Several schools of thoughts and debates are ongoing in Nepal about exploring the foundations of Nepali economic growth. One of such attempts was the second conclave organised by New Business Age Pvt Ltd. It was a platform for scholars and experts to come together and present their expertise on how the growth prospects can be unlocked. Reading the cover story of October issue, it is clear that speakers have presented brilliant ideas and suggestions needed for the take-off of the economy. 

 

However, such talks would mean nothing if it cannot be addressed and implemented at the policy level as well as by the concerned stakeholders. And, the Nepali trend shows that we are better at talking than translating those words into outcomes. It applies to people from all walks of life - from policy makers to the general public. Now, it is time for us to act and walk the talk if we want the country to become better-off in the near future. It’s not that we do not have prospects, resource. Nor do we lack in skills. It is the sense of responsibility, the knack to work and the enthusiasm to make something happen that we lack. We are experts in passing the buck and blaming each other but we do not believe in working, facing the challenge and showing dedication to overcome those challenges to achieve a positive result.

 

I believe it is indeed the key to unlock Nepali economic growth. And, the key is not only in the hands of the government or the private sector but also in the hands of every citizen and stakeholders of the economy.

 

- Ananta Ghimire, Via email

 

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Lifetime Achievement Award

I appreciate New Business Age’s endeavour to felicitate Indra Bhakta Shrestha with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Newbiz Business Conclave and Awards (October 2014). The effort made to honour the best managed companies of various sectors is really commendable. With that, I appreciate its decision to recognise Shrestha, a business legend of the country with the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Shrestha has been a pioneering figure in Nepali business sector and is an example for the younger generation. He has been an inspiring persona for the society and it’s a happy moment for everybody in the business community as well as the general public who is making some effort to achieve something. 

 

- Kalpana Adhikari Neupane, Via email

 

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A Smart Idea

The Social Entrepreneurship story - ‘Enterprise for Greener Homes’ - in the October issue of New Business Age was a nice story about an attempt of a budding entrepreneur who is focused on solving the drinking water scarcity. Kathmandu, being a polluted city, should adopt this technology to provide drinkable water to the people living here. Rainwater harvesting could indeed be an easy and cost-effective method of minimizing drinking water woes in different cities and small towns. Moreover, as the installation cost of a rain water harvesting system for a household is not very expensive, it should be considered as an option both by the government and the general public as a safe and clean supply of water for household purpose.

 

- Sharad Gautam, Baluwatar, Kathmandu

 

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Profit and Welfare

An article published in the October issue of New Business Age was an interesting read as it raised a question whether profit maximisation and creating welfare can go hand in hand. It could also be a genuine question to anyone doing business and thinking little about creating benefits for the society other than making profit and also for thinkers on what is the cost of creating welfare. Anyone thinking of starting a business would obviously dream of profit-making. And, profit is a part of doing business and anyone would not invest with a hope of making a loss. Even, in the new form of entrepreneurship – social entrepreneurship – social benefits are not created without making profit. There is a cost of everything and in the business world, there is nothing called a free lunch. So, the benefits that are to be created should be a part of profit. As the writer highlights, the profit maximisation just for increasing income may not serve the society where the business exists. The business has to also live by the idea of giving back to society and people who are the source of income for a company.

 

- Rashmi Khadka, Satdobato, Lalitpur

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