us something about your restaurant and the investment figures involved.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The theme of my restaurant is simple and it is unique that in a very short period of time, the restaurant has created a brand of its own. There has been a breakthrough in Indian cuisine and you can find good reviews and comments about my restaurants on my website. It has been almost three-and-a-half years now. The investment in the restaurant is 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars while the annual turnover is around 4.2 million Hong Kong dollars. With an area of 1500 square feet, the seating capacity of the restaurant is 175 people. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">When you travel around the world, you can see many Indian restaurants, however, there are very few Nepali restaurants abroad. Is it because we lack varieties to offer in terms of our cuisine?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I do not agree with this observation of yours. In my opinion, you have to study the market before you start any business. For instance, if you target only Indian customers at Indian restaurants, you will fail. You have to think holistically. In Hong Kong also, Nepalis have great scope everywhere as the people of Hong Kong have tremendous respect for Nepalis. I also serve some Nepali delicacies at my restaurants. We have enough scope to serve Nepali delicacies to the customers in Hong Kong.</span>&nbsp; <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are Nepali businesspersons doing in Hong Kong?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The involvement of Nepalis in Food and Beverage business is remarkable. They have left even the westerners behind, in this respect. Let me give you one example. Few months ago, two young Nepali men opened two new outlets called Escape and China Bar with an investment of 16 million Hong Kong dollars. They are doing fabulous business In terms of other businesses, Nepalis are involved in import/export, construction, travel agency etc. I must say they are doing well for themselves in Hong Kong. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you associated with the NRN Association? Are there any NRN businesspersons who are doing business here? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I am a member of the association, however, I am not actively involved in it. As an idea, it is good. However, I do not see where they are heading. It all depends on who is leading the association. There are many NRNs doing business here. Some are involved in banking, travel agencies, trading, and others. I think that everyone has to work on their strong aspect, start from scratch and then dream big. If I have to start a business here, I will have to learn the basics about the market. That is the reason why I am looking forward to appropriate partners here in Nepal. I would need at least six months to study the market locally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We See a Huge Yet-to-be-Tapped Market for BUSY in Nepal’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="pankaj" border="1" height="408" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Pankaj-Kumar-Roy.jpg" vspace="10" width="331" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Pankaj Kumar Roy </span></span><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is Business Development Manager at Busy Accounting Software, one of the popular accounting and inventory management software for MSMEs in India.&nbsp; </span></span><br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company has currently over half-a-million users in over 20 countries. BUSY 12 is the software that the company has introduced lately. Roy visited Kathmandu recently for the expansion of his software business in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of accounting software in Nepal’s business sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">This time, we came here for the promotion of our new software BUSY 12. We are providing technical support to busy users as well as providing training to channel partners on BUSY 12 – our latest version for BUSY range of accounting software.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What are the major features of your software products?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY is an accounting and inventory management software. The salient features of BUSY are: Financial Accounting, Inventory Management, Statutory Reports, Invoicing, Production, Bill of Material, Multi- Location management, checks and controls, MIS and many more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Please tell us something about your software BUSY 12. Who are the target groups for this product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY 12 is an accounting and inventory software with a host of new features and enhanced functionalities including sales/purchase quotation, customizable reports, data access through SMS/e-mail, auto back-up of data and provision for voucher audit etc. It’s an ERP for SMEs which allows businesses to manage their accounting, inventory, invoicing, and statutory requirements. It also offers a feature that would help the user in securing their data against theft and misuse, thus maintaining a better control mechanism. It also enables users in preparing sales or purchase quotation. All businesses which require software to manage their business are our target customers. Hence, all SMEs and in fact the corporate houses also, can benefit from BUSY 12.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We sell our software through the channel partners in Nepal. Currently, we have three channel partners in Kathmandu and multiple resellers working for these channel partners. As an organization, we put big emphasis on customer satisfaction so we plan regular visits to our customers to resolve their issues. We regularly participate in leading exhibitions in Nepal and organize seminars and workshops also. Moreover, we take regular feedback from our partners and customers to incorporate features specific to businesses requirements in Nepal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">As I mentioned earlier, customer satisfaction is our motto. We believe in a theory that ‘one happy customer refers you to ten more,’ so we are striving hard to make our customer feel happiest which we believe will boost our business. We have plans to organize meetings, workshops and seminars regularly to train and educate people on BUSY. Moreover, we would be participating in leading exhibitions and advertising in leading newspapers too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have so many excellent features in BUSY which simplify the businesses of Nepali SMEs. For example, we provide Nepal VAT reports, Nepali date, computerised billing, checks and controls, multi-branch management etc including other features which have been beneficial for Nepali businesses. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<br />
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the market demand for your software?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We see a huge yet-to-be-tapped market for BUSY in Nepal. Our software caters to almost every industry – retailers, traders, distributors, discreet manufacturers and corporate entities. However, most of the businesses here are either not using any software or are using out-dated software to manage their accounting and inventory needs. Therefore, we feel that we are in the right position to capture a big market share in the next two to five years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We Help Nepali Counterparts to meet IT Product Needs’<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="alexandar" border="1" height="385" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Alexander-Oddoz-Mazet.jpg" vspace="10" width="263" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Alexander Oddoz-Mazet </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#221E1F">is the Director – Asia Pacific Region of Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and business realize their full potential. Through its regional office in Bangladesh, it has been marketing and promoting Microsoft products and solutions in territories of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Microsoft has been present in Nepal since 2007. Oddoz-Mazet was in Kathmandu to attend a business event titled “Maximizing Business Productivity – Leveraging Microsoft Technologies”. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about Microsoft’s business productivity solutions among other issue. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">With business productivity being high on most organizations’ priority list, what does Microsoft offer in specific to the Nepal market?</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are developing a new scenario that helps people to work together as a team and as an organization. Communication is one of the key scenarios so people need to do it more effectively while collaboration is also one of the scenarios that we need to work at more effectively. At Microsoft, we now have a few technological solutions that can help to achieve that. One of them is Unified Communications which is a way to reduce complexity by putting people at the centre of the communications experience. The goal is to integrate all of the ways we contact each other in a single environment using a single identity and presence. It provides businesses in Nepal with the power to choose how they provision services whether on their own premises, as cloud services, or in a hybrid fashion. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How significant is Unified Communications from Microsoft’s perspective?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	It is very important indeed. With Unified Communications, we bring instant messaging, web, email, calendar, SMS etc together into one platform which makes it very easy for information technology (IT) divisions at organizations to manage a lot of things and make them very cost effective. It is a one-stop solution to everything. For themes, it has one-user interface that enables organizations to perform all types of communication. It has made it easy to drive a new way for all activities, to use different tools. With the Unified Solution powered by Microsoft, the users are free from the hassle of using different access, passwords and methods to use it. We provide a new communication solution not only to connect internally but also to the outside world.<br />
	<br />
	Please share the key capabilities of these solutions that you have mentioned in your presentation In not only Nepal, but also in countries around South East Asia like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, we found that people create word document, PowerPoint presentations, picture, videos and store them in their personal computers (PCs). This is not a very effective option. If we want to work as a team and want to access those documents, it is not possible if they are stored in the individual PCs only. With SharePoint, you build an internet site within your company where only the employees of your company and trusted partners can have access to the information. SharePoint is one of the fastest growing products in business because people realise that they need to share the documents and work together as a team. Therefore, having the documents in a central location, which is easily searchable and accessible to people, can work effectively. We see the government officials and businesspersons using SharePoint to a large extent.<br />
	<br />
	Sometimes, it takes a while for a new technology to develop inside an organization. However, when the professionals inside an organization get along with the technology over time, they can adopt it to manage overall technology on their own. The fundamental capability of the software is to make people more productive. It makes a country more competitive in the world market. In Nepal, most of the talent goes outside the country in search of better opportunities. Our technology, adopted by organizations, can keep the intelligent people within the country which, in turn, helps the economy. There are lot of functionalities but at the core, Microsoft software is helping economies prosper and become more competitive at the world stage. With the integrated value of SharePoint, Link, Exchange, and Office into one platform, it makes the employees and teams to use the software more effectively.</span>&nbsp; <strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What can companies do to understand Microsoft and business productivity solutions better?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	One of the challenges we see is the people cannot properly understand what business productivity solutions can do for their business. In order to facilitate their understanding, we can show some works on PowerPoint presentation to them and also perform a demo if required. However, the best way to understand any product is to experience it. The analogy that I present many times to make my point is that you do not buy a car looking at its website. You take a decision by doing a test drive.</span><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our partners have invested in a facility called “Customer Emersion Experience” in which we bring business people and IT professionals together. Once they enter our facility, we place laptops in front of them and make them test drive Microsoft Productivity business solutions for the next two-three hours. This is the best way to make people understand the value of our platform. We then drive a communication between the IT professionals and business people on ways to enable software in an organization and the value that the business can get. The other way is that we are talking with some of the companies to deploy our technology on a small scale, to begin with. However, the cost effective way is to utilize our “Customer Emersion Experience” scheme. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	What makes you believe you are better than the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong>We have a lot of competitors in the market and needless to say, all of them have very niche products. For Microsoft Unified Communications, we compete with people who deal with voice mail system, web conferencing solution and telephonic solution. The way we think about it is to have an integrated approach with the platform. The other is to deliver all those services that are being delivered by independent vendors. We provide ways for a company not to have many relationships with vendors. It’s because we provide vendor consolidations to them.</p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How can business houses in Nepal benefit from this technology?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our software will help the user nations to save money on telecommunication. Nepal is a country with a lot of remote areas where people are seeking access to information. Unified communications can help them to deliver more value to the employees, customers, public servants and the citizens of the country. Many government agencies around the world are adopting this technology for better connection with citizens who need access to information. The software called SharePoint enables sharing of information and documents with people internally and the outside world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We help the IT departments in Nepal to provide one platform that can address all the different productivity needs. Therefore, it reduces their cost of having multiple vendor relationship and different solutions from different vendors. In addition, the IT department can have expertise around a single platform. Whereas, on the business side, people’s familiarity with applications like Word, <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-10-10',
			'modified' => '2012-10-30',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '665',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘Certification Is Equally Important For All Organizations’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business people" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sundar.jpg" style="width: 205px; height: 259px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	A mechanical engineer by profession, Kataria started ICS in 1999 and is expanding his business in 15 countries with 10,000 valid customers all around the world. ICS has 30 offices in India to be close to their valued customers and provide cost effective and efficient certification services. It has been providing its value added certification and inspection services to the government, public and private sector organizations involved in land, offshore and marine activities. ICS started the quality drive in Nepal nearly a decade ago and started its branch in Kathmandu last year. Kataria recently visited Kathmandu for the certification of an education institute. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of certification and quality management in Nepali industries and institutions. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the intention of your trip to Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We usually get a number of certification issues in Nepal and we come here frequently. This time around, I came here for the certification of one of the colleges and it was successful. Since we are the provider of social quality services, we feel the need of improvement in the Nepali management system of different industries including service sectors like health and education. We have a mission of providing international certification to Nepali management systems in different institutions. I have been visiting Nepal for a decade now. Although business is my first priority, my purpose of the Nepal trip has always been not only for work but also for pleasure. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How has your experience been with the local partners here in Nepal so far? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We have a business partner here who supports carrying out our programs and audit and marketing for us. The clients are also our partners and the experience with them is quite good. I appreciate Nepali industries’ enthusiasm to sustain in the market. They are facing many constraints in their businesses because of the political situation and unstable government. Moreover, they are dependent on the neighboring country even for raw materials. I find them not being able to recruit skilled manpower to run the organization. However, they have been able to sustain and continue their businesses. We should praise these industries, entrepreneurs and co-operatives for sustaining in the market. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How do you evaluate certification services in Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I should say that there a good number of industries available here and many of them have adopted this modern management system. Unfortunately, we find people in service sectors like finance, medical and education not adopting it. Certification is needed for quality assurance and therefore we suggest them to go for it because it also comes handy in supply chain and dealing with the customer. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>You mean to say that every institution needs to be certified. What is the process for ICS certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Certification is equally important for any organization whether it is a large corporate house or the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As we go for the standard approach i.e. the managerial approach, we help these institutions to enhance their management systems through quality management services. When you are certified, you would be able to manage your system very well. For the certification process, we observe and study the management system of the company and manually oversee their quality system as well as the audit system. For example, we look into the resources of the education institutions, their system and the organization’s working environment, competence of the manpower they have recruited, safety strategies of the industry and the process of education. Most education institutions in Nepal are governed by the Tribhuvan University and the secondary board and hence, they follow their rules. We find out the extent to which they are following the rules and regulations. We also check if they are fulfilling minimum environment requirements or not, how they cover the calibers, the ratio between the students and teachers, how they are improving and so on. We also inspect their results and find out whether they are improving or not and the training levels of the teachers. This system is quite a holistic approach and applies in manufacturing also. We go through the procurement of raw materials processing manufacturing, inspection and testing, delivery and after sales or services. We have varieties of approach and maintain the standard pertaining to different certifications. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How many countries and industries have followed ICS by now? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We are operating in 15 countries including the UAE and other gulf countries. ISO Geneva has blessed the industry and manufacturers including the service industry with an international standard Quality Management System ISO 9001. The ISO 9001 has been adopted by more than 200 member countries so far. This standardization on quality has become most popular and is considered as a benchmark. We are serving worldwide for many years now and many countries are opting for adaptation. Our targeted institutions are industry and service providers. We have certified some of the departments of Bank of India also. In Nepal, we have now 71 clients including Classic College which is the latest one. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>What are the expansion plans of ICS? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Although we are providing lots of inspections and certifications, I am looking forward to providing distinct education in Nepal. We have recently launched a one year diploma program on total quality management which is accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) of United Kingdom. I feel Nepal needs training for different institutions for industrial purpose and also for those who opt to seek employment in the gulf countries. There are no professional training institutions for the labor workforce. If we get a good partner here, we can start that too. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How can Nepali Industries get benefit from management certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	It’s been the question of every institution all over the world to have sustainability and at the same time, to maintain continuity in the competitive market. Increase in the cost of raw materials and labor cost, political instability and currency deflation have been the common problems everywhere. Once we certify them, they would be able to look into their system and tackle the problems very well. It’s like a third eye which helps to look into your system and operate without loss. Although we are an Indian company, we have a good relation with Nepal. Our mission is to support SAARC countries and Nepal is the closest neighboring country. We have manpower, strength and mission to support people and believe that our attempts will help them to have business sustainability and continuity. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-08-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva.',
			'sortorder' => '563',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '654',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘A Number Of Nepali Banks Are Interested In IS Audits’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business People" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/julyvisitingbusinesspeople(1).jpg" style="width: 195px; height: 273px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	He specialises on conducting Security Audits, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing for NII’s premier clients. Deo holds Certified Professional Hacker (CPH), Certified Professional Forensic Analyst (CPFA) and Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) certificates from the Institute of Information Security, the training wing of Network Intelligence India Pvt Ltd. He was recently in Kathmandu to participate in a security awareness workshop. The workshop was focused on general properties of information security, its nitty-gritty, demonstrations of security network tools and Information Security Auditing. In an interview with New Business Age, Deo talked about various issues related to security audits. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What brings you to Nepal this time? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I am here to participate in the security awareness workshop. We will be conducting general introduction to information security and IT security. I hope this will be beneficial to the business community at large in Nepal because almost all sorts of businesses today require computing system in one way or another. So, it becomes important to have a security system so that there is no infiltration into the computer system that will misuse valuable data and stored information. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the difference between IT security and information security? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IT security is a specific area that targets computer system whereas information security encompasses everything. Information could be a regular paper, or data or any other product a company may develop and all of that becomes part of information security. So, when you talk of information security audits, it also audits business growth. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What are the products and services NII is currently offering? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	NII is primarily into information security consultancy. We also have a product business with our sister concern called Institute of Information Security through which we do a lot of trainings. On the product side, we provide product support for products such as antivirus, anti-spam solutions, firewall products, data leakage prevention solutions and source code auditing – a unique area we specialise on. We are starting a new area where we are going to analyse mobile applications. We are planning to analyse java applications on an android platform. <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	Is there any difference in the extent of vulnerabilities faced by the corporate sector in the South Asia region when compared to that of western developed countries? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	I don’t think there are any specific differences. We face the same challenges that our western counterparts are going to face or have already faced. The difference is in the sense that the western counterparts already have information system for a longer period of time. So, their approach to audit system is more matured. Having said that, we actually have the benefit of having that knowledge ahead of it and there could be specific challenges in terms of the process because our process is different than their processes. Auditing the security system and making sure that they are fraud proof and security around them is well built, is the important part. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	With the invention of new technology and security systems, newer forms of threats are coming along. How challenging has it been to maintain security in the present situation? <br />
	<br />
	</strong><br />
	Mobile threats are becoming a major arena. There is significant penetration of mobile computing that is going on currently in the South Asia region. A lot of people want to operate their bank accounts through their mobile phones so it becomes an attractive target for frauds. It is important to consider that area as the emerging factor. Basically, all mobile devices – android based devices, iOS based devices and tablets – are coming into extensive use not just on a personal level but also in business. Companies allow you to bring your own device but they want to make sure that the company’s data you put on that device is protected as well. That is bringing new challenges on separating personal data from work data and about how to protect work data while also allowing you to maintain your personal data. Therefore, the security of these mobile devices is becoming a crucial factor. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	How do you compare the trend of maintaining security in Nepal and India? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	The challenges are more or less the same everywhere. Even in India, we are facing similar challenges you might be facing here. In some areas, threats may be more advanced than in other places. As NII, our core plans have been in the banking and we are well versed with the processes that take place in banks. That factor will be a beneficial one when we start our operations here. We are well aware of analysing security and performing audits, doing the measurements for different purposes and allowing that to have impact on your actual business so that the posture of your organisation with each audit becomes better. Security audits should not only try to make the process but also the overall way of working better. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	Security auditing seems to be the important need at present. How aware is the corporate sector in this region about it? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IS (Information Security) audit is one of the most important pillars of a good organisation. The reason is that computers are mostly used ubiquitously in all operations. So, all your important records are kept on computer. IS audit analyses your system and try to understand the threats that exist to your business. Based on threats, we will assess the controls you have in place and given the current control, we will suggest you the ways to improve. All of these is documented and audited by checking the evidence. While doing this repeatedly through one or two audits, the overall security for sure becomes better for the risks one is facing as every organisation faces some risks to their respective business. It could be as simple as the theft or it could be as complex as somebody doing a financial fraud. At the end of the day, the goal of IS audit is to minimise the risk in different areas of the business so that it continues to function unimpeded. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How affordable is such system for small to medium sized businesses? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	It is difficult to comment on their affordability, however, an IS audit can be customised as per the needs of an organisation. For example, an organisation may say that it only wants one of its departments to be certified for a certain certification. In that case, it can cut away pieces and then take the piece that it so needs. Therefore, it is affordable to many organisations and actually getting a certification like ISO 27001 is quite feasible for medium to large businesses. Even small businesses can afford the same if they are working in a very niche area and are the market leader in that <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	What are the prospects you see in Nepal when you would want to work here? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	There are a lot of prospects. For example, a number of banks here are interested in IS audits so it’s my guess that we will tackle that shortly. They are interested in data centres so we will also look into that. Both these areas are our core business so we would be very happy to have customers in these areas. If there are clients who want us to do specific kinds of engagements, we would be able to do that provided such requirements are under the purview of law. Banking, energy and industrial sectors are areas we are currently looking at right now. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-08-10',
			'modified' => '2012-08-15',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India.',
			'sortorder' => '553',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	Itâ€™s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense â€“ where the capital has not been infused â€“ has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepalâ€™s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air Indiaâ€™s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers â€“ investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market â€“ getting the basic assortment and distribution going â€“ before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because itâ€™s about interconnectivity â€“ broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs â€“ laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling â€“ our passive network solution â€“ which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now â€“ we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years â€“ there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base â€“ that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they donâ€™t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '514',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Nepali Market Is Strategically Very Important For Us',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>Indranil Sinha,</strong> the Director of Exports of Whirlpool India Limited was in Nepal recently, for the opening of two exclusive Whirlpool showrooms. He handles the international export of Whirlpool for South Asia. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the prospects of Whirlpool products in the Nepali market. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the trend of sales for Whirlpool products in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal has been one of the best performing markets for us in the last few years. However, I think the penetration of home appliances is still very low in Nepal. In Kathmandu, the market is good, but outside the valley, it's not much to write home about. We have been present in Nepal for the last 15 years, so we have a good network. We try to make sure that the products reach all over Nepal. Our appliances have made a good name for themselves. I wouldn't say the market is very profitable because if the prices are high, the buyers switch to other companies very easily. We are not very conscious about profitability right now; we are just trying to develop a brand image.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Nepali market is relatively a small one. How important is it for your portfolio?</strong></p>
<p>
	I don't think the market is really small. With a population of nearly 30 million, it's quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here. In Sri Lanka, the population is about 20 million, but the sale is around 250,000. In Nepal, the market is growing and so is our market share which is about 15 to 20 per cent. As the market grows, we want to maintain or even improve on our market share. In about five years, I see the market doing very well. Therefore, the Nepali market is strategically very important for us.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The competition is very tough everywhere today, and Nepal is no exception. A number of Asian brands, Japanese or Korean, are strongly dominating the market. But for European or American brands, we are comfortably placed at number one. All our Asian competitors are dealing in home appliances and consumer electronics like television, mobiles, laptops, monitors and other products as well. But our focus is only on the home appliances. We basically manufacture products that are used around the kitchen and make life easier for the users. You might not see flashy lights and a lot of buttons in our products, but you will get genuine benefit and convenience from them.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are the unique features of your product? What is it that gives you an edge over others? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have a refrigerator model in which we have used a technology that keeps food fresh even if there is a power outage for 15 hours. We discovered that generally the compartments of the refrigerators are opened every 10 or 15 minutes in a household to fetch vegetables, water and other items. The door opens and closes so many times and at the same time, hot air goes in. So the refrigerator has to consume extra power to keep things cool, which is not efficient by any means. We have come up with Proton series of refrigerators where we have separated the vegetable storage compartment in a drawer at the bottom and the refrigerator compartment remains at the centre. So, the whole refrigerator does not need to be opened all the time. This makes the refrigerator consume less power. We have applied similar innovations for other appliances as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are your future plans for the market here in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have recently opened two exclusive showrooms in Kathmandu. This will definitely help in making our product more visible. We are specially focusing on the market in Kathmandu, where there are opinion makers and trend setters. All the latest products will be there in the showrooms in the capital. We are also offering new schemes for the buyers and will be bringing in new products as well. We have new designs of kitchen chimneys, hobs, water purifiers, clothes dryer and microwave ovens.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Is there a possibility of Whirlpool establishing a manufacturing unit in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Right now, we don't have any such plans. We already have three factories in India and two in China, so opening a manufacturing unit here will not be economically feasible. But still, it's a probability that we may open a facilitating office here in Nepal because at present, we are operating through a distributor.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'With a population of nearly 30 million, Nepali market is quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here.',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/pavel andrle.jpg" style="width: 241px; height: 463px;" vspace="5" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Pavel Andrle</strong> is Secretary of the Banking Commission of International Chamber of Commerce-Czech Republic (ICC-CR) and regularly represents ICC-CR at the ICC Banking Commission meetings abroad. He has been deeply involved in the revision of UCP as a member of UCP 600 consulting group formed by over forty experts from all over the world. Andrle has also been closely involved in the revision of URDG 758. He has participated in the development of ICC-CR certified course Incoterms 2010 Masterclasses and currently serves as one of the ICC-CR official trainers for Incoterms 2010. He has been appointed ICC-CR expert to reply to enquiries related to Documentary Credits and Trade and Structured Finance development of technical assistance consultancy services of ICC-CR to banks, carriers, insurance companies and traders. Andrle was in Kathmandu recently and led a two day seminar for bankers on Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees&nbsp; URDG 758 organised by National Banking Training Institute (NBTI). In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the features and benefits of the banking commission documents he trained the seminar participants on. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Please tell us about this seminar that you had for the Nepali bankers.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, it was a very successful two day seminar and about 30 bankers representing more than 20 banks participated in this programme. We focused on issues such as Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees URDG 758. The seminar was very useful for professionals working in the trade finance sector and dealing with documentary collections and documentary credits that a bank guarantees. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate on Incoterms 2010?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Incoterms which translates to International Commercial Terms are developed by International Chamber of Commerce. Incoterms are part of Uniform Customs Practice (UCP) 600 widely practiced and followed by banks worldwide for mostly out of country transaction through Letter of Credits. The Incoterms rules are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods and are accepted by governments, legal authorities and practitioners worldwide for the interpretation of most commonly used terms in international trade. The eighth published set of pre-defined terms, Incoterms 2010 defines 11 rules, reducing the 13 used in Incoterms 2000. In the prior version, the rules were divided into four categories, but the 11 pre-defined terms of Incoterms 2010 are subdivided into two categories based only on method of delivery. The larger group of seven rules applies regardless of the method of transport, with the smaller group of four being applicable only to sales that solely involve transportation over water. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How important is URDG (Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees) 758 and what does it imply?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">The URDG 758 is a set of contractual rules that apply to demand guarantees and counter-guarantees. As the URDG are contractual by nature, they apply only if the parties to a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee so choose. The URDG can adequately provide an operational framework for any situation where a demand guarantee is required, whatever the situation is in the public or the governmental sector involved. Agreeing to issue a guarantee according to URDG spares the parties the effort of drafting extensive clauses to describe the independence of the guarantee, its irrevocability, its non-assign ability and the guarantor's duties and more. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the benefi ts with using URDG 758?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Once the URDG are incorporated in the guarantee or counter-guarantee text by contractual reference to the URDG, they are deemed to be entirely incorporated, unless specific article(s) are expressly excluded or amended. A URDG guarantee and counter-guarantee enter into effect from the date they are issued, unless their terms expressly postpone their entry into effect to agree with a later date or the occurrence of an agreed event. Accordingly, no demand for payment can be presented until the guarantee enters into effect following the occurrence of a specified date or event indicated in the guarantee.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will these programmes help the Nepali banks and bankers? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks to exercise acceptable international norms in issuing and accepting Letter of Credits. Besides, many issues arising out of international trade can be mitigated. The programme will help the banking staff working at the Trade Finance Department of their respective banks on recent issues related with issuing and accepting Letter of Credits and how to quote and implement Incoterms in the Letter of Credits.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><br />
	</span></p>',
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			'description' => 'The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks.',
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			'id' => '512',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Our Product Is Of National Interest For Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="261" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/subhaog ghosh.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="420" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Subhamoy Ghosh</strong> is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer. Ghosh joined Palfinger India on in June 2010 and looks after product management and business development of Palfinger Cranes in India along with overseeing finance and human resource functions. He was in Nepal recently to understand the market demands and requirements for Palfinger Products here. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his understanding of the Nepali market and plans for Palfinger here. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us something about your products? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We come from the field of transport solutions and our job is to make easy and quick loading as well as unloading of a truck so that it can go for another trip without wasting time. Transporters earn money when they make more trips and our main job is to give transport solution to the transporters. Besides being a lifting and shifting solution provider, we are a multiproduct group having seven major products. We are making our entry in Nepal with the truck loader crane and, in a couple of years from now, we will be introducing more from our product line. The Nepali market has some experience of using second hand Japanese trucks which come fitted with these kinds of cranes. On our part, we will be bringing two cranes: Stiff Boom Crane and Knuckle Boom Crane. Normally, cranes are known for loading and unloading using hooks but this one can perform even clamping and grabbing operations. The Knuckle Boom Crane can even drill a hole. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is there any special reason behind choosing these two cranes specifi cally?</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">In Nepal, everything has got stagnant and the market has become slow in the last five years. I believe that it is a good time to become better and catch up with the rest of the world. Nepal needs to develop its infrastructure very fast by constructing more roads, bridges, buildings, modernised airports etc. If the industrialisation in Nepal has to take place, abundant infrastructure needs to be there first. These cranes combined with trucks can play a fantastic role in infrastructural projects because these can lift materials and deliver to the projects. As Nepal is a geographically difficult terrain, it is not possible for any project to keep materials close to its vicinity. With truck loader cranes, we are adding versatility as they are more suitable for rental companies. Owning a crane independently may not be economically viable for companies in a small market like Nepal. Besides private players, the public firms too can be better served by these machines. Mechanisation is the solution for efficiency and can save human resource for other purposes while ensuring safety at the project sites. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How can small and large projects alike benefi t from these equipments? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">These can be used mainly in medium to large projects since they may not be cost effective for small projects due to the price factor. We are in the initial stage and trying to increase visibility of the product in the market as people should know what they can do with this kind of equipment. This crane can be used in various aspects such as construction, electrification, municipal waste, cargo distribution, at factories etc. So, we want to let the market decide how can the crane be best utilised as per various needs. Our job as a supplier is to give exposure to the market about the functionalities of these cranes. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you see the market prospects in Nepal? Are there any competitors in the Nepali market for you?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our ambition is to introduce 20 to 25 cranes in the first year in Nepali market for various applications. Then we can expect to grow along with the economic growth of Nepal. In advanced countries, manpower is expensive and it is not ready to do manual jobs and even the law prohibits it to some extent. So they have one crane for every five to 20 trucks whereas in Nepal and India, there is not even one crane for 100,000 trucks. I believe that 20 to 30 cranes should be fitted to every 100 trucks deployed. As of now, there is no competition for us in Nepal for new trucks and new cranes. The only competition is from the used trucks which I believe is not good for Nepali environment as they do not even meet environmental safety standards. If the import of these used trucks can be stopped, we will have no competition at all. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After sales service becomes a major issue whenever new equipments are launched. How do you plan to address this? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">This is the main reason why we have selected an able partner in Infratech. They have a strong presence in the market and enjoy recognition among customers. They will be further trained and groomed for this purpose but most importantly, these are maintenance free vehicles. Customers can not damage it even by choice as it has a host of safety protections, however, we don't want to take any risks and hence, we will also have a spare parts shop for the machines locally.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to establish your brand image in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">What we do in any new market will be done here as well. Once the dealership is announced, we will try to reach our customers through various media vehicles. We have certain branding plans targeting our users and customers. We normally try to reach as many potential customers as possible and as frequently in a year. We will organise likeminded customers meet, for example, one meeting for construction people while another for government officials. We believe that communication exercises will help us establish a decent brand image here in Nepal. <img align="right" alt="" border="1" height="201" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghosh 2.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="144" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the challenges you see for yourself in the Nepali market? How do you plan to overcome them?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">From a commercial point of view, the duty structure is unimaginably high particularly for a non-manufacturing country like Nepal. Such a heavy duty is actually bound to put a lot of pressure on buyers since they might be discouraged to buy such products despite wanting to have them. Secondly, there is almost no general awareness about this product so convincing the customers on a priority basis will be a big challenge. For the commercial solution, we have to meet the government of Nepal to see if anything can be done because this is a product of national interest for the country. It is not for somebody's personal use and promises to add value to the growth and development of Nepal. Educating the market is our duty and I hope that our marketing efforts and visible involvement in the market will ensure this.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Subhamoy Ghosh is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer.',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '511',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Nepali Market Is Dominated By SMEs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="bottom" alt="" height="357" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/shinji tada.jpg" vspace="5" width="198" /><img align="bottom" alt="" height="359" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/amit ali.jpg" vspace="5" width="199" /><strong><br />
	<br />
	Printers from Brother were available in the market for quite some time. What is the motive of officially launching the new line-up in the market now? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We were available for the last two months but we were still continuing with the current line-up. A couple of new models were brought a few months back and now the entire line-up is available. We decided to organise a formal launch now because we have changed this line up for the first time in three years. Laser printer comprises almost 90 per cent of our business so it is very important for us. Once the line-up was fully available, we decided to introduce the range formally in the market. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you analyse the Nepali market for your products? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Tada: This is an emerging market. It has potential to grow in the future but so far, this is a price sensitive market. So, we have launched products that are specifically targeted at emerging markets. I think with this range, we can achieve good results and gain more market share. <strong>Ali: </strong>I think the entry level models three-in-one and fourin- one printers have the highest sales prospects in Nepal because these are products that are very popular already. We want to sell more colour and high end products for corporate users.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you compare the Nepali market with other Asian markets? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> I think that the customer profile is different in Nepal. In other markets, there are more corporate houses and big companies who are our customers. But, the Nepali market is dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There is very low presence of foreign investments and no big multinational companies whatsoever. This is one of the biggest differences. <strong><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> In Asian markets, we have different types of countries ranging from Australia, a very developed country to Vietnam, an emerging country. The main difference is in the profile of customers. Nepal is a little less developed compared to other Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand which are better developed. They have strong corporate customers who are well educated. They are definitely cost conscious but they also know the importance of warranty. In Nepal, for example, around 90 per cent users depend on refill for laser products. This market needs a lot of education. A refill may save cost in the short term but over a period of, say, five years; it turns out to be complicated and damages the machine making it an expensive proposition. Our approach to the Nepali market is the same as in other regions because we are trying to enhance the education and awareness level of the customers. In terms of market growth and potential, this market has better prospects than any other Asian countries because they have already reached a certain level of penetration. The IT penetration is still low especially in the rural areas. We are optimistic that over the next 10 years, the IT sector will grow tremendously. Even the government sector has minimal exposure to IT so hopefully it may invest more in the next five years and we can grow along.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is your strategy to cater to home as well as corporate users?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> The corporate houses are our main target customers especially SMEs. This can prove to be the strongest market segment for Brother. Along with a few big companies, there are many SMEs in Nepal. These laser products rightly suit our target customersâ€™ needs and thatâ€™s why we have introduced these products here. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the specialities of Brother Products compared to other similar products?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali: </strong>There are three main reasons why Brother Products are known all over the world: (a) Quality, (b) very easy to use products and (c) strong and reliable products. Our products are popular in the USA because they are easy to use and install and it is our biggest market in small office segment. In case of Nepal, we have seen the results over four years now and our products are also being used in very remote regions. We are bringing in laser products which are customised for Nepali condition which we donâ€™t sell in another region, for example, the Gulf countries. These products are customised for Nepalâ€™s voltage and electricity situation making them very strong and reliable for usage in remote areas as well. The Brother Products come with a threeyear warranty and we believe that this will appeal especially to the corporate customers. They can have good quality, stable and strong machines as well as service and maintenance which is taken care of, for three years. We are very balanced between price and performance as we are not the cheapest brand available but we are also not the most expensive one around. We offer a combination of good price and performance to the consumers.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Your products are said to be environment friendly too. Tell us more about it</strong>. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We are committed to make environment friendly products and the Brother Products have received Ecomark and Blue Angel certification from Europe. This is the toughest environment certification to get anywhere in the world and now-a-days in Europe, you cannot participate in tenders unless you have this certification. All our products are certified which means that the parts, components and materials we use to make our products are environment friendly and bio-degradable as much as possible. Our products consume very less power and, in laser products, we use separate toner and drum technology which means the materials used in those items are less dense and hence, more easy to recycle. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We are trying to be an eco-friendly company and we are now producing different models that can print on both sides of a paper and thus ensuing lower paper usage. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is your volume wise sales target for the market here? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We keep an annual target for this market like any other market. Based on our distributorâ€™s commitment and comfort level, we decide a target with mutual consent and increase it every year. So, in the last four years, we have grown four times and our plan is to grow four times further till 2015. We do have a very ambitious target and hope to meet it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to meet this target?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We want to grow along with our distributors by taking care of the market. We have prioritised the Nepali market as it has a good potential. To make our business sustain and retain our customers, we need to provide good service to our customers besides sales. Once they buy a machine from Brother, the service they get from us determines whether they will choose to be a regular customer of Brother. The sales target for certain emerging markets will be introduced in due time and we believe that we will be able to achieve it.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shinji Tada is the Managing Director of Brother International (Gulf) FZE (BI) and Amit Ali is the Deputy General Manager of Printing and Solutions Division at BI.',
			'sortorder' => '417',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '447',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Quality Control Is The Most Important Part' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v1.jpg" style="width: 304px; height: 323px;" vspace="10" />Mohit Mamudi</strong> is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution dedicated to the enhancement of management education and training in developing nations. He has an MBA from Boston University, USA, and more than 30 yearsâ€™ experience in development and implementation of management and marketing strategies for some of the most successful global companies. Mamudi has held various executive positions and consultancy roles with more than 20 Fortune 500 corporations as well as governmental institutions in the UK and some of the most dynamic and challenging emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He was in the city recently for the formal opening of CG-CEDEMAS Institute of Management (CGCIM) â€“ the first internationally managed business school in the country â€“ in partnership with the Chaudhary Group of Nepal. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Mamudi laid out the nuances of CEDEMASâ€™ management education philosophy in Nepal, which will be delivered through CGCIM. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us about CEDEMAS?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">CEDEMAS was established to lead and direct global efforts for improving the quality and relevance of management education and training in developing countries. We are confident that this would enhance managerial capabilities and effectiveness in both the public and the private sectors in these countries.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Many academics from around the world have underscored the need for a new type of training programme for managers in developing countries, based on their respective cultures and requirements. Therefore, our mission is to create a learning environment for independent thinking, creativity and self-reliance, for the benefit of a new breed of managers and entrepreneurs.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">There are scores of management schools around. What is it that distinguishes you from&nbsp;others?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">I strongly believe that only a new management mindset can initiate change and persuade departure from established norms in managing the affairs of the state and industry in many parts of the world. We, at CEDEMAS, have realised that management education must recognise diversity and promote social and cultural awareness.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How did your affiliation with Chaudhary Group come about, to establish CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We brought this idea to Nepal and were lucky to meet Mr Arun Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group. We explained our goals to him which excited him as he thought it was absolutely necessary to have such an institute in Nepal. He was willing to be the local partner institute for us and make a contribution towards the educational sector of the country. Together, we have joined hands to further this noble cause.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already had our first group of Nepali academics who successfully completed the Advanced Certificate for Business Faculty (ACBF) programme at CGCIM after two months of intensive learning and were awarded the ACBF Certificate. These academics were already teaching in other colleges and universities but we brought them in and trained them in the way that we want them to teach. They are now ready to work alongside international professors to deliver our programmes here in Nepal.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please, tell us about your programmes internationally.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already established a partner institute in Iran apart from Nepal. A partner institute in Ukraine is in the final stages of planning while negotiation for a Sri Lankan partner is in the planning stage. We have also had fruitful discussions for setting up partner institutes in some other developing countries such as China, India, Ghana and Zambia among others. We know that we stand to face competition from existing management institutes in these countries. However, we are confident that our uniqueness will set us apart from others.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Which are the programmes that you will be focusing in Nepal through CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have three key programmes for Nepal. The first one is the Faculty Training Programme in which we train faculties of other colleges in teaching management courses. The second one is Post-Graduate Diploma in Development Management where students who already have a degree join us. We teach them about development issues that are related to Nepal. Besides these two, we also have a general Post-Graduate Programme in Management which is like an Executive MBA â€“ developing managers for businesses.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We will always have people from the UK supervising the programmes here. There will be professors visiting here from different parts of the world â€“ the US, the UK, and France among others. We are very certain that quality control is the most important part, so, we will be working towards that.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Will the methodology for CGCIM be the same as the one at your London campus?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Yes. The methodology that we will be applying here is especially developed by CEDEMAS. Itâ€™s called PEDAL (Plan; Engage; Do; Analyse; Learn) system of learning. In traditional universities and colleges, itâ€™s all about lecturing. Instead of using bookish theory, we make our students practise what is taught to them so that they get the lessons registered in their minds forever. The system allows the learners to experience a wide range of exposures and outcomes as a result of their decisions and actions.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How acceptable/recognised will be these courses internationally?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our programmes are UK Level-7 which is Post Graduation and conforms to the standards of UK accreditation agencies. If our students here in Nepal wish, we can even make arrangements for them to complete a 3-4 months thesis in the UK and obtain a dual masters after finishing their programme at CGCIM.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Is there great saleability associated with the courses as far as the job market is concerned?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are going to guarantee that anybody taking our programmes will be employed even before they have finished the programme. The companies are going to notice our students while they are still studying through work placements and case studies etc.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Mamudi is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution..........',
