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			'id' => '2093',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Sitaula Group: Spreading Wings',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director, Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/ks.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Khagendra Sitaula</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, Sitaula Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	S<span style="font-size: 12px;">itaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hari Bhakta Sitaula, eldest son of the family started a general store in their place of origin, Aathrai in 2025 BS. The urge to expand the business did not stop and they carried their profession with them when they moved to Dharan. During a decade (2028-2038 BS), their business took the shape of a wholesale store that supplied goods to neighbouring three districts. In 2037 BS, Khagendra Sitaula, younger brother of Hari Bhakta Sitaula joined the business to support his brother and it is also the same year when the family moved to Biratnagar and started international trading.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Khagendra Sitaula recalls that the trading business was doing well propelling a healthy growth for the family business. This inspired them to begin agency trading. They had acquired local agency for various multinational companies including Nestle and GlaxoSmithKline. Then, the family decided to abandon the business in Dharan and concentrate in Biratnagar in 2038. Trading business kept on further growing and there was no turning back for two brothers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Expansion</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula brothers did not want to confine themselves only to the trading industry. Thus, they invested in dairy and cattle farming in Biratnagar. This new expansion encouraged them to move into the manufacturing sector. Then, a towel manufacturing factory was set-up in Biratnagar that exported its products to USA. The factory was installed in partnership but the majority stakes were held by Sitaulas. However, the factory was not there to stay for long. When the USA scrapped quota system, the wise brothers handed over the factory to somebody else before it was too late.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, a new expansion project was added to the family business portfolio. They established a three star hotel, Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd in Biratnagar realising the need of a quality hotel in the industrial town. By then, the business had grown into a group of companies but was operating as a family business that has remained intact till date.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, their younger brother, Dinesh Sitaula joined the business in 2045 upon completion of his higher studies. Then, Khagendra Sitaula moved to Kathmandu for expanding their horizon in the capital city. One of his significant moves in Kathmandu was acquiring 51 per cent stakes of Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd when the government decided to privatise the factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Amid these expansions, agency trading too kept on increasing leaps and bounds and moved into food and beverage sector with special focus on alcoholic beverages. Around 2059 BS they had distributorship of well known brand names like Royal Stag and Chivas Regal. In the meantime, various trading companies were also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At present, various companies of the groups are concentrated in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. 13 companies under the group are managed by three brothers as a family business. Moreover, relatives of Sitaula family are also in the business but outside the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Moves</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tourism is the latest move of the group. The group has decided to venture into this sector with long term plans. As a journey to this new sector, the group is starting a new travel agency, Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd, within a couple of weeks. According to Sitaula, this company will be dealing with tour packages for both inbound and outbound tours among various other travel services. He says that this latest move is being made with an aim to concentrate and expand into the service industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is simultaneously expanding into the manufacturing sector too. Sitaula reveals that the group has already acquired license for operating a liquor manufacturing unit and he says that the production will begin within the next two years. Likewise, the trading wing is soon launching unique products, Bio Whiskey and Bio Vodka as a national distributor next week. These products are being bottled in Nepal by Biotech Spirits Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula says that the group wants to focus on manufacturing, food and beverages and tourism in the future and the group is planning new ventures like hotels and food processing factories. He adds, &ldquo;We must identify a particular industry that would be sustainable for us as a business group. Food and beverages, food processing and tourism are the viable industries for Nepal.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Prime Involvement</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The major sectoral involvement of the group is doing fairly well, according to Sitaula. He says that the Hotel Xenial is performing well and Nepal Foundry Industries this year has declared to distribute 25 per cent dividend to its shareholders. He also claims that it is one of the best performing privatised company. The company is soon going for Initial Public Offering (IPO).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula explains the reason behind the group&rsquo;s specialisation on trading as relatively safe area of investment compared to the manufacturing. &nbsp;He adds that the turnover in trading is quite good and is a sustainable business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from these, the group is also into the financial sector. One of its investment companies, Sitaula Investment Company has more than five per cent promoter shares in Lumbini Bank Limited. He says that the group is interested in infrastructure sector and owns some stakes in some of the infrastructure development projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with trading and manufacturing, the group believes it must involve in other sectors with competitive advantages for its strong presence. Therefore, the group has invested in Chirayu Hospital.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Satisfactory Growth</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula is very much content with the growth the group is achieving annually. He says that despite the overall problems of the country and economy, the achievement of group has been significant. According to Sitaula the growth rate hovers around 15 to 20 per cent annually. And, the group registers annual turnover of around&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rs 2 billion.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He believes that the business environment of Nepal is not bad as everybody is surviving and there are prospects for being hopeful. Sitaula is hopeful about the bright future to be ascertained by technology transfers and the gradual increase in positive attitude among workers and people in general.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the group is happy with the level of progress it is making but has dreams to reach a significant position among Nepali business houses in the future. He says that the fate of the business will largely depend on the situation. &ldquo;We are hopeful to move ahead and reach somewhere soon,&rdquo; Sitaula expresses desire.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/sectors%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 219px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Companies of Sitaula Group</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin&rsquo;s Mart Supermarket Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Traders Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Export Import Marketing&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Pvt Ltd</span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Energy International Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Enterprises Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nirmal Traders</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Trade Centre Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Target Markets</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The trading companies of the group are targeting general public as their market especially for beverages, liquor and food products. Similarly, for the tourism, the group is targeting mainly Indian, Chinese and Eastern Europe as its prime market.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group has created employment opportunity for 250 people in all its companies. &nbsp;Sitaula says that all of them are happy employees. He further adds that the group has not experienced any strikes by workers and any sort of negotiations as of now. The group believes that the facilities employees are entitled must be provided earlier if possible rather than being late.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Three brothers in the family have divided their responsibilities. Khagendra looks after the business in Kathmandu while his younger brother looks after enterprises in the eastern region and his elder brother looks after the overall business as a guardian. He says that the group is strengthening its managerial practices and corporatize the group to make it future-proof and meet the demand of time and space.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Being future-proof</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group&rsquo;s transition from a small business into a medium-sized group of Nepal carries a huge value to the Sitaula family. They believe that it has not only encouraged them but also created a strong platform for future growth and development. So, the founders of the group are concentrating on finding viable business options so that the future generation in the family can adopt entrepreneurship as their career. Khagendra Sitaula says, &ldquo;We must develop business is such a way that it would be suitable also for the coming generations and develop a corporate structure and culture to encourage them into the field where we laid foundation stone.&rdquo;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Competition and Challenges</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						Sitaula says that there are not many challenges in Nepal as compared to other countries because of low level of competition here. &ldquo;The competition level is still quite low in Nepal. It is still easy here as the competition is not yet too tough. Competition was almost non-existent 20 years back, it grew a little a decade ago and today it is still growing but is yet to reach a cut throat level,&rdquo; he says. It is natural that when the competition increases, it would be challenging for companies to be more innovative and gain competitive edge. &nbsp;To address the growing challenges amid increasing competition, the group is in a mode to identify sectors with higher level of business viability for the future.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-11',
			'modified' => '2013-11-26',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Sitaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.',
			'sortorder' => '1981',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2020',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'MS Group: From Manufacturing To Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director, MS Group" src="/userfiles/images/ssk.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Shashi Kant Agarwal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, MS Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Travel and tourism does not lure someone merely by its entertaining and fun experiences. Entrepreneurs are lured to this industry because of its lucrative business prospects that are believed to be growing in Nepal. MS (Maliram Shivkumar) Group is one of the latest national manufacturing houses to join this niche. It has decided to venture into the tourism industry by establishing luxury hotels in a tie-up with Marriot International- an US based international hotel chain.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of the MS conglomerate reached an agreement with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. This business hotel, according to Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director of the group, has an investment of Rs 600 million and informed that its construction has already kicked off.