			'sortorder' => '359',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '446',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Huge Mobile Telephony Market Is Still Lying Untapped' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v.jpg" style="width: 376px; height: 393px;" vspace="10" />Abu Daud Khan</strong> is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the company to feature a dual sim. The handset also comes with an in-built Nokia Browser. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Khan spoke about Nokiaâ€™s consistent effort to drive more value by introducing exciting new features that promise to change Internet usage for millions of Nokia consumers. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">In which other markets have you launched Nokia C2-03?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are targeting all developing countries where a large consumer segment cannot afford high-end smart phones. Nepal is definitely a focus market for us. But apart from this country, we have already launched the product in India, China, Indonesia and Brazil.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is the target audience you are looking at through this particular product?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are looking at the masses and our vision is to connect the next billion. There is a huge market still lying untapped. Letâ€™s take Nepal as an example which has a population of around 30 million people. I have learnt that the number of mobile phone subscribers in this country has reached 10 million. There are 20 million people out there who are not connected by mobile telephony which means that affordability is still a factor for them. Therefore, we have tried to make the product as affordable as possible so that these people too can get connected. We are also trying to cater the need of dual-sim through this product.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt;">Even among the 10 million mobile phone subscribers in Nepal, a very small number of people actually have Internet access. We need to connect these people to Internet and that is precisely what this particular product will do. We are trying to do a couple of things here â€“ one is to connect a large population on account of voice and the next is to make a serious effort to make Internet available to people who canâ€™t afford laptops or personal computers&nbsp; at home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How cost-effective will Internet browsing be, courtesy Nokia Browser vis-a-vis traditional browsers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, we are claiming that it has the ability to compress websites up to 90 per cent. It means that in terms of compression, it can perform 90 per cent better and faster than the other operator browsers. The cost of downloading is, of course, the operatorâ€™s domain. From our perspective, the speed at which downloading takes place also determines the eventual expense. The Nokia browser compresses at a faster pace which enables Nokia users to consume more at a given budget.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Do you have any specific reason to introduce Nokia Browser with Series-40 devices?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our clear focus for developing markets is the price factor because a lot of people canâ€™t afford smart phones. However, they need to be connected to Internet or else there is a fear of them getting left behind in this fast changing global scenario. We wanted to cater to this large segment of people by developing a device which is easy to use and affordable.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Are there any plans to introduce Nokia Browser to mobile handsets of other brands or personal computers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s only available with Nokia phones to ensure best experience. This is the first product that comes with an inbuilt Nokia browser. All the upcoming Nokia handsets will have the Nokia browser from now onwards. Apart from that, we are also giving options to existing Nokia users for downloading the browser free of cost from Nokia stores.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Could you tell us a little about Nokiaâ€™s NAVTEQ?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NAVTEQ basically provides the base electronic navigable maps and its underlying map database is based on first-hand observation of geographic features. At this moment, we donâ€™t have the Nepali map available with us but we do plan to have maps in this product Nokia C2-03 in the future.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Abu Daud Khan is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the....',
			'sortorder' => '358',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '431',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''We Want To Target Corporates On A Much Bigger Way' (august 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/altaf.jpg" style="width: 415px; height: 346px;" vspace="10" />Altaf Halde</strong> joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of Kaspersky antivirus. For Nepal, Sagar Infosys is the sole authorised distributor for Kaspersky products. Halde revealed the company will soon release the enterprise version of the antivirus in the Nepali market. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Halde shared his views on the latest product and Nepal as the market for Kaspersky. Excerpts:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How do you see the market for Kaspersky products in Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I was pleasantly surprised to know about the market potentials of Nepal which I visited after Bangladesh where also we have a very good market share. In Nepal, we have more than 70 to 75 per cent market share. Based on what I hear from dealers, I think there is definitely a big potential over here. I can see a lot of educational institutes coming up, IT initiatives happening, and increasing penetration of laptops and desktops. That automatically translates that you need protection for your computers or laptops and that is where Kaspersky comes on the scene.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Most people use pirated software and operating system at home. What will be the extent of risk to such users from security viewpoint?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Risk is a lot. When you google the key â€˜free antivirusâ€™, you can find a lot of them that you can download. The download shows it is installing but you donâ€™t know whether it is actually installing. It might be downloading some malwares too. Nothing comes for free. People are using free software and they are not sure if that is the best thing. Secondly, people use pirated software. In this region, piracy is a big problem. In India, it was similar many years back but now customers realise that just using a process, the solution does not end; you also need support. You get the support&nbsp;by using a licensed product. That will take some time but it will gradually improve over a certain period of time because that is the way our markets are. On the question of risk, there is definitely the risk because you donâ€™t know what you are using. It might have malware, spyware, or some other kind of threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How can Kaspersky minimise such risks and protect users?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">The Kaspersky Lab which is centrally located in Moscow detects 35 thousand threats every day. You can imagine the number of threats. When a person is on the Internet, it does not matter whether he is sitting in Nepal, India or America. So, what Kaspersky does is that it keeps coming up with&nbsp;regular updates because the threats are increasing. That is how we are able to protect users from such threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Users often complain that Kaspersky requires powerful machine to operate, which slows down their system. How has Kaspersky addressed this issue in its latest version?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In 2012 version, we have come up with a hybrid technology â€“ cloud-based system. With this system, when you are using the desktop and you are not connected to the Internet, you donâ€™t need to have a lot of signature database on your machine. When you have a lot of signature database updates searching on a machine, it takes up your resources and the machine becomes slower. With the hybrid technology we are using cloud-based protection. So, the signatures of the threats are stored in the cloud. Once the user is in the Internet, computing power of the machine is not touched. That will happen in real-time across the Internet. That is how we have been able to address this particular problem. However, if you look in comparison with other products, we are much faster even in the existing version. We do understand that in emerging markets like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, computing is not very powerful. That is why this hybrid technology will prove very good technology for us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In Nepal, Internet bandwidth is lower and majority of users do not have access to high speed Internet. Donâ€™t you think the cloud-based system will be a challenge?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">On the consumer level, this could be definitely a challenge because of the Internet speed and probably the bandwidth will be affected but this cloud-based computing will still help reduce this particular problem because the computing is not happening on machine but in real-time in the cloud. We have tested our product with various Internet bandwidth types during the development stage and did not face problem. We will definitely be able to address this particular problem as time progresses. Once the users start using the product they will realise it is actually a good product by making use of good bandwidth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What is the volume your are looking at in terms of sales for Kaspersky products in Nepal? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I wouldnâ€™t be in a position to give you the target from the sales perspective but we have got very good market share at around 70 to 75 per cent with the previous version. This year, we should definitely look at a market share of 80 to 85 per cent. That is what we would want to achieve.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Who do you think are major competitors for Kaspersky in Nepali market? How is Kaspersky different from&nbsp;other products in the market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;I wouldnâ€™t say only about Nepal but globally, Symantec and McAfee are our competitors. There might be a lot of other products but on a global perspective, Gartner have listed three of us as top three security vendors â€“ Symantec, McAfee and Kaspersky. I would say that they are our real competitors.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">We are using hybrid technology while others are only talking about it. When we set up parameters, we are technically quite advanced in terms of updates size and faster scanning compared to other products. Even in this cloud-based technology, we have come up with a small sized update a day rather than making a big update like other products. We understand, in a country like Nepal, bandwidth rate is a problem. With a big update at once, users will not be able to update in time and will be open to threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How is the response of users to your products in South Asia in comparison&nbsp; with western markets? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Our biggest market is Europe, followed by America. Over there, the split is approximately 65 to 70 per cent in consumer segment and the balance in the enterprise segment which is a matured market for Kaspersky. In South Asia, we are very strong in the consumer space and in the enterprise space we have not yet been able to take it to the next level. So, if you put both of them together, I would say in south Asia, we are probably at the number three position, Symantec and McAfee probably being the leaders.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In small countries like ours, price of software is excessively higher which is sometimes even costlier than buying a pc. How does your new version compare with other products on this count?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;We have retained the same pricing as of the 2011 version. A single user pack of antivirus comes for Rs 1,000 for a year. If you look at the per-day basis, itâ€™s less than what a cup of tea would cost. So, that is the amount you are paying to protect the data or yourself. With the market share of 70 to 75 per cent, a lot of users are using Kaspersky 2011. We have also provided the user of 2011 version a free upgrade. That will come free of cost, if the users still have valid license period.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are the challenges you are facing&nbsp; in the Nepali market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Based on what I have seen in my first exposure to the Nepali market, piracy is rampant. Then, there are a lot of other products that come into the market with a lower price to dump their stock. They achieve their sales but there is no support. So, the consumers feel they are cheated. We see that as a challenge. While other products come to dump but we are there in the market with a proper focus. Sagar Infosys is Kaspersky products since 2008 and also providing support and there is our focus. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are your future plans for Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">We plan to keep coming here more often for developing consumer awareness because for us awareness is the key. If consumers donâ€™t know about the threats they will not look for protection. We want to make sure about the awareness on the threats and product developments. So, we want to have many such marketing events where we can go and address the threat scenario to consumers as well as corporate houses. We want to target corporates on a much bigger way in the Nepali market. We want to keep coming to Nepal with more and more solutions which are technically advanced. Everybody was talking about this cloud-based technology but nobody came up with a solution. So, whatever the technology or threats, Kaspersky will be the first to come with a solution.</span></span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-09-17',
			'modified' => '2011-09-28',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Altaf Halde  joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of ......',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '430',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''I Refuse To Call This A Liquidity Crisis' (august 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dr gautam vora.jpg" style="width: 283px; height: 328px;" vspace="10" />Dr Gautam Vora</strong><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, a Professor of Finance at The Robert O Anderson Schools of Management, The University of New Mexico, US, has an active research programme and lately he has been focused on option-valuation techniques, interest-rate modeling, investment strategies and mathematical modeling of financial plans.&nbsp;Dr Vora is also a Visiting Professor with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), and during his recent visit to Kathmandu, he addressed issues at a talk programme titled â€˜Financial Crisis: Will Nepal Join It or Avoid It?â€™ organised by KUSOM. In an interview with </span><i>New Business Age</i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, he discusses the likely consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis, among other issues. Excerpts:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How, do you think, the current liquidity crunch in Nepal can be set right?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">First of all, â€˜liquidity crunchâ€™ is a wrong phrase to use. Secondly, the problem is not that of liquidity because there is enough money in circulation including the so-called monetary supply. It is actually credit crunch. The people who need to repay the money arenâ€™t able to manage credit to repay quickly. So, primarily, it affects them. The people who speculated are the ones unable to borrow more to make payments on their loans. I have been told that land prices in Kathmandu soared outrageously but have come down drastically in recent times. The BFIs lent against those lands as collateral at higher prices and everybody got large amounts as loans. Now that the value of same land holdings has come down immensely, the borrowers cannot sell off the land to repay the loans. So, these people are looking elsewhere for more money. The impact of this situation on the banks is that they were expecting certain cash inflow of interest and repayment of the principal on the loan but they are not getting it. The BFIs have stopped getting money from the borrowers while they still have to pay interests to their depositors. It is a small world and everybody knows whatâ€™s happening. The depositors the world over stand in the queue immediately to withdraw all their cash the minute they panic. In such an event, the bank has to find money from somewhere to pay cash to the depositors. We can call it insolvency on the bankâ€™s part because it may have the assets but not enough cash. I refuse to call this a liquidity crisis in technical terms: itâ€™s a cash problem. This is precisely the case when the NRB is forced to bail out such BFIs by supplying them bundles of cash to pay the depositors. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;You have labeled the global financial crisis a â€˜group of crisesâ€™. What is your logic behind this observation?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s because the complete picture on global financial crisis is not only about impacting financial markets but also the path it treaded to reach there. It is for everyone to see that there is a crisis but most people are unaware of the real causes behind it. The problems are deep within the system due to which many commentators started calling it a systemic failure. The system was designed and modified over the years in such a manner that it led us to this problem. Thatâ€™s why I call it a group of crises because it took us a long time to get there. The whole story was in the making for 10 â€“ 15 years in the US and before the people could realise, it carried over to other countries as well. It started during the Clinton (Former US President Bill Clinton) administration when the liberalisation policies were implemented and the government agencies were indirectly asked to do certain things for the society. But it slowly increased in size and intensity and ultimately developed into a major crisis.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What, in your opinion, should be the conduct of Nepal Rastra Bank as well as the Banking and Financial Institutions (BFIs) to ensure smooth running of the economy?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">It seems to me that Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is currently the only organisation in Nepal which can look after the financial sector as well as the economy. That makes it a very important agency. I did have the opportunity to speak to a few NRB officials and realised that they are exceedingly competent and have the countryâ€™s interest at heart. The problem is that when you overwhelm a small group of people with too much work, they cannot handle it. You also need regulatory and legal structures backing these people up. The decision of classifying commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, etc as part of the financial sector is definitely very important but it is equally important to set limits for them. It would have been useful to categorise the scope of work for these institutions and spare them interference from the ruling structure of the country as well as the promoters of respective companies. Everybody has a stake in the institutional well being but the ultimate goal for these institutions should be to promote the national economy. If they are going to look at their own narrow self interests then they can do so in the short term only. This is where NRBâ€™s role of being a regulatory agency becomes critically important.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">You accept that NRBâ€™s role is of paramount importance. What best can it do to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB ought to develop a sub agency whose sole focus would be to manage and supervise the oversight of the â€˜Aâ€™ class commercial banks because they are the biggest ones and they have roots in the economy everywhere. They are the real conduit or the pipeline for the monetary policies of NRB so they need special attention. They need tight grouping but I donâ€™t know how that is being accomplished at this point of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What are your recommendations for Nepal to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB is doing all it can to avoid the crisis. It does lot of good things such as giving the money, regulating and supervising, encouraging merger of weak banks with strong banks, etc. The difficulty I see is that of the assets portfolio. The loans that the BFIs have made are weakening, in other words, they are becoming non-performing. This kind of a situation puts a lot of stress on the capital structure and the flow of credit to the economy. No matter what NRB does, the problem doesnâ€™t seem to go away. There are different ways of handling the problem. The bad loans must be taken over from the banks and passed on to NRB. It is a question of how much the central bank can do because they have other goals in mind such as ensuring price stability and looking after the development of the economic sectors etc. The ultimate challenge is that of supervising the BFIs and making them do the right things which require exceedingly tight control.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How do you view the consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have gathered that only about 35 per cent of the population in Nepal has access to banking services. So, the rest 65 per cent of the population will not be directly affected if, god forbid, a financial crisis was to happen here. But what is really interesting here is: most people under this 65 per cent population are barely maintaining a subsistence level anyway. The commercial sector which depends on the BFIs and the development of different industries, agriculture, construction etc will be severely affected in the event of a financial crisis. Even though we may say that the population at large might not be affected, the large chunk of the economic activity could very well be affected and that is the problem. Therefore, even the poorest of the poor will be affected indirectly. Nepal is in a very strong position because of huge amount of remittance it receives every year which is a very nice safety net. But the question is should we rely only on a safety net. Instead, we must rely on a good machine so that we donâ€™t have to use the safety net. And so, my concern is mainly from that perspective. We are trying very hard for economic development so letâ€™s not derail it by letting one little sector of the economy cause problems for the others. We need to study as to what per cent of the real economy depends on the financial sector. Look at the difference between the interest rates that people get on their deposits in the banks and the inflation rate. There is no incentive to save because the purchasing power is constantly decreasing. So, we do not need to have that sort of control in the economy to help save. Savings are to be used to increase the size of the economy for which we need good investments that can generate more income for the country. Finding good investment opportunities is key to bringing the whole economy together. Therefore, if the BFIs donâ€™t do their job well, then we are bound to face major problems.</span><br />
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘We want to do a Long Term Business in Nepal’</span></span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="" border="1" height="360" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Jagannath-Patanaik.gif" vspace="10" width="242" /></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Raj Mehta </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the CMD of Little Italy Restaurant and Bar, an Indian restaurant chain well known for authentic Italian cuisine. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:</span><br />
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the prospects that Little Italy sees in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Nepal is a growing economy and a lot of tourists visit Nepal. Besides, Nepalis travel to a lot of places and so, people do know about different kind of food. The culture for eating out is also very good. There is a lot of potential for food as it is a never-dying business. Globally, food can be categorised into four major categories – Indian, Chinese, Italian and French. Indian as well as Chinese foods have good presence in Nepal while Italian food too is there but not as a proper fine dining option. That is the reason we chose Nepal and are very happy to be here. Kathmandu can sustain two more Italian dining outlets. Pokhara, being a major tourist destination, can also sustain an outlet. It is just a matter of time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Little Italy is a new brand name for Nepal. How do you plan to market your brand along with Italian food? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">First, launching the brand will increase the visibility of a particular brand in the market. We are covering the brand name through newspapers and e-marketing is being taken care of by our marketing team. The food business has a lot to do with word-of-mouth. We are certain on it because we are confident about the food. Once the food is tried and tasted, the word-of-mouth spreads like fire. There are marketing strategies in place but we believe most in the word-of-mouth publicity. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the brand value of Little Italy at present? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand was started in 1989 from Pune as a family run business. When an outlet was established in Mumbai in 1995, we got a big exposure. After that, we understood that there are a lot of prospects throughout India. As the world was getting narrower because of globalisation, we started franchising. That was one of the best ways to grow. This is a fine dining restaurant, so, we need a local partner to look after its day-to-day affairs. We have presence in most of the two-tier and three-tier cities in India. We started our first international outlet last year in Dubai which is doing very well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the specialities of your restaurant? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We always wanted to be a fine dine restaurant for unique experience. We prepare food in an authentic Italian way - as the Italians prepare it. We like to keep the menu authentic as we don’t believe in getting things tailored. Everything is fresh here and we never compromise on quality. </span><strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Usually, the branded and chain restaurants in Nepal are priced comparatively high. How have you priced your menu? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our target customers are local people, Indians residing in Nepal who know about us during their travels to India and other tourists. For tourists, Italian food is a kind of staple food. Relatively, this brand is a value for money. We maintain our standards that can be compared to a five-star restaurant but we believe that the price has to be value for money. We want to do a long term business rather than a short term business in Nepal. This will be a destination for good food and value for money. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the level of competition you feel here?</span>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Fortunately, there is no competition. The market is a virgin territory for us. There are hardly any players in this particular Italian fine dining segment. There are few places for continental and multi-cuisine delicacies but something like fine dining is missing. There are a few players in Kathmandu market who are scattered here and there but those having a full-fledged setup are unfortunately missing. So, we don’t see any competition at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">KFC and Pizza Hut recently faced a serious labour problem. How would you tackle the situation if similar situation arise in this restaurant too? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I would say things have to be seen positively. We should be able to take care of all the scenarios which are unfortunately common here in Nepal. It was kind of similar throughout the world years before. We must try to understand the situation. If both management and staff are well taken care of, such kind of scenario will not come up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Consumers are Shifting Towards High Quality Products’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Rajendra-Desai.gif" vspace="10" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Rajendra Desai </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the General Manager for Business Development at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL). </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He has recently been appointed to the post of Country Head for Nepal and will be looking after the operations here. Having a work experience of three-and-a-half decades, Desai has worked at Asian Paints for 26 years in various capacities. He has been associated with Nerolac for the last seven years. Kansai Nerolac is a Japan-India Joint venture company. After the acquisition of Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd, the company has transformed into Japan-India-Nepal tripartite joint venture. In an interview with New Business Age, Desai shared details about the acquisition and the moves ahead. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints has acquired 68 per cent stakes in Nepal Shalimar Paints. What are the reasons behind this move? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, India entered the joint venture with Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd (NSPL), one of the leading paints manufacturers in Nepal and acquired 68 per cent stake in the Nepali paints manufacturer. The investment made by Kansai Nerolac towards this acquisition is about Rs 125.8 million. With this acquisition, Nerolac expects to consolidate 10 per cent market share for Kansai Nerolac in Nepal. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd has shown significant business interest in the country. Further, the company would be giving a loan of Rs 120 million to fund the working capital requirement of NSPL. Considered in the top five bracket of Nepal, Nepal Shalimar commands a market share of 8 per cent in Nepal. It had a turnover of Rs 205.7 million in 2010/11 and approximately Rs 250 million in 2011/12. The company’s consolidated profit would improve and in turn increase EPS which will also benefit KNPL shareholders. KNPL is utilising the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar and manufacturing the entire Nerolac range of products that are currently exported to Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">After the acquisition, Nerolac envisages to capture more than 15 per cent market share. How do you plan to achieve that? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are here to make Nepal almost self-reliant with the production of paints that match international standards in quality. Rapid urbanisation, construction boom in the past and growing awareness among customers has triggered the demand of paints, giving a leg up to the mostly joint ventures and subsidiary of Indian multinational companies. We believe that urbanisation not only in Kathmandu but also creation of new urban centres across the country with the flow of remittance in rural and semi-urban areas has been an encouraging factor to expand the paints market. We will be focusing to cash in on the emerging market. </span> <span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We have observed in recent times that the market is growing for paints despite slowed demand in the construction sector as consumers have become more aware and are shifting towards high quality products. Population growth and infrastructure development will have advantage to increase in demand of the paints. Due to growing demand, we aim to deliver international quality and healthy home paints at the right price which will be the unique selling point of our brand to achieve higher market share. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the market prospects you see in Nepal? </span></strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We are proud to say that our water-based products are heavy metal free such as lead, mercury, chrome etc and all the products are almost zero VOC-(Volatile Organic Compound). We offer a wide range of decorative paints for exterior and interior walls as well as for wooden and metal products. Some of our products for exterior walls are Nerolac Excel Total, Excel Antipeel and Suraksha Advance in premium, middle and economy range respectively. Likewise, our products for interior walls are Nerolac Ecoclean, Impression 24 Carat Luxury of premium class, Lotus Touch Premium Emulsion for mid-range, Beauty Emulsion and Little Master for economy range. We have also offered Beauty Acrylic Distemper for our customers. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Our end consumers, paints dealers and painting contractors are loyal to Nerolac brand and have huge confidence in it. We have always served our customer needs in the best way possible. Likewise, we constantly make sure that the health of our customers is not affected while using our products. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">You are also planning to use the production capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. What will be the range of products that will be produced within Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are augmenting the existing capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. We have added some new paints grinding machines for better quality and higher production capacity. We will be using same technology of manufacturing as we do in Japan and India. So, there will not be any variation in the quality of products produced here. We will be producing a full range of products in Nepal that we currently manufacture in India such as water-based emulsion for both Interiors and exteriors along with solvent-based primers and top coats with ancillaries. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the products that you plan to launch soon in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">A complete range of Nerolac paints is being launched in Nepal as we were already doing business via our range of products by importing in the past. Now, we will be manufacturing the same in Nepal at our Birgunj plant. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand Nerolac is endorsed by popular celebrities like Shahrukh Khan. How do such endorsements add value to the brand that also influences the Nepali market?<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Shahrukh Khan is a leading celebrity of Bollywood and has a huge fan base not only in India but across the globe including Nepal. The brand endorsement has given boost to our sales figures in India and the same is expected in Nepal as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Nepal is a Strategically Important Country to Focus Upon’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Jagannath Patanaik </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Director-Channel Sales (South Asia) of Kaspersky Lab India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Kaspersky Lab is one of the fastest growing IT security vendors worldwide. Over 300 million people worldwide are protected by Kaspersky Lab products and technologies. Its corporate client base exceeds 200,000 companies located around the globe, ranging from small and medium-sized businesses all the way up to large governmental and commercial organizations. The Lab has more than 120 global partner and technology OEM agreements with companies and today, it’s the world’s largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection solutions. In an interview with New Business Age, Patanaik talked about Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 and market prospects for Kaspersky products in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Can you please tell us the purpose of your current visit to Nepal? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have just launched the new edition of Kaspersky internet security and Kaspersky mobile security anti-virus here in Nepal. Essential to any level of PC security is superior anti-virus protection that does not slow down your system. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 has been loaded with the latest technologies that work behind-the-scenes while delivering real-time, cloud-enabled protection from the latest threats, and proactive protection from unknown dangers. It is the essential protection for your computer and mobile these days. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Tell us about some latest features of the new edition of Kaspersky 2013. </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is packed with the latest Kaspersky Lab technologies from our team of world-class security experts and engineers. It works surreptitiously with intelligent scanning and small, frequent updates, while delivering real-time protection. It goes beyond simply scanning for vulnerabilities and now includes analysis and control over the actions of programs and applications with vulnerabilities, so they cannot cause any harm. With a single mouse click, File Advisor uses cloud-based technologies to check the safety of any file you would like to access. In addition, our URL Advisor adds color-coded tags to all web links to advise you of the danger level of the link and subsequent pages. The users can fully enjoy the PC and Internet without being dragged down by security software. Small, smart updates and intelligent scanning operate behind the scenes while delivering maximum PC performance. </span> <br />
	<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the Nepali market for Kaspersky? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><strong> </strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">There is lack of purchase habit regarding software in South Asian market and Nepal is no different. Although being a piracy-oriented country, we need to motivate people to develop a habit to purchase software. However, we have been able to penetrate the market and make people understand the benefits of our product. Nepali market is indeed a challenging market for us. Nevertheless, we are able to make some enrollment. Today, we are talking about reducing the piracy in order to create a virus free Nepal slowly. We have begun to set up Kaspersky anti-virus in every government institution of Nepal for six months for the virus free Nepal campaign. Thus, we are highly positive about the Nepali market in the days ahead as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali market needs to grow. We are trying to educate people regarding the anti-virus security here. Nepal is one of the strategically important countries to focus upon. We are planning to provide security software services to 100,000 computers in Nepal so as to increase the awareness regarding genuine internet security. </span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	Who are the targeted customers for Kaspersky?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Anybody who owns a computer is our target customer. Major targeted customers are the individual consumers and then we are also targeting the government institutions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What do you consider to be the USP of Kaspersky amongst the targeted clientele here in Nepal?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Default" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt;line-height:10.05pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">As we know that online transactions </span><span mso-bidi-theme-font:="" new="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:" times="">are increasing each day, we have unique features in our new edition of Kaspersky 2013 known as “safe money”. Safe Money protects data during online financial transactions. Apart from it, the new Automatic Exploit Prevention ensures that vulnerabilities will not compromise your PC. Similarly, there is an improved version of Virtual Keyboard and Anti- Phishing protection guard against identity theft. A new Secure Keyboard mode protects personal data entered via physical keyboard. Anti-Spam and Anti-Banner protection block unwanted content. The new improved Advanced Parental Control keeps your children safe and responsible online. Hassle-free protection ensures maximum PC performance. All this makes Kaspersky irresistible for computer users all around the globe including Nepal.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Can you tell us about the innovative business solutions regarding the product?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">In the consumer section, we have internet security anti-virus while in enterprises segment, we have Kaspersky security for virtualization. As people have started to use virtual machines, we are trying to use security solutions for cloud. Kaspersky workspace security (KOSS-1) deals with the protection for workstation and Centralized Administration Kit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Kaspersky Business Space Security (KOSS-2) protects data, file Server, workstations etc. Similarly, Kaspersky Enterprise Space Security (KOSS-3) is for protecting e-mail Server, data, and file server. Kit Kaspersky Total Security (KOSS-4) protects internet gateway, email Server, data/file Server.</span><br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Do you currently have any competition for your product in Nepal? If yes, how do you plan to keep ahead of the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Currently, we are leading the business. I think that continuous improvisation in the product has created a tough competition to our competitors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">What are your business plans for Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">We operate through business channel partners and do not directly go to the market. We go through distributors and channel partners and do a lot of marketing in order to increase awareness and visibility. We are targeting piracy in order to increase our business. We are in the middle of a long tour to educate people regarding the benefits of the software even in Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">How do you compare Nepali market with other markets for your product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">Nepali market is a unique one and we are the number one in this market. In India, we are in the second position. However, we are leading in most South Asian markets. The product is making us proud. We are increasing people’s awareness regarding Kaspersky being a reasonably priced product. With this product, the Nepali consumers can experience a sense of security while using the computer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Our Main Strategy is to Customize Basic Products According to Nepali Customers’ Demand’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" height="284" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Milind-Pandharipande.gif" vspace="10" width="178" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Milind Pandharipande </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#211D1E">is the CEO at ITS (Information and Telecom Systems) in India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">While pursuing his Masters in Computer Science in USA, he also worked as a research scientist for Horizon telecommunications USA. After some years, he returned to India and established his own company. His company had an effective operation from June 2006 and it began to roll out the products from 2010 onwards. Although it’s a fairly young company, he is confident about his business. He was in Kathmandu last month for launching his cash and check deposit machine. In an interview with New Business Age, Pandharipande talks about the importance of deposit machines in Nepali financial sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The primary purpose of my visit to Nepal is to promote ITS’s self service Kiosk products, the ones which have been successfully deployed in India already. These products have been especially designed to work in conditions like extreme climate and power shortages which is common in countries like Nepal and India. Our products have been designed for the banking sector, the utility sector and are primarily focused on self service. If you are familiar with ATM machine where the customer can directly withdraw cash, our products can help customers not only withdraw the cash but also deposit the cash or check in his or his friend’s account. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the features of your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">These products have multiple features, where a customer can perform cash deposit, check deposit, account-to-account money transfer, balance inquiry etc. For instance, I can enter my account number and then decide whether to make cash deposit or check deposit. If I make cash deposit, the machine will instruct me to put all my notes in a cash tray and it will accept it one note at a time. Once, all the notes are accepted, it will provide me a transaction receipt and my account will be credited for that amount. These products are fitted with high performance security system which has made them robust. A type of mechanism has been built into it including a back-up UPS. Also, if the machine is stolen, it will automatically inform the law enforcement agencies. Every tampering with machines, either physical or software is recorded and transmitted to the enforcement agencies. This way the machine becomes a formidable piece of hardware.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Who are your target group of customers? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are basically promoting these products for Nepal’s banking and financial sector. And obviously, the major customers are the banks, finance companies and utility companies, for instance, mobile operators. There are also clients from electricity companies and other companies who are into financial transactions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span>&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are talking to the news media basically the ones who can promote our products. We are seeking promotion of these products from our local partner World Distribution Nepal (WDN). It is difficult for someone coming from India to spread their business covering the entire country of Nepal. For quick penetration, we need other local partners here who can introduce the products in the market. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have tried to make our products customer friendly and are also offering more features on it. The only way that we can grow our business is by local customization. We cannot just bring the products from India and sell in Nepal. We ask consumers how they want to customize them. Like, if I offer coffee to you, I would not prepare coffee against your interests. I would ask how much milk and sugar you want which makes you very comfortable to drink that coffee rather than me telling you to drink coffee of my choice. Our main strategy is to bring the basic products that have been developed in India and then customize it according to the demand of the customers in Nepal, for instance, language customization. Customers from Nepal might be interacting or having certain bank transaction differently than what we have customized for Indian customers. That is why we consider local customization a key to our success.<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">It is not just Nepali industries, it is important for overall businesses in Nepal. For instance, if I ask my customers to come between nine in the morning and five in the evening and suggest that I can sell the products only during this time, the customers may not feel comfortable to shop. Instead of that, if you take your shop to where the customers are, you will be able to flourish your business. Likewise, with these machines, customers can get service anytime, anywhere. We are bringing these products to our neighborhood and it could be operated 24hrs/7days. This will absolutely raise the number of customers and the bank’s revenue will increase. Many a time, customers do not pay utility bills not because they do not want to pay but because they do not have the avenues to pay. When the bank is closed after five, customers look forward to the next day. With these products, they will be able to deposit their cash after 10 pm also without having to go to the branch office. It is like an ATM machine where you can withdraw your cash rather than having to wait for the bank. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How do you observe the market demand for your products? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We will follow the same strategies what ATMs in Nepal have already been following. Every year, we have been doubling the features that are getting deployed. There has been a high demand for our products in Nepal. Nearly four banks have shown interests in our products who are likely to start using our products soon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-11-01',
			'modified' => '2013-06-07',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We have been Able to Address the Problems Faced by Nepali Traders’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="viraj" border="1" height="449" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Viraj-Rai.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Viraj Rai </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the Line Manager of TLPL Shipping &amp; Logistics Pvt Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management. To ease the export/ import business into Nepal, the company is expanding its business in Nepal by offering Thru B/L service thereby transforming the ICD of Birgunj either into a truly functional hinterland dry port of loading to ICD or into a Dry Port. Rai was in Kathmandu to participate in a trade meet organized by Nepal Foreign Trade Association. In an interview with New Business Age, Rai has emphasized on the need of transport facilities for the importers operating international trade in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Could you please highlight the reason for your visit? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The reason for visiting Nepal this time has been to organize the trade meet, a long-term demand of the Nepal trade. So, we are promoting it through BL service, whereby importers in Nepal can greatly scan by availing our single window point-to-point total logistic solution. It will facilitate picking up the cargo from the port of origin or from the factory of the supplier and move it up to ICD Birgunj and issue them one single multimodal document BL for their entire service. As a result, they end up saving huge amount of cost. In normal convention system right now, they pay for detentions or delays from Kolkata port right up to ICD Birgunj. Moreover, we take care of that by providing that service and giving delivery to them in Birgunj and any delay in between is not a cost for them as we cover that risk in our service.</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	The whole purpose of our visit was to promote our services especially in Kathmandu. We have started this service more than a year ago. Earlier, it was introduced in Birgunj under the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, and we wanted to fine tune and improve it further. Therefore, we have been learning, fine-tuning, and improving ourselves during this period. We have felt in recent times that we are ready to take this to the next level. That is why we felt the need to organize this trade meet and address the entire trade in Kathmandu </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What types of problems are the Nepalis importers facing while bringing goods from different ports through ICD Birgunj? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Since Nepal is a landlocked country, it is wholly dependent on nearby Kolkata ports. There are many problems put forward by Nepali importers while bringing goods from different ports. To begin with, they do not have control over the shipment period or the time and the container in sea. However, once it reaches the land, there is still uncertainty because there may be some delays at the Kolkata port in loading the container or delays in the train itself. Throughout this entire process, they have to depend on outside agencies for information flow and updates. Currently, they have to depend on shipping land to know the status when the container would reach Kolkata. They need to depend on the forwarder or the CHA to know when the container would be cleared at Kolkata port. Then they need to know when it would be loaded on wreck after which they need to follow up to know when the ship will reach Birgunj. In our service, we do away with all this. We give a single window solution and all the information flow is provided locally here at Birgunj. Therefore, this is a big solution to one of the biggest problems that Nepali trade is facing. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the same time, because we are covering TLPL up to Birgunj, we have seen most of them paying huge amount of detention cost in the current conventional system. Due to this, crores of rupees is being paid to Indian shipping agents for the time taken for the containers to come from Kolkata and to go back which is normally much beyond the free time given by shipping lines. So, in our case, we cover that risk by providing service up to Birgunj so that there is further cost saving to the trade. These are two of the major problems being faced by the Nepali traders and we have been able to address it. At our level, we cannot address other problems that have been faced by the traders. It has to be done in accordance with India- Nepal treaties. However, the problems that we are addressing are within our control as it is based around shipping and land logistics. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What were the queries from the importers during the trade meet? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the end of it, everybody is looking at the bottom line. Therefore, they look at ways to reduce the cost. The feedback we received from the audience is that sometimes the Kolkata port is congested. The next concern was how fast the container can be loaded for Birgunj. In the present scenario, it is not possible to give a guaranteed time. Then there is addressing of issues on a larger scale from government-to-government through transit treaty or rail service agreement between the two nations. </span> <br />
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you going to address the problems faced by the importers and exporters?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">One is the timely flow of information. There are also times when the traders find our rates little high so they give their business to the traditional forwarders. However, they are still in touch with us to try to get information that possibly they are not getting as accurately from their existing forwarders. Therefore, we do get calls regularly from importers in Nepal asking us to cross check on information. In the present scenario, they probably want to verify the information they are getting. In our service, the information flow will come from us directly and given to them in Nepal. They do not need to call at Kolkata as the entire single window solution will be given here in Nepal itself.<br />
	<br />
	The second one is the cost element that we see on an average. There is a huge amount of detention cost being paid because of delays between Kolkata and Birgunj and empty containers going back. In our service, the container is going to be allowed up to Birgunj after which we plan to give three days free time for local importers at Birgunj and five days for importers from Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to me, these are ample time frames for the importers to empty containers and send them back to Birgunj. Once they return the containers to Birgunj, their responsibility ends there. They have no detentions to worry about because it’s us who cover that cost element. This is a two-fold benefit and we will see how we can add further value to this entire service. Along the line, we would also look for cutting down on costs that are within our control.</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the weaknesses of Nepali exporters/importers while using your services?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Many traders import from China. There seems to be a miscommunication between the importer and supplier. Therefore, when we approach the supplier, we find it has not been properly informed that we are the nominated carriers. We see this mistake on flow of information to the suppliers a number of times. The other mistake is about error in documentation. There are times when the information provided to us is not accurate and we have to give back the documents to the importers. In addition, sometimes the documents sent for clearing the container at Kolkata are incomplete. These are small mistakes but they definitely lead to delays and increase the cost. Luckily, we have the provision in Indian customs to clear the cargo through copies of the documents so that it saves time while couriering the originals. With time, the number of mistakes has lowered as our customers are more aware now. With the new customers, we have to possibly educate them beforehand and see how they can avoid these mistakes.</span><strong><br />