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, a second hotel in Naxal, also under the joint venture partnership with Marriot International is scheduled to start construction immediately after Tihar festivals. Agarwal says that this will be a luxury hotel with 250 rooms. Both of these hotels will be at par with four star hotel standards.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These new ventures of the group are the first initiatives towards the tourism industry and are part of the larger plan the group has. Agarwal says, &ldquo;We have plans to establish hotels across the country. This is the beginning and we have decided to come up with two new hotels at the time as the political situation has shown signs of improvement.&rdquo; Agarwal, who is also a traveller, says there are numerous tourism potentials in sub-sectors like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Trading Transition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The journey of the MS Group started as a trading house some six decades ago by Shashi Kant Agarwal&rsquo;s grandfather, Maliram Agarwal. During that time, he had a shop at Indra Chowk in Kathmandu that sold clothes in the palace of Ranas. When the market gradually expanded, Maliram Agarwal started a whole-sale garments store at Jhochhe. Garments were imported from India and &nbsp;supplied to local retailers in the valley districts along with Dhulikhel, Katari, Tandi among others. The founder Agarwal used to walk for weeks to reach these places and sell goods even in credits to local merchants.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The local garment business slowly expanded into international trading with the beginning of third country export in Nepal. Agarwals involved in it by exporting jute and textiles. Gradually they started importing motor parts and bearings. Some were consumed in Nepal while majority of them were exported to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group had already seen success in the trading business before moving onto the manufacturing sector. An incident during the trading days encouraged Agarwals to venture into a more stable business than trading &ndash; into the manufacturing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Initiating Manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Agarwal recalls that a ship transporting garments belonging to MS Group along with other traders of Nepal was hijacked near Hong Kong and goods never reached Nepal making a huge loss to the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This unfortunate incident made them settle down to a business with marginal risks. Agarwal says, &ldquo;That incident was a blessing in disguise. In our corporate life-cycle, it inspired us to move towards the manufacturing business.&rdquo; As a consequence, a hosiery factory was established, although of a small scale. He recollected that the hosiery factory came at a time when the group was counted as one of the leading garment trading concerns in Nepal in terms of turnover and said that the family had decided to establish a cottage industry despite it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The hosiery factory at Battisputali, Kathmandu grew well and was followed by the setting-up of Pashupati Textile factory in Patan. This manufacturing unit produced both cotton and polyester textiles and also dyed them. As the group&rsquo;s turnover kept growing, it moved into steel manufacturing with Bhagwati Steel Industries in Birgunj. There were no pauses in the expansion drive. The group further established the largest sugar mill Everest Sugar Mill in Mahottari, in partnership with Everest Group. Similarly, Reliance Spinning Mill , that is now a factory that has created highest number of employment- 3400 people including 1500 women, was also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since the group moved into the manufacturing sector, it never had to look back. As of now, the group has a total of 10 companies operating in manufacturing, housing and trading business including a couple of them in partnership with other business houses of Nepal. And, these companies register an annual turnover of Rs 12 billion.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a recent expansion to its manufacturing unit, the group is setting up a new large scale sugar mill in Siraha. According to Agarwal, the construction works have commenced and necessary machineries have been imported. He says that the mill will begin crushing in a year&rsquo;s time.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, the group is promoter in some banks and financial institutions but Agarwal says that the group is not directly involved in them.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Positioning Markets&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	As the group is involved in production of diverse products, they cater to a wide range of market and target customers. Most of its steel products are targeted at local market and is purchased for constructing electricity poles, bridges, telephone towers by telecom and electricity companies. Similarly, the group also produces galvanised sheets and pipes for the local market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, sugar is sold to both bulk buyers and general public. According to Agarwal, Salt Trading, bottlers of Coca-Cola Pepsi, and Frooty, Rio and other beverage manufacturers are regular buyers. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of production of Reliance Spinning Mill is exported and the remaining is consumed within Nepal which accounts to around 50 to 60 per cent market share, claims Agarwal. The foreign markets for its products are mainly India and Turkey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Agarwal says that the housing project of the group did relatively well as it was launched relatively earlier before the market was over flooded. &nbsp;However the bubble burst of the housing and real estate business hit its Subsidiary Sunrise Apartments. He says that the housing still has strong brand strength in the market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the branding needs, he argues that other products such as sugar do not need any branding and aggressive publicity. As the market is mostly the bulk buyers, offering quality would help gain the market share. And added that sugar produced by Everest Sugar and Chemical Industry Ltd has a good recognition in &nbsp;domestic and international market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Companies under MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Everest Sugar &amp; Chemical Industries Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sunrise Apartments Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Soap Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Carbide Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Steel Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Products of MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Polyester, Acrylic and Cotton Yarns</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Steel</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sugar</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Housing and Apartments</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Soaps</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Partially Oriented Yarn,Polyester Texturised Yarn and Knitted Fabrics</div>