	<br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">In your opinion, how can Nepali traders become more competitive?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">There is certainly a disadvantage being a landlocked country where you are dependent on ports. However, by utilizing our services, the traders would get advantage of cost which will make them competitive. In addition, if they focus on error free documentation and timely information flow, it will lead towards reduction of mistakes and eventually provide cost competitiveness to them. In today’s world when everything is online, I am sure that they can utilize the tools being offered by technology to bring down costs. We have seen in the past how Nepal has played its role in the export of garments and carpets. Therefore, there is an advantage of labor and craftsmanship somewhere along the line. If the traders can change their set mindset and accept the new technological services provided by us, it will definitely be beneficial for them.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali traders complain that they do not get information of their goods after they load it at the port to be sent to Nepal. What is your take on it?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Most of the customers who had the problem of not getting timely information are not particularly going by the system of traditional movement right now. This is where they have answered their own problem. We have assured them timely information and movement of the containers provided they give us the chance. Our service is the solution to their existing problems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">They also say that your service is a bit expensive and takes more time in comparison to other modes of transportations to Nepal. What do you say?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We have not seen any importers who have not paid detentions. In fact, most of them are paying it. They need to look at their cost and compare it. When we prepare quotations, most of the customers ask for cost breakup till Kolkata. This is not possible for us as we offer complete package solution. At the end of the day, we say that give us a chance to serve you. Our existing customers believed in us and subscriber to our idea. Moreover, those who started with us have stuck to us so far. We can always negotiate and come to an agreeable rate. Nevertheless, I can assure that in the long run, the cost benefit to the Nepali traders would be far more than what they think right now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘A Restaurant is a Personality Driven Business’</span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="harikarki" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Hari-Karki(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="257" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Hari Karki </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the owner of GURU, a Hong Kong based Indian Restaurant as well as a Spanish eatery. </span></span> <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He started his career as a trainee in Hotel Soaltee Oberoi in 1993. Besides Food &amp; Beverage business, he is involved with Universal Music Company. Karki, permanent resident of Hong Kong is also involved in a website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is worth 15 million Hong Kong dollars. In an interview with New Business Age, Karki divulged his plans for business expansion in Kathmandu in the near future. Excerpts:<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to kindly share some experiences regarding early days in your career?<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I started my hotel career as a trainee in Soaltee Oberoi in 1993 that lasted for nine months. Although the training was very basic, it was helpful for building the foundation of my career. After that, I joined Hotel Himalaya, which was a very important decision for my career. It provided me a strong base and I received support from many good colleagues there. That is where I learned the value of decision-making procedures. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp; <br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How was your experience working in the Food and Beverage industry abroad? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">While working at Hotel Himalaya, I thought about pursuing higher studies. So, I went to Bahrain for management studies and afterwards, worked for a year there. Thereafter, I went to Hong Kong for holidays. That is how I landed in Hong Kong. In the meanwhile, I resigned from the Bahrain hotel I was working at. In Hong Kong, I started working at Curry Pot Restaurant as one of my friends was working there already. They were looking for manager at that time. The moment I landed there, I realized the tremendous potential that the restaurant had. I started working and within a few months, I brought about many changes within the restaurant. We were able to open three outlets of the restaurant soon. We also created a brand “Curry in a Hurry” fast food chain in Hong Kong. Later, I was given 25 per cent equity and there were 145 employees working under me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">One important aspect of this industry is to make customers feel that we care for them and at the same time, not ready to compromise with high standards. You need to improvise on the quality of food, service, and everything else. Hong Kong is a very competitive city and there are unique ideas and people everywhere. You need to compete with them in order to capture the market.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you involved in any other business currently apart from Food and Beverages business?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Besides Food and Beverage business, I am involved with Universal Music Company. We are involved in website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is a 10 million Hong Kong dollar project with additional five million for marketing. This makes the project worth a total of Rs 15 million Hong Kong dollars. The reason for setting this website is for lottery, horse racing, football gambling etc. Since HKJC cannot directly promote gambling, they create lifestyle websites called as Fasttrack.hk to encourage youths towards such activities. It is the Asian perspective of entertainment and we promote it as an essence of lifestyle. We update our subscribers with new information regarding fashion, music, politics etc. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;Currently, I am planning to expand the Food and Beverage business. I am also working on a Brazilian concept outlet. I think this is a good idea as Brazil is hosting the 2014 Football World Cup. At that time, the craze for Brazil will be higher therefore, we are working on that aspect. I am also looking forward to invest in Kathmandu so I am trying to find right partners here to start unique ventures.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the new trends, besides food, to run restaurants successfully in today‘s age?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I think the new trend is the people who run such businesses. Besides food, interior plays a vital role and adds soul to restaurants. It is a personality driven business. It could be the personality of the manager, waiters, or the restaurant itself. If you could put the soul of your staffs to provide service to your customers, they matter more than the expensive furniture, wines, or any other aspect of the restaurants.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Therefore, gone are the days when the hotel employees treated the customers with mere words. These days, there is a new trend in Hong Kong where the customers and the employees of restaurants or hotels treat each other as friends. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to explain about the potential cutleries that are to be used in restaurants?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Everybody wants to be updated these days. When anything comes to your table, it is very essential to work on details. You want to use contemporary utensils to catch up with the changing desires of the customers. Having said so, I would like to add that the look of the equipments and the cutleries should match with the theme of the restaurant. If you are running a modern restaurant, you cannot afford to place old cutleries there. Therefore, you need to update accordingly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the areas that Nepali hoteliers should improve upon?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I came here a couple of years ago. The sad thing is that when I went to the same place, I found that the menu had not changed. The good part was that the people working there were the same. However, it was clear that they were not being able to keep pace with the trend. The question is not only about wanting to upgrade but whether the entrepreneurs are actually doing it in practice. However, at the end of the day, it’s the customers who decide about the change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Customers visit the restaurants and hotels to feel the difference. However, if they get the same boring treatment through the services of hotels and restaurants, they would not enjoy it. Therefore, in this particular business, the first thing is to upgrade our services in a similar manner we upgrade our life itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">It is said that the services of the five star hotels here in Nepal is equivalent to the services of three star hotels abroad. What is your comment on this comparison?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Well, I do not think that the comparison is fair. The categorization of hotels or restaurants depends on the kind of service you provide to your customers. For instance, there are many ways of providing service to your customers. Serving is an art in itself which sets you apart from others. It is an important aspect that every restaurants and hotels should understand while providing services to their clients.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What improvements should the service provider bring to achieve perfection in services provided to the clients? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I think, to begin with, the trainer should get the proper training themselves. Then only, they will be able to train their staffs accordingly. When you do not update yourself, you will not come to know about new trends in the business. These days, customers seldom complain about your service. They simply stop coming to your place. If your customers complain about your services, you must take it positively and think of these customers as your well-wishers. People do not have the time to point out your weaknesses all the time so it is your responsibility to upgrade your service in accordance with the present time. Tell us something about your restaurant and the investment figures involved.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The theme of my restaurant is simple and it is unique that in a very short period of time, the restaurant has created a brand of its own. There has been a breakthrough in Indian cuisine and you can find good reviews and comments about my restaurants on my website. It has been almost three-and-a-half years now. The investment in the restaurant is 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars while the annual turnover is around 4.2 million Hong Kong dollars. With an area of 1500 square feet, the seating capacity of the restaurant is 175 people. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">When you travel around the world, you can see many Indian restaurants, however, there are very few Nepali restaurants abroad. Is it because we lack varieties to offer in terms of our cuisine?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I do not agree with this observation of yours. In my opinion, you have to study the market before you start any business. For instance, if you target only Indian customers at Indian restaurants, you will fail. You have to think holistically. In Hong Kong also, Nepalis have great scope everywhere as the people of Hong Kong have tremendous respect for Nepalis. I also serve some Nepali delicacies at my restaurants. We have enough scope to serve Nepali delicacies to the customers in Hong Kong.</span>&nbsp; <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are Nepali businesspersons doing in Hong Kong?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The involvement of Nepalis in Food and Beverage business is remarkable. They have left even the westerners behind, in this respect. Let me give you one example. Few months ago, two young Nepali men opened two new outlets called Escape and China Bar with an investment of 16 million Hong Kong dollars. They are doing fabulous business In terms of other businesses, Nepalis are involved in import/export, construction, travel agency etc. I must say they are doing well for themselves in Hong Kong. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you associated with the NRN Association? Are there any NRN businesspersons who are doing business here? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I am a member of the association, however, I am not actively involved in it. As an idea, it is good. However, I do not see where they are heading. It all depends on who is leading the association. There are many NRNs doing business here. Some are involved in banking, travel agencies, trading, and others. I think that everyone has to work on their strong aspect, start from scratch and then dream big. If I have to start a business here, I will have to learn the basics about the market. That is the reason why I am looking forward to appropriate partners here in Nepal. I would need at least six months to study the market locally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We See a Huge Yet-to-be-Tapped Market for BUSY in Nepal’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="pankaj" border="1" height="408" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Pankaj-Kumar-Roy.jpg" vspace="10" width="331" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Pankaj Kumar Roy </span></span><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is Business Development Manager at Busy Accounting Software, one of the popular accounting and inventory management software for MSMEs in India.&nbsp; </span></span><br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company has currently over half-a-million users in over 20 countries. BUSY 12 is the software that the company has introduced lately. Roy visited Kathmandu recently for the expansion of his software business in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of accounting software in Nepal’s business sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">This time, we came here for the promotion of our new software BUSY 12. We are providing technical support to busy users as well as providing training to channel partners on BUSY 12 – our latest version for BUSY range of accounting software.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What are the major features of your software products?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY is an accounting and inventory management software. The salient features of BUSY are: Financial Accounting, Inventory Management, Statutory Reports, Invoicing, Production, Bill of Material, Multi- Location management, checks and controls, MIS and many more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Please tell us something about your software BUSY 12. Who are the target groups for this product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY 12 is an accounting and inventory software with a host of new features and enhanced functionalities including sales/purchase quotation, customizable reports, data access through SMS/e-mail, auto back-up of data and provision for voucher audit etc. It’s an ERP for SMEs which allows businesses to manage their accounting, inventory, invoicing, and statutory requirements. It also offers a feature that would help the user in securing their data against theft and misuse, thus maintaining a better control mechanism. It also enables users in preparing sales or purchase quotation. All businesses which require software to manage their business are our target customers. Hence, all SMEs and in fact the corporate houses also, can benefit from BUSY 12.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We sell our software through the channel partners in Nepal. Currently, we have three channel partners in Kathmandu and multiple resellers working for these channel partners. As an organization, we put big emphasis on customer satisfaction so we plan regular visits to our customers to resolve their issues. We regularly participate in leading exhibitions in Nepal and organize seminars and workshops also. Moreover, we take regular feedback from our partners and customers to incorporate features specific to businesses requirements in Nepal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">As I mentioned earlier, customer satisfaction is our motto. We believe in a theory that ‘one happy customer refers you to ten more,’ so we are striving hard to make our customer feel happiest which we believe will boost our business. We have plans to organize meetings, workshops and seminars regularly to train and educate people on BUSY. Moreover, we would be participating in leading exhibitions and advertising in leading newspapers too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have so many excellent features in BUSY which simplify the businesses of Nepali SMEs. For example, we provide Nepal VAT reports, Nepali date, computerised billing, checks and controls, multi-branch management etc including other features which have been beneficial for Nepali businesses. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<br />
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the market demand for your software?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We see a huge yet-to-be-tapped market for BUSY in Nepal. Our software caters to almost every industry – retailers, traders, distributors, discreet manufacturers and corporate entities. However, most of the businesses here are either not using any software or are using out-dated software to manage their accounting and inventory needs. Therefore, we feel that we are in the right position to capture a big market share in the next two to five years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We Help Nepali Counterparts to meet IT Product Needs’<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="alexandar" border="1" height="385" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Alexander-Oddoz-Mazet.jpg" vspace="10" width="263" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Alexander Oddoz-Mazet </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#221E1F">is the Director – Asia Pacific Region of Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and business realize their full potential. Through its regional office in Bangladesh, it has been marketing and promoting Microsoft products and solutions in territories of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Microsoft has been present in Nepal since 2007. Oddoz-Mazet was in Kathmandu to attend a business event titled “Maximizing Business Productivity – Leveraging Microsoft Technologies”. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about Microsoft’s business productivity solutions among other issue. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">With business productivity being high on most organizations’ priority list, what does Microsoft offer in specific to the Nepal market?</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are developing a new scenario that helps people to work together as a team and as an organization. Communication is one of the key scenarios so people need to do it more effectively while collaboration is also one of the scenarios that we need to work at more effectively. At Microsoft, we now have a few technological solutions that can help to achieve that. One of them is Unified Communications which is a way to reduce complexity by putting people at the centre of the communications experience. The goal is to integrate all of the ways we contact each other in a single environment using a single identity and presence. It provides businesses in Nepal with the power to choose how they provision services whether on their own premises, as cloud services, or in a hybrid fashion. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How significant is Unified Communications from Microsoft’s perspective?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	It is very important indeed. With Unified Communications, we bring instant messaging, web, email, calendar, SMS etc together into one platform which makes it very easy for information technology (IT) divisions at organizations to manage a lot of things and make them very cost effective. It is a one-stop solution to everything. For themes, it has one-user interface that enables organizations to perform all types of communication. It has made it easy to drive a new way for all activities, to use different tools. With the Unified Solution powered by Microsoft, the users are free from the hassle of using different access, passwords and methods to use it. We provide a new communication solution not only to connect internally but also to the outside world.<br />
	<br />
	Please share the key capabilities of these solutions that you have mentioned in your presentation In not only Nepal, but also in countries around South East Asia like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, we found that people create word document, PowerPoint presentations, picture, videos and store them in their personal computers (PCs). This is not a very effective option. If we want to work as a team and want to access those documents, it is not possible if they are stored in the individual PCs only. With SharePoint, you build an internet site within your company where only the employees of your company and trusted partners can have access to the information. SharePoint is one of the fastest growing products in business because people realise that they need to share the documents and work together as a team. Therefore, having the documents in a central location, which is easily searchable and accessible to people, can work effectively. We see the government officials and businesspersons using SharePoint to a large extent.<br />
	<br />
	Sometimes, it takes a while for a new technology to develop inside an organization. However, when the professionals inside an organization get along with the technology over time, they can adopt it to manage overall technology on their own. The fundamental capability of the software is to make people more productive. It makes a country more competitive in the world market. In Nepal, most of the talent goes outside the country in search of better opportunities. Our technology, adopted by organizations, can keep the intelligent people within the country which, in turn, helps the economy. There are lot of functionalities but at the core, Microsoft software is helping economies prosper and become more competitive at the world stage. With the integrated value of SharePoint, Link, Exchange, and Office into one platform, it makes the employees and teams to use the software more effectively.</span>&nbsp; <strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What can companies do to understand Microsoft and business productivity solutions better?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	One of the challenges we see is the people cannot properly understand what business productivity solutions can do for their business. In order to facilitate their understanding, we can show some works on PowerPoint presentation to them and also perform a demo if required. However, the best way to understand any product is to experience it. The analogy that I present many times to make my point is that you do not buy a car looking at its website. You take a decision by doing a test drive.</span><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our partners have invested in a facility called “Customer Emersion Experience” in which we bring business people and IT professionals together. Once they enter our facility, we place laptops in front of them and make them test drive Microsoft Productivity business solutions for the next two-three hours. This is the best way to make people understand the value of our platform. We then drive a communication between the IT professionals and business people on ways to enable software in an organization and the value that the business can get. The other way is that we are talking with some of the companies to deploy our technology on a small scale, to begin with. However, the cost effective way is to utilize our “Customer Emersion Experience” scheme. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	What makes you believe you are better than the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong>We have a lot of competitors in the market and needless to say, all of them have very niche products. For Microsoft Unified Communications, we compete with people who deal with voice mail system, web conferencing solution and telephonic solution. The way we think about it is to have an integrated approach with the platform. The other is to deliver all those services that are being delivered by independent vendors. We provide ways for a company not to have many relationships with vendors. It’s because we provide vendor consolidations to them.</p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How can business houses in Nepal benefit from this technology?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our software will help the user nations to save money on telecommunication. Nepal is a country with a lot of remote areas where people are seeking access to information. Unified communications can help them to deliver more value to the employees, customers, public servants and the citizens of the country. Many government agencies around the world are adopting this technology for better connection with citizens who need access to information. The software called SharePoint enables sharing of information and documents with people internally and the outside world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We help the IT departments in Nepal to provide one platform that can address all the different productivity needs. Therefore, it reduces their cost of having multiple vendor relationship and different solutions from different vendors. In addition, the IT department can have expertise around a single platform. Whereas, on the business side, people’s familiarity with applications like Word, <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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			'id' => '665',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘Certification Is Equally Important For All Organizations’',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business people" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sundar.jpg" style="width: 205px; height: 259px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	A mechanical engineer by profession, Kataria started ICS in 1999 and is expanding his business in 15 countries with 10,000 valid customers all around the world. ICS has 30 offices in India to be close to their valued customers and provide cost effective and efficient certification services. It has been providing its value added certification and inspection services to the government, public and private sector organizations involved in land, offshore and marine activities. ICS started the quality drive in Nepal nearly a decade ago and started its branch in Kathmandu last year. Kataria recently visited Kathmandu for the certification of an education institute. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of certification and quality management in Nepali industries and institutions. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the intention of your trip to Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We usually get a number of certification issues in Nepal and we come here frequently. This time around, I came here for the certification of one of the colleges and it was successful. Since we are the provider of social quality services, we feel the need of improvement in the Nepali management system of different industries including service sectors like health and education. We have a mission of providing international certification to Nepali management systems in different institutions. I have been visiting Nepal for a decade now. Although business is my first priority, my purpose of the Nepal trip has always been not only for work but also for pleasure. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How has your experience been with the local partners here in Nepal so far? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We have a business partner here who supports carrying out our programs and audit and marketing for us. The clients are also our partners and the experience with them is quite good. I appreciate Nepali industries’ enthusiasm to sustain in the market. They are facing many constraints in their businesses because of the political situation and unstable government. Moreover, they are dependent on the neighboring country even for raw materials. I find them not being able to recruit skilled manpower to run the organization. However, they have been able to sustain and continue their businesses. We should praise these industries, entrepreneurs and co-operatives for sustaining in the market. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How do you evaluate certification services in Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I should say that there a good number of industries available here and many of them have adopted this modern management system. Unfortunately, we find people in service sectors like finance, medical and education not adopting it. Certification is needed for quality assurance and therefore we suggest them to go for it because it also comes handy in supply chain and dealing with the customer. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>You mean to say that every institution needs to be certified. What is the process for ICS certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Certification is equally important for any organization whether it is a large corporate house or the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As we go for the standard approach i.e. the managerial approach, we help these institutions to enhance their management systems through quality management services. When you are certified, you would be able to manage your system very well. For the certification process, we observe and study the management system of the company and manually oversee their quality system as well as the audit system. For example, we look into the resources of the education institutions, their system and the organization’s working environment, competence of the manpower they have recruited, safety strategies of the industry and the process of education. Most education institutions in Nepal are governed by the Tribhuvan University and the secondary board and hence, they follow their rules. We find out the extent to which they are following the rules and regulations. We also check if they are fulfilling minimum environment requirements or not, how they cover the calibers, the ratio between the students and teachers, how they are improving and so on. We also inspect their results and find out whether they are improving or not and the training levels of the teachers. This system is quite a holistic approach and applies in manufacturing also. We go through the procurement of raw materials processing manufacturing, inspection and testing, delivery and after sales or services. We have varieties of approach and maintain the standard pertaining to different certifications. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How many countries and industries have followed ICS by now? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We are operating in 15 countries including the UAE and other gulf countries. ISO Geneva has blessed the industry and manufacturers including the service industry with an international standard Quality Management System ISO 9001. The ISO 9001 has been adopted by more than 200 member countries so far. This standardization on quality has become most popular and is considered as a benchmark. We are serving worldwide for many years now and many countries are opting for adaptation. Our targeted institutions are industry and service providers. We have certified some of the departments of Bank of India also. In Nepal, we have now 71 clients including Classic College which is the latest one. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>What are the expansion plans of ICS? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Although we are providing lots of inspections and certifications, I am looking forward to providing distinct education in Nepal. We have recently launched a one year diploma program on total quality management which is accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) of United Kingdom. I feel Nepal needs training for different institutions for industrial purpose and also for those who opt to seek employment in the gulf countries. There are no professional training institutions for the labor workforce. If we get a good partner here, we can start that too. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How can Nepali Industries get benefit from management certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	It’s been the question of every institution all over the world to have sustainability and at the same time, to maintain continuity in the competitive market. Increase in the cost of raw materials and labor cost, political instability and currency deflation have been the common problems everywhere. Once we certify them, they would be able to look into their system and tackle the problems very well. It’s like a third eye which helps to look into your system and operate without loss. Although we are an Indian company, we have a good relation with Nepal. Our mission is to support SAARC countries and Nepal is the closest neighboring country. We have manpower, strength and mission to support people and believe that our attempts will help them to have business sustainability and continuity. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-08-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva.',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '654',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘A Number Of Nepali Banks Are Interested In IS Audits’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business People" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/julyvisitingbusinesspeople(1).jpg" style="width: 195px; height: 273px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	He specialises on conducting Security Audits, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing for NII’s premier clients. Deo holds Certified Professional Hacker (CPH), Certified Professional Forensic Analyst (CPFA) and Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) certificates from the Institute of Information Security, the training wing of Network Intelligence India Pvt Ltd. He was recently in Kathmandu to participate in a security awareness workshop. The workshop was focused on general properties of information security, its nitty-gritty, demonstrations of security network tools and Information Security Auditing. In an interview with New Business Age, Deo talked about various issues related to security audits. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What brings you to Nepal this time? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I am here to participate in the security awareness workshop. We will be conducting general introduction to information security and IT security. I hope this will be beneficial to the business community at large in Nepal because almost all sorts of businesses today require computing system in one way or another. So, it becomes important to have a security system so that there is no infiltration into the computer system that will misuse valuable data and stored information. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the difference between IT security and information security? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IT security is a specific area that targets computer system whereas information security encompasses everything. Information could be a regular paper, or data or any other product a company may develop and all of that becomes part of information security. So, when you talk of information security audits, it also audits business growth. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What are the products and services NII is currently offering? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	NII is primarily into information security consultancy. We also have a product business with our sister concern called Institute of Information Security through which we do a lot of trainings. On the product side, we provide product support for products such as antivirus, anti-spam solutions, firewall products, data leakage prevention solutions and source code auditing – a unique area we specialise on. We are starting a new area where we are going to analyse mobile applications. We are planning to analyse java applications on an android platform. <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	Is there any difference in the extent of vulnerabilities faced by the corporate sector in the South Asia region when compared to that of western developed countries? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	I don’t think there are any specific differences. We face the same challenges that our western counterparts are going to face or have already faced. The difference is in the sense that the western counterparts already have information system for a longer period of time. So, their approach to audit system is more matured. Having said that, we actually have the benefit of having that knowledge ahead of it and there could be specific challenges in terms of the process because our process is different than their processes. Auditing the security system and making sure that they are fraud proof and security around them is well built, is the important part. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	With the invention of new technology and security systems, newer forms of threats are coming along. How challenging has it been to maintain security in the present situation? <br />
	<br />
	</strong><br />
	Mobile threats are becoming a major arena. There is significant penetration of mobile computing that is going on currently in the South Asia region. A lot of people want to operate their bank accounts through their mobile phones so it becomes an attractive target for frauds. It is important to consider that area as the emerging factor. Basically, all mobile devices – android based devices, iOS based devices and tablets – are coming into extensive use not just on a personal level but also in business. Companies allow you to bring your own device but they want to make sure that the company’s data you put on that device is protected as well. That is bringing new challenges on separating personal data from work data and about how to protect work data while also allowing you to maintain your personal data. Therefore, the security of these mobile devices is becoming a crucial factor. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	How do you compare the trend of maintaining security in Nepal and India? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	The challenges are more or less the same everywhere. Even in India, we are facing similar challenges you might be facing here. In some areas, threats may be more advanced than in other places. As NII, our core plans have been in the banking and we are well versed with the processes that take place in banks. That factor will be a beneficial one when we start our operations here. We are well aware of analysing security and performing audits, doing the measurements for different purposes and allowing that to have impact on your actual business so that the posture of your organisation with each audit becomes better. Security audits should not only try to make the process but also the overall way of working better. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	Security auditing seems to be the important need at present. How aware is the corporate sector in this region about it? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IS (Information Security) audit is one of the most important pillars of a good organisation. The reason is that computers are mostly used ubiquitously in all operations. So, all your important records are kept on computer. IS audit analyses your system and try to understand the threats that exist to your business. Based on threats, we will assess the controls you have in place and given the current control, we will suggest you the ways to improve. All of these is documented and audited by checking the evidence. While doing this repeatedly through one or two audits, the overall security for sure becomes better for the risks one is facing as every organisation faces some risks to their respective business. It could be as simple as the theft or it could be as complex as somebody doing a financial fraud. At the end of the day, the goal of IS audit is to minimise the risk in different areas of the business so that it continues to function unimpeded. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How affordable is such system for small to medium sized businesses? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	It is difficult to comment on their affordability, however, an IS audit can be customised as per the needs of an organisation. For example, an organisation may say that it only wants one of its departments to be certified for a certain certification. In that case, it can cut away pieces and then take the piece that it so needs. Therefore, it is affordable to many organisations and actually getting a certification like ISO 27001 is quite feasible for medium to large businesses. Even small businesses can afford the same if they are working in a very niche area and are the market leader in that <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	What are the prospects you see in Nepal when you would want to work here? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	There are a lot of prospects. For example, a number of banks here are interested in IS audits so it’s my guess that we will tackle that shortly. They are interested in data centres so we will also look into that. Both these areas are our core business so we would be very happy to have customers in these areas. If there are clients who want us to do specific kinds of engagements, we would be able to do that provided such requirements are under the purview of law. Banking, energy and industrial sectors are areas we are currently looking at right now. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
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			'description' => 'Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India.',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	Itâ€™s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense â€“ where the capital has not been infused â€“ has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepalâ€™s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air Indiaâ€™s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers â€“ investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market â€“ getting the basic assortment and distribution going â€“ before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because itâ€™s about interconnectivity â€“ broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs â€“ laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling â€“ our passive network solution â€“ which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now â€“ we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years â€“ there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base â€“ that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they donâ€™t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '514',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Nepali Market Is Strategically Very Important For Us',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>Indranil Sinha,</strong> the Director of Exports of Whirlpool India Limited was in Nepal recently, for the opening of two exclusive Whirlpool showrooms. He handles the international export of Whirlpool for South Asia. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the prospects of Whirlpool products in the Nepali market. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the trend of sales for Whirlpool products in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal has been one of the best performing markets for us in the last few years. However, I think the penetration of home appliances is still very low in Nepal. In Kathmandu, the market is good, but outside the valley, it's not much to write home about. We have been present in Nepal for the last 15 years, so we have a good network. We try to make sure that the products reach all over Nepal. Our appliances have made a good name for themselves. I wouldn't say the market is very profitable because if the prices are high, the buyers switch to other companies very easily. We are not very conscious about profitability right now; we are just trying to develop a brand image.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Nepali market is relatively a small one. How important is it for your portfolio?</strong></p>
<p>
	I don't think the market is really small. With a population of nearly 30 million, it's quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here. In Sri Lanka, the population is about 20 million, but the sale is around 250,000. In Nepal, the market is growing and so is our market share which is about 15 to 20 per cent. As the market grows, we want to maintain or even improve on our market share. In about five years, I see the market doing very well. Therefore, the Nepali market is strategically very important for us.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The competition is very tough everywhere today, and Nepal is no exception. A number of Asian brands, Japanese or Korean, are strongly dominating the market. But for European or American brands, we are comfortably placed at number one. All our Asian competitors are dealing in home appliances and consumer electronics like television, mobiles, laptops, monitors and other products as well. But our focus is only on the home appliances. We basically manufacture products that are used around the kitchen and make life easier for the users. You might not see flashy lights and a lot of buttons in our products, but you will get genuine benefit and convenience from them.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are the unique features of your product? What is it that gives you an edge over others? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have a refrigerator model in which we have used a technology that keeps food fresh even if there is a power outage for 15 hours. We discovered that generally the compartments of the refrigerators are opened every 10 or 15 minutes in a household to fetch vegetables, water and other items. The door opens and closes so many times and at the same time, hot air goes in. So the refrigerator has to consume extra power to keep things cool, which is not efficient by any means. We have come up with Proton series of refrigerators where we have separated the vegetable storage compartment in a drawer at the bottom and the refrigerator compartment remains at the centre. So, the whole refrigerator does not need to be opened all the time. This makes the refrigerator consume less power. We have applied similar innovations for other appliances as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are your future plans for the market here in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have recently opened two exclusive showrooms in Kathmandu. This will definitely help in making our product more visible. We are specially focusing on the market in Kathmandu, where there are opinion makers and trend setters. All the latest products will be there in the showrooms in the capital. We are also offering new schemes for the buyers and will be bringing in new products as well. We have new designs of kitchen chimneys, hobs, water purifiers, clothes dryer and microwave ovens.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Is there a possibility of Whirlpool establishing a manufacturing unit in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Right now, we don't have any such plans. We already have three factories in India and two in China, so opening a manufacturing unit here will not be economically feasible. But still, it's a probability that we may open a facilitating office here in Nepal because at present, we are operating through a distributor.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'With a population of nearly 30 million, Nepali market is quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here.',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '513',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Increased Awareness Of Incoterms Would Help Local Banks',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/pavel andrle.jpg" style="width: 241px; height: 463px;" vspace="5" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Pavel Andrle</strong> is Secretary of the Banking Commission of International Chamber of Commerce-Czech Republic (ICC-CR) and regularly represents ICC-CR at the ICC Banking Commission meetings abroad. He has been deeply involved in the revision of UCP as a member of UCP 600 consulting group formed by over forty experts from all over the world. Andrle has also been closely involved in the revision of URDG 758. He has participated in the development of ICC-CR certified course Incoterms 2010 Masterclasses and currently serves as one of the ICC-CR official trainers for Incoterms 2010. He has been appointed ICC-CR expert to reply to enquiries related to Documentary Credits and Trade and Structured Finance development of technical assistance consultancy services of ICC-CR to banks, carriers, insurance companies and traders. Andrle was in Kathmandu recently and led a two day seminar for bankers on Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees&nbsp; URDG 758 organised by National Banking Training Institute (NBTI). In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the features and benefits of the banking commission documents he trained the seminar participants on. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Please tell us about this seminar that you had for the Nepali bankers.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, it was a very successful two day seminar and about 30 bankers representing more than 20 banks participated in this programme. We focused on issues such as Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees URDG 758. The seminar was very useful for professionals working in the trade finance sector and dealing with documentary collections and documentary credits that a bank guarantees. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate on Incoterms 2010?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Incoterms which translates to International Commercial Terms are developed by International Chamber of Commerce. Incoterms are part of Uniform Customs Practice (UCP) 600 widely practiced and followed by banks worldwide for mostly out of country transaction through Letter of Credits. The Incoterms rules are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods and are accepted by governments, legal authorities and practitioners worldwide for the interpretation of most commonly used terms in international trade. The eighth published set of pre-defined terms, Incoterms 2010 defines 11 rules, reducing the 13 used in Incoterms 2000. In the prior version, the rules were divided into four categories, but the 11 pre-defined terms of Incoterms 2010 are subdivided into two categories based only on method of delivery. The larger group of seven rules applies regardless of the method of transport, with the smaller group of four being applicable only to sales that solely involve transportation over water. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How important is URDG (Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees) 758 and what does it imply?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">The URDG 758 is a set of contractual rules that apply to demand guarantees and counter-guarantees. As the URDG are contractual by nature, they apply only if the parties to a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee so choose. The URDG can adequately provide an operational framework for any situation where a demand guarantee is required, whatever the situation is in the public or the governmental sector involved. Agreeing to issue a guarantee according to URDG spares the parties the effort of drafting extensive clauses to describe the independence of the guarantee, its irrevocability, its non-assign ability and the guarantor's duties and more. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the benefi ts with using URDG 758?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Once the URDG are incorporated in the guarantee or counter-guarantee text by contractual reference to the URDG, they are deemed to be entirely incorporated, unless specific article(s) are expressly excluded or amended. A URDG guarantee and counter-guarantee enter into effect from the date they are issued, unless their terms expressly postpone their entry into effect to agree with a later date or the occurrence of an agreed event. Accordingly, no demand for payment can be presented until the guarantee enters into effect following the occurrence of a specified date or event indicated in the guarantee.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will these programmes help the Nepali banks and bankers? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks to exercise acceptable international norms in issuing and accepting Letter of Credits. Besides, many issues arising out of international trade can be mitigated. The programme will help the banking staff working at the Trade Finance Department of their respective banks on recent issues related with issuing and accepting Letter of Credits and how to quote and implement Incoterms in the Letter of Credits.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><br />
	</span></p>',
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			'description' => 'The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '512',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Our Product Is Of National Interest For Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="261" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/subhaog ghosh.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="420" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Subhamoy Ghosh</strong> is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer. Ghosh joined Palfinger India on in June 2010 and looks after product management and business development of Palfinger Cranes in India along with overseeing finance and human resource functions. He was in Nepal recently to understand the market demands and requirements for Palfinger Products here. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his understanding of the Nepali market and plans for Palfinger here. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us something about your products? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We come from the field of transport solutions and our job is to make easy and quick loading as well as unloading of a truck so that it can go for another trip without wasting time. Transporters earn money when they make more trips and our main job is to give transport solution to the transporters. Besides being a lifting and shifting solution provider, we are a multiproduct group having seven major products. We are making our entry in Nepal with the truck loader crane and, in a couple of years from now, we will be introducing more from our product line. The Nepali market has some experience of using second hand Japanese trucks which come fitted with these kinds of cranes. On our part, we will be bringing two cranes: Stiff Boom Crane and Knuckle Boom Crane. Normally, cranes are known for loading and unloading using hooks but this one can perform even clamping and grabbing operations. The Knuckle Boom Crane can even drill a hole. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is there any special reason behind choosing these two cranes specifi cally?</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">In Nepal, everything has got stagnant and the market has become slow in the last five years. I believe that it is a good time to become better and catch up with the rest of the world. Nepal needs to develop its infrastructure very fast by constructing more roads, bridges, buildings, modernised airports etc. If the industrialisation in Nepal has to take place, abundant infrastructure needs to be there first. These cranes combined with trucks can play a fantastic role in infrastructural projects because these can lift materials and deliver to the projects. As Nepal is a geographically difficult terrain, it is not possible for any project to keep materials close to its vicinity. With truck loader cranes, we are adding versatility as they are more suitable for rental companies. Owning a crane independently may not be economically viable for companies in a small market like Nepal. Besides private players, the public firms too can be better served by these machines. Mechanisation is the solution for efficiency and can save human resource for other purposes while ensuring safety at the project sites. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How can small and large projects alike benefi t from these equipments? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">These can be used mainly in medium to large projects since they may not be cost effective for small projects due to the price factor. We are in the initial stage and trying to increase visibility of the product in the market as people should know what they can do with this kind of equipment. This crane can be used in various aspects such as construction, electrification, municipal waste, cargo distribution, at factories etc. So, we want to let the market decide how can the crane be best utilised as per various needs. Our job as a supplier is to give exposure to the market about the functionalities of these cranes. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you see the market prospects in Nepal? Are there any competitors in the Nepali market for you?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our ambition is to introduce 20 to 25 cranes in the first year in Nepali market for various applications. Then we can expect to grow along with the economic growth of Nepal. In advanced countries, manpower is expensive and it is not ready to do manual jobs and even the law prohibits it to some extent. So they have one crane for every five to 20 trucks whereas in Nepal and India, there is not even one crane for 100,000 trucks. I believe that 20 to 30 cranes should be fitted to every 100 trucks deployed. As of now, there is no competition for us in Nepal for new trucks and new cranes. The only competition is from the used trucks which I believe is not good for Nepali environment as they do not even meet environmental safety standards. If the import of these used trucks can be stopped, we will have no competition at all. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After sales service becomes a major issue whenever new equipments are launched. How do you plan to address this? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">This is the main reason why we have selected an able partner in Infratech. They have a strong presence in the market and enjoy recognition among customers. They will be further trained and groomed for this purpose but most importantly, these are maintenance free vehicles. Customers can not damage it even by choice as it has a host of safety protections, however, we don't want to take any risks and hence, we will also have a spare parts shop for the machines locally.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to establish your brand image in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">What we do in any new market will be done here as well. Once the dealership is announced, we will try to reach our customers through various media vehicles. We have certain branding plans targeting our users and customers. We normally try to reach as many potential customers as possible and as frequently in a year. We will organise likeminded customers meet, for example, one meeting for construction people while another for government officials. We believe that communication exercises will help us establish a decent brand image here in Nepal. <img align="right" alt="" border="1" height="201" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghosh 2.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="144" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the challenges you see for yourself in the Nepali market? How do you plan to overcome them?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">From a commercial point of view, the duty structure is unimaginably high particularly for a non-manufacturing country like Nepal. Such a heavy duty is actually bound to put a lot of pressure on buyers since they might be discouraged to buy such products despite wanting to have them. Secondly, there is almost no general awareness about this product so convincing the customers on a priority basis will be a big challenge. For the commercial solution, we have to meet the government of Nepal to see if anything can be done because this is a product of national interest for the country. It is not for somebody's personal use and promises to add value to the growth and development of Nepal. Educating the market is our duty and I hope that our marketing efforts and visible involvement in the market will ensure this.</span></p>',
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			'description' => 'Subhamoy Ghosh is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer.',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '511',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Nepali Market Is Dominated By SMEs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="bottom" alt="" height="357" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/shinji tada.jpg" vspace="5" width="198" /><img align="bottom" alt="" height="359" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/amit ali.jpg" vspace="5" width="199" /><strong><br />
	<br />
	Printers from Brother were available in the market for quite some time. What is the motive of officially launching the new line-up in the market now? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We were available for the last two months but we were still continuing with the current line-up. A couple of new models were brought a few months back and now the entire line-up is available. We decided to organise a formal launch now because we have changed this line up for the first time in three years. Laser printer comprises almost 90 per cent of our business so it is very important for us. Once the line-up was fully available, we decided to introduce the range formally in the market. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you analyse the Nepali market for your products? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Tada: This is an emerging market. It has potential to grow in the future but so far, this is a price sensitive market. So, we have launched products that are specifically targeted at emerging markets. I think with this range, we can achieve good results and gain more market share. <strong>Ali: </strong>I think the entry level models three-in-one and fourin- one printers have the highest sales prospects in Nepal because these are products that are very popular already. We want to sell more colour and high end products for corporate users.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you compare the Nepali market with other Asian markets? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> I think that the customer profile is different in Nepal. In other markets, there are more corporate houses and big companies who are our customers. But, the Nepali market is dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There is very low presence of foreign investments and no big multinational companies whatsoever. This is one of the biggest differences. <strong><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> In Asian markets, we have different types of countries ranging from Australia, a very developed country to Vietnam, an emerging country. The main difference is in the profile of customers. Nepal is a little less developed compared to other Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand which are better developed. They have strong corporate customers who are well educated. They are definitely cost conscious but they also know the importance of warranty. In Nepal, for example, around 90 per cent users depend on refill for laser products. This market needs a lot of education. A refill may save cost in the short term but over a period of, say, five years; it turns out to be complicated and damages the machine making it an expensive proposition. Our approach to the Nepali market is the same as in other regions because we are trying to enhance the education and awareness level of the customers. In terms of market growth and potential, this market has better prospects than any other Asian countries because they have already reached a certain level of penetration. The IT penetration is still low especially in the rural areas. We are optimistic that over the next 10 years, the IT sector will grow tremendously. Even the government sector has minimal exposure to IT so hopefully it may invest more in the next five years and we can grow along.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is your strategy to cater to home as well as corporate users?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> The corporate houses are our main target customers especially SMEs. This can prove to be the strongest market segment for Brother. Along with a few big companies, there are many SMEs in Nepal. These laser products rightly suit our target customersâ€™ needs and thatâ€™s why we have introduced these products here. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the specialities of Brother Products compared to other similar products?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali: </strong>There are three main reasons why Brother Products are known all over the world: (a) Quality, (b) very easy to use products and (c) strong and reliable products. Our products are popular in the USA because they are easy to use and install and it is our biggest market in small office segment. In case of Nepal, we have seen the results over four years now and our products are also being used in very remote regions. We are bringing in laser products which are customised for Nepali condition which we donâ€™t sell in another region, for example, the Gulf countries. These products are customised for Nepalâ€™s voltage and electricity situation making them very strong and reliable for usage in remote areas as well. The Brother Products come with a threeyear warranty and we believe that this will appeal especially to the corporate customers. They can have good quality, stable and strong machines as well as service and maintenance which is taken care of, for three years. We are very balanced between price and performance as we are not the cheapest brand available but we are also not the most expensive one around. We offer a combination of good price and performance to the consumers.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Your products are said to be environment friendly too. Tell us more about it</strong>. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We are committed to make environment friendly products and the Brother Products have received Ecomark and Blue Angel certification from Europe. This is the toughest environment certification to get anywhere in the world and now-a-days in Europe, you cannot participate in tenders unless you have this certification. All our products are certified which means that the parts, components and materials we use to make our products are environment friendly and bio-degradable as much as possible. Our products consume very less power and, in laser products, we use separate toner and drum technology which means the materials used in those items are less dense and hence, more easy to recycle. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We are trying to be an eco-friendly company and we are now producing different models that can print on both sides of a paper and thus ensuing lower paper usage. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is your volume wise sales target for the market here? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We keep an annual target for this market like any other market. Based on our distributorâ€™s commitment and comfort level, we decide a target with mutual consent and increase it every year. So, in the last four years, we have grown four times and our plan is to grow four times further till 2015. We do have a very ambitious target and hope to meet it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to meet this target?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We want to grow along with our distributors by taking care of the market. We have prioritised the Nepali market as it has a good potential. To make our business sustain and retain our customers, we need to provide good service to our customers besides sales. Once they buy a machine from Brother, the service they get from us determines whether they will choose to be a regular customer of Brother. The sales target for certain emerging markets will be introduced in due time and we believe that we will be able to achieve it.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