						<div>
							&bull;MS torque steel&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Dry cell batteries</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Galvanised sheets, poles, door/window profiles</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Employment and Management</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							According to Shashi Kant Agarwal, the group has &nbsp;provided direct employment to 6000 people including its subsidiaries under the joint venture with other business houses. However, Reliance Spinning Mill alone employs 3500 people. The decentralised management system of each of the companies looks after each and every management responsibilities and daily affairs. He shares that the policy level and financial affairs are only taken care by the central management. The management team is well groomed to take care of everyday activities, marketing, sales and procurements, he added.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR &nbsp;Activities</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							Although the group does not aggressively pitch Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) it has subtly carried out such activities, in various forms, in localities where the groups&rsquo; factories established. The group has built hospitals, dispensaries, schools, rooms for schools, donated ambulances among others on a regular basis. Agarwal says that his father is a spiritual person and makes constant donations and supports to religious causes. Well known among the Marwari community, his father had donated land worth Rs 20 million to Gaushala recently.</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-27',
			'modified' => '2013-11-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'MS Group started its business journey almost six decades ago as a trading house. During these years the house has not only established itself as a leading manufacturing house, but more recently has also ventured into the tourism industry with major hospitality projects on the cards.',
			'sortorder' => '1915',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1973',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Leading Strong: The Saurabh Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Bishnu Prasad Neupane,Chairman, Saurabh Group" src="/userfiles/images/BPN.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Bishnu Prasad Neupane</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Saurabh Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal is planning to establish a large scale cement factory in Sunawal, Nawalparasi. Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Chairman of the group says this new factory will be producing 400,000 metric tonnes of clinker in the first stage and expand it to 1 million metric tonnes of clinker at the end of 2015. The factory &nbsp;has set a target to begin production by February 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This factory has been established with an authorised capital of Rs 4000 million. It is one of the largest cement factories of Nepal that produce their own clinker. The factory has 45 per cent shareholding of a Hong Kong based company, Krishna Holdings Limited. &nbsp;The factory is spread over 30 bighas of land and the mine is spread over an area of 20 square kilometres for extracting limestone.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that this factory uses the latest technology that is not only efficient but also energy saving. He adds the technology installed in the factory is different than those used in Nepal and consumes 50 per cent less energy. All machineries for this project are imported from Denmark and manufactured by FLSmidth Private Limited.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expansion Drive</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always been prioritising the expansion of its factories. Last year, the group had a major expansion on its laminated sacks factory, Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd. New technology was installed and all upgraded machineries were imported from Austria. The factory has an installed production capacity of 1.5 million metres of fabrics per day. Neupane claims that it is the largest woven sacks factory in South East Asia. He adds, &ldquo;We are proud to say that we are the largest producer and exporter of woven sacks in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Jagdamba Synthetics was established around 13 years ago and the latest addition is the new process of producing laminated bags. Neupane claims that this company has the capacity to produce the thinnest fibres in the entire South Asian region with quality consistency. He says that quality consistency has helped the company export 90 per cent of its production to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has plans to convert its 15 storey building in Bhaktapur into a hotel as a part of its plan to move into the tourism industry. This three-star hotel will come into operation in a few years tying up with an international chain. Neupane says that it will be a unique hotel that utilises green technology.