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			'description' => 'Shinji Tada is the Managing Director of Brother International (Gulf) FZE (BI) and Amit Ali is the Deputy General Manager of Printing and Solutions Division at BI.',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '447',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Quality Control Is The Most Important Part' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v1.jpg" style="width: 304px; height: 323px;" vspace="10" />Mohit Mamudi</strong> is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution dedicated to the enhancement of management education and training in developing nations. He has an MBA from Boston University, USA, and more than 30 yearsâ€™ experience in development and implementation of management and marketing strategies for some of the most successful global companies. Mamudi has held various executive positions and consultancy roles with more than 20 Fortune 500 corporations as well as governmental institutions in the UK and some of the most dynamic and challenging emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He was in the city recently for the formal opening of CG-CEDEMAS Institute of Management (CGCIM) â€“ the first internationally managed business school in the country â€“ in partnership with the Chaudhary Group of Nepal. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Mamudi laid out the nuances of CEDEMASâ€™ management education philosophy in Nepal, which will be delivered through CGCIM. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us about CEDEMAS?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">CEDEMAS was established to lead and direct global efforts for improving the quality and relevance of management education and training in developing countries. We are confident that this would enhance managerial capabilities and effectiveness in both the public and the private sectors in these countries.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Many academics from around the world have underscored the need for a new type of training programme for managers in developing countries, based on their respective cultures and requirements. Therefore, our mission is to create a learning environment for independent thinking, creativity and self-reliance, for the benefit of a new breed of managers and entrepreneurs.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">There are scores of management schools around. What is it that distinguishes you from&nbsp;others?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">I strongly believe that only a new management mindset can initiate change and persuade departure from established norms in managing the affairs of the state and industry in many parts of the world. We, at CEDEMAS, have realised that management education must recognise diversity and promote social and cultural awareness.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How did your affiliation with Chaudhary Group come about, to establish CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We brought this idea to Nepal and were lucky to meet Mr Arun Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group. We explained our goals to him which excited him as he thought it was absolutely necessary to have such an institute in Nepal. He was willing to be the local partner institute for us and make a contribution towards the educational sector of the country. Together, we have joined hands to further this noble cause.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already had our first group of Nepali academics who successfully completed the Advanced Certificate for Business Faculty (ACBF) programme at CGCIM after two months of intensive learning and were awarded the ACBF Certificate. These academics were already teaching in other colleges and universities but we brought them in and trained them in the way that we want them to teach. They are now ready to work alongside international professors to deliver our programmes here in Nepal.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please, tell us about your programmes internationally.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already established a partner institute in Iran apart from Nepal. A partner institute in Ukraine is in the final stages of planning while negotiation for a Sri Lankan partner is in the planning stage. We have also had fruitful discussions for setting up partner institutes in some other developing countries such as China, India, Ghana and Zambia among others. We know that we stand to face competition from existing management institutes in these countries. However, we are confident that our uniqueness will set us apart from others.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Which are the programmes that you will be focusing in Nepal through CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have three key programmes for Nepal. The first one is the Faculty Training Programme in which we train faculties of other colleges in teaching management courses. The second one is Post-Graduate Diploma in Development Management where students who already have a degree join us. We teach them about development issues that are related to Nepal. Besides these two, we also have a general Post-Graduate Programme in Management which is like an Executive MBA â€“ developing managers for businesses.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We will always have people from the UK supervising the programmes here. There will be professors visiting here from different parts of the world â€“ the US, the UK, and France among others. We are very certain that quality control is the most important part, so, we will be working towards that.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Will the methodology for CGCIM be the same as the one at your London campus?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Yes. The methodology that we will be applying here is especially developed by CEDEMAS. Itâ€™s called PEDAL (Plan; Engage; Do; Analyse; Learn) system of learning. In traditional universities and colleges, itâ€™s all about lecturing. Instead of using bookish theory, we make our students practise what is taught to them so that they get the lessons registered in their minds forever. The system allows the learners to experience a wide range of exposures and outcomes as a result of their decisions and actions.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How acceptable/recognised will be these courses internationally?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our programmes are UK Level-7 which is Post Graduation and conforms to the standards of UK accreditation agencies. If our students here in Nepal wish, we can even make arrangements for them to complete a 3-4 months thesis in the UK and obtain a dual masters after finishing their programme at CGCIM.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Is there great saleability associated with the courses as far as the job market is concerned?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are going to guarantee that anybody taking our programmes will be employed even before they have finished the programme. The companies are going to notice our students while they are still studying through work placements and case studies etc.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Mamudi is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution..........',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '446',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Huge Mobile Telephony Market Is Still Lying Untapped' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v.jpg" style="width: 376px; height: 393px;" vspace="10" />Abu Daud Khan</strong> is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the company to feature a dual sim. The handset also comes with an in-built Nokia Browser. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Khan spoke about Nokiaâ€™s consistent effort to drive more value by introducing exciting new features that promise to change Internet usage for millions of Nokia consumers. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">In which other markets have you launched Nokia C2-03?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are targeting all developing countries where a large consumer segment cannot afford high-end smart phones. Nepal is definitely a focus market for us. But apart from this country, we have already launched the product in India, China, Indonesia and Brazil.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is the target audience you are looking at through this particular product?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are looking at the masses and our vision is to connect the next billion. There is a huge market still lying untapped. Letâ€™s take Nepal as an example which has a population of around 30 million people. I have learnt that the number of mobile phone subscribers in this country has reached 10 million. There are 20 million people out there who are not connected by mobile telephony which means that affordability is still a factor for them. Therefore, we have tried to make the product as affordable as possible so that these people too can get connected. We are also trying to cater the need of dual-sim through this product.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt;">Even among the 10 million mobile phone subscribers in Nepal, a very small number of people actually have Internet access. We need to connect these people to Internet and that is precisely what this particular product will do. We are trying to do a couple of things here â€“ one is to connect a large population on account of voice and the next is to make a serious effort to make Internet available to people who canâ€™t afford laptops or personal computers&nbsp; at home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How cost-effective will Internet browsing be, courtesy Nokia Browser vis-a-vis traditional browsers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, we are claiming that it has the ability to compress websites up to 90 per cent. It means that in terms of compression, it can perform 90 per cent better and faster than the other operator browsers. The cost of downloading is, of course, the operatorâ€™s domain. From our perspective, the speed at which downloading takes place also determines the eventual expense. The Nokia browser compresses at a faster pace which enables Nokia users to consume more at a given budget.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Do you have any specific reason to introduce Nokia Browser with Series-40 devices?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our clear focus for developing markets is the price factor because a lot of people canâ€™t afford smart phones. However, they need to be connected to Internet or else there is a fear of them getting left behind in this fast changing global scenario. We wanted to cater to this large segment of people by developing a device which is easy to use and affordable.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Are there any plans to introduce Nokia Browser to mobile handsets of other brands or personal computers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s only available with Nokia phones to ensure best experience. This is the first product that comes with an inbuilt Nokia browser. All the upcoming Nokia handsets will have the Nokia browser from now onwards. Apart from that, we are also giving options to existing Nokia users for downloading the browser free of cost from Nokia stores.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Could you tell us a little about Nokiaâ€™s NAVTEQ?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NAVTEQ basically provides the base electronic navigable maps and its underlying map database is based on first-hand observation of geographic features. At this moment, we donâ€™t have the Nepali map available with us but we do plan to have maps in this product Nokia C2-03 in the future.</span></div>',
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			'description' => 'Abu Daud Khan is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the....',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '431',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''We Want To Target Corporates On A Much Bigger Way' (august 2011)',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/altaf.jpg" style="width: 415px; height: 346px;" vspace="10" />Altaf Halde</strong> joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of Kaspersky antivirus. For Nepal, Sagar Infosys is the sole authorised distributor for Kaspersky products. Halde revealed the company will soon release the enterprise version of the antivirus in the Nepali market. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Halde shared his views on the latest product and Nepal as the market for Kaspersky. Excerpts:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How do you see the market for Kaspersky products in Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I was pleasantly surprised to know about the market potentials of Nepal which I visited after Bangladesh where also we have a very good market share. In Nepal, we have more than 70 to 75 per cent market share. Based on what I hear from dealers, I think there is definitely a big potential over here. I can see a lot of educational institutes coming up, IT initiatives happening, and increasing penetration of laptops and desktops. That automatically translates that you need protection for your computers or laptops and that is where Kaspersky comes on the scene.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Most people use pirated software and operating system at home. What will be the extent of risk to such users from security viewpoint?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Risk is a lot. When you google the key â€˜free antivirusâ€™, you can find a lot of them that you can download. The download shows it is installing but you donâ€™t know whether it is actually installing. It might be downloading some malwares too. Nothing comes for free. People are using free software and they are not sure if that is the best thing. Secondly, people use pirated software. In this region, piracy is a big problem. In India, it was similar many years back but now customers realise that just using a process, the solution does not end; you also need support. You get the support&nbsp;by using a licensed product. That will take some time but it will gradually improve over a certain period of time because that is the way our markets are. On the question of risk, there is definitely the risk because you donâ€™t know what you are using. It might have malware, spyware, or some other kind of threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How can Kaspersky minimise such risks and protect users?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">The Kaspersky Lab which is centrally located in Moscow detects 35 thousand threats every day. You can imagine the number of threats. When a person is on the Internet, it does not matter whether he is sitting in Nepal, India or America. So, what Kaspersky does is that it keeps coming up with&nbsp;regular updates because the threats are increasing. That is how we are able to protect users from such threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Users often complain that Kaspersky requires powerful machine to operate, which slows down their system. How has Kaspersky addressed this issue in its latest version?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In 2012 version, we have come up with a hybrid technology â€“ cloud-based system. With this system, when you are using the desktop and you are not connected to the Internet, you donâ€™t need to have a lot of signature database on your machine. When you have a lot of signature database updates searching on a machine, it takes up your resources and the machine becomes slower. With the hybrid technology we are using cloud-based protection. So, the signatures of the threats are stored in the cloud. Once the user is in the Internet, computing power of the machine is not touched. That will happen in real-time across the Internet. That is how we have been able to address this particular problem. However, if you look in comparison with other products, we are much faster even in the existing version. We do understand that in emerging markets like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, computing is not very powerful. That is why this hybrid technology will prove very good technology for us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In Nepal, Internet bandwidth is lower and majority of users do not have access to high speed Internet. Donâ€™t you think the cloud-based system will be a challenge?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">On the consumer level, this could be definitely a challenge because of the Internet speed and probably the bandwidth will be affected but this cloud-based computing will still help reduce this particular problem because the computing is not happening on machine but in real-time in the cloud. We have tested our product with various Internet bandwidth types during the development stage and did not face problem. We will definitely be able to address this particular problem as time progresses. Once the users start using the product they will realise it is actually a good product by making use of good bandwidth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What is the volume your are looking at in terms of sales for Kaspersky products in Nepal? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I wouldnâ€™t be in a position to give you the target from the sales perspective but we have got very good market share at around 70 to 75 per cent with the previous version. This year, we should definitely look at a market share of 80 to 85 per cent. That is what we would want to achieve.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Who do you think are major competitors for Kaspersky in Nepali market? How is Kaspersky different from&nbsp;other products in the market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;I wouldnâ€™t say only about Nepal but globally, Symantec and McAfee are our competitors. There might be a lot of other products but on a global perspective, Gartner have listed three of us as top three security vendors â€“ Symantec, McAfee and Kaspersky. I would say that they are our real competitors.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">We are using hybrid technology while others are only talking about it. When we set up parameters, we are technically quite advanced in terms of updates size and faster scanning compared to other products. Even in this cloud-based technology, we have come up with a small sized update a day rather than making a big update like other products. We understand, in a country like Nepal, bandwidth rate is a problem. With a big update at once, users will not be able to update in time and will be open to threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How is the response of users to your products in South Asia in comparison&nbsp; with western markets? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Our biggest market is Europe, followed by America. Over there, the split is approximately 65 to 70 per cent in consumer segment and the balance in the enterprise segment which is a matured market for Kaspersky. In South Asia, we are very strong in the consumer space and in the enterprise space we have not yet been able to take it to the next level. So, if you put both of them together, I would say in south Asia, we are probably at the number three position, Symantec and McAfee probably being the leaders.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In small countries like ours, price of software is excessively higher which is sometimes even costlier than buying a pc. How does your new version compare with other products on this count?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;We have retained the same pricing as of the 2011 version. A single user pack of antivirus comes for Rs 1,000 for a year. If you look at the per-day basis, itâ€™s less than what a cup of tea would cost. So, that is the amount you are paying to protect the data or yourself. With the market share of 70 to 75 per cent, a lot of users are using Kaspersky 2011. We have also provided the user of 2011 version a free upgrade. That will come free of cost, if the users still have valid license period.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are the challenges you are facing&nbsp; in the Nepali market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Based on what I have seen in my first exposure to the Nepali market, piracy is rampant. Then, there are a lot of other products that come into the market with a lower price to dump their stock. They achieve their sales but there is no support. So, the consumers feel they are cheated. We see that as a challenge. While other products come to dump but we are there in the market with a proper focus. Sagar Infosys is Kaspersky products since 2008 and also providing support and there is our focus. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are your future plans for Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">We plan to keep coming here more often for developing consumer awareness because for us awareness is the key. If consumers donâ€™t know about the threats they will not look for protection. We want to make sure about the awareness on the threats and product developments. So, we want to have many such marketing events where we can go and address the threat scenario to consumers as well as corporate houses. We want to target corporates on a much bigger way in the Nepali market. We want to keep coming to Nepal with more and more solutions which are technically advanced. Everybody was talking about this cloud-based technology but nobody came up with a solution. So, whatever the technology or threats, Kaspersky will be the first to come with a solution.</span></span></div>',
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			'description' => 'Altaf Halde  joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of ......',
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			'title' => ''I Refuse To Call This A Liquidity Crisis' (august 2011)',
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	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dr gautam vora.jpg" style="width: 283px; height: 328px;" vspace="10" />Dr Gautam Vora</strong><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, a Professor of Finance at The Robert O Anderson Schools of Management, The University of New Mexico, US, has an active research programme and lately he has been focused on option-valuation techniques, interest-rate modeling, investment strategies and mathematical modeling of financial plans.&nbsp;Dr Vora is also a Visiting Professor with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), and during his recent visit to Kathmandu, he addressed issues at a talk programme titled â€˜Financial Crisis: Will Nepal Join It or Avoid It?â€™ organised by KUSOM. In an interview with </span><i>New Business Age</i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, he discusses the likely consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis, among other issues. Excerpts:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How, do you think, the current liquidity crunch in Nepal can be set right?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">First of all, â€˜liquidity crunchâ€™ is a wrong phrase to use. Secondly, the problem is not that of liquidity because there is enough money in circulation including the so-called monetary supply. It is actually credit crunch. The people who need to repay the money arenâ€™t able to manage credit to repay quickly. So, primarily, it affects them. The people who speculated are the ones unable to borrow more to make payments on their loans. I have been told that land prices in Kathmandu soared outrageously but have come down drastically in recent times. The BFIs lent against those lands as collateral at higher prices and everybody got large amounts as loans. Now that the value of same land holdings has come down immensely, the borrowers cannot sell off the land to repay the loans. So, these people are looking elsewhere for more money. The impact of this situation on the banks is that they were expecting certain cash inflow of interest and repayment of the principal on the loan but they are not getting it. The BFIs have stopped getting money from the borrowers while they still have to pay interests to their depositors. It is a small world and everybody knows whatâ€™s happening. The depositors the world over stand in the queue immediately to withdraw all their cash the minute they panic. In such an event, the bank has to find money from somewhere to pay cash to the depositors. We can call it insolvency on the bankâ€™s part because it may have the assets but not enough cash. I refuse to call this a liquidity crisis in technical terms: itâ€™s a cash problem. This is precisely the case when the NRB is forced to bail out such BFIs by supplying them bundles of cash to pay the depositors. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;You have labeled the global financial crisis a â€˜group of crisesâ€™. What is your logic behind this observation?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s because the complete picture on global financial crisis is not only about impacting financial markets but also the path it treaded to reach there. It is for everyone to see that there is a crisis but most people are unaware of the real causes behind it. The problems are deep within the system due to which many commentators started calling it a systemic failure. The system was designed and modified over the years in such a manner that it led us to this problem. Thatâ€™s why I call it a group of crises because it took us a long time to get there. The whole story was in the making for 10 â€“ 15 years in the US and before the people could realise, it carried over to other countries as well. It started during the Clinton (Former US President Bill Clinton) administration when the liberalisation policies were implemented and the government agencies were indirectly asked to do certain things for the society. But it slowly increased in size and intensity and ultimately developed into a major crisis.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What, in your opinion, should be the conduct of Nepal Rastra Bank as well as the Banking and Financial Institutions (BFIs) to ensure smooth running of the economy?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">It seems to me that Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is currently the only organisation in Nepal which can look after the financial sector as well as the economy. That makes it a very important agency. I did have the opportunity to speak to a few NRB officials and realised that they are exceedingly competent and have the countryâ€™s interest at heart. The problem is that when you overwhelm a small group of people with too much work, they cannot handle it. You also need regulatory and legal structures backing these people up. The decision of classifying commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, etc as part of the financial sector is definitely very important but it is equally important to set limits for them. It would have been useful to categorise the scope of work for these institutions and spare them interference from the ruling structure of the country as well as the promoters of respective companies. Everybody has a stake in the institutional well being but the ultimate goal for these institutions should be to promote the national economy. If they are going to look at their own narrow self interests then they can do so in the short term only. This is where NRBâ€™s role of being a regulatory agency becomes critically important.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">You accept that NRBâ€™s role is of paramount importance. What best can it do to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB ought to develop a sub agency whose sole focus would be to manage and supervise the oversight of the â€˜Aâ€™ class commercial banks because they are the biggest ones and they have roots in the economy everywhere. They are the real conduit or the pipeline for the monetary policies of NRB so they need special attention. They need tight grouping but I donâ€™t know how that is being accomplished at this point of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What are your recommendations for Nepal to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB is doing all it can to avoid the crisis. It does lot of good things such as giving the money, regulating and supervising, encouraging merger of weak banks with strong banks, etc. The difficulty I see is that of the assets portfolio. The loans that the BFIs have made are weakening, in other words, they are becoming non-performing. This kind of a situation puts a lot of stress on the capital structure and the flow of credit to the economy. No matter what NRB does, the problem doesnâ€™t seem to go away. There are different ways of handling the problem. The bad loans must be taken over from the banks and passed on to NRB. It is a question of how much the central bank can do because they have other goals in mind such as ensuring price stability and looking after the development of the economic sectors etc. The ultimate challenge is that of supervising the BFIs and making them do the right things which require exceedingly tight control.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How do you view the consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have gathered that only about 35 per cent of the population in Nepal has access to banking services. So, the rest 65 per cent of the population will not be directly affected if, god forbid, a financial crisis was to happen here. But what is really interesting here is: most people under this 65 per cent population are barely maintaining a subsistence level anyway. The commercial sector which depends on the BFIs and the development of different industries, agriculture, construction etc will be severely affected in the event of a financial crisis. Even though we may say that the population at large might not be affected, the large chunk of the economic activity could very well be affected and that is the problem. Therefore, even the poorest of the poor will be affected indirectly. Nepal is in a very strong position because of huge amount of remittance it receives every year which is a very nice safety net. But the question is should we rely only on a safety net. Instead, we must rely on a good machine so that we donâ€™t have to use the safety net. And so, my concern is mainly from that perspective. We are trying very hard for economic development so letâ€™s not derail it by letting one little sector of the economy cause problems for the others. We need to study as to what per cent of the real economy depends on the financial sector. Look at the difference between the interest rates that people get on their deposits in the banks and the inflation rate. There is no incentive to save because the purchasing power is constantly decreasing. So, we do not need to have that sort of control in the economy to help save. Savings are to be used to increase the size of the economy for which we need good investments that can generate more income for the country. Finding good investment opportunities is key to bringing the whole economy together. Therefore, if the BFIs donâ€™t do their job well, then we are bound to face major problems.</span><br />
	</span></p>',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘We want to do a Long Term Business in Nepal’</span></span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="" border="1" height="360" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Jagannath-Patanaik.gif" vspace="10" width="242" /></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Raj Mehta </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the CMD of Little Italy Restaurant and Bar, an Indian restaurant chain well known for authentic Italian cuisine. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:</span><br />
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the prospects that Little Italy sees in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Nepal is a growing economy and a lot of tourists visit Nepal. Besides, Nepalis travel to a lot of places and so, people do know about different kind of food. The culture for eating out is also very good. There is a lot of potential for food as it is a never-dying business. Globally, food can be categorised into four major categories – Indian, Chinese, Italian and French. Indian as well as Chinese foods have good presence in Nepal while Italian food too is there but not as a proper fine dining option. That is the reason we chose Nepal and are very happy to be here. Kathmandu can sustain two more Italian dining outlets. Pokhara, being a major tourist destination, can also sustain an outlet. It is just a matter of time. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Little Italy is a new brand name for Nepal. How do you plan to market your brand along with Italian food? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">First, launching the brand will increase the visibility of a particular brand in the market. We are covering the brand name through newspapers and e-marketing is being taken care of by our marketing team. The food business has a lot to do with word-of-mouth. We are certain on it because we are confident about the food. Once the food is tried and tasted, the word-of-mouth spreads like fire. There are marketing strategies in place but we believe most in the word-of-mouth publicity. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the brand value of Little Italy at present? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand was started in 1989 from Pune as a family run business. When an outlet was established in Mumbai in 1995, we got a big exposure. After that, we understood that there are a lot of prospects throughout India. As the world was getting narrower because of globalisation, we started franchising. That was one of the best ways to grow. This is a fine dining restaurant, so, we need a local partner to look after its day-to-day affairs. We have presence in most of the two-tier and three-tier cities in India. We started our first international outlet last year in Dubai which is doing very well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the specialities of your restaurant? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We always wanted to be a fine dine restaurant for unique experience. We prepare food in an authentic Italian way - as the Italians prepare it. We like to keep the menu authentic as we don’t believe in getting things tailored. Everything is fresh here and we never compromise on quality. </span><strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Usually, the branded and chain restaurants in Nepal are priced comparatively high. How have you priced your menu? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our target customers are local people, Indians residing in Nepal who know about us during their travels to India and other tourists. For tourists, Italian food is a kind of staple food. Relatively, this brand is a value for money. We maintain our standards that can be compared to a five-star restaurant but we believe that the price has to be value for money. We want to do a long term business rather than a short term business in Nepal. This will be a destination for good food and value for money. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the level of competition you feel here?</span>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Fortunately, there is no competition. The market is a virgin territory for us. There are hardly any players in this particular Italian fine dining segment. There are few places for continental and multi-cuisine delicacies but something like fine dining is missing. There are a few players in Kathmandu market who are scattered here and there but those having a full-fledged setup are unfortunately missing. So, we don’t see any competition at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">KFC and Pizza Hut recently faced a serious labour problem. How would you tackle the situation if similar situation arise in this restaurant too? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I would say things have to be seen positively. We should be able to take care of all the scenarios which are unfortunately common here in Nepal. It was kind of similar throughout the world years before. We must try to understand the situation. If both management and staff are well taken care of, such kind of scenario will not come up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Consumers are Shifting Towards High Quality Products’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Rajendra-Desai.gif" vspace="10" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Rajendra Desai </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the General Manager for Business Development at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL). </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He has recently been appointed to the post of Country Head for Nepal and will be looking after the operations here. Having a work experience of three-and-a-half decades, Desai has worked at Asian Paints for 26 years in various capacities. He has been associated with Nerolac for the last seven years. Kansai Nerolac is a Japan-India Joint venture company. After the acquisition of Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd, the company has transformed into Japan-India-Nepal tripartite joint venture. In an interview with New Business Age, Desai shared details about the acquisition and the moves ahead. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints has acquired 68 per cent stakes in Nepal Shalimar Paints. What are the reasons behind this move? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, India entered the joint venture with Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd (NSPL), one of the leading paints manufacturers in Nepal and acquired 68 per cent stake in the Nepali paints manufacturer. The investment made by Kansai Nerolac towards this acquisition is about Rs 125.8 million. With this acquisition, Nerolac expects to consolidate 10 per cent market share for Kansai Nerolac in Nepal. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd has shown significant business interest in the country. Further, the company would be giving a loan of Rs 120 million to fund the working capital requirement of NSPL. Considered in the top five bracket of Nepal, Nepal Shalimar commands a market share of 8 per cent in Nepal. It had a turnover of Rs 205.7 million in 2010/11 and approximately Rs 250 million in 2011/12. The company’s consolidated profit would improve and in turn increase EPS which will also benefit KNPL shareholders. KNPL is utilising the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar and manufacturing the entire Nerolac range of products that are currently exported to Nepal. </span></p>
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	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">After the acquisition, Nerolac envisages to capture more than 15 per cent market share. How do you plan to achieve that? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are here to make Nepal almost self-reliant with the production of paints that match international standards in quality. Rapid urbanisation, construction boom in the past and growing awareness among customers has triggered the demand of paints, giving a leg up to the mostly joint ventures and subsidiary of Indian multinational companies. We believe that urbanisation not only in Kathmandu but also creation of new urban centres across the country with the flow of remittance in rural and semi-urban areas has been an encouraging factor to expand the paints market. We will be focusing to cash in on the emerging market. </span> <span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We have observed in recent times that the market is growing for paints despite slowed demand in the construction sector as consumers have become more aware and are shifting towards high quality products. Population growth and infrastructure development will have advantage to increase in demand of the paints. Due to growing demand, we aim to deliver international quality and healthy home paints at the right price which will be the unique selling point of our brand to achieve higher market share. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the market prospects you see in Nepal? </span></strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We are proud to say that our water-based products are heavy metal free such as lead, mercury, chrome etc and all the products are almost zero VOC-(Volatile Organic Compound). We offer a wide range of decorative paints for exterior and interior walls as well as for wooden and metal products. Some of our products for exterior walls are Nerolac Excel Total, Excel Antipeel and Suraksha Advance in premium, middle and economy range respectively. Likewise, our products for interior walls are Nerolac Ecoclean, Impression 24 Carat Luxury of premium class, Lotus Touch Premium Emulsion for mid-range, Beauty Emulsion and Little Master for economy range. We have also offered Beauty Acrylic Distemper for our customers. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Our end consumers, paints dealers and painting contractors are loyal to Nerolac brand and have huge confidence in it. We have always served our customer needs in the best way possible. Likewise, we constantly make sure that the health of our customers is not affected while using our products. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">You are also planning to use the production capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. What will be the range of products that will be produced within Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are augmenting the existing capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. We have added some new paints grinding machines for better quality and higher production capacity. We will be using same technology of manufacturing as we do in Japan and India. So, there will not be any variation in the quality of products produced here. We will be producing a full range of products in Nepal that we currently manufacture in India such as water-based emulsion for both Interiors and exteriors along with solvent-based primers and top coats with ancillaries. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the products that you plan to launch soon in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">A complete range of Nerolac paints is being launched in Nepal as we were already doing business via our range of products by importing in the past. Now, we will be manufacturing the same in Nepal at our Birgunj plant. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand Nerolac is endorsed by popular celebrities like Shahrukh Khan. How do such endorsements add value to the brand that also influences the Nepali market?<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Shahrukh Khan is a leading celebrity of Bollywood and has a huge fan base not only in India but across the globe including Nepal. The brand endorsement has given boost to our sales figures in India and the same is expected in Nepal as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Nepal is a Strategically Important Country to Focus Upon’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Jagannath Patanaik </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Director-Channel Sales (South Asia) of Kaspersky Lab India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Kaspersky Lab is one of the fastest growing IT security vendors worldwide. Over 300 million people worldwide are protected by Kaspersky Lab products and technologies. Its corporate client base exceeds 200,000 companies located around the globe, ranging from small and medium-sized businesses all the way up to large governmental and commercial organizations. The Lab has more than 120 global partner and technology OEM agreements with companies and today, it’s the world’s largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection solutions. In an interview with New Business Age, Patanaik talked about Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 and market prospects for Kaspersky products in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Can you please tell us the purpose of your current visit to Nepal? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have just launched the new edition of Kaspersky internet security and Kaspersky mobile security anti-virus here in Nepal. Essential to any level of PC security is superior anti-virus protection that does not slow down your system. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 has been loaded with the latest technologies that work behind-the-scenes while delivering real-time, cloud-enabled protection from the latest threats, and proactive protection from unknown dangers. It is the essential protection for your computer and mobile these days. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Tell us about some latest features of the new edition of Kaspersky 2013. </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is packed with the latest Kaspersky Lab technologies from our team of world-class security experts and engineers. It works surreptitiously with intelligent scanning and small, frequent updates, while delivering real-time protection. It goes beyond simply scanning for vulnerabilities and now includes analysis and control over the actions of programs and applications with vulnerabilities, so they cannot cause any harm. With a single mouse click, File Advisor uses cloud-based technologies to check the safety of any file you would like to access. In addition, our URL Advisor adds color-coded tags to all web links to advise you of the danger level of the link and subsequent pages. The users can fully enjoy the PC and Internet without being dragged down by security software. Small, smart updates and intelligent scanning operate behind the scenes while delivering maximum PC performance. </span> <br />
	<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the Nepali market for Kaspersky? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><strong> </strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">There is lack of purchase habit regarding software in South Asian market and Nepal is no different. Although being a piracy-oriented country, we need to motivate people to develop a habit to purchase software. However, we have been able to penetrate the market and make people understand the benefits of our product. Nepali market is indeed a challenging market for us. Nevertheless, we are able to make some enrollment. Today, we are talking about reducing the piracy in order to create a virus free Nepal slowly. We have begun to set up Kaspersky anti-virus in every government institution of Nepal for six months for the virus free Nepal campaign. Thus, we are highly positive about the Nepali market in the days ahead as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali market needs to grow. We are trying to educate people regarding the anti-virus security here. Nepal is one of the strategically important countries to focus upon. We are planning to provide security software services to 100,000 computers in Nepal so as to increase the awareness regarding genuine internet security. </span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	Who are the targeted customers for Kaspersky?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Anybody who owns a computer is our target customer. Major targeted customers are the individual consumers and then we are also targeting the government institutions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What do you consider to be the USP of Kaspersky amongst the targeted clientele here in Nepal?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Default" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt;line-height:10.05pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">As we know that online transactions </span><span mso-bidi-theme-font:="" new="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:" times="">are increasing each day, we have unique features in our new edition of Kaspersky 2013 known as “safe money”. Safe Money protects data during online financial transactions. Apart from it, the new Automatic Exploit Prevention ensures that vulnerabilities will not compromise your PC. Similarly, there is an improved version of Virtual Keyboard and Anti- Phishing protection guard against identity theft. A new Secure Keyboard mode protects personal data entered via physical keyboard. Anti-Spam and Anti-Banner protection block unwanted content. The new improved Advanced Parental Control keeps your children safe and responsible online. Hassle-free protection ensures maximum PC performance. All this makes Kaspersky irresistible for computer users all around the globe including Nepal.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Can you tell us about the innovative business solutions regarding the product?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">In the consumer section, we have internet security anti-virus while in enterprises segment, we have Kaspersky security for virtualization. As people have started to use virtual machines, we are trying to use security solutions for cloud. Kaspersky workspace security (KOSS-1) deals with the protection for workstation and Centralized Administration Kit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Kaspersky Business Space Security (KOSS-2) protects data, file Server, workstations etc. Similarly, Kaspersky Enterprise Space Security (KOSS-3) is for protecting e-mail Server, data, and file server. Kit Kaspersky Total Security (KOSS-4) protects internet gateway, email Server, data/file Server.</span><br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Do you currently have any competition for your product in Nepal? If yes, how do you plan to keep ahead of the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Currently, we are leading the business. I think that continuous improvisation in the product has created a tough competition to our competitors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">What are your business plans for Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">We operate through business channel partners and do not directly go to the market. We go through distributors and channel partners and do a lot of marketing in order to increase awareness and visibility. We are targeting piracy in order to increase our business. We are in the middle of a long tour to educate people regarding the benefits of the software even in Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">How do you compare Nepali market with other markets for your product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">Nepali market is a unique one and we are the number one in this market. In India, we are in the second position. However, we are leading in most South Asian markets. The product is making us proud. We are increasing people’s awareness regarding Kaspersky being a reasonably priced product. With this product, the Nepali consumers can experience a sense of security while using the computer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Our Main Strategy is to Customize Basic Products According to Nepali Customers’ Demand’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" height="284" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Milind-Pandharipande.gif" vspace="10" width="178" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Milind Pandharipande </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#211D1E">is the CEO at ITS (Information and Telecom Systems) in India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">While pursuing his Masters in Computer Science in USA, he also worked as a research scientist for Horizon telecommunications USA. After some years, he returned to India and established his own company. His company had an effective operation from June 2006 and it began to roll out the products from 2010 onwards. Although it’s a fairly young company, he is confident about his business. He was in Kathmandu last month for launching his cash and check deposit machine. In an interview with New Business Age, Pandharipande talks about the importance of deposit machines in Nepali financial sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The primary purpose of my visit to Nepal is to promote ITS’s self service Kiosk products, the ones which have been successfully deployed in India already. These products have been especially designed to work in conditions like extreme climate and power shortages which is common in countries like Nepal and India. Our products have been designed for the banking sector, the utility sector and are primarily focused on self service. If you are familiar with ATM machine where the customer can directly withdraw cash, our products can help customers not only withdraw the cash but also deposit the cash or check in his or his friend’s account. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the features of your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">These products have multiple features, where a customer can perform cash deposit, check deposit, account-to-account money transfer, balance inquiry etc. For instance, I can enter my account number and then decide whether to make cash deposit or check deposit. If I make cash deposit, the machine will instruct me to put all my notes in a cash tray and it will accept it one note at a time. Once, all the notes are accepted, it will provide me a transaction receipt and my account will be credited for that amount. These products are fitted with high performance security system which has made them robust. A type of mechanism has been built into it including a back-up UPS. Also, if the machine is stolen, it will automatically inform the law enforcement agencies. Every tampering with machines, either physical or software is recorded and transmitted to the enforcement agencies. This way the machine becomes a formidable piece of hardware.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Who are your target group of customers? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are basically promoting these products for Nepal’s banking and financial sector. And obviously, the major customers are the banks, finance companies and utility companies, for instance, mobile operators. There are also clients from electricity companies and other companies who are into financial transactions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span>&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are talking to the news media basically the ones who can promote our products. We are seeking promotion of these products from our local partner World Distribution Nepal (WDN). It is difficult for someone coming from India to spread their business covering the entire country of Nepal. For quick penetration, we need other local partners here who can introduce the products in the market. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have tried to make our products customer friendly and are also offering more features on it. The only way that we can grow our business is by local customization. We cannot just bring the products from India and sell in Nepal. We ask consumers how they want to customize them. Like, if I offer coffee to you, I would not prepare coffee against your interests. I would ask how much milk and sugar you want which makes you very comfortable to drink that coffee rather than me telling you to drink coffee of my choice. Our main strategy is to bring the basic products that have been developed in India and then customize it according to the demand of the customers in Nepal, for instance, language customization. Customers from Nepal might be interacting or having certain bank transaction differently than what we have customized for Indian customers. That is why we consider local customization a key to our success.<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">It is not just Nepali industries, it is important for overall businesses in Nepal. For instance, if I ask my customers to come between nine in the morning and five in the evening and suggest that I can sell the products only during this time, the customers may not feel comfortable to shop. Instead of that, if you take your shop to where the customers are, you will be able to flourish your business. Likewise, with these machines, customers can get service anytime, anywhere. We are bringing these products to our neighborhood and it could be operated 24hrs/7days. This will absolutely raise the number of customers and the bank’s revenue will increase. Many a time, customers do not pay utility bills not because they do not want to pay but because they do not have the avenues to pay. When the bank is closed after five, customers look forward to the next day. With these products, they will be able to deposit their cash after 10 pm also without having to go to the branch office. It is like an ATM machine where you can withdraw your cash rather than having to wait for the bank. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How do you observe the market demand for your products? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We will follow the same strategies what ATMs in Nepal have already been following. Every year, we have been doubling the features that are getting deployed. There has been a high demand for our products in Nepal. Nearly four banks have shown interests in our products who are likely to start using our products soon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-11-01',
			'modified' => '2013-06-07',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:',
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			'title' => 'Visiting Business People   September 2012',
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	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We have been Able to Address the Problems Faced by Nepali Traders’</span></p>
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	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="viraj" border="1" height="449" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Viraj-Rai.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Viraj Rai </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the Line Manager of TLPL Shipping &amp; Logistics Pvt Ltd. </span></span></p>
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	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management. To ease the export/ import business into Nepal, the company is expanding its business in Nepal by offering Thru B/L service thereby transforming the ICD of Birgunj either into a truly functional hinterland dry port of loading to ICD or into a Dry Port. Rai was in Kathmandu to participate in a trade meet organized by Nepal Foreign Trade Association. In an interview with New Business Age, Rai has emphasized on the need of transport facilities for the importers operating international trade in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
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<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Could you please highlight the reason for your visit? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The reason for visiting Nepal this time has been to organize the trade meet, a long-term demand of the Nepal trade. So, we are promoting it through BL service, whereby importers in Nepal can greatly scan by availing our single window point-to-point total logistic solution. It will facilitate picking up the cargo from the port of origin or from the factory of the supplier and move it up to ICD Birgunj and issue them one single multimodal document BL for their entire service. As a result, they end up saving huge amount of cost. In normal convention system right now, they pay for detentions or delays from Kolkata port right up to ICD Birgunj. Moreover, we take care of that by providing that service and giving delivery to them in Birgunj and any delay in between is not a cost for them as we cover that risk in our service.</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	The whole purpose of our visit was to promote our services especially in Kathmandu. We have started this service more than a year ago. Earlier, it was introduced in Birgunj under the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, and we wanted to fine tune and improve it further. Therefore, we have been learning, fine-tuning, and improving ourselves during this period. We have felt in recent times that we are ready to take this to the next level. That is why we felt the need to organize this trade meet and address the entire trade in Kathmandu </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What types of problems are the Nepalis importers facing while bringing goods from different ports through ICD Birgunj? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Since Nepal is a landlocked country, it is wholly dependent on nearby Kolkata ports. There are many problems put forward by Nepali importers while bringing goods from different ports. To begin with, they do not have control over the shipment period or the time and the container in sea. However, once it reaches the land, there is still uncertainty because there may be some delays at the Kolkata port in loading the container or delays in the train itself. Throughout this entire process, they have to depend on outside agencies for information flow and updates. Currently, they have to depend on shipping land to know the status when the container would reach Kolkata. They need to depend on the forwarder or the CHA to know when the container would be cleared at Kolkata port. Then they need to know when it would be loaded on wreck after which they need to follow up to know when the ship will reach Birgunj. In our service, we do away with all this. We give a single window solution and all the information flow is provided locally here at Birgunj. Therefore, this is a big solution to one of the biggest problems that Nepali trade is facing. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the same time, because we are covering TLPL up to Birgunj, we have seen most of them paying huge amount of detention cost in the current conventional system. Due to this, crores of rupees is being paid to Indian shipping agents for the time taken for the containers to come from Kolkata and to go back which is normally much beyond the free time given by shipping lines. So, in our case, we cover that risk by providing service up to Birgunj so that there is further cost saving to the trade. These are two of the major problems being faced by the Nepali traders and we have been able to address it. At our level, we cannot address other problems that have been faced by the traders. It has to be done in accordance with India- Nepal treaties. However, the problems that we are addressing are within our control as it is based around shipping and land logistics. </span></p>
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<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What were the queries from the importers during the trade meet? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the end of it, everybody is looking at the bottom line. Therefore, they look at ways to reduce the cost. The feedback we received from the audience is that sometimes the Kolkata port is congested. The next concern was how fast the container can be loaded for Birgunj. In the present scenario, it is not possible to give a guaranteed time. Then there is addressing of issues on a larger scale from government-to-government through transit treaty or rail service agreement between the two nations. </span> <br />
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you going to address the problems faced by the importers and exporters?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">One is the timely flow of information. There are also times when the traders find our rates little high so they give their business to the traditional forwarders. However, they are still in touch with us to try to get information that possibly they are not getting as accurately from their existing forwarders. Therefore, we do get calls regularly from importers in Nepal asking us to cross check on information. In the present scenario, they probably want to verify the information they are getting. In our service, the information flow will come from us directly and given to them in Nepal. They do not need to call at Kolkata as the entire single window solution will be given here in Nepal itself.<br />
	<br />
	The second one is the cost element that we see on an average. There is a huge amount of detention cost being paid because of delays between Kolkata and Birgunj and empty containers going back. In our service, the container is going to be allowed up to Birgunj after which we plan to give three days free time for local importers at Birgunj and five days for importers from Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to me, these are ample time frames for the importers to empty containers and send them back to Birgunj. Once they return the containers to Birgunj, their responsibility ends there. They have no detentions to worry about because it’s us who cover that cost element. This is a two-fold benefit and we will see how we can add further value to this entire service. Along the line, we would also look for cutting down on costs that are within our control.</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the weaknesses of Nepali exporters/importers while using your services?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Many traders import from China. There seems to be a miscommunication between the importer and supplier. Therefore, when we approach the supplier, we find it has not been properly informed that we are the nominated carriers. We see this mistake on flow of information to the suppliers a number of times. The other mistake is about error in documentation. There are times when the information provided to us is not accurate and we have to give back the documents to the importers. In addition, sometimes the documents sent for clearing the container at Kolkata are incomplete. These are small mistakes but they definitely lead to delays and increase the cost. Luckily, we have the provision in Indian customs to clear the cargo through copies of the documents so that it saves time while couriering the originals. With time, the number of mistakes has lowered as our customers are more aware now. With the new customers, we have to possibly educate them beforehand and see how they can avoid these mistakes.</span><strong><br />