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Manufacturing Focus<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group in its initial days was involved in trading business. &nbsp;When Neupane separated from his family business and started his own, he had little experience in the manufacturing sector. He partnered with Shanker Lal Agrawal who was also in the trading business then. It was around 1996 when he and his partner Agrawal thought about entering into the manufacturing industry. Agrawal had the experience of running Jagdamba Steel and Neupane, who is also an engineer, had thoughts of establishing a cement factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2001, the group started the construction of a woven sacks factory that produces bags for cement packaging. Construction was completed in 2003 and production began in the same year. Similarly, the group moved into spinning and tea gardening and processing. It was followed by the establishment of Jagdamba Roto Packaging factory. Likewise, the group also moved into pashmina, steels and other construction material production. Sarbottam Cement would be the latest addition to the construction material production business of the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I always had a desire to go for production based industries especially on construction material rather than the service industry,&rdquo; Neupane says. He was often suggested to venture into more profitable sectors such as real estate and gold trading but they never lured him. Though the group is still involved in trading, it is the manufacturing sector that gives Neupane an immense pleasure. He says that the manufacturing sector creates employment for a good number of people and benefits society with both backward and forward linkages. The Saurabh group has been employing 2600 people at the moment in all of its companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	When democracy was restored in the country in 1990, it was a new beginning for the Saurabh Group as well. The group&rsquo;s major industries were established in the 1990s. The liberal policies of the government encouraged industrialists like Neupane to establish new companies. The easier licensing policies and laws were a sort of relief for them. In the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the group came up with its major companies. This was the same period when the armed insurgency was escalating and businessmen were realizing that the situation is unfavourable for making investments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says his companies were least affected by the armed conflict being located in urban areas of the Tarai region. However, when the conflict ended and the country was moving towards conflict resolution, the political events of 2005-2006 took its toll on companies in the Tarai by disrupting the operation of factories. Neupane says that bandhs and strikes are a part of life and industrialists must be immune to such incidents.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The cement factory was one of the major establishments of the group in the early 1990s. The group&rsquo;s course changed when Neupane thought of establishing his own cement bags factory while the general trend was to import bags from abroad as local production was insufficient. This very move led the group to be the largest producer of woven sacks in the South East Asian region at present.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane considers the group&rsquo;s move to establish a cement factory that totally depends on local raw materials as another turning point. The group came up with the idea of producing cement by manufacturing clinker using local limestone when a majority of industries were importing clinker. This gave the company the benefit to get a strong foothold in the market as one of the producers of cement in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Neupane, 90 per cent of the total production of Jagdamba Spinning Mills is exported to India while the remaining 10 per cent is supplied to local textile manufacturers. Similarly, products of Jagdamba Roto Packaging are supplied to confectioneries, biscuits and noodles producer for packaging and wrappers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that the largest market of cement is Kathmandu Valley and its periphery where 40 per cent of the group&rsquo;s production is consumed. Out of around 1 billion sacks of cement produced by the group, 40 million sacks are consumed in Kathmandu Valley alone, says Neupane. He expects the groups&rsquo; market share on cement to increase to 20 per cent once Sarbottam Cement&rsquo;s production enters the market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When offering products to the market, the group abides by three fundamentals: quantity, quality and consistency. Neupane says that producing larger quantities helps to achieve economies of scale and also gives an edge to competition. Similarly, quality is the prime focus of the group and he says that any complaints on quality are taken seriously.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="SAURAV GROUP" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 243px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
					<div>
						<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Brief History</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh Group&rsquo;s products can be found also in Myanmar. Till the 1960&rsquo;s, Bishnu Prasad Neupane&rsquo;s father, Lila Ram Neupane, was doing retail business alongside running a butter processing factory in Lashio town in the Shan state of Myanmar. After Buddhism was made the state religion in the 1960s, people of Nepali and Indian origin were forced to leave the country. Lila Ram Neupane made a decision to leave Myanmar and resettle in Nepal and started his own business with a wholesale store of textiles in Bhairahawa. During that time, textiles were brought from Kathmandu and distributed there. Later, he also took dealership of the National Trading and Salt Trading Limited.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							It was in 1964 when the business took shape of a group and was further diversified. Bishnu Prasad Neupane took up responsibility in 1986 and started the Jagadamba Cement Industries, his first manufacturing venture, in the early 1990s.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							Saurabh Photo International, the authorized distributor of Konka products, was in the agency trading business since 1990 and has a strong presence in the market. Currently, the group is mainly involved in the production of cement, steel, tea, spun yarn, PP Woven fabrics, calcium carbonates and other such products. The group&rsquo;s trading activities continue with imports of Konka products, Citizen watch components and other Chinese products. There are 14 companies under the group and some companies are operating under a joint venture with Shanker Group, another business house of Nepal. Today, the Saurabh Group registers an annual turnover of Rs 5 billion, Rs 4 billion, and Rs 2 billion from its cement, spinning and synthetic production, respectively.