	<br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">In your opinion, how can Nepali traders become more competitive?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">There is certainly a disadvantage being a landlocked country where you are dependent on ports. However, by utilizing our services, the traders would get advantage of cost which will make them competitive. In addition, if they focus on error free documentation and timely information flow, it will lead towards reduction of mistakes and eventually provide cost competitiveness to them. In today’s world when everything is online, I am sure that they can utilize the tools being offered by technology to bring down costs. We have seen in the past how Nepal has played its role in the export of garments and carpets. Therefore, there is an advantage of labor and craftsmanship somewhere along the line. If the traders can change their set mindset and accept the new technological services provided by us, it will definitely be beneficial for them.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali traders complain that they do not get information of their goods after they load it at the port to be sent to Nepal. What is your take on it?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Most of the customers who had the problem of not getting timely information are not particularly going by the system of traditional movement right now. This is where they have answered their own problem. We have assured them timely information and movement of the containers provided they give us the chance. Our service is the solution to their existing problems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">They also say that your service is a bit expensive and takes more time in comparison to other modes of transportations to Nepal. What do you say?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We have not seen any importers who have not paid detentions. In fact, most of them are paying it. They need to look at their cost and compare it. When we prepare quotations, most of the customers ask for cost breakup till Kolkata. This is not possible for us as we offer complete package solution. At the end of the day, we say that give us a chance to serve you. Our existing customers believed in us and subscriber to our idea. Moreover, those who started with us have stuck to us so far. We can always negotiate and come to an agreeable rate. Nevertheless, I can assure that in the long run, the cost benefit to the Nepali traders would be far more than what they think right now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘A Restaurant is a Personality Driven Business’</span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="harikarki" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Hari-Karki(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="257" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Hari Karki </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the owner of GURU, a Hong Kong based Indian Restaurant as well as a Spanish eatery. </span></span> <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He started his career as a trainee in Hotel Soaltee Oberoi in 1993. Besides Food &amp; Beverage business, he is involved with Universal Music Company. Karki, permanent resident of Hong Kong is also involved in a website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is worth 15 million Hong Kong dollars. In an interview with New Business Age, Karki divulged his plans for business expansion in Kathmandu in the near future. Excerpts:<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to kindly share some experiences regarding early days in your career?<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I started my hotel career as a trainee in Soaltee Oberoi in 1993 that lasted for nine months. Although the training was very basic, it was helpful for building the foundation of my career. After that, I joined Hotel Himalaya, which was a very important decision for my career. It provided me a strong base and I received support from many good colleagues there. That is where I learned the value of decision-making procedures. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp; <br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How was your experience working in the Food and Beverage industry abroad? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">While working at Hotel Himalaya, I thought about pursuing higher studies. So, I went to Bahrain for management studies and afterwards, worked for a year there. Thereafter, I went to Hong Kong for holidays. That is how I landed in Hong Kong. In the meanwhile, I resigned from the Bahrain hotel I was working at. In Hong Kong, I started working at Curry Pot Restaurant as one of my friends was working there already. They were looking for manager at that time. The moment I landed there, I realized the tremendous potential that the restaurant had. I started working and within a few months, I brought about many changes within the restaurant. We were able to open three outlets of the restaurant soon. We also created a brand “Curry in a Hurry” fast food chain in Hong Kong. Later, I was given 25 per cent equity and there were 145 employees working under me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">One important aspect of this industry is to make customers feel that we care for them and at the same time, not ready to compromise with high standards. You need to improvise on the quality of food, service, and everything else. Hong Kong is a very competitive city and there are unique ideas and people everywhere. You need to compete with them in order to capture the market.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you involved in any other business currently apart from Food and Beverages business?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Besides Food and Beverage business, I am involved with Universal Music Company. We are involved in website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is a 10 million Hong Kong dollar project with additional five million for marketing. This makes the project worth a total of Rs 15 million Hong Kong dollars. The reason for setting this website is for lottery, horse racing, football gambling etc. Since HKJC cannot directly promote gambling, they create lifestyle websites called as Fasttrack.hk to encourage youths towards such activities. It is the Asian perspective of entertainment and we promote it as an essence of lifestyle. We update our subscribers with new information regarding fashion, music, politics etc. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;Currently, I am planning to expand the Food and Beverage business. I am also working on a Brazilian concept outlet. I think this is a good idea as Brazil is hosting the 2014 Football World Cup. At that time, the craze for Brazil will be higher therefore, we are working on that aspect. I am also looking forward to invest in Kathmandu so I am trying to find right partners here to start unique ventures.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the new trends, besides food, to run restaurants successfully in today‘s age?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I think the new trend is the people who run such businesses. Besides food, interior plays a vital role and adds soul to restaurants. It is a personality driven business. It could be the personality of the manager, waiters, or the restaurant itself. If you could put the soul of your staffs to provide service to your customers, they matter more than the expensive furniture, wines, or any other aspect of the restaurants.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Therefore, gone are the days when the hotel employees treated the customers with mere words. These days, there is a new trend in Hong Kong where the customers and the employees of restaurants or hotels treat each other as friends. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to explain about the potential cutleries that are to be used in restaurants?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Everybody wants to be updated these days. When anything comes to your table, it is very essential to work on details. You want to use contemporary utensils to catch up with the changing desires of the customers. Having said so, I would like to add that the look of the equipments and the cutleries should match with the theme of the restaurant. If you are running a modern restaurant, you cannot afford to place old cutleries there. Therefore, you need to update accordingly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the areas that Nepali hoteliers should improve upon?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I came here a couple of years ago. The sad thing is that when I went to the same place, I found that the menu had not changed. The good part was that the people working there were the same. However, it was clear that they were not being able to keep pace with the trend. The question is not only about wanting to upgrade but whether the entrepreneurs are actually doing it in practice. However, at the end of the day, it’s the customers who decide about the change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Customers visit the restaurants and hotels to feel the difference. However, if they get the same boring treatment through the services of hotels and restaurants, they would not enjoy it. Therefore, in this particular business, the first thing is to upgrade our services in a similar manner we upgrade our life itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">It is said that the services of the five star hotels here in Nepal is equivalent to the services of three star hotels abroad. What is your comment on this comparison?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Well, I do not think that the comparison is fair. The categorization of hotels or restaurants depends on the kind of service you provide to your customers. For instance, there are many ways of providing service to your customers. Serving is an art in itself which sets you apart from others. It is an important aspect that every restaurants and hotels should understand while providing services to their clients.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What improvements should the service provider bring to achieve perfection in services provided to the clients? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I think, to begin with, the trainer should get the proper training themselves. Then only, they will be able to train their staffs accordingly. When you do not update yourself, you will not come to know about new trends in the business. These days, customers seldom complain about your service. They simply stop coming to your place. If your customers complain about your services, you must take it positively and think of these customers as your well-wishers. People do not have the time to point out your weaknesses all the time so it is your responsibility to upgrade your service in accordance with the present time. Tell us something about your restaurant and the investment figures involved.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The theme of my restaurant is simple and it is unique that in a very short period of time, the restaurant has created a brand of its own. There has been a breakthrough in Indian cuisine and you can find good reviews and comments about my restaurants on my website. It has been almost three-and-a-half years now. The investment in the restaurant is 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars while the annual turnover is around 4.2 million Hong Kong dollars. With an area of 1500 square feet, the seating capacity of the restaurant is 175 people. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">When you travel around the world, you can see many Indian restaurants, however, there are very few Nepali restaurants abroad. Is it because we lack varieties to offer in terms of our cuisine?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I do not agree with this observation of yours. In my opinion, you have to study the market before you start any business. For instance, if you target only Indian customers at Indian restaurants, you will fail. You have to think holistically. In Hong Kong also, Nepalis have great scope everywhere as the people of Hong Kong have tremendous respect for Nepalis. I also serve some Nepali delicacies at my restaurants. We have enough scope to serve Nepali delicacies to the customers in Hong Kong.</span>&nbsp; <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are Nepali businesspersons doing in Hong Kong?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The involvement of Nepalis in Food and Beverage business is remarkable. They have left even the westerners behind, in this respect. Let me give you one example. Few months ago, two young Nepali men opened two new outlets called Escape and China Bar with an investment of 16 million Hong Kong dollars. They are doing fabulous business In terms of other businesses, Nepalis are involved in import/export, construction, travel agency etc. I must say they are doing well for themselves in Hong Kong. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you associated with the NRN Association? Are there any NRN businesspersons who are doing business here? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I am a member of the association, however, I am not actively involved in it. As an idea, it is good. However, I do not see where they are heading. It all depends on who is leading the association. There are many NRNs doing business here. Some are involved in banking, travel agencies, trading, and others. I think that everyone has to work on their strong aspect, start from scratch and then dream big. If I have to start a business here, I will have to learn the basics about the market. That is the reason why I am looking forward to appropriate partners here in Nepal. I would need at least six months to study the market locally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We See a Huge Yet-to-be-Tapped Market for BUSY in Nepal’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="pankaj" border="1" height="408" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Pankaj-Kumar-Roy.jpg" vspace="10" width="331" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Pankaj Kumar Roy </span></span><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is Business Development Manager at Busy Accounting Software, one of the popular accounting and inventory management software for MSMEs in India.&nbsp; </span></span><br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company has currently over half-a-million users in over 20 countries. BUSY 12 is the software that the company has introduced lately. Roy visited Kathmandu recently for the expansion of his software business in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of accounting software in Nepal’s business sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">This time, we came here for the promotion of our new software BUSY 12. We are providing technical support to busy users as well as providing training to channel partners on BUSY 12 – our latest version for BUSY range of accounting software.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What are the major features of your software products?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY is an accounting and inventory management software. The salient features of BUSY are: Financial Accounting, Inventory Management, Statutory Reports, Invoicing, Production, Bill of Material, Multi- Location management, checks and controls, MIS and many more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Please tell us something about your software BUSY 12. Who are the target groups for this product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY 12 is an accounting and inventory software with a host of new features and enhanced functionalities including sales/purchase quotation, customizable reports, data access through SMS/e-mail, auto back-up of data and provision for voucher audit etc. It’s an ERP for SMEs which allows businesses to manage their accounting, inventory, invoicing, and statutory requirements. It also offers a feature that would help the user in securing their data against theft and misuse, thus maintaining a better control mechanism. It also enables users in preparing sales or purchase quotation. All businesses which require software to manage their business are our target customers. Hence, all SMEs and in fact the corporate houses also, can benefit from BUSY 12.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We sell our software through the channel partners in Nepal. Currently, we have three channel partners in Kathmandu and multiple resellers working for these channel partners. As an organization, we put big emphasis on customer satisfaction so we plan regular visits to our customers to resolve their issues. We regularly participate in leading exhibitions in Nepal and organize seminars and workshops also. Moreover, we take regular feedback from our partners and customers to incorporate features specific to businesses requirements in Nepal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">As I mentioned earlier, customer satisfaction is our motto. We believe in a theory that ‘one happy customer refers you to ten more,’ so we are striving hard to make our customer feel happiest which we believe will boost our business. We have plans to organize meetings, workshops and seminars regularly to train and educate people on BUSY. Moreover, we would be participating in leading exhibitions and advertising in leading newspapers too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have so many excellent features in BUSY which simplify the businesses of Nepali SMEs. For example, we provide Nepal VAT reports, Nepali date, computerised billing, checks and controls, multi-branch management etc including other features which have been beneficial for Nepali businesses. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<br />
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the market demand for your software?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We see a huge yet-to-be-tapped market for BUSY in Nepal. Our software caters to almost every industry – retailers, traders, distributors, discreet manufacturers and corporate entities. However, most of the businesses here are either not using any software or are using out-dated software to manage their accounting and inventory needs. Therefore, we feel that we are in the right position to capture a big market share in the next two to five years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We Help Nepali Counterparts to meet IT Product Needs’<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="alexandar" border="1" height="385" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Alexander-Oddoz-Mazet.jpg" vspace="10" width="263" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Alexander Oddoz-Mazet </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#221E1F">is the Director – Asia Pacific Region of Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and business realize their full potential. Through its regional office in Bangladesh, it has been marketing and promoting Microsoft products and solutions in territories of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Microsoft has been present in Nepal since 2007. Oddoz-Mazet was in Kathmandu to attend a business event titled “Maximizing Business Productivity – Leveraging Microsoft Technologies”. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about Microsoft’s business productivity solutions among other issue. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">With business productivity being high on most organizations’ priority list, what does Microsoft offer in specific to the Nepal market?</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are developing a new scenario that helps people to work together as a team and as an organization. Communication is one of the key scenarios so people need to do it more effectively while collaboration is also one of the scenarios that we need to work at more effectively. At Microsoft, we now have a few technological solutions that can help to achieve that. One of them is Unified Communications which is a way to reduce complexity by putting people at the centre of the communications experience. The goal is to integrate all of the ways we contact each other in a single environment using a single identity and presence. It provides businesses in Nepal with the power to choose how they provision services whether on their own premises, as cloud services, or in a hybrid fashion. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How significant is Unified Communications from Microsoft’s perspective?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	It is very important indeed. With Unified Communications, we bring instant messaging, web, email, calendar, SMS etc together into one platform which makes it very easy for information technology (IT) divisions at organizations to manage a lot of things and make them very cost effective. It is a one-stop solution to everything. For themes, it has one-user interface that enables organizations to perform all types of communication. It has made it easy to drive a new way for all activities, to use different tools. With the Unified Solution powered by Microsoft, the users are free from the hassle of using different access, passwords and methods to use it. We provide a new communication solution not only to connect internally but also to the outside world.<br />
	<br />
	Please share the key capabilities of these solutions that you have mentioned in your presentation In not only Nepal, but also in countries around South East Asia like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, we found that people create word document, PowerPoint presentations, picture, videos and store them in their personal computers (PCs). This is not a very effective option. If we want to work as a team and want to access those documents, it is not possible if they are stored in the individual PCs only. With SharePoint, you build an internet site within your company where only the employees of your company and trusted partners can have access to the information. SharePoint is one of the fastest growing products in business because people realise that they need to share the documents and work together as a team. Therefore, having the documents in a central location, which is easily searchable and accessible to people, can work effectively. We see the government officials and businesspersons using SharePoint to a large extent.<br />
	<br />
	Sometimes, it takes a while for a new technology to develop inside an organization. However, when the professionals inside an organization get along with the technology over time, they can adopt it to manage overall technology on their own. The fundamental capability of the software is to make people more productive. It makes a country more competitive in the world market. In Nepal, most of the talent goes outside the country in search of better opportunities. Our technology, adopted by organizations, can keep the intelligent people within the country which, in turn, helps the economy. There are lot of functionalities but at the core, Microsoft software is helping economies prosper and become more competitive at the world stage. With the integrated value of SharePoint, Link, Exchange, and Office into one platform, it makes the employees and teams to use the software more effectively.</span>&nbsp; <strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What can companies do to understand Microsoft and business productivity solutions better?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	One of the challenges we see is the people cannot properly understand what business productivity solutions can do for their business. In order to facilitate their understanding, we can show some works on PowerPoint presentation to them and also perform a demo if required. However, the best way to understand any product is to experience it. The analogy that I present many times to make my point is that you do not buy a car looking at its website. You take a decision by doing a test drive.</span><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our partners have invested in a facility called “Customer Emersion Experience” in which we bring business people and IT professionals together. Once they enter our facility, we place laptops in front of them and make them test drive Microsoft Productivity business solutions for the next two-three hours. This is the best way to make people understand the value of our platform. We then drive a communication between the IT professionals and business people on ways to enable software in an organization and the value that the business can get. The other way is that we are talking with some of the companies to deploy our technology on a small scale, to begin with. However, the cost effective way is to utilize our “Customer Emersion Experience” scheme. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	What makes you believe you are better than the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong>We have a lot of competitors in the market and needless to say, all of them have very niche products. For Microsoft Unified Communications, we compete with people who deal with voice mail system, web conferencing solution and telephonic solution. The way we think about it is to have an integrated approach with the platform. The other is to deliver all those services that are being delivered by independent vendors. We provide ways for a company not to have many relationships with vendors. It’s because we provide vendor consolidations to them.</p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How can business houses in Nepal benefit from this technology?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our software will help the user nations to save money on telecommunication. Nepal is a country with a lot of remote areas where people are seeking access to information. Unified communications can help them to deliver more value to the employees, customers, public servants and the citizens of the country. Many government agencies around the world are adopting this technology for better connection with citizens who need access to information. The software called SharePoint enables sharing of information and documents with people internally and the outside world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We help the IT departments in Nepal to provide one platform that can address all the different productivity needs. Therefore, it reduces their cost of having multiple vendor relationship and different solutions from different vendors. In addition, the IT department can have expertise around a single platform. Whereas, on the business side, people’s familiarity with applications like Word, <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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			'id' => '665',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘Certification Is Equally Important For All Organizations’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business people" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sundar.jpg" style="width: 205px; height: 259px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	A mechanical engineer by profession, Kataria started ICS in 1999 and is expanding his business in 15 countries with 10,000 valid customers all around the world. ICS has 30 offices in India to be close to their valued customers and provide cost effective and efficient certification services. It has been providing its value added certification and inspection services to the government, public and private sector organizations involved in land, offshore and marine activities. ICS started the quality drive in Nepal nearly a decade ago and started its branch in Kathmandu last year. Kataria recently visited Kathmandu for the certification of an education institute. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of certification and quality management in Nepali industries and institutions. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the intention of your trip to Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We usually get a number of certification issues in Nepal and we come here frequently. This time around, I came here for the certification of one of the colleges and it was successful. Since we are the provider of social quality services, we feel the need of improvement in the Nepali management system of different industries including service sectors like health and education. We have a mission of providing international certification to Nepali management systems in different institutions. I have been visiting Nepal for a decade now. Although business is my first priority, my purpose of the Nepal trip has always been not only for work but also for pleasure. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How has your experience been with the local partners here in Nepal so far? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We have a business partner here who supports carrying out our programs and audit and marketing for us. The clients are also our partners and the experience with them is quite good. I appreciate Nepali industries’ enthusiasm to sustain in the market. They are facing many constraints in their businesses because of the political situation and unstable government. Moreover, they are dependent on the neighboring country even for raw materials. I find them not being able to recruit skilled manpower to run the organization. However, they have been able to sustain and continue their businesses. We should praise these industries, entrepreneurs and co-operatives for sustaining in the market. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How do you evaluate certification services in Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I should say that there a good number of industries available here and many of them have adopted this modern management system. Unfortunately, we find people in service sectors like finance, medical and education not adopting it. Certification is needed for quality assurance and therefore we suggest them to go for it because it also comes handy in supply chain and dealing with the customer. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>You mean to say that every institution needs to be certified. What is the process for ICS certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Certification is equally important for any organization whether it is a large corporate house or the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As we go for the standard approach i.e. the managerial approach, we help these institutions to enhance their management systems through quality management services. When you are certified, you would be able to manage your system very well. For the certification process, we observe and study the management system of the company and manually oversee their quality system as well as the audit system. For example, we look into the resources of the education institutions, their system and the organization’s working environment, competence of the manpower they have recruited, safety strategies of the industry and the process of education. Most education institutions in Nepal are governed by the Tribhuvan University and the secondary board and hence, they follow their rules. We find out the extent to which they are following the rules and regulations. We also check if they are fulfilling minimum environment requirements or not, how they cover the calibers, the ratio between the students and teachers, how they are improving and so on. We also inspect their results and find out whether they are improving or not and the training levels of the teachers. This system is quite a holistic approach and applies in manufacturing also. We go through the procurement of raw materials processing manufacturing, inspection and testing, delivery and after sales or services. We have varieties of approach and maintain the standard pertaining to different certifications. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How many countries and industries have followed ICS by now? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We are operating in 15 countries including the UAE and other gulf countries. ISO Geneva has blessed the industry and manufacturers including the service industry with an international standard Quality Management System ISO 9001. The ISO 9001 has been adopted by more than 200 member countries so far. This standardization on quality has become most popular and is considered as a benchmark. We are serving worldwide for many years now and many countries are opting for adaptation. Our targeted institutions are industry and service providers. We have certified some of the departments of Bank of India also. In Nepal, we have now 71 clients including Classic College which is the latest one. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>What are the expansion plans of ICS? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Although we are providing lots of inspections and certifications, I am looking forward to providing distinct education in Nepal. We have recently launched a one year diploma program on total quality management which is accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) of United Kingdom. I feel Nepal needs training for different institutions for industrial purpose and also for those who opt to seek employment in the gulf countries. There are no professional training institutions for the labor workforce. If we get a good partner here, we can start that too. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How can Nepali Industries get benefit from management certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	It’s been the question of every institution all over the world to have sustainability and at the same time, to maintain continuity in the competitive market. Increase in the cost of raw materials and labor cost, political instability and currency deflation have been the common problems everywhere. Once we certify them, they would be able to look into their system and tackle the problems very well. It’s like a third eye which helps to look into your system and operate without loss. Although we are an Indian company, we have a good relation with Nepal. Our mission is to support SAARC countries and Nepal is the closest neighboring country. We have manpower, strength and mission to support people and believe that our attempts will help them to have business sustainability and continuity. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
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			'created' => '2012-08-15',
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			'description' => 'Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '654',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘A Number Of Nepali Banks Are Interested In IS Audits’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business People" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/julyvisitingbusinesspeople(1).jpg" style="width: 195px; height: 273px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	He specialises on conducting Security Audits, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing for NII’s premier clients. Deo holds Certified Professional Hacker (CPH), Certified Professional Forensic Analyst (CPFA) and Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) certificates from the Institute of Information Security, the training wing of Network Intelligence India Pvt Ltd. He was recently in Kathmandu to participate in a security awareness workshop. The workshop was focused on general properties of information security, its nitty-gritty, demonstrations of security network tools and Information Security Auditing. In an interview with New Business Age, Deo talked about various issues related to security audits. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What brings you to Nepal this time? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I am here to participate in the security awareness workshop. We will be conducting general introduction to information security and IT security. I hope this will be beneficial to the business community at large in Nepal because almost all sorts of businesses today require computing system in one way or another. So, it becomes important to have a security system so that there is no infiltration into the computer system that will misuse valuable data and stored information. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the difference between IT security and information security? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IT security is a specific area that targets computer system whereas information security encompasses everything. Information could be a regular paper, or data or any other product a company may develop and all of that becomes part of information security. So, when you talk of information security audits, it also audits business growth. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What are the products and services NII is currently offering? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	NII is primarily into information security consultancy. We also have a product business with our sister concern called Institute of Information Security through which we do a lot of trainings. On the product side, we provide product support for products such as antivirus, anti-spam solutions, firewall products, data leakage prevention solutions and source code auditing – a unique area we specialise on. We are starting a new area where we are going to analyse mobile applications. We are planning to analyse java applications on an android platform. <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	Is there any difference in the extent of vulnerabilities faced by the corporate sector in the South Asia region when compared to that of western developed countries? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	I don’t think there are any specific differences. We face the same challenges that our western counterparts are going to face or have already faced. The difference is in the sense that the western counterparts already have information system for a longer period of time. So, their approach to audit system is more matured. Having said that, we actually have the benefit of having that knowledge ahead of it and there could be specific challenges in terms of the process because our process is different than their processes. Auditing the security system and making sure that they are fraud proof and security around them is well built, is the important part. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	With the invention of new technology and security systems, newer forms of threats are coming along. How challenging has it been to maintain security in the present situation? <br />
	<br />
	</strong><br />
	Mobile threats are becoming a major arena. There is significant penetration of mobile computing that is going on currently in the South Asia region. A lot of people want to operate their bank accounts through their mobile phones so it becomes an attractive target for frauds. It is important to consider that area as the emerging factor. Basically, all mobile devices – android based devices, iOS based devices and tablets – are coming into extensive use not just on a personal level but also in business. Companies allow you to bring your own device but they want to make sure that the company’s data you put on that device is protected as well. That is bringing new challenges on separating personal data from work data and about how to protect work data while also allowing you to maintain your personal data. Therefore, the security of these mobile devices is becoming a crucial factor. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	How do you compare the trend of maintaining security in Nepal and India? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	The challenges are more or less the same everywhere. Even in India, we are facing similar challenges you might be facing here. In some areas, threats may be more advanced than in other places. As NII, our core plans have been in the banking and we are well versed with the processes that take place in banks. That factor will be a beneficial one when we start our operations here. We are well aware of analysing security and performing audits, doing the measurements for different purposes and allowing that to have impact on your actual business so that the posture of your organisation with each audit becomes better. Security audits should not only try to make the process but also the overall way of working better. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	Security auditing seems to be the important need at present. How aware is the corporate sector in this region about it? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IS (Information Security) audit is one of the most important pillars of a good organisation. The reason is that computers are mostly used ubiquitously in all operations. So, all your important records are kept on computer. IS audit analyses your system and try to understand the threats that exist to your business. Based on threats, we will assess the controls you have in place and given the current control, we will suggest you the ways to improve. All of these is documented and audited by checking the evidence. While doing this repeatedly through one or two audits, the overall security for sure becomes better for the risks one is facing as every organisation faces some risks to their respective business. It could be as simple as the theft or it could be as complex as somebody doing a financial fraud. At the end of the day, the goal of IS audit is to minimise the risk in different areas of the business so that it continues to function unimpeded. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How affordable is such system for small to medium sized businesses? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	It is difficult to comment on their affordability, however, an IS audit can be customised as per the needs of an organisation. For example, an organisation may say that it only wants one of its departments to be certified for a certain certification. In that case, it can cut away pieces and then take the piece that it so needs. Therefore, it is affordable to many organisations and actually getting a certification like ISO 27001 is quite feasible for medium to large businesses. Even small businesses can afford the same if they are working in a very niche area and are the market leader in that <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	What are the prospects you see in Nepal when you would want to work here? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	There are a lot of prospects. For example, a number of banks here are interested in IS audits so it’s my guess that we will tackle that shortly. They are interested in data centres so we will also look into that. Both these areas are our core business so we would be very happy to have customers in these areas. If there are clients who want us to do specific kinds of engagements, we would be able to do that provided such requirements are under the purview of law. Banking, energy and industrial sectors are areas we are currently looking at right now. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
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			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	Itâ€™s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense â€“ where the capital has not been infused â€“ has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepalâ€™s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air Indiaâ€™s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers â€“ investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market â€“ getting the basic assortment and distribution going â€“ before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because itâ€™s about interconnectivity â€“ broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs â€“ laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling â€“ our passive network solution â€“ which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now â€“ we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years â€“ there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base â€“ that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they donâ€™t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '514',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Nepali Market Is Strategically Very Important For Us',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>Indranil Sinha,</strong> the Director of Exports of Whirlpool India Limited was in Nepal recently, for the opening of two exclusive Whirlpool showrooms. He handles the international export of Whirlpool for South Asia. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the prospects of Whirlpool products in the Nepali market. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the trend of sales for Whirlpool products in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal has been one of the best performing markets for us in the last few years. However, I think the penetration of home appliances is still very low in Nepal. In Kathmandu, the market is good, but outside the valley, it's not much to write home about. We have been present in Nepal for the last 15 years, so we have a good network. We try to make sure that the products reach all over Nepal. Our appliances have made a good name for themselves. I wouldn't say the market is very profitable because if the prices are high, the buyers switch to other companies very easily. We are not very conscious about profitability right now; we are just trying to develop a brand image.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Nepali market is relatively a small one. How important is it for your portfolio?</strong></p>
<p>
	I don't think the market is really small. With a population of nearly 30 million, it's quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here. In Sri Lanka, the population is about 20 million, but the sale is around 250,000. In Nepal, the market is growing and so is our market share which is about 15 to 20 per cent. As the market grows, we want to maintain or even improve on our market share. In about five years, I see the market doing very well. Therefore, the Nepali market is strategically very important for us.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The competition is very tough everywhere today, and Nepal is no exception. A number of Asian brands, Japanese or Korean, are strongly dominating the market. But for European or American brands, we are comfortably placed at number one. All our Asian competitors are dealing in home appliances and consumer electronics like television, mobiles, laptops, monitors and other products as well. But our focus is only on the home appliances. We basically manufacture products that are used around the kitchen and make life easier for the users. You might not see flashy lights and a lot of buttons in our products, but you will get genuine benefit and convenience from them.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are the unique features of your product? What is it that gives you an edge over others? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have a refrigerator model in which we have used a technology that keeps food fresh even if there is a power outage for 15 hours. We discovered that generally the compartments of the refrigerators are opened every 10 or 15 minutes in a household to fetch vegetables, water and other items. The door opens and closes so many times and at the same time, hot air goes in. So the refrigerator has to consume extra power to keep things cool, which is not efficient by any means. We have come up with Proton series of refrigerators where we have separated the vegetable storage compartment in a drawer at the bottom and the refrigerator compartment remains at the centre. So, the whole refrigerator does not need to be opened all the time. This makes the refrigerator consume less power. We have applied similar innovations for other appliances as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are your future plans for the market here in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have recently opened two exclusive showrooms in Kathmandu. This will definitely help in making our product more visible. We are specially focusing on the market in Kathmandu, where there are opinion makers and trend setters. All the latest products will be there in the showrooms in the capital. We are also offering new schemes for the buyers and will be bringing in new products as well. We have new designs of kitchen chimneys, hobs, water purifiers, clothes dryer and microwave ovens.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Is there a possibility of Whirlpool establishing a manufacturing unit in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Right now, we don't have any such plans. We already have three factories in India and two in China, so opening a manufacturing unit here will not be economically feasible. But still, it's a probability that we may open a facilitating office here in Nepal because at present, we are operating through a distributor.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'With a population of nearly 30 million, Nepali market is quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here.',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '513',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Increased Awareness Of Incoterms Would Help Local Banks',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/pavel andrle.jpg" style="width: 241px; height: 463px;" vspace="5" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Pavel Andrle</strong> is Secretary of the Banking Commission of International Chamber of Commerce-Czech Republic (ICC-CR) and regularly represents ICC-CR at the ICC Banking Commission meetings abroad. He has been deeply involved in the revision of UCP as a member of UCP 600 consulting group formed by over forty experts from all over the world. Andrle has also been closely involved in the revision of URDG 758. He has participated in the development of ICC-CR certified course Incoterms 2010 Masterclasses and currently serves as one of the ICC-CR official trainers for Incoterms 2010. He has been appointed ICC-CR expert to reply to enquiries related to Documentary Credits and Trade and Structured Finance development of technical assistance consultancy services of ICC-CR to banks, carriers, insurance companies and traders. Andrle was in Kathmandu recently and led a two day seminar for bankers on Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees&nbsp; URDG 758 organised by National Banking Training Institute (NBTI). In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the features and benefits of the banking commission documents he trained the seminar participants on. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Please tell us about this seminar that you had for the Nepali bankers.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, it was a very successful two day seminar and about 30 bankers representing more than 20 banks participated in this programme. We focused on issues such as Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees URDG 758. The seminar was very useful for professionals working in the trade finance sector and dealing with documentary collections and documentary credits that a bank guarantees. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate on Incoterms 2010?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Incoterms which translates to International Commercial Terms are developed by International Chamber of Commerce. Incoterms are part of Uniform Customs Practice (UCP) 600 widely practiced and followed by banks worldwide for mostly out of country transaction through Letter of Credits. The Incoterms rules are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods and are accepted by governments, legal authorities and practitioners worldwide for the interpretation of most commonly used terms in international trade. The eighth published set of pre-defined terms, Incoterms 2010 defines 11 rules, reducing the 13 used in Incoterms 2000. In the prior version, the rules were divided into four categories, but the 11 pre-defined terms of Incoterms 2010 are subdivided into two categories based only on method of delivery. The larger group of seven rules applies regardless of the method of transport, with the smaller group of four being applicable only to sales that solely involve transportation over water. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How important is URDG (Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees) 758 and what does it imply?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">The URDG 758 is a set of contractual rules that apply to demand guarantees and counter-guarantees. As the URDG are contractual by nature, they apply only if the parties to a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee so choose. The URDG can adequately provide an operational framework for any situation where a demand guarantee is required, whatever the situation is in the public or the governmental sector involved. Agreeing to issue a guarantee according to URDG spares the parties the effort of drafting extensive clauses to describe the independence of the guarantee, its irrevocability, its non-assign ability and the guarantor's duties and more. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the benefi ts with using URDG 758?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Once the URDG are incorporated in the guarantee or counter-guarantee text by contractual reference to the URDG, they are deemed to be entirely incorporated, unless specific article(s) are expressly excluded or amended. A URDG guarantee and counter-guarantee enter into effect from the date they are issued, unless their terms expressly postpone their entry into effect to agree with a later date or the occurrence of an agreed event. Accordingly, no demand for payment can be presented until the guarantee enters into effect following the occurrence of a specified date or event indicated in the guarantee.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will these programmes help the Nepali banks and bankers? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks to exercise acceptable international norms in issuing and accepting Letter of Credits. Besides, many issues arising out of international trade can be mitigated. The programme will help the banking staff working at the Trade Finance Department of their respective banks on recent issues related with issuing and accepting Letter of Credits and how to quote and implement Incoterms in the Letter of Credits.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><br />
	</span></p>',
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			'description' => 'The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '512',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Our Product Is Of National Interest For Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="261" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/subhaog ghosh.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="420" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Subhamoy Ghosh</strong> is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer. Ghosh joined Palfinger India on in June 2010 and looks after product management and business development of Palfinger Cranes in India along with overseeing finance and human resource functions. He was in Nepal recently to understand the market demands and requirements for Palfinger Products here. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his understanding of the Nepali market and plans for Palfinger here. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us something about your products? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We come from the field of transport solutions and our job is to make easy and quick loading as well as unloading of a truck so that it can go for another trip without wasting time. Transporters earn money when they make more trips and our main job is to give transport solution to the transporters. Besides being a lifting and shifting solution provider, we are a multiproduct group having seven major products. We are making our entry in Nepal with the truck loader crane and, in a couple of years from now, we will be introducing more from our product line. The Nepali market has some experience of using second hand Japanese trucks which come fitted with these kinds of cranes. On our part, we will be bringing two cranes: Stiff Boom Crane and Knuckle Boom Crane. Normally, cranes are known for loading and unloading using hooks but this one can perform even clamping and grabbing operations. The Knuckle Boom Crane can even drill a hole. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is there any special reason behind choosing these two cranes specifi cally?</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">In Nepal, everything has got stagnant and the market has become slow in the last five years. I believe that it is a good time to become better and catch up with the rest of the world. Nepal needs to develop its infrastructure very fast by constructing more roads, bridges, buildings, modernised airports etc. If the industrialisation in Nepal has to take place, abundant infrastructure needs to be there first. These cranes combined with trucks can play a fantastic role in infrastructural projects because these can lift materials and deliver to the projects. As Nepal is a geographically difficult terrain, it is not possible for any project to keep materials close to its vicinity. With truck loader cranes, we are adding versatility as they are more suitable for rental companies. Owning a crane independently may not be economically viable for companies in a small market like Nepal. Besides private players, the public firms too can be better served by these machines. Mechanisation is the solution for efficiency and can save human resource for other purposes while ensuring safety at the project sites. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How can small and large projects alike benefi t from these equipments? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">These can be used mainly in medium to large projects since they may not be cost effective for small projects due to the price factor. We are in the initial stage and trying to increase visibility of the product in the market as people should know what they can do with this kind of equipment. This crane can be used in various aspects such as construction, electrification, municipal waste, cargo distribution, at factories etc. So, we want to let the market decide how can the crane be best utilised as per various needs. Our job as a supplier is to give exposure to the market about the functionalities of these cranes. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you see the market prospects in Nepal? Are there any competitors in the Nepali market for you?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our ambition is to introduce 20 to 25 cranes in the first year in Nepali market for various applications. Then we can expect to grow along with the economic growth of Nepal. In advanced countries, manpower is expensive and it is not ready to do manual jobs and even the law prohibits it to some extent. So they have one crane for every five to 20 trucks whereas in Nepal and India, there is not even one crane for 100,000 trucks. I believe that 20 to 30 cranes should be fitted to every 100 trucks deployed. As of now, there is no competition for us in Nepal for new trucks and new cranes. The only competition is from the used trucks which I believe is not good for Nepali environment as they do not even meet environmental safety standards. If the import of these used trucks can be stopped, we will have no competition at all. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After sales service becomes a major issue whenever new equipments are launched. How do you plan to address this? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">This is the main reason why we have selected an able partner in Infratech. They have a strong presence in the market and enjoy recognition among customers. They will be further trained and groomed for this purpose but most importantly, these are maintenance free vehicles. Customers can not damage it even by choice as it has a host of safety protections, however, we don't want to take any risks and hence, we will also have a spare parts shop for the machines locally.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to establish your brand image in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">What we do in any new market will be done here as well. Once the dealership is announced, we will try to reach our customers through various media vehicles. We have certain branding plans targeting our users and customers. We normally try to reach as many potential customers as possible and as frequently in a year. We will organise likeminded customers meet, for example, one meeting for construction people while another for government officials. We believe that communication exercises will help us establish a decent brand image here in Nepal. <img align="right" alt="" border="1" height="201" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghosh 2.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="144" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the challenges you see for yourself in the Nepali market? How do you plan to overcome them?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">From a commercial point of view, the duty structure is unimaginably high particularly for a non-manufacturing country like Nepal. Such a heavy duty is actually bound to put a lot of pressure on buyers since they might be discouraged to buy such products despite wanting to have them. Secondly, there is almost no general awareness about this product so convincing the customers on a priority basis will be a big challenge. For the commercial solution, we have to meet the government of Nepal to see if anything can be done because this is a product of national interest for the country. It is not for somebody's personal use and promises to add value to the growth and development of Nepal. Educating the market is our duty and I hope that our marketing efforts and visible involvement in the market will ensure this.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Subhamoy Ghosh is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer.',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '511',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Nepali Market Is Dominated By SMEs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="bottom" alt="" height="357" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/shinji tada.jpg" vspace="5" width="198" /><img align="bottom" alt="" height="359" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/amit ali.jpg" vspace="5" width="199" /><strong><br />
	<br />
	Printers from Brother were available in the market for quite some time. What is the motive of officially launching the new line-up in the market now? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We were available for the last two months but we were still continuing with the current line-up. A couple of new models were brought a few months back and now the entire line-up is available. We decided to organise a formal launch now because we have changed this line up for the first time in three years. Laser printer comprises almost 90 per cent of our business so it is very important for us. Once the line-up was fully available, we decided to introduce the range formally in the market. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you analyse the Nepali market for your products? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Tada: This is an emerging market. It has potential to grow in the future but so far, this is a price sensitive market. So, we have launched products that are specifically targeted at emerging markets. I think with this range, we can achieve good results and gain more market share. <strong>Ali: </strong>I think the entry level models three-in-one and fourin- one printers have the highest sales prospects in Nepal because these are products that are very popular already. We want to sell more colour and high end products for corporate users.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you compare the Nepali market with other Asian markets? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> I think that the customer profile is different in Nepal. In other markets, there are more corporate houses and big companies who are our customers. But, the Nepali market is dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There is very low presence of foreign investments and no big multinational companies whatsoever. This is one of the biggest differences. <strong><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> In Asian markets, we have different types of countries ranging from Australia, a very developed country to Vietnam, an emerging country. The main difference is in the profile of customers. Nepal is a little less developed compared to other Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand which are better developed. They have strong corporate customers who are well educated. They are definitely cost conscious but they also know the importance of warranty. In Nepal, for example, around 90 per cent users depend on refill for laser products. This market needs a lot of education. A refill may save cost in the short term but over a period of, say, five years; it turns out to be complicated and damages the machine making it an expensive proposition. Our approach to the Nepali market is the same as in other regions because we are trying to enhance the education and awareness level of the customers. In terms of market growth and potential, this market has better prospects than any other Asian countries because they have already reached a certain level of penetration. The IT penetration is still low especially in the rural areas. We are optimistic that over the next 10 years, the IT sector will grow tremendously. Even the government sector has minimal exposure to IT so hopefully it may invest more in the next five years and we can grow along.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is your strategy to cater to home as well as corporate users?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> The corporate houses are our main target customers especially SMEs. This can prove to be the strongest market segment for Brother. Along with a few big companies, there are many SMEs in Nepal. These laser products rightly suit our target customersâ€™ needs and thatâ€™s why we have introduced these products here. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the specialities of Brother Products compared to other similar products?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali: </strong>There are three main reasons why Brother Products are known all over the world: (a) Quality, (b) very easy to use products and (c) strong and reliable products. Our products are popular in the USA because they are easy to use and install and it is our biggest market in small office segment. In case of Nepal, we have seen the results over four years now and our products are also being used in very remote regions. We are bringing in laser products which are customised for Nepali condition which we donâ€™t sell in another region, for example, the Gulf countries. These products are customised for Nepalâ€™s voltage and electricity situation making them very strong and reliable for usage in remote areas as well. The Brother Products come with a threeyear warranty and we believe that this will appeal especially to the corporate customers. They can have good quality, stable and strong machines as well as service and maintenance which is taken care of, for three years. We are very balanced between price and performance as we are not the cheapest brand available but we are also not the most expensive one around. We offer a combination of good price and performance to the consumers.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Your products are said to be environment friendly too. Tell us more about it</strong>. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We are committed to make environment friendly products and the Brother Products have received Ecomark and Blue Angel certification from Europe. This is the toughest environment certification to get anywhere in the world and now-a-days in Europe, you cannot participate in tenders unless you have this certification. All our products are certified which means that the parts, components and materials we use to make our products are environment friendly and bio-degradable as much as possible. Our products consume very less power and, in laser products, we use separate toner and drum technology which means the materials used in those items are less dense and hence, more easy to recycle. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We are trying to be an eco-friendly company and we are now producing different models that can print on both sides of a paper and thus ensuing lower paper usage. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is your volume wise sales target for the market here? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We keep an annual target for this market like any other market. Based on our distributorâ€™s commitment and comfort level, we decide a target with mutual consent and increase it every year. So, in the last four years, we have grown four times and our plan is to grow four times further till 2015. We do have a very ambitious target and hope to meet it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to meet this target?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We want to grow along with our distributors by taking care of the market. We have prioritised the Nepali market as it has a good potential. To make our business sustain and retain our customers, we need to provide good service to our customers besides sales. Once they buy a machine from Brother, the service they get from us determines whether they will choose to be a regular customer of Brother. The sales target for certain emerging markets will be introduced in due time and we believe that we will be able to achieve it.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shinji Tada is the Managing Director of Brother International (Gulf) FZE (BI) and Amit Ali is the Deputy General Manager of Printing and Solutions Division at BI.',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '447',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Quality Control Is The Most Important Part' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v1.jpg" style="width: 304px; height: 323px;" vspace="10" />Mohit Mamudi</strong> is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution dedicated to the enhancement of management education and training in developing nations. He has an MBA from Boston University, USA, and more than 30 yearsâ€™ experience in development and implementation of management and marketing strategies for some of the most successful global companies. Mamudi has held various executive positions and consultancy roles with more than 20 Fortune 500 corporations as well as governmental institutions in the UK and some of the most dynamic and challenging emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He was in the city recently for the formal opening of CG-CEDEMAS Institute of Management (CGCIM) â€“ the first internationally managed business school in the country â€“ in partnership with the Chaudhary Group of Nepal. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Mamudi laid out the nuances of CEDEMASâ€™ management education philosophy in Nepal, which will be delivered through CGCIM. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us about CEDEMAS?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">CEDEMAS was established to lead and direct global efforts for improving the quality and relevance of management education and training in developing countries. We are confident that this would enhance managerial capabilities and effectiveness in both the public and the private sectors in these countries.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Many academics from around the world have underscored the need for a new type of training programme for managers in developing countries, based on their respective cultures and requirements. Therefore, our mission is to create a learning environment for independent thinking, creativity and self-reliance, for the benefit of a new breed of managers and entrepreneurs.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">There are scores of management schools around. What is it that distinguishes you from&nbsp;others?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">I strongly believe that only a new management mindset can initiate change and persuade departure from established norms in managing the affairs of the state and industry in many parts of the world. We, at CEDEMAS, have realised that management education must recognise diversity and promote social and cultural awareness.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How did your affiliation with Chaudhary Group come about, to establish CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We brought this idea to Nepal and were lucky to meet Mr Arun Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group. We explained our goals to him which excited him as he thought it was absolutely necessary to have such an institute in Nepal. He was willing to be the local partner institute for us and make a contribution towards the educational sector of the country. Together, we have joined hands to further this noble cause.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already had our first group of Nepali academics who successfully completed the Advanced Certificate for Business Faculty (ACBF) programme at CGCIM after two months of intensive learning and were awarded the ACBF Certificate. These academics were already teaching in other colleges and universities but we brought them in and trained them in the way that we want them to teach. They are now ready to work alongside international professors to deliver our programmes here in Nepal.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please, tell us about your programmes internationally.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already established a partner institute in Iran apart from Nepal. A partner institute in Ukraine is in the final stages of planning while negotiation for a Sri Lankan partner is in the planning stage. We have also had fruitful discussions for setting up partner institutes in some other developing countries such as China, India, Ghana and Zambia among others. We know that we stand to face competition from existing management institutes in these countries. However, we are confident that our uniqueness will set us apart from others.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Which are the programmes that you will be focusing in Nepal through CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have three key programmes for Nepal. The first one is the Faculty Training Programme in which we train faculties of other colleges in teaching management courses. The second one is Post-Graduate Diploma in Development Management where students who already have a degree join us. We teach them about development issues that are related to Nepal. Besides these two, we also have a general Post-Graduate Programme in Management which is like an Executive MBA â€“ developing managers for businesses.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We will always have people from the UK supervising the programmes here. There will be professors visiting here from different parts of the world â€“ the US, the UK, and France among others. We are very certain that quality control is the most important part, so, we will be working towards that.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Will the methodology for CGCIM be the same as the one at your London campus?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Yes. The methodology that we will be applying here is especially developed by CEDEMAS. Itâ€™s called PEDAL (Plan; Engage; Do; Analyse; Learn) system of learning. In traditional universities and colleges, itâ€™s all about lecturing. Instead of using bookish theory, we make our students practise what is taught to them so that they get the lessons registered in their minds forever. The system allows the learners to experience a wide range of exposures and outcomes as a result of their decisions and actions.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How acceptable/recognised will be these courses internationally?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our programmes are UK Level-7 which is Post Graduation and conforms to the standards of UK accreditation agencies. If our students here in Nepal wish, we can even make arrangements for them to complete a 3-4 months thesis in the UK and obtain a dual masters after finishing their programme at CGCIM.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Is there great saleability associated with the courses as far as the job market is concerned?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are going to guarantee that anybody taking our programmes will be employed even before they have finished the programme. The companies are going to notice our students while they are still studying through work placements and case studies etc.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
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			'description' => 'Mohit Mamudi is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution..........',
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			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Huge Mobile Telephony Market Is Still Lying Untapped' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v.jpg" style="width: 376px; height: 393px;" vspace="10" />Abu Daud Khan</strong> is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the company to feature a dual sim. The handset also comes with an in-built Nokia Browser. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Khan spoke about Nokiaâ€™s consistent effort to drive more value by introducing exciting new features that promise to change Internet usage for millions of Nokia consumers. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">In which other markets have you launched Nokia C2-03?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are targeting all developing countries where a large consumer segment cannot afford high-end smart phones. Nepal is definitely a focus market for us. But apart from this country, we have already launched the product in India, China, Indonesia and Brazil.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is the target audience you are looking at through this particular product?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are looking at the masses and our vision is to connect the next billion. There is a huge market still lying untapped. Letâ€™s take Nepal as an example which has a population of around 30 million people. I have learnt that the number of mobile phone subscribers in this country has reached 10 million. There are 20 million people out there who are not connected by mobile telephony which means that affordability is still a factor for them. Therefore, we have tried to make the product as affordable as possible so that these people too can get connected. We are also trying to cater the need of dual-sim through this product.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt;">Even among the 10 million mobile phone subscribers in Nepal, a very small number of people actually have Internet access. We need to connect these people to Internet and that is precisely what this particular product will do. We are trying to do a couple of things here â€“ one is to connect a large population on account of voice and the next is to make a serious effort to make Internet available to people who canâ€™t afford laptops or personal computers&nbsp; at home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How cost-effective will Internet browsing be, courtesy Nokia Browser vis-a-vis traditional browsers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, we are claiming that it has the ability to compress websites up to 90 per cent. It means that in terms of compression, it can perform 90 per cent better and faster than the other operator browsers. The cost of downloading is, of course, the operatorâ€™s domain. From our perspective, the speed at which downloading takes place also determines the eventual expense. The Nokia browser compresses at a faster pace which enables Nokia users to consume more at a given budget.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Do you have any specific reason to introduce Nokia Browser with Series-40 devices?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our clear focus for developing markets is the price factor because a lot of people canâ€™t afford smart phones. However, they need to be connected to Internet or else there is a fear of them getting left behind in this fast changing global scenario. We wanted to cater to this large segment of people by developing a device which is easy to use and affordable.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Are there any plans to introduce Nokia Browser to mobile handsets of other brands or personal computers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s only available with Nokia phones to ensure best experience. This is the first product that comes with an inbuilt Nokia browser. All the upcoming Nokia handsets will have the Nokia browser from now onwards. Apart from that, we are also giving options to existing Nokia users for downloading the browser free of cost from Nokia stores.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Could you tell us a little about Nokiaâ€™s NAVTEQ?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NAVTEQ basically provides the base electronic navigable maps and its underlying map database is based on first-hand observation of geographic features. At this moment, we donâ€™t have the Nepali map available with us but we do plan to have maps in this product Nokia C2-03 in the future.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Abu Daud Khan is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the....',
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			'title' => ''We Want To Target Corporates On A Much Bigger Way' (august 2011)',
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			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/altaf.jpg" style="width: 415px; height: 346px;" vspace="10" />Altaf Halde</strong> joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of Kaspersky antivirus. For Nepal, Sagar Infosys is the sole authorised distributor for Kaspersky products. Halde revealed the company will soon release the enterprise version of the antivirus in the Nepali market. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Halde shared his views on the latest product and Nepal as the market for Kaspersky. Excerpts:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How do you see the market for Kaspersky products in Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I was pleasantly surprised to know about the market potentials of Nepal which I visited after Bangladesh where also we have a very good market share. In Nepal, we have more than 70 to 75 per cent market share. Based on what I hear from dealers, I think there is definitely a big potential over here. I can see a lot of educational institutes coming up, IT initiatives happening, and increasing penetration of laptops and desktops. That automatically translates that you need protection for your computers or laptops and that is where Kaspersky comes on the scene.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Most people use pirated software and operating system at home. What will be the extent of risk to such users from security viewpoint?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Risk is a lot. When you google the key â€˜free antivirusâ€™, you can find a lot of them that you can download. The download shows it is installing but you donâ€™t know whether it is actually installing. It might be downloading some malwares too. Nothing comes for free. People are using free software and they are not sure if that is the best thing. Secondly, people use pirated software. In this region, piracy is a big problem. In India, it was similar many years back but now customers realise that just using a process, the solution does not end; you also need support. You get the support&nbsp;by using a licensed product. That will take some time but it will gradually improve over a certain period of time because that is the way our markets are. On the question of risk, there is definitely the risk because you donâ€™t know what you are using. It might have malware, spyware, or some other kind of threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How can Kaspersky minimise such risks and protect users?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">The Kaspersky Lab which is centrally located in Moscow detects 35 thousand threats every day. You can imagine the number of threats. When a person is on the Internet, it does not matter whether he is sitting in Nepal, India or America. So, what Kaspersky does is that it keeps coming up with&nbsp;regular updates because the threats are increasing. That is how we are able to protect users from such threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Users often complain that Kaspersky requires powerful machine to operate, which slows down their system. How has Kaspersky addressed this issue in its latest version?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In 2012 version, we have come up with a hybrid technology â€“ cloud-based system. With this system, when you are using the desktop and you are not connected to the Internet, you donâ€™t need to have a lot of signature database on your machine. When you have a lot of signature database updates searching on a machine, it takes up your resources and the machine becomes slower. With the hybrid technology we are using cloud-based protection. So, the signatures of the threats are stored in the cloud. Once the user is in the Internet, computing power of the machine is not touched. That will happen in real-time across the Internet. That is how we have been able to address this particular problem. However, if you look in comparison with other products, we are much faster even in the existing version. We do understand that in emerging markets like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, computing is not very powerful. That is why this hybrid technology will prove very good technology for us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In Nepal, Internet bandwidth is lower and majority of users do not have access to high speed Internet. Donâ€™t you think the cloud-based system will be a challenge?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">On the consumer level, this could be definitely a challenge because of the Internet speed and probably the bandwidth will be affected but this cloud-based computing will still help reduce this particular problem because the computing is not happening on machine but in real-time in the cloud. We have tested our product with various Internet bandwidth types during the development stage and did not face problem. We will definitely be able to address this particular problem as time progresses. Once the users start using the product they will realise it is actually a good product by making use of good bandwidth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What is the volume your are looking at in terms of sales for Kaspersky products in Nepal? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I wouldnâ€™t be in a position to give you the target from the sales perspective but we have got very good market share at around 70 to 75 per cent with the previous version. This year, we should definitely look at a market share of 80 to 85 per cent. That is what we would want to achieve.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Who do you think are major competitors for Kaspersky in Nepali market? How is Kaspersky different from&nbsp;other products in the market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;I wouldnâ€™t say only about Nepal but globally, Symantec and McAfee are our competitors. There might be a lot of other products but on a global perspective, Gartner have listed three of us as top three security vendors â€“ Symantec, McAfee and Kaspersky. I would say that they are our real competitors.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">We are using hybrid technology while others are only talking about it. When we set up parameters, we are technically quite advanced in terms of updates size and faster scanning compared to other products. Even in this cloud-based technology, we have come up with a small sized update a day rather than making a big update like other products. We understand, in a country like Nepal, bandwidth rate is a problem. With a big update at once, users will not be able to update in time and will be open to threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How is the response of users to your products in South Asia in comparison&nbsp; with western markets? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Our biggest market is Europe, followed by America. Over there, the split is approximately 65 to 70 per cent in consumer segment and the balance in the enterprise segment which is a matured market for Kaspersky. In South Asia, we are very strong in the consumer space and in the enterprise space we have not yet been able to take it to the next level. So, if you put both of them together, I would say in south Asia, we are probably at the number three position, Symantec and McAfee probably being the leaders.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In small countries like ours, price of software is excessively higher which is sometimes even costlier than buying a pc. How does your new version compare with other products on this count?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;We have retained the same pricing as of the 2011 version. A single user pack of antivirus comes for Rs 1,000 for a year. If you look at the per-day basis, itâ€™s less than what a cup of tea would cost. So, that is the amount you are paying to protect the data or yourself. With the market share of 70 to 75 per cent, a lot of users are using Kaspersky 2011. We have also provided the user of 2011 version a free upgrade. That will come free of cost, if the users still have valid license period.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are the challenges you are facing&nbsp; in the Nepali market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Based on what I have seen in my first exposure to the Nepali market, piracy is rampant. Then, there are a lot of other products that come into the market with a lower price to dump their stock. They achieve their sales but there is no support. So, the consumers feel they are cheated. We see that as a challenge. While other products come to dump but we are there in the market with a proper focus. Sagar Infosys is Kaspersky products since 2008 and also providing support and there is our focus. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are your future plans for Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">We plan to keep coming here more often for developing consumer awareness because for us awareness is the key. If consumers donâ€™t know about the threats they will not look for protection. We want to make sure about the awareness on the threats and product developments. So, we want to have many such marketing events where we can go and address the threat scenario to consumers as well as corporate houses. We want to target corporates on a much bigger way in the Nepali market. We want to keep coming to Nepal with more and more solutions which are technically advanced. Everybody was talking about this cloud-based technology but nobody came up with a solution. So, whatever the technology or threats, Kaspersky will be the first to come with a solution.</span></span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-09-17',
			'modified' => '2011-09-28',
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			'description' => 'Altaf Halde  joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of ......',
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	(int) 14 => array(
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			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''I Refuse To Call This A Liquidity Crisis' (august 2011)',
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			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dr gautam vora.jpg" style="width: 283px; height: 328px;" vspace="10" />Dr Gautam Vora</strong><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, a Professor of Finance at The Robert O Anderson Schools of Management, The University of New Mexico, US, has an active research programme and lately he has been focused on option-valuation techniques, interest-rate modeling, investment strategies and mathematical modeling of financial plans.&nbsp;Dr Vora is also a Visiting Professor with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), and during his recent visit to Kathmandu, he addressed issues at a talk programme titled â€˜Financial Crisis: Will Nepal Join It or Avoid It?â€™ organised by KUSOM. In an interview with </span><i>New Business Age</i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, he discusses the likely consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis, among other issues. Excerpts:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How, do you think, the current liquidity crunch in Nepal can be set right?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">First of all, â€˜liquidity crunchâ€™ is a wrong phrase to use. Secondly, the problem is not that of liquidity because there is enough money in circulation including the so-called monetary supply. It is actually credit crunch. The people who need to repay the money arenâ€™t able to manage credit to repay quickly. So, primarily, it affects them. The people who speculated are the ones unable to borrow more to make payments on their loans. I have been told that land prices in Kathmandu soared outrageously but have come down drastically in recent times. The BFIs lent against those lands as collateral at higher prices and everybody got large amounts as loans. Now that the value of same land holdings has come down immensely, the borrowers cannot sell off the land to repay the loans. So, these people are looking elsewhere for more money. The impact of this situation on the banks is that they were expecting certain cash inflow of interest and repayment of the principal on the loan but they are not getting it. The BFIs have stopped getting money from the borrowers while they still have to pay interests to their depositors. It is a small world and everybody knows whatâ€™s happening. The depositors the world over stand in the queue immediately to withdraw all their cash the minute they panic. In such an event, the bank has to find money from somewhere to pay cash to the depositors. We can call it insolvency on the bankâ€™s part because it may have the assets but not enough cash. I refuse to call this a liquidity crisis in technical terms: itâ€™s a cash problem. This is precisely the case when the NRB is forced to bail out such BFIs by supplying them bundles of cash to pay the depositors. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;You have labeled the global financial crisis a â€˜group of crisesâ€™. What is your logic behind this observation?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s because the complete picture on global financial crisis is not only about impacting financial markets but also the path it treaded to reach there. It is for everyone to see that there is a crisis but most people are unaware of the real causes behind it. The problems are deep within the system due to which many commentators started calling it a systemic failure. The system was designed and modified over the years in such a manner that it led us to this problem. Thatâ€™s why I call it a group of crises because it took us a long time to get there. The whole story was in the making for 10 â€“ 15 years in the US and before the people could realise, it carried over to other countries as well. It started during the Clinton (Former US President Bill Clinton) administration when the liberalisation policies were implemented and the government agencies were indirectly asked to do certain things for the society. But it slowly increased in size and intensity and ultimately developed into a major crisis.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What, in your opinion, should be the conduct of Nepal Rastra Bank as well as the Banking and Financial Institutions (BFIs) to ensure smooth running of the economy?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">It seems to me that Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is currently the only organisation in Nepal which can look after the financial sector as well as the economy. That makes it a very important agency. I did have the opportunity to speak to a few NRB officials and realised that they are exceedingly competent and have the countryâ€™s interest at heart. The problem is that when you overwhelm a small group of people with too much work, they cannot handle it. You also need regulatory and legal structures backing these people up. The decision of classifying commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, etc as part of the financial sector is definitely very important but it is equally important to set limits for them. It would have been useful to categorise the scope of work for these institutions and spare them interference from the ruling structure of the country as well as the promoters of respective companies. Everybody has a stake in the institutional well being but the ultimate goal for these institutions should be to promote the national economy. If they are going to look at their own narrow self interests then they can do so in the short term only. This is where NRBâ€™s role of being a regulatory agency becomes critically important.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">You accept that NRBâ€™s role is of paramount importance. What best can it do to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB ought to develop a sub agency whose sole focus would be to manage and supervise the oversight of the â€˜Aâ€™ class commercial banks because they are the biggest ones and they have roots in the economy everywhere. They are the real conduit or the pipeline for the monetary policies of NRB so they need special attention. They need tight grouping but I donâ€™t know how that is being accomplished at this point of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What are your recommendations for Nepal to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB is doing all it can to avoid the crisis. It does lot of good things such as giving the money, regulating and supervising, encouraging merger of weak banks with strong banks, etc. The difficulty I see is that of the assets portfolio. The loans that the BFIs have made are weakening, in other words, they are becoming non-performing. This kind of a situation puts a lot of stress on the capital structure and the flow of credit to the economy. No matter what NRB does, the problem doesnâ€™t seem to go away. There are different ways of handling the problem. The bad loans must be taken over from the banks and passed on to NRB. It is a question of how much the central bank can do because they have other goals in mind such as ensuring price stability and looking after the development of the economic sectors etc. The ultimate challenge is that of supervising the BFIs and making them do the right things which require exceedingly tight control.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How do you view the consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have gathered that only about 35 per cent of the population in Nepal has access to banking services. So, the rest 65 per cent of the population will not be directly affected if, god forbid, a financial crisis was to happen here. But what is really interesting here is: most people under this 65 per cent population are barely maintaining a subsistence level anyway. The commercial sector which depends on the BFIs and the development of different industries, agriculture, construction etc will be severely affected in the event of a financial crisis. Even though we may say that the population at large might not be affected, the large chunk of the economic activity could very well be affected and that is the problem. Therefore, even the poorest of the poor will be affected indirectly. Nepal is in a very strong position because of huge amount of remittance it receives every year which is a very nice safety net. But the question is should we rely only on a safety net. Instead, we must rely on a good machine so that we donâ€™t have to use the safety net. And so, my concern is mainly from that perspective. We are trying very hard for economic development so letâ€™s not derail it by letting one little sector of the economy cause problems for the others. We need to study as to what per cent of the real economy depends on the financial sector. Look at the difference between the interest rates that people get on their deposits in the banks and the inflation rate. There is no incentive to save because the purchasing power is constantly decreasing. So, we do not need to have that sort of control in the economy to help save. Savings are to be used to increase the size of the economy for which we need good investments that can generate more income for the country. Finding good investment opportunities is key to bringing the whole economy together. Therefore, if the BFIs donâ€™t do their job well, then we are bound to face major problems.</span><br />
	</span></p>',
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	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘We want to do a Long Term Business in Nepal’</span></span></p>
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	<br />
	<img alt="" border="1" height="360" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Jagannath-Patanaik.gif" vspace="10" width="242" /></p>
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	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Raj Mehta </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the CMD of Little Italy Restaurant and Bar, an Indian restaurant chain well known for authentic Italian cuisine. </span></span></p>
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	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:</span><br />
	 </p>
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	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the prospects that Little Italy sees in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
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	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Nepal is a growing economy and a lot of tourists visit Nepal. Besides, Nepalis travel to a lot of places and so, people do know about different kind of food. The culture for eating out is also very good. There is a lot of potential for food as it is a never-dying business. Globally, food can be categorised into four major categories – Indian, Chinese, Italian and French. Indian as well as Chinese foods have good presence in Nepal while Italian food too is there but not as a proper fine dining option. That is the reason we chose Nepal and are very happy to be here. Kathmandu can sustain two more Italian dining outlets. Pokhara, being a major tourist destination, can also sustain an outlet. It is just a matter of time. </span></p>
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<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Little Italy is a new brand name for Nepal. How do you plan to market your brand along with Italian food? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">First, launching the brand will increase the visibility of a particular brand in the market. We are covering the brand name through newspapers and e-marketing is being taken care of by our marketing team. The food business has a lot to do with word-of-mouth. We are certain on it because we are confident about the food. Once the food is tried and tasted, the word-of-mouth spreads like fire. There are marketing strategies in place but we believe most in the word-of-mouth publicity. </span></p>
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<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the brand value of Little Italy at present? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand was started in 1989 from Pune as a family run business. When an outlet was established in Mumbai in 1995, we got a big exposure. After that, we understood that there are a lot of prospects throughout India. As the world was getting narrower because of globalisation, we started franchising. That was one of the best ways to grow. This is a fine dining restaurant, so, we need a local partner to look after its day-to-day affairs. We have presence in most of the two-tier and three-tier cities in India. We started our first international outlet last year in Dubai which is doing very well. </span></p>
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	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the specialities of your restaurant? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We always wanted to be a fine dine restaurant for unique experience. We prepare food in an authentic Italian way - as the Italians prepare it. We like to keep the menu authentic as we don’t believe in getting things tailored. Everything is fresh here and we never compromise on quality. </span><strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	Usually, the branded and chain restaurants in Nepal are priced comparatively high. How have you priced your menu? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our target customers are local people, Indians residing in Nepal who know about us during their travels to India and other tourists. For tourists, Italian food is a kind of staple food. Relatively, this brand is a value for money. We maintain our standards that can be compared to a five-star restaurant but we believe that the price has to be value for money. We want to do a long term business rather than a short term business in Nepal. This will be a destination for good food and value for money. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the level of competition you feel here?</span>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Fortunately, there is no competition. The market is a virgin territory for us. There are hardly any players in this particular Italian fine dining segment. There are few places for continental and multi-cuisine delicacies but something like fine dining is missing. There are a few players in Kathmandu market who are scattered here and there but those having a full-fledged setup are unfortunately missing. So, we don’t see any competition at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">KFC and Pizza Hut recently faced a serious labour problem. How would you tackle the situation if similar situation arise in this restaurant too? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I would say things have to be seen positively. We should be able to take care of all the scenarios which are unfortunately common here in Nepal. It was kind of similar throughout the world years before. We must try to understand the situation. If both management and staff are well taken care of, such kind of scenario will not come up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Consumers are Shifting Towards High Quality Products’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Rajendra-Desai.gif" vspace="10" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Rajendra Desai </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the General Manager for Business Development at Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL). </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He has recently been appointed to the post of Country Head for Nepal and will be looking after the operations here. Having a work experience of three-and-a-half decades, Desai has worked at Asian Paints for 26 years in various capacities. He has been associated with Nerolac for the last seven years. Kansai Nerolac is a Japan-India Joint venture company. After the acquisition of Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd, the company has transformed into Japan-India-Nepal tripartite joint venture. In an interview with New Business Age, Desai shared details about the acquisition and the moves ahead. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints has acquired 68 per cent stakes in Nepal Shalimar Paints. What are the reasons behind this move? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, India entered the joint venture with Nepal Shalimar Pvt Ltd (NSPL), one of the leading paints manufacturers in Nepal and acquired 68 per cent stake in the Nepali paints manufacturer. The investment made by Kansai Nerolac towards this acquisition is about Rs 125.8 million. With this acquisition, Nerolac expects to consolidate 10 per cent market share for Kansai Nerolac in Nepal. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd has shown significant business interest in the country. Further, the company would be giving a loan of Rs 120 million to fund the working capital requirement of NSPL. Considered in the top five bracket of Nepal, Nepal Shalimar commands a market share of 8 per cent in Nepal. It had a turnover of Rs 205.7 million in 2010/11 and approximately Rs 250 million in 2011/12. The company’s consolidated profit would improve and in turn increase EPS which will also benefit KNPL shareholders. KNPL is utilising the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar and manufacturing the entire Nerolac range of products that are currently exported to Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">After the acquisition, Nerolac envisages to capture more than 15 per cent market share. How do you plan to achieve that? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are here to make Nepal almost self-reliant with the production of paints that match international standards in quality. Rapid urbanisation, construction boom in the past and growing awareness among customers has triggered the demand of paints, giving a leg up to the mostly joint ventures and subsidiary of Indian multinational companies. We believe that urbanisation not only in Kathmandu but also creation of new urban centres across the country with the flow of remittance in rural and semi-urban areas has been an encouraging factor to expand the paints market. We will be focusing to cash in on the emerging market. </span> <span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We have observed in recent times that the market is growing for paints despite slowed demand in the construction sector as consumers have become more aware and are shifting towards high quality products. Population growth and infrastructure development will have advantage to increase in demand of the paints. Due to growing demand, we aim to deliver international quality and healthy home paints at the right price which will be the unique selling point of our brand to achieve higher market share. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the market prospects you see in Nepal? </span></strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We are proud to say that our water-based products are heavy metal free such as lead, mercury, chrome etc and all the products are almost zero VOC-(Volatile Organic Compound). We offer a wide range of decorative paints for exterior and interior walls as well as for wooden and metal products. Some of our products for exterior walls are Nerolac Excel Total, Excel Antipeel and Suraksha Advance in premium, middle and economy range respectively. Likewise, our products for interior walls are Nerolac Ecoclean, Impression 24 Carat Luxury of premium class, Lotus Touch Premium Emulsion for mid-range, Beauty Emulsion and Little Master for economy range. We have also offered Beauty Acrylic Distemper for our customers. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Our end consumers, paints dealers and painting contractors are loyal to Nerolac brand and have huge confidence in it. We have always served our customer needs in the best way possible. Likewise, we constantly make sure that the health of our customers is not affected while using our products. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">You are also planning to use the production capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. What will be the range of products that will be produced within Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are augmenting the existing capacity of Nepal Shalimar Paints. We have added some new paints grinding machines for better quality and higher production capacity. We will be using same technology of manufacturing as we do in Japan and India. So, there will not be any variation in the quality of products produced here. We will be producing a full range of products in Nepal that we currently manufacture in India such as water-based emulsion for both Interiors and exteriors along with solvent-based primers and top coats with ancillaries. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the products that you plan to launch soon in Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">A complete range of Nerolac paints is being launched in Nepal as we were already doing business via our range of products by importing in the past. Now, we will be manufacturing the same in Nepal at our Birgunj plant. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The brand Nerolac is endorsed by popular celebrities like Shahrukh Khan. How do such endorsements add value to the brand that also influences the Nepali market?<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Shahrukh Khan is a leading celebrity of Bollywood and has a huge fan base not only in India but across the globe including Nepal. The brand endorsement has given boost to our sales figures in India and the same is expected in Nepal as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Nepal is a Strategically Important Country to Focus Upon’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Jagannath Patanaik </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Director-Channel Sales (South Asia) of Kaspersky Lab India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Kaspersky Lab is one of the fastest growing IT security vendors worldwide. Over 300 million people worldwide are protected by Kaspersky Lab products and technologies. Its corporate client base exceeds 200,000 companies located around the globe, ranging from small and medium-sized businesses all the way up to large governmental and commercial organizations. The Lab has more than 120 global partner and technology OEM agreements with companies and today, it’s the world’s largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection solutions. In an interview with New Business Age, Patanaik talked about Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 and market prospects for Kaspersky products in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Can you please tell us the purpose of your current visit to Nepal? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have just launched the new edition of Kaspersky internet security and Kaspersky mobile security anti-virus here in Nepal. Essential to any level of PC security is superior anti-virus protection that does not slow down your system. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 has been loaded with the latest technologies that work behind-the-scenes while delivering real-time, cloud-enabled protection from the latest threats, and proactive protection from unknown dangers. It is the essential protection for your computer and mobile these days. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Tell us about some latest features of the new edition of Kaspersky 2013. </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is packed with the latest Kaspersky Lab technologies from our team of world-class security experts and engineers. It works surreptitiously with intelligent scanning and small, frequent updates, while delivering real-time protection. It goes beyond simply scanning for vulnerabilities and now includes analysis and control over the actions of programs and applications with vulnerabilities, so they cannot cause any harm. With a single mouse click, File Advisor uses cloud-based technologies to check the safety of any file you would like to access. In addition, our URL Advisor adds color-coded tags to all web links to advise you of the danger level of the link and subsequent pages. The users can fully enjoy the PC and Internet without being dragged down by security software. Small, smart updates and intelligent scanning operate behind the scenes while delivering maximum PC performance. </span> <br />
	<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the Nepali market for Kaspersky? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><strong> </strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">There is lack of purchase habit regarding software in South Asian market and Nepal is no different. Although being a piracy-oriented country, we need to motivate people to develop a habit to purchase software. However, we have been able to penetrate the market and make people understand the benefits of our product. Nepali market is indeed a challenging market for us. Nevertheless, we are able to make some enrollment. Today, we are talking about reducing the piracy in order to create a virus free Nepal slowly. We have begun to set up Kaspersky anti-virus in every government institution of Nepal for six months for the virus free Nepal campaign. Thus, we are highly positive about the Nepali market in the days ahead as well. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali market needs to grow. We are trying to educate people regarding the anti-virus security here. Nepal is one of the strategically important countries to focus upon. We are planning to provide security software services to 100,000 computers in Nepal so as to increase the awareness regarding genuine internet security. </span></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	Who are the targeted customers for Kaspersky?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Anybody who owns a computer is our target customer. Major targeted customers are the individual consumers and then we are also targeting the government institutions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What do you consider to be the USP of Kaspersky amongst the targeted clientele here in Nepal?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Default" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt;line-height:10.05pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">As we know that online transactions </span><span mso-bidi-theme-font:="" new="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:" times="">are increasing each day, we have unique features in our new edition of Kaspersky 2013 known as “safe money”. Safe Money protects data during online financial transactions. Apart from it, the new Automatic Exploit Prevention ensures that vulnerabilities will not compromise your PC. Similarly, there is an improved version of Virtual Keyboard and Anti- Phishing protection guard against identity theft. A new Secure Keyboard mode protects personal data entered via physical keyboard. Anti-Spam and Anti-Banner protection block unwanted content. The new improved Advanced Parental Control keeps your children safe and responsible online. Hassle-free protection ensures maximum PC performance. All this makes Kaspersky irresistible for computer users all around the globe including Nepal.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Can you tell us about the innovative business solutions regarding the product?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">In the consumer section, we have internet security anti-virus while in enterprises segment, we have Kaspersky security for virtualization. As people have started to use virtual machines, we are trying to use security solutions for cloud. Kaspersky workspace security (KOSS-1) deals with the protection for workstation and Centralized Administration Kit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Kaspersky Business Space Security (KOSS-2) protects data, file Server, workstations etc. Similarly, Kaspersky Enterprise Space Security (KOSS-3) is for protecting e-mail Server, data, and file server. Kit Kaspersky Total Security (KOSS-4) protects internet gateway, email Server, data/file Server.</span><br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Do you currently have any competition for your product in Nepal? If yes, how do you plan to keep ahead of the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">Currently, we are leading the business. I think that continuous improvisation in the product has created a tough competition to our competitors. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">What are your business plans for Nepal? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">We operate through business channel partners and do not directly go to the market. We go through distributors and channel partners and do a lot of marketing in order to increase awareness and visibility. We are targeting piracy in order to increase our business. We are in the middle of a long tour to educate people regarding the benefits of the software even in Nepal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#211D1E">How do you compare Nepali market with other markets for your product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">Nepali market is a unique one and we are the number one in this market. In India, we are in the second position. However, we are leading in most South Asian markets. The product is making us proud. We are increasing people’s awareness regarding Kaspersky being a reasonably priced product. With this product, the Nepali consumers can experience a sense of security while using the computer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">Visiting Business People</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A1"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">‘Our Main Strategy is to Customize Basic Products According to Nepali Customers’ Demand’</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A25"><span myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="" border="1" height="284" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Milind-Pandharipande.gif" vspace="10" width="178" /></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa0">
	<span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Milind Pandharipande </span></span><span class="A16"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#211D1E">is the CEO at ITS (Information and Telecom Systems) in India. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">While pursuing his Masters in Computer Science in USA, he also worked as a research scientist for Horizon telecommunications USA. After some years, he returned to India and established his own company. His company had an effective operation from June 2006 and it began to roll out the products from 2010 onwards. Although it’s a fairly young company, he is confident about his business. He was in Kathmandu last month for launching his cash and check deposit machine. In an interview with New Business Age, Pandharipande talks about the importance of deposit machines in Nepali financial sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The primary purpose of my visit to Nepal is to promote ITS’s self service Kiosk products, the ones which have been successfully deployed in India already. These products have been especially designed to work in conditions like extreme climate and power shortages which is common in countries like Nepal and India. Our products have been designed for the banking sector, the utility sector and are primarily focused on self service. If you are familiar with ATM machine where the customer can directly withdraw cash, our products can help customers not only withdraw the cash but also deposit the cash or check in his or his friend’s account. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the features of your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">These products have multiple features, where a customer can perform cash deposit, check deposit, account-to-account money transfer, balance inquiry etc. For instance, I can enter my account number and then decide whether to make cash deposit or check deposit. If I make cash deposit, the machine will instruct me to put all my notes in a cash tray and it will accept it one note at a time. Once, all the notes are accepted, it will provide me a transaction receipt and my account will be credited for that amount. These products are fitted with high performance security system which has made them robust. A type of mechanism has been built into it including a back-up UPS. Also, if the machine is stolen, it will automatically inform the law enforcement agencies. Every tampering with machines, either physical or software is recorded and transmitted to the enforcement agencies. This way the machine becomes a formidable piece of hardware.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Who are your target group of customers? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are basically promoting these products for Nepal’s banking and financial sector. And obviously, the major customers are the banks, finance companies and utility companies, for instance, mobile operators. There are also clients from electricity companies and other companies who are into financial transactions. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa24" style="margin-top:5.0pt;text-align:justify">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span>&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are talking to the news media basically the ones who can promote our products. We are seeking promotion of these products from our local partner World Distribution Nepal (WDN). It is difficult for someone coming from India to spread their business covering the entire country of Nepal. For quick penetration, we need other local partners here who can introduce the products in the market. </span></p>
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	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have tried to make our products customer friendly and are also offering more features on it. The only way that we can grow our business is by local customization. We cannot just bring the products from India and sell in Nepal. We ask consumers how they want to customize them. Like, if I offer coffee to you, I would not prepare coffee against your interests. I would ask how much milk and sugar you want which makes you very comfortable to drink that coffee rather than me telling you to drink coffee of my choice. Our main strategy is to bring the basic products that have been developed in India and then customize it according to the demand of the customers in Nepal, for instance, language customization. Customers from Nepal might be interacting or having certain bank transaction differently than what we have customized for Indian customers. That is why we consider local customization a key to our success.<br />
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	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">It is not just Nepali industries, it is important for overall businesses in Nepal. For instance, if I ask my customers to come between nine in the morning and five in the evening and suggest that I can sell the products only during this time, the customers may not feel comfortable to shop. Instead of that, if you take your shop to where the customers are, you will be able to flourish your business. Likewise, with these machines, customers can get service anytime, anywhere. We are bringing these products to our neighborhood and it could be operated 24hrs/7days. This will absolutely raise the number of customers and the bank’s revenue will increase. Many a time, customers do not pay utility bills not because they do not want to pay but because they do not have the avenues to pay. When the bank is closed after five, customers look forward to the next day. With these products, they will be able to deposit their cash after 10 pm also without having to go to the branch office. It is like an ATM machine where you can withdraw your cash rather than having to wait for the bank. </span></p>
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			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-11-01',
			'modified' => '2013-06-07',
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			'description' => 'Little Italy has recently opened its second international outlet in Kathmandu after its first one in Dubai. The restaurant has more than two dozen outlets within India. Mehta was recently in Nepal for the opening of the restaurant. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his ideas on marketing and food business in Nepal. Excerpts:',
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			'title' => 'Visiting Business People   September 2012',
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line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="viraj" border="1" height="449" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Viraj-Rai.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Viraj Rai </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the Line Manager of TLPL Shipping &amp; Logistics Pvt Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management. To ease the export/ import business into Nepal, the company is expanding its business in Nepal by offering Thru B/L service thereby transforming the ICD of Birgunj either into a truly functional hinterland dry port of loading to ICD or into a Dry Port. Rai was in Kathmandu to participate in a trade meet organized by Nepal Foreign Trade Association. In an interview with New Business Age, Rai has emphasized on the need of transport facilities for the importers operating international trade in Nepal. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Could you please highlight the reason for your visit? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The reason for visiting Nepal this time has been to organize the trade meet, a long-term demand of the Nepal trade. So, we are promoting it through BL service, whereby importers in Nepal can greatly scan by availing our single window point-to-point total logistic solution. It will facilitate picking up the cargo from the port of origin or from the factory of the supplier and move it up to ICD Birgunj and issue them one single multimodal document BL for their entire service. As a result, they end up saving huge amount of cost. In normal convention system right now, they pay for detentions or delays from Kolkata port right up to ICD Birgunj. Moreover, we take care of that by providing that service and giving delivery to them in Birgunj and any delay in between is not a cost for them as we cover that risk in our service.</span><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	The whole purpose of our visit was to promote our services especially in Kathmandu. We have started this service more than a year ago. Earlier, it was introduced in Birgunj under the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce, and we wanted to fine tune and improve it further. Therefore, we have been learning, fine-tuning, and improving ourselves during this period. We have felt in recent times that we are ready to take this to the next level. That is why we felt the need to organize this trade meet and address the entire trade in Kathmandu </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What types of problems are the Nepalis importers facing while bringing goods from different ports through ICD Birgunj? </span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Since Nepal is a landlocked country, it is wholly dependent on nearby Kolkata ports. There are many problems put forward by Nepali importers while bringing goods from different ports. To begin with, they do not have control over the shipment period or the time and the container in sea. However, once it reaches the land, there is still uncertainty because there may be some delays at the Kolkata port in loading the container or delays in the train itself. Throughout this entire process, they have to depend on outside agencies for information flow and updates. Currently, they have to depend on shipping land to know the status when the container would reach Kolkata. They need to depend on the forwarder or the CHA to know when the container would be cleared at Kolkata port. Then they need to know when it would be loaded on wreck after which they need to follow up to know when the ship will reach Birgunj. In our service, we do away with all this. We give a single window solution and all the information flow is provided locally here at Birgunj. Therefore, this is a big solution to one of the biggest problems that Nepali trade is facing. </span></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the same time, because we are covering TLPL up to Birgunj, we have seen most of them paying huge amount of detention cost in the current conventional system. Due to this, crores of rupees is being paid to Indian shipping agents for the time taken for the containers to come from Kolkata and to go back which is normally much beyond the free time given by shipping lines. So, in our case, we cover that risk by providing service up to Birgunj so that there is further cost saving to the trade. These are two of the major problems being faced by the Nepali traders and we have been able to address it. At our level, we cannot address other problems that have been faced by the traders. It has to be done in accordance with India- Nepal treaties. However, the problems that we are addressing are within our control as it is based around shipping and land logistics. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What were the queries from the importers during the trade meet? </span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">At the end of it, everybody is looking at the bottom line. Therefore, they look at ways to reduce the cost. The feedback we received from the audience is that sometimes the Kolkata port is congested. The next concern was how fast the container can be loaded for Birgunj. In the present scenario, it is not possible to give a guaranteed time. Then there is addressing of issues on a larger scale from government-to-government through transit treaty or rail service agreement between the two nations. </span> <br />
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong>&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you going to address the problems faced by the importers and exporters?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">One is the timely flow of information. There are also times when the traders find our rates little high so they give their business to the traditional forwarders. However, they are still in touch with us to try to get information that possibly they are not getting as accurately from their existing forwarders. Therefore, we do get calls regularly from importers in Nepal asking us to cross check on information. In the present scenario, they probably want to verify the information they are getting. In our service, the information flow will come from us directly and given to them in Nepal. They do not need to call at Kolkata as the entire single window solution will be given here in Nepal itself.<br />
	<br />
	The second one is the cost element that we see on an average. There is a huge amount of detention cost being paid because of delays between Kolkata and Birgunj and empty containers going back. In our service, the container is going to be allowed up to Birgunj after which we plan to give three days free time for local importers at Birgunj and five days for importers from Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to me, these are ample time frames for the importers to empty containers and send them back to Birgunj. Once they return the containers to Birgunj, their responsibility ends there. They have no detentions to worry about because it’s us who cover that cost element. This is a two-fold benefit and we will see how we can add further value to this entire service. Along the line, we would also look for cutting down on costs that are within our control.</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the weaknesses of Nepali exporters/importers while using your services?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Many traders import from China. There seems to be a miscommunication between the importer and supplier. Therefore, when we approach the supplier, we find it has not been properly informed that we are the nominated carriers. We see this mistake on flow of information to the suppliers a number of times. The other mistake is about error in documentation. There are times when the information provided to us is not accurate and we have to give back the documents to the importers. In addition, sometimes the documents sent for clearing the container at Kolkata are incomplete. These are small mistakes but they definitely lead to delays and increase the cost. Luckily, we have the provision in Indian customs to clear the cargo through copies of the documents so that it saves time while couriering the originals. With time, the number of mistakes has lowered as our customers are more aware now. With the new customers, we have to possibly educate them beforehand and see how they can avoid these mistakes.</span><strong><br />
	<br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">In your opinion, how can Nepali traders become more competitive?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">There is certainly a disadvantage being a landlocked country where you are dependent on ports. However, by utilizing our services, the traders would get advantage of cost which will make them competitive. In addition, if they focus on error free documentation and timely information flow, it will lead towards reduction of mistakes and eventually provide cost competitiveness to them. In today’s world when everything is online, I am sure that they can utilize the tools being offered by technology to bring down costs. We have seen in the past how Nepal has played its role in the export of garments and carpets. Therefore, there is an advantage of labor and craftsmanship somewhere along the line. If the traders can change their set mindset and accept the new technological services provided by us, it will definitely be beneficial for them.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">The Nepali traders complain that they do not get information of their goods after they load it at the port to be sent to Nepal. What is your take on it?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Most of the customers who had the problem of not getting timely information are not particularly going by the system of traditional movement right now. This is where they have answered their own problem. We have assured them timely information and movement of the containers provided they give us the chance. Our service is the solution to their existing problems.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">They also say that your service is a bit expensive and takes more time in comparison to other modes of transportations to Nepal. What do you say?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We have not seen any importers who have not paid detentions. In fact, most of them are paying it. They need to look at their cost and compare it. When we prepare quotations, most of the customers ask for cost breakup till Kolkata. This is not possible for us as we offer complete package solution. At the end of the day, we say that give us a chance to serve you. Our existing customers believed in us and subscriber to our idea. Moreover, those who started with us have stuck to us so far. We can always negotiate and come to an agreeable rate. Nevertheless, I can assure that in the long run, the cost benefit to the Nepali traders would be far more than what they think right now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘A Restaurant is a Personality Driven Business’</span></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="harikarki" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Hari-Karki(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="257" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Hari Karki </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is the owner of GURU, a Hong Kong based Indian Restaurant as well as a Spanish eatery. </span></span> <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">He started his career as a trainee in Hotel Soaltee Oberoi in 1993. Besides Food &amp; Beverage business, he is involved with Universal Music Company. Karki, permanent resident of Hong Kong is also involved in a website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is worth 15 million Hong Kong dollars. In an interview with New Business Age, Karki divulged his plans for business expansion in Kathmandu in the near future. Excerpts:<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to kindly share some experiences regarding early days in your career?<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I started my hotel career as a trainee in Soaltee Oberoi in 1993 that lasted for nine months. Although the training was very basic, it was helpful for building the foundation of my career. After that, I joined Hotel Himalaya, which was a very important decision for my career. It provided me a strong base and I received support from many good colleagues there. That is where I learned the value of decision-making procedures. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp; <br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How was your experience working in the Food and Beverage industry abroad? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">While working at Hotel Himalaya, I thought about pursuing higher studies. So, I went to Bahrain for management studies and afterwards, worked for a year there. Thereafter, I went to Hong Kong for holidays. That is how I landed in Hong Kong. In the meanwhile, I resigned from the Bahrain hotel I was working at. In Hong Kong, I started working at Curry Pot Restaurant as one of my friends was working there already. They were looking for manager at that time. The moment I landed there, I realized the tremendous potential that the restaurant had. I started working and within a few months, I brought about many changes within the restaurant. We were able to open three outlets of the restaurant soon. We also created a brand “Curry in a Hurry” fast food chain in Hong Kong. Later, I was given 25 per cent equity and there were 145 employees working under me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">One important aspect of this industry is to make customers feel that we care for them and at the same time, not ready to compromise with high standards. You need to improvise on the quality of food, service, and everything else. Hong Kong is a very competitive city and there are unique ideas and people everywhere. You need to compete with them in order to capture the market.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you involved in any other business currently apart from Food and Beverages business?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Besides Food and Beverage business, I am involved with Universal Music Company. We are involved in website business associated with Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The project is funded by HKJC and is a 10 million Hong Kong dollar project with additional five million for marketing. This makes the project worth a total of Rs 15 million Hong Kong dollars. The reason for setting this website is for lottery, horse racing, football gambling etc. Since HKJC cannot directly promote gambling, they create lifestyle websites called as Fasttrack.hk to encourage youths towards such activities. It is the Asian perspective of entertainment and we promote it as an essence of lifestyle. We update our subscribers with new information regarding fashion, music, politics etc. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;Currently, I am planning to expand the Food and Beverage business. I am also working on a Brazilian concept outlet. I think this is a good idea as Brazil is hosting the 2014 Football World Cup. At that time, the craze for Brazil will be higher therefore, we are working on that aspect. I am also looking forward to invest in Kathmandu so I am trying to find right partners here to start unique ventures.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the new trends, besides food, to run restaurants successfully in today‘s age?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I think the new trend is the people who run such businesses. Besides food, interior plays a vital role and adds soul to restaurants. It is a personality driven business. It could be the personality of the manager, waiters, or the restaurant itself. If you could put the soul of your staffs to provide service to your customers, they matter more than the expensive furniture, wines, or any other aspect of the restaurants.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Therefore, gone are the days when the hotel employees treated the customers with mere words. These days, there is a new trend in Hong Kong where the customers and the employees of restaurants or hotels treat each other as friends. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Would you like to explain about the potential cutleries that are to be used in restaurants?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Everybody wants to be updated these days. When anything comes to your table, it is very essential to work on details. You want to use contemporary utensils to catch up with the changing desires of the customers. Having said so, I would like to add that the look of the equipments and the cutleries should match with the theme of the restaurant. If you are running a modern restaurant, you cannot afford to place old cutleries there. Therefore, you need to update accordingly. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<strong> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are the areas that Nepali hoteliers should improve upon?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">I came here a couple of years ago. The sad thing is that when I went to the same place, I found that the menu had not changed. The good part was that the people working there were the same. However, it was clear that they were not being able to keep pace with the trend. The question is not only about wanting to upgrade but whether the entrepreneurs are actually doing it in practice. However, at the end of the day, it’s the customers who decide about the change.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Customers visit the restaurants and hotels to feel the difference. However, if they get the same boring treatment through the services of hotels and restaurants, they would not enjoy it. Therefore, in this particular business, the first thing is to upgrade our services in a similar manner we upgrade our life itself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">It is said that the services of the five star hotels here in Nepal is equivalent to the services of three star hotels abroad. What is your comment on this comparison?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">Well, I do not think that the comparison is fair. The categorization of hotels or restaurants depends on the kind of service you provide to your customers. For instance, there are many ways of providing service to your customers. Serving is an art in itself which sets you apart from others. It is an important aspect that every restaurants and hotels should understand while providing services to their clients.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What improvements should the service provider bring to achieve perfection in services provided to the clients? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I think, to begin with, the trainer should get the proper training themselves. Then only, they will be able to train their staffs accordingly. When you do not update yourself, you will not come to know about new trends in the business. These days, customers seldom complain about your service. They simply stop coming to your place. If your customers complain about your services, you must take it positively and think of these customers as your well-wishers. People do not have the time to point out your weaknesses all the time so it is your responsibility to upgrade your service in accordance with the present time. Tell us something about your restaurant and the investment figures involved.</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The theme of my restaurant is simple and it is unique that in a very short period of time, the restaurant has created a brand of its own. There has been a breakthrough in Indian cuisine and you can find good reviews and comments about my restaurants on my website. It has been almost three-and-a-half years now. The investment in the restaurant is 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars while the annual turnover is around 4.2 million Hong Kong dollars. With an area of 1500 square feet, the seating capacity of the restaurant is 175 people. <br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">When you travel around the world, you can see many Indian restaurants, however, there are very few Nepali restaurants abroad. Is it because we lack varieties to offer in terms of our cuisine?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">I do not agree with this observation of yours. In my opinion, you have to study the market before you start any business. For instance, if you target only Indian customers at Indian restaurants, you will fail. You have to think holistically. In Hong Kong also, Nepalis have great scope everywhere as the people of Hong Kong have tremendous respect for Nepalis. I also serve some Nepali delicacies at my restaurants. We have enough scope to serve Nepali delicacies to the customers in Hong Kong.</span>&nbsp; <br />
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are Nepali businesspersons doing in Hong Kong?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">The involvement of Nepalis in Food and Beverage business is remarkable. They have left even the westerners behind, in this respect. Let me give you one example. Few months ago, two young Nepali men opened two new outlets called Escape and China Bar with an investment of 16 million Hong Kong dollars. They are doing fabulous business In terms of other businesses, Nepalis are involved in import/export, construction, travel agency etc. I must say they are doing well for themselves in Hong Kong. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Are you associated with the NRN Association? Are there any NRN businesspersons who are doing business here? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">I am a member of the association, however, I am not actively involved in it. As an idea, it is good. However, I do not see where they are heading. It all depends on who is leading the association. There are many NRNs doing business here. Some are involved in banking, travel agencies, trading, and others. I think that everyone has to work on their strong aspect, start from scratch and then dream big. If I have to start a business here, I will have to learn the basics about the market. That is the reason why I am looking forward to appropriate partners here in Nepal. I would need at least six months to study the market locally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We See a Huge Yet-to-be-Tapped Market for BUSY in Nepal’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="pankaj" border="1" height="408" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Pankaj-Kumar-Roy.jpg" vspace="10" width="331" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Pankaj Kumar Roy </span></span><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#221E1F">is Business Development Manager at Busy Accounting Software, one of the popular accounting and inventory management software for MSMEs in India.&nbsp; </span></span><br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">The company has currently over half-a-million users in over 20 countries. BUSY 12 is the software that the company has introduced lately. Roy visited Kathmandu recently for the expansion of his software business in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of accounting software in Nepal’s business sector. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal this time?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">This time, we came here for the promotion of our new software BUSY 12. We are providing technical support to busy users as well as providing training to channel partners on BUSY 12 – our latest version for BUSY range of accounting software.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What are the major features of your software products?</span><br />
	<br />
	</strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY is an accounting and inventory management software. The salient features of BUSY are: Financial Accounting, Inventory Management, Statutory Reports, Invoicing, Production, Bill of Material, Multi- Location management, checks and controls, MIS and many more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Please tell us something about your software BUSY 12. Who are the target groups for this product?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">BUSY 12 is an accounting and inventory software with a host of new features and enhanced functionalities including sales/purchase quotation, customizable reports, data access through SMS/e-mail, auto back-up of data and provision for voucher audit etc. It’s an ERP for SMEs which allows businesses to manage their accounting, inventory, invoicing, and statutory requirements. It also offers a feature that would help the user in securing their data against theft and misuse, thus maintaining a better control mechanism. It also enables users in preparing sales or purchase quotation. All businesses which require software to manage their business are our target customers. Hence, all SMEs and in fact the corporate houses also, can benefit from BUSY 12.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How are you promoting your business in Nepal?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We sell our software through the channel partners in Nepal. Currently, we have three channel partners in Kathmandu and multiple resellers working for these channel partners. As an organization, we put big emphasis on customer satisfaction so we plan regular visits to our customers to resolve their issues. We regularly participate in leading exhibitions in Nepal and organize seminars and workshops also. Moreover, we take regular feedback from our partners and customers to incorporate features specific to businesses requirements in Nepal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What are your plans to attract more number of people using your services?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">As I mentioned earlier, customer satisfaction is our motto. We believe in a theory that ‘one happy customer refers you to ten more,’ so we are striving hard to make our customer feel happiest which we believe will boost our business. We have plans to organize meetings, workshops and seminars regularly to train and educate people on BUSY. Moreover, we would be participating in leading exhibitions and advertising in leading newspapers too. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">How can Nepali Industries benefit from your products?</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:">We have so many excellent features in BUSY which simplify the businesses of Nepali SMEs. For example, we provide Nepal VAT reports, Nepali date, computerised billing, checks and controls, multi-branch management etc including other features which have been beneficial for Nepali businesses. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<br />
	&nbsp;<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">What is your assessment of the market demand for your software?</span> <br />
	</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We see a huge yet-to-be-tapped market for BUSY in Nepal. Our software caters to almost every industry – retailers, traders, distributors, discreet manufacturers and corporate entities. However, most of the businesses here are either not using any software or are using out-dated software to manage their accounting and inventory needs. Therefore, we feel that we are in the right position to capture a big market share in the next two to five years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">‘We Help Nepali Counterparts to meet IT Product Needs’<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span mso-bidi-font-family:="" myriad="" style="font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:">&nbsp;<img alt="alexandar" border="1" height="385" hspace="10" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/Alexander-Oddoz-Mazet.jpg" vspace="10" width="263" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Alexander Oddoz-Mazet </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
color:#221E1F">is the Director – Asia Pacific Region of Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	&nbsp;<span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and business realize their full potential. Through its regional office in Bangladesh, it has been marketing and promoting Microsoft products and solutions in territories of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Microsoft has been present in Nepal since 2007. Oddoz-Mazet was in Kathmandu to attend a business event titled “Maximizing Business Productivity – Leveraging Microsoft Technologies”. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about Microsoft’s business productivity solutions among other issue. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">With business productivity being high on most organizations’ priority list, what does Microsoft offer in specific to the Nepal market?</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">We are developing a new scenario that helps people to work together as a team and as an organization. Communication is one of the key scenarios so people need to do it more effectively while collaboration is also one of the scenarios that we need to work at more effectively. At Microsoft, we now have a few technological solutions that can help to achieve that. One of them is Unified Communications which is a way to reduce complexity by putting people at the centre of the communications experience. The goal is to integrate all of the ways we contact each other in a single environment using a single identity and presence. It provides businesses in Nepal with the power to choose how they provision services whether on their own premises, as cloud services, or in a hybrid fashion. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How significant is Unified Communications from Microsoft’s perspective?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	It is very important indeed. With Unified Communications, we bring instant messaging, web, email, calendar, SMS etc together into one platform which makes it very easy for information technology (IT) divisions at organizations to manage a lot of things and make them very cost effective. It is a one-stop solution to everything. For themes, it has one-user interface that enables organizations to perform all types of communication. It has made it easy to drive a new way for all activities, to use different tools. With the Unified Solution powered by Microsoft, the users are free from the hassle of using different access, passwords and methods to use it. We provide a new communication solution not only to connect internally but also to the outside world.<br />
	<br />
	Please share the key capabilities of these solutions that you have mentioned in your presentation In not only Nepal, but also in countries around South East Asia like Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, we found that people create word document, PowerPoint presentations, picture, videos and store them in their personal computers (PCs). This is not a very effective option. If we want to work as a team and want to access those documents, it is not possible if they are stored in the individual PCs only. With SharePoint, you build an internet site within your company where only the employees of your company and trusted partners can have access to the information. SharePoint is one of the fastest growing products in business because people realise that they need to share the documents and work together as a team. Therefore, having the documents in a central location, which is easily searchable and accessible to people, can work effectively. We see the government officials and businesspersons using SharePoint to a large extent.<br />
	<br />
	Sometimes, it takes a while for a new technology to develop inside an organization. However, when the professionals inside an organization get along with the technology over time, they can adopt it to manage overall technology on their own. The fundamental capability of the software is to make people more productive. It makes a country more competitive in the world market. In Nepal, most of the talent goes outside the country in search of better opportunities. Our technology, adopted by organizations, can keep the intelligent people within the country which, in turn, helps the economy. There are lot of functionalities but at the core, Microsoft software is helping economies prosper and become more competitive at the world stage. With the integrated value of SharePoint, Link, Exchange, and Office into one platform, it makes the employees and teams to use the software more effectively.</span>&nbsp; <strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	What can companies do to understand Microsoft and business productivity solutions better?</span></strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	<br />
	One of the challenges we see is the people cannot properly understand what business productivity solutions can do for their business. In order to facilitate their understanding, we can show some works on PowerPoint presentation to them and also perform a demo if required. However, the best way to understand any product is to experience it. The analogy that I present many times to make my point is that you do not buy a car looking at its website. You take a decision by doing a test drive.</span><br />
	<br />
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our partners have invested in a facility called “Customer Emersion Experience” in which we bring business people and IT professionals together. Once they enter our facility, we place laptops in front of them and make them test drive Microsoft Productivity business solutions for the next two-three hours. This is the best way to make people understand the value of our platform. We then drive a communication between the IT professionals and business people on ways to enable software in an organization and the value that the business can get. The other way is that we are talking with some of the companies to deploy our technology on a small scale, to begin with. However, the cost effective way is to utilize our “Customer Emersion Experience” scheme. </span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">&nbsp;<br />
	What makes you believe you are better than the competition?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong>&nbsp;</strong>We have a lot of competitors in the market and needless to say, all of them have very niche products. For Microsoft Unified Communications, we compete with people who deal with voice mail system, web conferencing solution and telephonic solution. The way we think about it is to have an integrated approach with the platform. The other is to deliver all those services that are being delivered by independent vendors. We provide ways for a company not to have many relationships with vendors. It’s because we provide vendor consolidations to them.</p>
<p class="Pa23" style="margin-top:5.0pt">
	<strong><span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:"><br />
	How can business houses in Nepal benefit from this technology?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:">Our software will help the user nations to save money on telecommunication. Nepal is a country with a lot of remote areas where people are seeking access to information. Unified communications can help them to deliver more value to the employees, customers, public servants and the citizens of the country. Many government agencies around the world are adopting this technology for better connection with citizens who need access to information. The software called SharePoint enables sharing of information and documents with people internally and the outside world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span myriad="" style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
">We help the IT departments in Nepal to provide one platform that can address all the different productivity needs. Therefore, it reduces their cost of having multiple vendor relationship and different solutions from different vendors. In addition, the IT department can have expertise around a single platform. Whereas, on the business side, people’s familiarity with applications like Word, <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-10-10',
			'modified' => '2012-10-30',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The company is a member of Transworld Group that has interests in wide ranging areas from shipping, ship owning, ship management, agency business and forwarding to logistics and supply chain management',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '665',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘Certification Is Equally Important For All Organizations’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business people" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sundar.jpg" style="width: 205px; height: 259px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	A mechanical engineer by profession, Kataria started ICS in 1999 and is expanding his business in 15 countries with 10,000 valid customers all around the world. ICS has 30 offices in India to be close to their valued customers and provide cost effective and efficient certification services. It has been providing its value added certification and inspection services to the government, public and private sector organizations involved in land, offshore and marine activities. ICS started the quality drive in Nepal nearly a decade ago and started its branch in Kathmandu last year. Kataria recently visited Kathmandu for the certification of an education institute. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the importance of certification and quality management in Nepali industries and institutions. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the intention of your trip to Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We usually get a number of certification issues in Nepal and we come here frequently. This time around, I came here for the certification of one of the colleges and it was successful. Since we are the provider of social quality services, we feel the need of improvement in the Nepali management system of different industries including service sectors like health and education. We have a mission of providing international certification to Nepali management systems in different institutions. I have been visiting Nepal for a decade now. Although business is my first priority, my purpose of the Nepal trip has always been not only for work but also for pleasure. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How has your experience been with the local partners here in Nepal so far? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We have a business partner here who supports carrying out our programs and audit and marketing for us. The clients are also our partners and the experience with them is quite good. I appreciate Nepali industries’ enthusiasm to sustain in the market. They are facing many constraints in their businesses because of the political situation and unstable government. Moreover, they are dependent on the neighboring country even for raw materials. I find them not being able to recruit skilled manpower to run the organization. However, they have been able to sustain and continue their businesses. We should praise these industries, entrepreneurs and co-operatives for sustaining in the market. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How do you evaluate certification services in Nepal? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I should say that there a good number of industries available here and many of them have adopted this modern management system. Unfortunately, we find people in service sectors like finance, medical and education not adopting it. Certification is needed for quality assurance and therefore we suggest them to go for it because it also comes handy in supply chain and dealing with the customer. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>You mean to say that every institution needs to be certified. What is the process for ICS certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Certification is equally important for any organization whether it is a large corporate house or the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As we go for the standard approach i.e. the managerial approach, we help these institutions to enhance their management systems through quality management services. When you are certified, you would be able to manage your system very well. For the certification process, we observe and study the management system of the company and manually oversee their quality system as well as the audit system. For example, we look into the resources of the education institutions, their system and the organization’s working environment, competence of the manpower they have recruited, safety strategies of the industry and the process of education. Most education institutions in Nepal are governed by the Tribhuvan University and the secondary board and hence, they follow their rules. We find out the extent to which they are following the rules and regulations. We also check if they are fulfilling minimum environment requirements or not, how they cover the calibers, the ratio between the students and teachers, how they are improving and so on. We also inspect their results and find out whether they are improving or not and the training levels of the teachers. This system is quite a holistic approach and applies in manufacturing also. We go through the procurement of raw materials processing manufacturing, inspection and testing, delivery and after sales or services. We have varieties of approach and maintain the standard pertaining to different certifications. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How many countries and industries have followed ICS by now? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	We are operating in 15 countries including the UAE and other gulf countries. ISO Geneva has blessed the industry and manufacturers including the service industry with an international standard Quality Management System ISO 9001. The ISO 9001 has been adopted by more than 200 member countries so far. This standardization on quality has become most popular and is considered as a benchmark. We are serving worldwide for many years now and many countries are opting for adaptation. Our targeted institutions are industry and service providers. We have certified some of the departments of Bank of India also. In Nepal, we have now 71 clients including Classic College which is the latest one. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>What are the expansion plans of ICS? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	Although we are providing lots of inspections and certifications, I am looking forward to providing distinct education in Nepal. We have recently launched a one year diploma program on total quality management which is accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) of United Kingdom. I feel Nepal needs training for different institutions for industrial purpose and also for those who opt to seek employment in the gulf countries. There are no professional training institutions for the labor workforce. If we get a good partner here, we can start that too. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How can Nepali Industries get benefit from management certification? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	It’s been the question of every institution all over the world to have sustainability and at the same time, to maintain continuity in the competitive market. Increase in the cost of raw materials and labor cost, political instability and currency deflation have been the common problems everywhere. Once we certify them, they would be able to look into their system and tackle the problems very well. It’s like a third eye which helps to look into your system and operate without loss. Although we are an Indian company, we have a good relation with Nepal. Our mission is to support SAARC countries and Nepal is the closest neighboring country. We have manpower, strength and mission to support people and believe that our attempts will help them to have business sustainability and continuity. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-08-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sundar Kataria is the Chairman and Managing Director of International Certification Services (ICS) Pvt Ltd, India - one of the certification bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva.',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '654',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => '‘A Number Of Nepali Banks Are Interested In IS Audits’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<br />
	<img alt="visiting business People" border="1" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/julyvisitingbusinesspeople(1).jpg" style="width: 195px; height: 273px;" vspace="5" /><br />
	<strong><br />
	Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India. <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	He specialises on conducting Security Audits, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing for NII’s premier clients. Deo holds Certified Professional Hacker (CPH), Certified Professional Forensic Analyst (CPFA) and Certified Information Security Professional (CISP) certificates from the Institute of Information Security, the training wing of Network Intelligence India Pvt Ltd. He was recently in Kathmandu to participate in a security awareness workshop. The workshop was focused on general properties of information security, its nitty-gritty, demonstrations of security network tools and Information Security Auditing. In an interview with New Business Age, Deo talked about various issues related to security audits. Excerpts: <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What brings you to Nepal this time? <br />
	</strong><br />
	<br />
	I am here to participate in the security awareness workshop. We will be conducting general introduction to information security and IT security. I hope this will be beneficial to the business community at large in Nepal because almost all sorts of businesses today require computing system in one way or another. So, it becomes important to have a security system so that there is no infiltration into the computer system that will misuse valuable data and stored information. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What is the difference between IT security and information security? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IT security is a specific area that targets computer system whereas information security encompasses everything. Information could be a regular paper, or data or any other product a company may develop and all of that becomes part of information security. So, when you talk of information security audits, it also audits business growth. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	What are the products and services NII is currently offering? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	NII is primarily into information security consultancy. We also have a product business with our sister concern called Institute of Information Security through which we do a lot of trainings. On the product side, we provide product support for products such as antivirus, anti-spam solutions, firewall products, data leakage prevention solutions and source code auditing – a unique area we specialise on. We are starting a new area where we are going to analyse mobile applications. We are planning to analyse java applications on an android platform. <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	Is there any difference in the extent of vulnerabilities faced by the corporate sector in the South Asia region when compared to that of western developed countries? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	I don’t think there are any specific differences. We face the same challenges that our western counterparts are going to face or have already faced. The difference is in the sense that the western counterparts already have information system for a longer period of time. So, their approach to audit system is more matured. Having said that, we actually have the benefit of having that knowledge ahead of it and there could be specific challenges in terms of the process because our process is different than their processes. Auditing the security system and making sure that they are fraud proof and security around them is well built, is the important part. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	With the invention of new technology and security systems, newer forms of threats are coming along. How challenging has it been to maintain security in the present situation? <br />
	<br />
	</strong><br />
	Mobile threats are becoming a major arena. There is significant penetration of mobile computing that is going on currently in the South Asia region. A lot of people want to operate their bank accounts through their mobile phones so it becomes an attractive target for frauds. It is important to consider that area as the emerging factor. Basically, all mobile devices – android based devices, iOS based devices and tablets – are coming into extensive use not just on a personal level but also in business. Companies allow you to bring your own device but they want to make sure that the company’s data you put on that device is protected as well. That is bringing new challenges on separating personal data from work data and about how to protect work data while also allowing you to maintain your personal data. Therefore, the security of these mobile devices is becoming a crucial factor. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	How do you compare the trend of maintaining security in Nepal and India? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	The challenges are more or less the same everywhere. Even in India, we are facing similar challenges you might be facing here. In some areas, threats may be more advanced than in other places. As NII, our core plans have been in the banking and we are well versed with the processes that take place in banks. That factor will be a beneficial one when we start our operations here. We are well aware of analysing security and performing audits, doing the measurements for different purposes and allowing that to have impact on your actual business so that the posture of your organisation with each audit becomes better. Security audits should not only try to make the process but also the overall way of working better. <br />
	<br />
	<strong><br />
	Security auditing seems to be the important need at present. How aware is the corporate sector in this region about it? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	IS (Information Security) audit is one of the most important pillars of a good organisation. The reason is that computers are mostly used ubiquitously in all operations. So, all your important records are kept on computer. IS audit analyses your system and try to understand the threats that exist to your business. Based on threats, we will assess the controls you have in place and given the current control, we will suggest you the ways to improve. All of these is documented and audited by checking the evidence. While doing this repeatedly through one or two audits, the overall security for sure becomes better for the risks one is facing as every organisation faces some risks to their respective business. It could be as simple as the theft or it could be as complex as somebody doing a financial fraud. At the end of the day, the goal of IS audit is to minimise the risk in different areas of the business so that it continues to function unimpeded. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong>How affordable is such system for small to medium sized businesses? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	It is difficult to comment on their affordability, however, an IS audit can be customised as per the needs of an organisation. For example, an organisation may say that it only wants one of its departments to be certified for a certain certification. In that case, it can cut away pieces and then take the piece that it so needs. Therefore, it is affordable to many organisations and actually getting a certification like ISO 27001 is quite feasible for medium to large businesses. Even small businesses can afford the same if they are working in a very niche area and are the market leader in that <br />
	<strong><br />
	<br />
	What are the prospects you see in Nepal when you would want to work here? </strong><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	There are a lot of prospects. For example, a number of banks here are interested in IS audits so it’s my guess that we will tackle that shortly. They are interested in data centres so we will also look into that. Both these areas are our core business so we would be very happy to have customers in these areas. If there are clients who want us to do specific kinds of engagements, we would be able to do that provided such requirements are under the purview of law. Banking, energy and industrial sectors are areas we are currently looking at right now. <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-08-10',
			'modified' => '2012-08-15',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Rajesh Deo is a Security Analyst in the Technical Assessment Team at NII Consulting, a well-established provider of information security services and products, based in Mumbai, India.',
			'sortorder' => '553',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '631',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'National Carriers Cannot Function Purely On Commercial Perspective',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="visiting" border="5" height="188" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/2ndvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>R Dayal <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>What brings you to Nepal this time?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal is one of the most important stations for our network. There is a lot of movement of people from Nepal to different parts of the world. That is the reason why I wanted to visit the station and have a look so that we can plan for the future. How important is Nepal as a destination for Air India? It is one of the first few stations for our airlines. There is a lot of potential over here and it is an important part for us. Moreover, having such a long relationship even politically and commercially, we feel Nepal is also a part of us from many perspectives.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the competition with other private Indian airlines as well as other airlines fl ying to Nepal?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There is competition even from within India since Indigo, SpiceJet and others have also come to this place. Now, political boundaries no more exist. If you have Gulf Airlines coming directly to this place, there is definitely stiff competition. We, from Air India side, have always been benefitted from having more competition because we look forward for better efficiencies, performance and innovative strategies. Competition is always good and gives good health to the company.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is the market share of Air India fl ying from Nepal to India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It is 14 per cent. Our capacity utilisation is 70 per cent which is quite good by industry standard. The current capacity is sufficient enough for the demand. Looking at the growth which may come in the future, we will definitely add a few more flights.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Air India is having a fi nancial problem for some time now. What is the company doing to overcome this problem?</strong></p>
<p>
	We did have a financial crunch. When any expansion takes place, it is always financed partly from the internal resources and partly from outside capital, normally from shareholders through issue capital and others. In case of Air India, we had gone for a fairly expensive programme as there was no addition of capacity for many years. The total expansion plan in the last threefour years was around Rs 400 billion Indian currency investment. That investment has to be financed. Most aircrafts are imported from France or USA which is also financed by bank or other means. So, what happened was, we approached the government for adding capital. The government is in the process of doing it. Maybe in a few months to go, everything will be cleared. But inbetween the cal,l there was a delay in the infusion of capital. All our cash generation which has taken place has to be used for repaying the foreign sovereign loans which we have committed. As a result, there was a cash flow problem. But, the government has now already approved a turnaround plan which includes the restructuring of loans along with infusion of capitals. Loans may be converted into preferential shares or may be into long term loan with lower rate of interest. Once this restructuring is completed, with our profitability we expect to pay about Rs 10 billion per annum alone as interest cost and the repayment will be much more comfortable. So, the present problem of the liquidity should be taken care of. I am expecting it to happen in may be two months time.</p>
<p>
	<strong>While private airlines make profi ts, state owned enterprises including airlines seem to be making losses. What are the reasons for this?</strong> </p>
<p>
	Itâ€™s not true that private airlines are making profit. In fact, the entire aviation industry of India is suffering mainly because the fuel cost has increased tremendously. For airlines, 40 per cent of the cost goes towards fuel itself. Another reason that plagues the aviation industry is stiff competition not only within the country but also outside of it which has resulted in the yield coming down. In India, there is no proper support from the government to the airlines industry and even today, taxes are very high. Compared to other places, airlines are considered to be a travel option for elites in India. So, the government has its own priority that it is heavily taxed. As a result, all airlines are in difficulty except IndiGo as they are a new airline and have all LCC models so they are able to manage it. All other legacy airlines are having problems and Air India is no exception. Because of the interest cost, such a heavy expense â€“ where the capital has not been infused â€“ has been a setback for us. But in the month of October-November, we made operating profit.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is Air India planning to move ahead to make itself a fi nancially strong company?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have drafted a turnaround plan which has been approved by the government. The turnaround plan, besides the financial restructuring, will take care of our financial issues. We also intend to rationalise our routes. Some of the routes we have operated have to be revisited along with the economic turnaround. That exercise will give us a lot of strength. With the blessings of the government of India, Air India being the national carrier will have the first right for operating to any destinations. So, we have a lot of market available with which we expect a good growth.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepalâ€™s national carrier is also having serious problems. Government intervention and mismanagement are said to be the major reasons. What is the case with Air India?</strong></p>
<p>
	It happens with all national carriers who cannot function purely from a commercial perspective. They have to have certain national commitments. In case of Air India, as a national carrier, we call it a second line of defence. Whenever there is a crisis like we have in Ethiopia or Egypt, the government has to solve it. Even within the country, there are places which are very loss making to us. We have an obligation to connect the place so as a national carrier; there are always obligations for the general well being of the people even at the cost of commercial principle. As regards to the government interference, though we are an autonomous body, this is a government organisation. The government has its say in giving the direction in which the airlines has to move. By and large, day to day interference is not there and we operate on commercial principle. </p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you compare Air India with Nepal Airlines?</strong></p>
<p>
	I do not have much insight on the way Nepal Airlines works. I believe that by the sheer size of the company, Air India is much bigger and particularly after the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India, it has become a big giant. The bigger an airline is, the better it is able to perform. Secondly, India itself is a big market, domestically as well as abroad whereas Nepal may not have that kind of a market. As far as the management of Nepal Airlines is concerned, I cannot comment about that. </p>
<p>
	<strong>There are budget airlines operating in India. Is Air India also planning to come up with a similar strategy to compete?</strong></p>
<p>
	In Air India, we have a legacy carrier which is a full service carrier and we are now getting into the idea of a low cost carrier. After the success of low cost carriers in Europe, it is catching up now in India as well. IndiGo is one of the low cost carriers and in Air India, we have Air India Express which is a low cost carrier. We are planning to move ahead with our low cost carrier. And we have already shifted to low cost carrier in some of the routes. Maybe in the time to come, we may have to shift to low cost carrier if there is a demand. Once the low cost module is adopted, the cost and the price come down. Today, we have market for both low cost and full legacy carrier. Depending on how the market demands, we will have to adopt the model. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'R Dayal is Executive Director (East)
of Air India Limited and based
in Kolkata. A graduate from IIM
Ahmadabad, he joined Indian Airlines
as a management trainee in 1977.
Since then he has worked in various
positions in financial and internal
audit in different regions of Indian
Airlines. He had also served for
Yemen Airways from 1999 to 2004
as its advisor. After the merger of Air
India and Indian Airlines in 2007, he
headed Internal Audit Department
of the company. Dayal is serving in
his current position since 2010. He
was recently in Nepal during his
official visit. In an interview with New
Business Age, Dayal shared his ideas
on Air Indiaâ€™s financial problems and
growth prospects.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '630',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Demographic Profile Of Nepal Is Brilliant',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="left" alt="mohit anand" height="198" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stvisit.jpg" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Mohit Anand</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin entered India in early 2009 and in two-and-a-half years, you have now formally launched the brand in Nepal. What kind of planning and market research has gone into this endeavour?</strong> </p>
<p>
	There are a few aspects that we carefully look into while entering a particular market and it was no different in the case of Nepal. We look at the overall macro economic situation as to how a particular economy is doing and whether there is an opportunity for us. The market size, PC installed base and PC growth are some of the factors that we have to consider. We then look at the partner eco system and the kind of channels that exist. We explore distribution partners that we can align with and the products that will give us early traction.</p>
<p>
	And then we contemplate the critical business enablers â€“ investments needed to make from resourcing, branding and product perspectives. All of this go into the plan before we enter a market and this is exactly we had done in India. In two-and-a-half years, we have now been able to clock Rs 150 crores across the Indian sub continent. The Nepali market has also played its part as Belkin products were available here in June-July this year. But we were first tapping the market â€“ getting the basic assortment and distribution going â€“ before the formal launch that is happening today.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Name us the major interconnectivity solutions that come out from the Belkin stable.</strong></p>
<p>
	If you look at the Belkin product range, we operate in six key distinct categories. The first one is wireless networking which is critical for us because itâ€™s about interconnectivity â€“ broadband is becoming pervasive and people are connecting to the internet on a daily basis. Second, we have our surge protectors which help people protect their expensive consumer electronics and home appliances. The third one is our range of accessories around the PCs â€“ laptops as well as desktops. Fourth, our audio video interface cables, which allow consumers to experience HDMI audio or video at 1080p HD TV resolution. The fifth is structured cabling â€“ our passive network solution â€“ which connects networks, commercial data centres and high end enterprises when they need to have wide area or local area networks. The last one is our products around mobile phones, smart phones and tablets which we call our mobility range. These encapsulate the six broad product categories that we play in.</p>
<p>
	<strong>You consider the Indian market to be one of your most strategic markets. How have you performed there given the tremendous potential that the country presents? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We started off at zero in January 2009 in the Indian market and if you rewind to that time frame, the world economy was in recession. While most people were curtailing investments and going slow, we were investing. The result of that investment has bore fruit now â€“ we have got to Rs 150 crores by September 2011 exceeding our own expectations of Rs 120 crores by a long way. We are almost on the cusp of completing three years in the sub continent in January 2012. We are now saying that we want to get to Rs 250 crores by September 2012 with our expansion into Nepal and reach across the Indian market as well as other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And by 2015, we want to be a Rs 1,000 crores <strong>company across the sub continent. <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Belkin has expanded its footprint beyond India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, practically covering the entire South Asia region. How do you explain this rapid expansion?</strong></p>
<p>
	The rapid expansion is a direct reflection of the results that we have produced and the success that we have had. We had a sound strategy but more importantly, we executed the strategy very well. The result is, as I told you, we have a Rs 150 crores turnover across the sub continent within a short span of time. Consumers have accepted our products in the market with open arms and that has fuelled our growth and confidence to enter other markets. We have very successful businesses in Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka. And now in Nepal, we are hoping that we will be able to do a substantial business of about half-a-million dollars by the end of 2012. We also hope that the market in Nepal will grow to become a multi-million dollar business by 2015.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What is your assessment of the Nepali market for your product lines?</strong></p>
<p>
	There are three parts to that answer. Firstly, the country has gone through a metamorphosis in the last three years â€“ there has been peace, political stability etc. As a result, the economy has performed well and the people are willing to spend. The economy is growing robustly and doing well even though it is coming off a small base â€“ that in itself presents a big opportunity. Secondly, the demographics of Nepal is brilliant where you have a young, tech savvy and an emerging well educated population that is able to consume the products Belkin has to offer. And lastly, our partnership with the right set of partners such as Neoteric Nepal, retailers and channel partners is really the backbone of our success. Because ultimately, Belkin does not sell anything directly, it sells everything through its partners. Therefore, getting our partner eco system right is the third critical piece we feel very confident about and believe that it will prove to be our stepping stone to success. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Anand is the
Managing Director of
Belkin India Private Limited.
Belkin India, a leading
provider of interconnectivity
solutions across computing
and consumer electronic
devices, announced that the
company has extended its
operations and established
presence in Nepal. It
appointed Neoteric Nepal
as its distributor for Nepal,
to make available complete
range of Belkin products
in the country. Anand was
in Kathmandu recently to
announce the grand launch
of Belkin. In an interview
with New Business Age, he
talked about the prospects
of Belkin products for the
Nepali market.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they donâ€™t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '514',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Nepali Market Is Strategically Very Important For Us',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>Indranil Sinha,</strong> the Director of Exports of Whirlpool India Limited was in Nepal recently, for the opening of two exclusive Whirlpool showrooms. He handles the international export of Whirlpool for South Asia. In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the prospects of Whirlpool products in the Nepali market. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the trend of sales for Whirlpool products in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	Nepal has been one of the best performing markets for us in the last few years. However, I think the penetration of home appliances is still very low in Nepal. In Kathmandu, the market is good, but outside the valley, it's not much to write home about. We have been present in Nepal for the last 15 years, so we have a good network. We try to make sure that the products reach all over Nepal. Our appliances have made a good name for themselves. I wouldn't say the market is very profitable because if the prices are high, the buyers switch to other companies very easily. We are not very conscious about profitability right now; we are just trying to develop a brand image.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Nepali market is relatively a small one. How important is it for your portfolio?</strong></p>
<p>
	I don't think the market is really small. With a population of nearly 30 million, it's quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here. In Sri Lanka, the population is about 20 million, but the sale is around 250,000. In Nepal, the market is growing and so is our market share which is about 15 to 20 per cent. As the market grows, we want to maintain or even improve on our market share. In about five years, I see the market doing very well. Therefore, the Nepali market is strategically very important for us.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The competition is very tough everywhere today, and Nepal is no exception. A number of Asian brands, Japanese or Korean, are strongly dominating the market. But for European or American brands, we are comfortably placed at number one. All our Asian competitors are dealing in home appliances and consumer electronics like television, mobiles, laptops, monitors and other products as well. But our focus is only on the home appliances. We basically manufacture products that are used around the kitchen and make life easier for the users. You might not see flashy lights and a lot of buttons in our products, but you will get genuine benefit and convenience from them.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are the unique features of your product? What is it that gives you an edge over others? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have a refrigerator model in which we have used a technology that keeps food fresh even if there is a power outage for 15 hours. We discovered that generally the compartments of the refrigerators are opened every 10 or 15 minutes in a household to fetch vegetables, water and other items. The door opens and closes so many times and at the same time, hot air goes in. So the refrigerator has to consume extra power to keep things cool, which is not efficient by any means. We have come up with Proton series of refrigerators where we have separated the vegetable storage compartment in a drawer at the bottom and the refrigerator compartment remains at the centre. So, the whole refrigerator does not need to be opened all the time. This makes the refrigerator consume less power. We have applied similar innovations for other appliances as well.</p>
<p>
	<strong>What are your future plans for the market here in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	We have recently opened two exclusive showrooms in Kathmandu. This will definitely help in making our product more visible. We are specially focusing on the market in Kathmandu, where there are opinion makers and trend setters. All the latest products will be there in the showrooms in the capital. We are also offering new schemes for the buyers and will be bringing in new products as well. We have new designs of kitchen chimneys, hobs, water purifiers, clothes dryer and microwave ovens.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Is there a possibility of Whirlpool establishing a manufacturing unit in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Right now, we don't have any such plans. We already have three factories in India and two in China, so opening a manufacturing unit here will not be economically feasible. But still, it's a probability that we may open a facilitating office here in Nepal because at present, we are operating through a distributor.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'With a population of nearly 30 million, Nepali market is quite big. It appears small only because of the low penetration. The sale of our appliances is only around 100,000 here.',
			'sortorder' => '420',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '513',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Increased Awareness Of Incoterms Would Help Local Banks',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/pavel andrle.jpg" style="width: 241px; height: 463px;" vspace="5" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Pavel Andrle</strong> is Secretary of the Banking Commission of International Chamber of Commerce-Czech Republic (ICC-CR) and regularly represents ICC-CR at the ICC Banking Commission meetings abroad. He has been deeply involved in the revision of UCP as a member of UCP 600 consulting group formed by over forty experts from all over the world. Andrle has also been closely involved in the revision of URDG 758. He has participated in the development of ICC-CR certified course Incoterms 2010 Masterclasses and currently serves as one of the ICC-CR official trainers for Incoterms 2010. He has been appointed ICC-CR expert to reply to enquiries related to Documentary Credits and Trade and Structured Finance development of technical assistance consultancy services of ICC-CR to banks, carriers, insurance companies and traders. Andrle was in Kathmandu recently and led a two day seminar for bankers on Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees&nbsp; URDG 758 organised by National Banking Training Institute (NBTI). In an interview with New Business Age, he talked about the features and benefits of the banking commission documents he trained the seminar participants on. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Please tell us about this seminar that you had for the Nepali bankers.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, it was a very successful two day seminar and about 30 bankers representing more than 20 banks participated in this programme. We focused on issues such as Incoterms 2010 and Documentary Payment instruments, ICC Rules for Documentary Credits UCP 600 and Demand Guarantees URDG 758. The seminar was very useful for professionals working in the trade finance sector and dealing with documentary collections and documentary credits that a bank guarantees. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Could you please elaborate on Incoterms 2010?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Incoterms which translates to International Commercial Terms are developed by International Chamber of Commerce. Incoterms are part of Uniform Customs Practice (UCP) 600 widely practiced and followed by banks worldwide for mostly out of country transaction through Letter of Credits. The Incoterms rules are intended primarily to clearly communicate the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery of goods and are accepted by governments, legal authorities and practitioners worldwide for the interpretation of most commonly used terms in international trade. The eighth published set of pre-defined terms, Incoterms 2010 defines 11 rules, reducing the 13 used in Incoterms 2000. In the prior version, the rules were divided into four categories, but the 11 pre-defined terms of Incoterms 2010 are subdivided into two categories based only on method of delivery. The larger group of seven rules applies regardless of the method of transport, with the smaller group of four being applicable only to sales that solely involve transportation over water. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How important is URDG (Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees) 758 and what does it imply?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">The URDG 758 is a set of contractual rules that apply to demand guarantees and counter-guarantees. As the URDG are contractual by nature, they apply only if the parties to a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee so choose. The URDG can adequately provide an operational framework for any situation where a demand guarantee is required, whatever the situation is in the public or the governmental sector involved. Agreeing to issue a guarantee according to URDG spares the parties the effort of drafting extensive clauses to describe the independence of the guarantee, its irrevocability, its non-assign ability and the guarantor's duties and more. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the benefi ts with using URDG 758?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Once the URDG are incorporated in the guarantee or counter-guarantee text by contractual reference to the URDG, they are deemed to be entirely incorporated, unless specific article(s) are expressly excluded or amended. A URDG guarantee and counter-guarantee enter into effect from the date they are issued, unless their terms expressly postpone their entry into effect to agree with a later date or the occurrence of an agreed event. Accordingly, no demand for payment can be presented until the guarantee enters into effect following the occurrence of a specified date or event indicated in the guarantee.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will these programmes help the Nepali banks and bankers? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks to exercise acceptable international norms in issuing and accepting Letter of Credits. Besides, many issues arising out of international trade can be mitigated. The programme will help the banking staff working at the Trade Finance Department of their respective banks on recent issues related with issuing and accepting Letter of Credits and how to quote and implement Incoterms in the Letter of Credits.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><br />
	</span></p>',
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			'description' => 'The bankers who participated in the seminar already had a fair knowledge of the issues that we discussed. However, the increased awareness of the said topics would certainly help local banks.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '512',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'Our Product Is Of National Interest For Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="left" alt="" height="261" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/subhaog ghosh.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="420" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Subhamoy Ghosh</strong> is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer. Ghosh joined Palfinger India on in June 2010 and looks after product management and business development of Palfinger Cranes in India along with overseeing finance and human resource functions. He was in Nepal recently to understand the market demands and requirements for Palfinger Products here. In an interview with New Business Age, he shared his understanding of the Nepali market and plans for Palfinger here. Excerpts:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us something about your products? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We come from the field of transport solutions and our job is to make easy and quick loading as well as unloading of a truck so that it can go for another trip without wasting time. Transporters earn money when they make more trips and our main job is to give transport solution to the transporters. Besides being a lifting and shifting solution provider, we are a multiproduct group having seven major products. We are making our entry in Nepal with the truck loader crane and, in a couple of years from now, we will be introducing more from our product line. The Nepali market has some experience of using second hand Japanese trucks which come fitted with these kinds of cranes. On our part, we will be bringing two cranes: Stiff Boom Crane and Knuckle Boom Crane. Normally, cranes are known for loading and unloading using hooks but this one can perform even clamping and grabbing operations. The Knuckle Boom Crane can even drill a hole. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Is there any special reason behind choosing these two cranes specifi cally?</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">In Nepal, everything has got stagnant and the market has become slow in the last five years. I believe that it is a good time to become better and catch up with the rest of the world. Nepal needs to develop its infrastructure very fast by constructing more roads, bridges, buildings, modernised airports etc. If the industrialisation in Nepal has to take place, abundant infrastructure needs to be there first. These cranes combined with trucks can play a fantastic role in infrastructural projects because these can lift materials and deliver to the projects. As Nepal is a geographically difficult terrain, it is not possible for any project to keep materials close to its vicinity. With truck loader cranes, we are adding versatility as they are more suitable for rental companies. Owning a crane independently may not be economically viable for companies in a small market like Nepal. Besides private players, the public firms too can be better served by these machines. Mechanisation is the solution for efficiency and can save human resource for other purposes while ensuring safety at the project sites. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How can small and large projects alike benefi t from these equipments? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">These can be used mainly in medium to large projects since they may not be cost effective for small projects due to the price factor. We are in the initial stage and trying to increase visibility of the product in the market as people should know what they can do with this kind of equipment. This crane can be used in various aspects such as construction, electrification, municipal waste, cargo distribution, at factories etc. So, we want to let the market decide how can the crane be best utilised as per various needs. Our job as a supplier is to give exposure to the market about the functionalities of these cranes. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you see the market prospects in Nepal? Are there any competitors in the Nepali market for you?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our ambition is to introduce 20 to 25 cranes in the first year in Nepali market for various applications. Then we can expect to grow along with the economic growth of Nepal. In advanced countries, manpower is expensive and it is not ready to do manual jobs and even the law prohibits it to some extent. So they have one crane for every five to 20 trucks whereas in Nepal and India, there is not even one crane for 100,000 trucks. I believe that 20 to 30 cranes should be fitted to every 100 trucks deployed. As of now, there is no competition for us in Nepal for new trucks and new cranes. The only competition is from the used trucks which I believe is not good for Nepali environment as they do not even meet environmental safety standards. If the import of these used trucks can be stopped, we will have no competition at all. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After sales service becomes a major issue whenever new equipments are launched. How do you plan to address this? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">This is the main reason why we have selected an able partner in Infratech. They have a strong presence in the market and enjoy recognition among customers. They will be further trained and groomed for this purpose but most importantly, these are maintenance free vehicles. Customers can not damage it even by choice as it has a host of safety protections, however, we don't want to take any risks and hence, we will also have a spare parts shop for the machines locally.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to establish your brand image in Nepal? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">What we do in any new market will be done here as well. Once the dealership is announced, we will try to reach our customers through various media vehicles. We have certain branding plans targeting our users and customers. We normally try to reach as many potential customers as possible and as frequently in a year. We will organise likeminded customers meet, for example, one meeting for construction people while another for government officials. We believe that communication exercises will help us establish a decent brand image here in Nepal. <img align="right" alt="" border="1" height="201" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghosh 2.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="144" /><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the challenges you see for yourself in the Nepali market? How do you plan to overcome them?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">From a commercial point of view, the duty structure is unimaginably high particularly for a non-manufacturing country like Nepal. Such a heavy duty is actually bound to put a lot of pressure on buyers since they might be discouraged to buy such products despite wanting to have them. Secondly, there is almost no general awareness about this product so convincing the customers on a priority basis will be a big challenge. For the commercial solution, we have to meet the government of Nepal to see if anything can be done because this is a product of national interest for the country. It is not for somebody's personal use and promises to add value to the growth and development of Nepal. Educating the market is our duty and I hope that our marketing efforts and visible involvement in the market will ensure this.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-16',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Subhamoy Ghosh is the Managing Director of Palfinger Cranes India Pvt Ltd. It is responsible for manufacturing as well as conducting business in India and neighbouring countries for Palfinger, an Austria based heavy duty equipment manufacturer.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '511',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'The Nepali Market Is Dominated By SMEs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="bottom" alt="" height="357" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/shinji tada.jpg" vspace="5" width="198" /><img align="bottom" alt="" height="359" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/amit ali.jpg" vspace="5" width="199" /><strong><br />
	<br />
	Printers from Brother were available in the market for quite some time. What is the motive of officially launching the new line-up in the market now? <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We were available for the last two months but we were still continuing with the current line-up. A couple of new models were brought a few months back and now the entire line-up is available. We decided to organise a formal launch now because we have changed this line up for the first time in three years. Laser printer comprises almost 90 per cent of our business so it is very important for us. Once the line-up was fully available, we decided to introduce the range formally in the market. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you analyse the Nepali market for your products? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Tada: This is an emerging market. It has potential to grow in the future but so far, this is a price sensitive market. So, we have launched products that are specifically targeted at emerging markets. I think with this range, we can achieve good results and gain more market share. <strong>Ali: </strong>I think the entry level models three-in-one and fourin- one printers have the highest sales prospects in Nepal because these are products that are very popular already. We want to sell more colour and high end products for corporate users.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How do you compare the Nepali market with other Asian markets? </strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> I think that the customer profile is different in Nepal. In other markets, there are more corporate houses and big companies who are our customers. But, the Nepali market is dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). There is very low presence of foreign investments and no big multinational companies whatsoever. This is one of the biggest differences. <strong><br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> In Asian markets, we have different types of countries ranging from Australia, a very developed country to Vietnam, an emerging country. The main difference is in the profile of customers. Nepal is a little less developed compared to other Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand which are better developed. They have strong corporate customers who are well educated. They are definitely cost conscious but they also know the importance of warranty. In Nepal, for example, around 90 per cent users depend on refill for laser products. This market needs a lot of education. A refill may save cost in the short term but over a period of, say, five years; it turns out to be complicated and damages the machine making it an expensive proposition. Our approach to the Nepali market is the same as in other regions because we are trying to enhance the education and awareness level of the customers. In terms of market growth and potential, this market has better prospects than any other Asian countries because they have already reached a certain level of penetration. The IT penetration is still low especially in the rural areas. We are optimistic that over the next 10 years, the IT sector will grow tremendously. Even the government sector has minimal exposure to IT so hopefully it may invest more in the next five years and we can grow along.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What is your strategy to cater to home as well as corporate users?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> The corporate houses are our main target customers especially SMEs. This can prove to be the strongest market segment for Brother. Along with a few big companies, there are many SMEs in Nepal. These laser products rightly suit our target customersâ€™ needs and thatâ€™s why we have introduced these products here. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are the specialities of Brother Products compared to other similar products?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali: </strong>There are three main reasons why Brother Products are known all over the world: (a) Quality, (b) very easy to use products and (c) strong and reliable products. Our products are popular in the USA because they are easy to use and install and it is our biggest market in small office segment. In case of Nepal, we have seen the results over four years now and our products are also being used in very remote regions. We are bringing in laser products which are customised for Nepali condition which we donâ€™t sell in another region, for example, the Gulf countries. These products are customised for Nepalâ€™s voltage and electricity situation making them very strong and reliable for usage in remote areas as well. The Brother Products come with a threeyear warranty and we believe that this will appeal especially to the corporate customers. They can have good quality, stable and strong machines as well as service and maintenance which is taken care of, for three years. We are very balanced between price and performance as we are not the cheapest brand available but we are also not the most expensive one around. We offer a combination of good price and performance to the consumers.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Your products are said to be environment friendly too. Tell us more about it</strong>. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We are committed to make environment friendly products and the Brother Products have received Ecomark and Blue Angel certification from Europe. This is the toughest environment certification to get anywhere in the world and now-a-days in Europe, you cannot participate in tenders unless you have this certification. All our products are certified which means that the parts, components and materials we use to make our products are environment friendly and bio-degradable as much as possible. Our products consume very less power and, in laser products, we use separate toner and drum technology which means the materials used in those items are less dense and hence, more easy to recycle. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We are trying to be an eco-friendly company and we are now producing different models that can print on both sides of a paper and thus ensuing lower paper usage. <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is your volume wise sales target for the market here? <br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Ali:</strong> We keep an annual target for this market like any other market. Based on our distributorâ€™s commitment and comfort level, we decide a target with mutual consent and increase it every year. So, in the last four years, we have grown four times and our plan is to grow four times further till 2015. We do have a very ambitious target and hope to meet it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>What are your strategies to meet this target?</strong> <br />
	</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Tada:</strong> We want to grow along with our distributors by taking care of the market. We have prioritised the Nepali market as it has a good potential. To make our business sustain and retain our customers, we need to provide good service to our customers besides sales. Once they buy a machine from Brother, the service they get from us determines whether they will choose to be a regular customer of Brother. The sales target for certain emerging markets will be introduced in due time and we believe that we will be able to achieve it.</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-11-15',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shinji Tada is the Managing Director of Brother International (Gulf) FZE (BI) and Amit Ali is the Deputy General Manager of Printing and Solutions Division at BI.',
			'sortorder' => '417',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '447',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Quality Control Is The Most Important Part' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v1.jpg" style="width: 304px; height: 323px;" vspace="10" />Mohit Mamudi</strong> is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution dedicated to the enhancement of management education and training in developing nations. He has an MBA from Boston University, USA, and more than 30 yearsâ€™ experience in development and implementation of management and marketing strategies for some of the most successful global companies. Mamudi has held various executive positions and consultancy roles with more than 20 Fortune 500 corporations as well as governmental institutions in the UK and some of the most dynamic and challenging emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He was in the city recently for the formal opening of CG-CEDEMAS Institute of Management (CGCIM) â€“ the first internationally managed business school in the country â€“ in partnership with the Chaudhary Group of Nepal. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Mamudi laid out the nuances of CEDEMASâ€™ management education philosophy in Nepal, which will be delivered through CGCIM. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Can you tell us about CEDEMAS?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">CEDEMAS was established to lead and direct global efforts for improving the quality and relevance of management education and training in developing countries. We are confident that this would enhance managerial capabilities and effectiveness in both the public and the private sectors in these countries.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Many academics from around the world have underscored the need for a new type of training programme for managers in developing countries, based on their respective cultures and requirements. Therefore, our mission is to create a learning environment for independent thinking, creativity and self-reliance, for the benefit of a new breed of managers and entrepreneurs.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">There are scores of management schools around. What is it that distinguishes you from&nbsp;others?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">I strongly believe that only a new management mindset can initiate change and persuade departure from established norms in managing the affairs of the state and industry in many parts of the world. We, at CEDEMAS, have realised that management education must recognise diversity and promote social and cultural awareness.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How did your affiliation with Chaudhary Group come about, to establish CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We brought this idea to Nepal and were lucky to meet Mr Arun Chaudhary of Chaudhary Group. We explained our goals to him which excited him as he thought it was absolutely necessary to have such an institute in Nepal. He was willing to be the local partner institute for us and make a contribution towards the educational sector of the country. Together, we have joined hands to further this noble cause.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already had our first group of Nepali academics who successfully completed the Advanced Certificate for Business Faculty (ACBF) programme at CGCIM after two months of intensive learning and were awarded the ACBF Certificate. These academics were already teaching in other colleges and universities but we brought them in and trained them in the way that we want them to teach. They are now ready to work alongside international professors to deliver our programmes here in Nepal.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Please, tell us about your programmes internationally.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have already established a partner institute in Iran apart from Nepal. A partner institute in Ukraine is in the final stages of planning while negotiation for a Sri Lankan partner is in the planning stage. We have also had fruitful discussions for setting up partner institutes in some other developing countries such as China, India, Ghana and Zambia among others. We know that we stand to face competition from existing management institutes in these countries. However, we are confident that our uniqueness will set us apart from others.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Which are the programmes that you will be focusing in Nepal through CGCIM?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We have three key programmes for Nepal. The first one is the Faculty Training Programme in which we train faculties of other colleges in teaching management courses. The second one is Post-Graduate Diploma in Development Management where students who already have a degree join us. We teach them about development issues that are related to Nepal. Besides these two, we also have a general Post-Graduate Programme in Management which is like an Executive MBA â€“ developing managers for businesses.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We will always have people from the UK supervising the programmes here. There will be professors visiting here from different parts of the world â€“ the US, the UK, and France among others. We are very certain that quality control is the most important part, so, we will be working towards that.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Will the methodology for CGCIM be the same as the one at your London campus?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Yes. The methodology that we will be applying here is especially developed by CEDEMAS. Itâ€™s called PEDAL (Plan; Engage; Do; Analyse; Learn) system of learning. In traditional universities and colleges, itâ€™s all about lecturing. Instead of using bookish theory, we make our students practise what is taught to them so that they get the lessons registered in their minds forever. The system allows the learners to experience a wide range of exposures and outcomes as a result of their decisions and actions.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How acceptable/recognised will be these courses internationally?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our programmes are UK Level-7 which is Post Graduation and conforms to the standards of UK accreditation agencies. If our students here in Nepal wish, we can even make arrangements for them to complete a 3-4 months thesis in the UK and obtain a dual masters after finishing their programme at CGCIM.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Is there great saleability associated with the courses as far as the job market is concerned?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are going to guarantee that anybody taking our programmes will be employed even before they have finished the programme. The companies are going to notice our students while they are still studying through work placements and case studies etc.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Mohit Mamudi is Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Management Studies (CEDEMAS), a UK-based non-profit institution..........',
			'sortorder' => '359',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '446',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''Huge Mobile Telephony Market Is Still Lying Untapped' (September 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sep-v.jpg" style="width: 376px; height: 393px;" vspace="10" />Abu Daud Khan</strong> is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the company to feature a dual sim. The handset also comes with an in-built Nokia Browser. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Khan spoke about Nokiaâ€™s consistent effort to drive more value by introducing exciting new features that promise to change Internet usage for millions of Nokia consumers. Excerpts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">In which other markets have you launched Nokia C2-03?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are targeting all developing countries where a large consumer segment cannot afford high-end smart phones. Nepal is definitely a focus market for us. But apart from this country, we have already launched the product in India, China, Indonesia and Brazil.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">What is the target audience you are looking at through this particular product?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">We are looking at the masses and our vision is to connect the next billion. There is a huge market still lying untapped. Letâ€™s take Nepal as an example which has a population of around 30 million people. I have learnt that the number of mobile phone subscribers in this country has reached 10 million. There are 20 million people out there who are not connected by mobile telephony which means that affordability is still a factor for them. Therefore, we have tried to make the product as affordable as possible so that these people too can get connected. We are also trying to cater the need of dual-sim through this product.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt;">Even among the 10 million mobile phone subscribers in Nepal, a very small number of people actually have Internet access. We need to connect these people to Internet and that is precisely what this particular product will do. We are trying to do a couple of things here â€“ one is to connect a large population on account of voice and the next is to make a serious effort to make Internet available to people who canâ€™t afford laptops or personal computers&nbsp; at home. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">How cost-effective will Internet browsing be, courtesy Nokia Browser vis-a-vis traditional browsers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, we are claiming that it has the ability to compress websites up to 90 per cent. It means that in terms of compression, it can perform 90 per cent better and faster than the other operator browsers. The cost of downloading is, of course, the operatorâ€™s domain. From our perspective, the speed at which downloading takes place also determines the eventual expense. The Nokia browser compresses at a faster pace which enables Nokia users to consume more at a given budget.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Do you have any specific reason to introduce Nokia Browser with Series-40 devices?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Our clear focus for developing markets is the price factor because a lot of people canâ€™t afford smart phones. However, they need to be connected to Internet or else there is a fear of them getting left behind in this fast changing global scenario. We wanted to cater to this large segment of people by developing a device which is easy to use and affordable.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Are there any plans to introduce Nokia Browser to mobile handsets of other brands or personal computers?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s only available with Nokia phones to ensure best experience. This is the first product that comes with an inbuilt Nokia browser. All the upcoming Nokia handsets will have the Nokia browser from now onwards. Apart from that, we are also giving options to existing Nokia users for downloading the browser free of cost from Nokia stores.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Could you tell us a little about Nokiaâ€™s NAVTEQ?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NAVTEQ basically provides the base electronic navigable maps and its underlying map database is based on first-hand observation of geographic features. At this moment, we donâ€™t have the Nepali map available with us but we do plan to have maps in this product Nokia C2-03 in the future.</span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-10-02',
			'modified' => '2011-10-10',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Abu Daud Khan is Country Manager for Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd. He was in Nepal recently to showcase Nokia C2-03, the first handset from the....',
			'sortorder' => '358',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '431',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''We Want To Target Corporates On A Much Bigger Way' (august 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="right" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/altaf.jpg" style="width: 415px; height: 346px;" vspace="10" />Altaf Halde</strong> joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of Kaspersky antivirus. For Nepal, Sagar Infosys is the sole authorised distributor for Kaspersky products. Halde revealed the company will soon release the enterprise version of the antivirus in the Nepali market. In an interview with <i>New Business Age</i>, Halde shared his views on the latest product and Nepal as the market for Kaspersky. Excerpts:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How do you see the market for Kaspersky products in Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I was pleasantly surprised to know about the market potentials of Nepal which I visited after Bangladesh where also we have a very good market share. In Nepal, we have more than 70 to 75 per cent market share. Based on what I hear from dealers, I think there is definitely a big potential over here. I can see a lot of educational institutes coming up, IT initiatives happening, and increasing penetration of laptops and desktops. That automatically translates that you need protection for your computers or laptops and that is where Kaspersky comes on the scene.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Most people use pirated software and operating system at home. What will be the extent of risk to such users from security viewpoint?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Risk is a lot. When you google the key â€˜free antivirusâ€™, you can find a lot of them that you can download. The download shows it is installing but you donâ€™t know whether it is actually installing. It might be downloading some malwares too. Nothing comes for free. People are using free software and they are not sure if that is the best thing. Secondly, people use pirated software. In this region, piracy is a big problem. In India, it was similar many years back but now customers realise that just using a process, the solution does not end; you also need support. You get the support&nbsp;by using a licensed product. That will take some time but it will gradually improve over a certain period of time because that is the way our markets are. On the question of risk, there is definitely the risk because you donâ€™t know what you are using. It might have malware, spyware, or some other kind of threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How can Kaspersky minimise such risks and protect users?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">The Kaspersky Lab which is centrally located in Moscow detects 35 thousand threats every day. You can imagine the number of threats. When a person is on the Internet, it does not matter whether he is sitting in Nepal, India or America. So, what Kaspersky does is that it keeps coming up with&nbsp;regular updates because the threats are increasing. That is how we are able to protect users from such threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Users often complain that Kaspersky requires powerful machine to operate, which slows down their system. How has Kaspersky addressed this issue in its latest version?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In 2012 version, we have come up with a hybrid technology â€“ cloud-based system. With this system, when you are using the desktop and you are not connected to the Internet, you donâ€™t need to have a lot of signature database on your machine. When you have a lot of signature database updates searching on a machine, it takes up your resources and the machine becomes slower. With the hybrid technology we are using cloud-based protection. So, the signatures of the threats are stored in the cloud. Once the user is in the Internet, computing power of the machine is not touched. That will happen in real-time across the Internet. That is how we have been able to address this particular problem. However, if you look in comparison with other products, we are much faster even in the existing version. We do understand that in emerging markets like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, computing is not very powerful. That is why this hybrid technology will prove very good technology for us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In Nepal, Internet bandwidth is lower and majority of users do not have access to high speed Internet. Donâ€™t you think the cloud-based system will be a challenge?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">On the consumer level, this could be definitely a challenge because of the Internet speed and probably the bandwidth will be affected but this cloud-based computing will still help reduce this particular problem because the computing is not happening on machine but in real-time in the cloud. We have tested our product with various Internet bandwidth types during the development stage and did not face problem. We will definitely be able to address this particular problem as time progresses. Once the users start using the product they will realise it is actually a good product by making use of good bandwidth.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What is the volume your are looking at in terms of sales for Kaspersky products in Nepal? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">I wouldnâ€™t be in a position to give you the target from the sales perspective but we have got very good market share at around 70 to 75 per cent with the previous version. This year, we should definitely look at a market share of 80 to 85 per cent. That is what we would want to achieve.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Who do you think are major competitors for Kaspersky in Nepali market? How is Kaspersky different from&nbsp;other products in the market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;I wouldnâ€™t say only about Nepal but globally, Symantec and McAfee are our competitors. There might be a lot of other products but on a global perspective, Gartner have listed three of us as top three security vendors â€“ Symantec, McAfee and Kaspersky. I would say that they are our real competitors.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">We are using hybrid technology while others are only talking about it. When we set up parameters, we are technically quite advanced in terms of updates size and faster scanning compared to other products. Even in this cloud-based technology, we have come up with a small sized update a day rather than making a big update like other products. We understand, in a country like Nepal, bandwidth rate is a problem. With a big update at once, users will not be able to update in time and will be open to threats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">How is the response of users to your products in South Asia in comparison&nbsp; with western markets? </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Our biggest market is Europe, followed by America. Over there, the split is approximately 65 to 70 per cent in consumer segment and the balance in the enterprise segment which is a matured market for Kaspersky. In South Asia, we are very strong in the consumer space and in the enterprise space we have not yet been able to take it to the next level. So, if you put both of them together, I would say in south Asia, we are probably at the number three position, Symantec and McAfee probably being the leaders.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">In small countries like ours, price of software is excessively higher which is sometimes even costlier than buying a pc. How does your new version compare with other products on this count?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">&nbsp;We have retained the same pricing as of the 2011 version. A single user pack of antivirus comes for Rs 1,000 for a year. If you look at the per-day basis, itâ€™s less than what a cup of tea would cost. So, that is the amount you are paying to protect the data or yourself. With the market share of 70 to 75 per cent, a lot of users are using Kaspersky 2011. We have also provided the user of 2011 version a free upgrade. That will come free of cost, if the users still have valid license period.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are the challenges you are facing&nbsp; in the Nepali market?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">Based on what I have seen in my first exposure to the Nepali market, piracy is rampant. Then, there are a lot of other products that come into the market with a lower price to dump their stock. They achieve their sales but there is no support. So, the consumers feel they are cheated. We see that as a challenge. While other products come to dump but we are there in the market with a proper focus. Sagar Infosys is Kaspersky products since 2008 and also providing support and there is our focus. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 5.65pt; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">What are your future plans for Nepal?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">We plan to keep coming here more often for developing consumer awareness because for us awareness is the key. If consumers donâ€™t know about the threats they will not look for protection. We want to make sure about the awareness on the threats and product developments. So, we want to have many such marketing events where we can go and address the threat scenario to consumers as well as corporate houses. We want to target corporates on a much bigger way in the Nepali market. We want to keep coming to Nepal with more and more solutions which are technically advanced. Everybody was talking about this cloud-based technology but nobody came up with a solution. So, whatever the technology or threats, Kaspersky will be the first to come with a solution.</span></span></div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2011-09-17',
			'modified' => '2011-09-28',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Altaf Halde  joined Kaspersky Lab in April this year as the Managing Director, South Asia, responsible for companyâ€™s business in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He was recently in Kathmandu to launch the latest version of ......',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '430',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => ''I Refuse To Call This A Liquidity Crisis' (august 2011)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><img align="left" alt="" border="2" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dr gautam vora.jpg" style="width: 283px; height: 328px;" vspace="10" />Dr Gautam Vora</strong><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, a Professor of Finance at The Robert O Anderson Schools of Management, The University of New Mexico, US, has an active research programme and lately he has been focused on option-valuation techniques, interest-rate modeling, investment strategies and mathematical modeling of financial plans.&nbsp;Dr Vora is also a Visiting Professor with Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM), and during his recent visit to Kathmandu, he addressed issues at a talk programme titled â€˜Financial Crisis: Will Nepal Join It or Avoid It?â€™ organised by KUSOM. In an interview with </span><i>New Business Age</i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">, he discusses the likely consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis, among other issues. Excerpts:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How, do you think, the current liquidity crunch in Nepal can be set right?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">First of all, â€˜liquidity crunchâ€™ is a wrong phrase to use. Secondly, the problem is not that of liquidity because there is enough money in circulation including the so-called monetary supply. It is actually credit crunch. The people who need to repay the money arenâ€™t able to manage credit to repay quickly. So, primarily, it affects them. The people who speculated are the ones unable to borrow more to make payments on their loans. I have been told that land prices in Kathmandu soared outrageously but have come down drastically in recent times. The BFIs lent against those lands as collateral at higher prices and everybody got large amounts as loans. Now that the value of same land holdings has come down immensely, the borrowers cannot sell off the land to repay the loans. So, these people are looking elsewhere for more money. The impact of this situation on the banks is that they were expecting certain cash inflow of interest and repayment of the principal on the loan but they are not getting it. The BFIs have stopped getting money from the borrowers while they still have to pay interests to their depositors. It is a small world and everybody knows whatâ€™s happening. The depositors the world over stand in the queue immediately to withdraw all their cash the minute they panic. In such an event, the bank has to find money from somewhere to pay cash to the depositors. We can call it insolvency on the bankâ€™s part because it may have the assets but not enough cash. I refuse to call this a liquidity crisis in technical terms: itâ€™s a cash problem. This is precisely the case when the NRB is forced to bail out such BFIs by supplying them bundles of cash to pay the depositors. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;You have labeled the global financial crisis a â€˜group of crisesâ€™. What is your logic behind this observation?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">Itâ€™s because the complete picture on global financial crisis is not only about impacting financial markets but also the path it treaded to reach there. It is for everyone to see that there is a crisis but most people are unaware of the real causes behind it. The problems are deep within the system due to which many commentators started calling it a systemic failure. The system was designed and modified over the years in such a manner that it led us to this problem. Thatâ€™s why I call it a group of crises because it took us a long time to get there. The whole story was in the making for 10 â€“ 15 years in the US and before the people could realise, it carried over to other countries as well. It started during the Clinton (Former US President Bill Clinton) administration when the liberalisation policies were implemented and the government agencies were indirectly asked to do certain things for the society. But it slowly increased in size and intensity and ultimately developed into a major crisis.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What, in your opinion, should be the conduct of Nepal Rastra Bank as well as the Banking and Financial Institutions (BFIs) to ensure smooth running of the economy?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">It seems to me that Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is currently the only organisation in Nepal which can look after the financial sector as well as the economy. That makes it a very important agency. I did have the opportunity to speak to a few NRB officials and realised that they are exceedingly competent and have the countryâ€™s interest at heart. The problem is that when you overwhelm a small group of people with too much work, they cannot handle it. You also need regulatory and legal structures backing these people up. The decision of classifying commercial banks, development banks, finance companies, etc as part of the financial sector is definitely very important but it is equally important to set limits for them. It would have been useful to categorise the scope of work for these institutions and spare them interference from the ruling structure of the country as well as the promoters of respective companies. Everybody has a stake in the institutional well being but the ultimate goal for these institutions should be to promote the national economy. If they are going to look at their own narrow self interests then they can do so in the short term only. This is where NRBâ€™s role of being a regulatory agency becomes critically important.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">You accept that NRBâ€™s role is of paramount importance. What best can it do to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB ought to develop a sub agency whose sole focus would be to manage and supervise the oversight of the â€˜Aâ€™ class commercial banks because they are the biggest ones and they have roots in the economy everywhere. They are the real conduit or the pipeline for the monetary policies of NRB so they need special attention. They need tight grouping but I donâ€™t know how that is being accomplished at this point of time.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">What are your recommendations for Nepal to avoid the financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;">NRB is doing all it can to avoid the crisis. It does lot of good things such as giving the money, regulating and supervising, encouraging merger of weak banks with strong banks, etc. The difficulty I see is that of the assets portfolio. The loans that the BFIs have made are weakening, in other words, they are becoming non-performing. This kind of a situation puts a lot of stress on the capital structure and the flow of credit to the economy. No matter what NRB does, the problem doesnâ€™t seem to go away. There are different ways of handling the problem. The bad loans must be taken over from the banks and passed on to NRB. It is a question of how much the central bank can do because they have other goals in mind such as ensuring price stability and looking after the development of the economic sectors etc. The ultimate challenge is that of supervising the BFIs and making them do the right things which require exceedingly tight control.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;">How do you view the consequences for Nepal and its people in the event of a financial crisis?</span></span></strong></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have gathered that only about 35 per cent of the population in Nepal has access to banking services. So, the rest 65 per cent of the population will not be directly affected if, god forbid, a financial crisis was to happen here. But what is really interesting here is: most people under this 65 per cent population are barely maintaining a subsistence level anyway. The commercial sector which depends on the BFIs and the development of different industries, agriculture, construction etc will be severely affected in the event of a financial crisis. Even though we may say that the population at large might not be affected, the large chunk of the economic activity could very well be affected and that is the problem. Therefore, even the poorest of the poor will be affected indirectly. Nepal is in a very strong position because of huge amount of remittance it receives every year which is a very nice safety net. But the question is should we rely only on a safety net. Instead, we must rely on a good machine so that we donâ€™t have to use the safety net. And so, my concern is mainly from that perspective. We are trying very hard for economic development so letâ€™s not derail it by letting one little sector of the economy cause problems for the others. We need to study as to what per cent of the real economy depends on the financial sector. Look at the difference between the interest rates that people get on their deposits in the banks and the inflation rate. There is no incentive to save because the purchasing power is constantly decreasing. So, we do not need to have that sort of control in the economy to help save. Savings are to be used to increase the size of the economy for which we need good investments that can generate more income for the country. Finding good investment opportunities is key to bringing the whole economy together. Therefore, if the BFIs donâ€™t do their job well, then we are bound to face major problems.</span><br />
	</span></p>',
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FOREX

Currency	Unit	Buy	Sell
U.S. Dollar	1	121.23	121.83
European Euro	1	131.65	132.31
UK Pound Sterling	1	142.47	143.18
Swiss Franc	1	124.29	124.90
Australian Dollar	1	71.69	72.05
Canadian Dollar	1	83.90	84.32
Japanese Yen	10	10.94	11.00
Chinese Yuan	1	17.17	17.26
Saudi Arabian Riyal	1	32.27	32.43
UAE Dirham	1	33.01	33.17
Malaysian Ringgit	1	27.36	27.50
South Korean Won	100	9.77	9.82

Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)

Bullion

Fine Gold	1 tola	77000.00
Tejabi Gold	1 tola	76700.00
Silver	1 tola	720.00

Update : 2020-03-25

Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association

Petroleum

Petrol	1 Liter	106.00
Diesel	1 Liter	95.00
Kerosene	1 Liter	95.00
LP Gas	1 Cylinder	1375.00