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saurabh Group of Companies</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Laxmi Steel Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Tea Estates Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Photo International</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Tea Processing Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Cement Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Roto Packaging Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree Jagdamba Builders Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Diamonds Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree J Cement Mill Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Force Electronics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sarbottam Cement Pvt Ltd&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">CSR</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh group and the Neupane family have a good reputation in Rupandehi district not only for business but also for their contribution to society. The business house has contributed over Rs 100 million for social work in the area. Along with institutional corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, the Neupane family has been carrying out philanthropic activities on a personal scale. A separate trust has been established and run by the family. This trust was established by Neupane&rsquo;s father and every year, at least Rs 2.5 million is donated by the family for social work. According to Neupane, donations amounted to Rs 2.7 million last year. He modestly says, &ldquo;This is not our CSR activity and is not for any commercial benefit. Within our family, there are three business groups and all of them contribute to the trust to make it an independent social entity.&rdquo; Neupane says that the group does not take any credit for the trust&rsquo;s activities.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							The trust supports government hospitals, schools and government organisations. Neupane says that most schools in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts have received support from the trust. Similarly, Jagdamba Cement has recently initiated ambulance services. It also carries out social training programmes for various activities such as cancer relief activity. Likewise, the group also awards people and their social and non-profit organisations that have made good contributions to society. The company has been providing cement to construct buildings of such organisations at cost price.</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-20',
			'modified' => '2013-10-28',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal has been registering an annual turnover of Rs 18 billion and targets to raise it to Rs 20 billion at the end of the running fiscal year.',
			'sortorder' => '1878',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1961',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Keyal Group’s Key Areas',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal and Om Prakash Khanal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman, Keyal Group" src="/userfiles/images/spt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Satya Narayan Keyal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Keyal Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first manufacturing unit was established in the mid-90s &ndash; a milestone for the family&rsquo;s journey towards manufacturing. Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing venture of the group, has been producing steel products to meet local needs.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman of the group, the initial days of entering the manufacturing sector were not easy. In the absence of a robust banking sector, managing large scale funds for investment was not quite the same as it is today. &ldquo;It was pretty tough to borrow loans as the banking sector was less developed,&rdquo; recalls Keyal who believes that growing competition in the banking and financial industry in the 2000s has benefitted industrialists at large. However, the challenging environment provided various learning experiences to the group that helped design its next move for the future.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growing Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	While the group was gradually growing, the Nepali market was expanding as well. Keyal says that the market for manufactured goods has increased in recent times due to the growing purchasing power of the general public. He adds that technological advancement has helped the group&rsquo;s factories produce better quality products that support companies in the increasingly competitive market. The competition is not always healthy and for Keyal Group, it is not an exception. Unhealthy competition has brought about difficult situations time and again, but the group holds on to its promise to deliver quality products, regardless.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Focus Areas of the Group&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has focused on the manufacturing sector with half a dozen industrial units specialised on production of steel rods, angles and flat squares, pipes, MS plates, shutter strips and cement. Steel products produced by Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd have been certified with Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). Likewise, Makalu Axum, a subsidiary company of the group is the authorised distributor for liquor of the Magic Moments brand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/spt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 440px;" />Capturing the Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The target market for the group&rsquo;s major products such as steel, cement, rods and pipes, among others, is the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The group does not wish to remain confined to these areas and is planning to explore more market potential within and outside the country. &ldquo;We have a big market presence in the central and eastern regions and have plans to export our products to India in the near future,&rdquo; says Keyal. As a part of this plan, the group plans to export pipes manufactured by Shree Krishna Steel to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has adopted a policy to not compromise with the quality it is offering. With state-of-the- art technology and service to produce quality products, Keyals says: &ldquo;We have understood the needs and demands of our clients and have targeted products accordingly. But our products are by no means expensive.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Structuring Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Keyal, each human resource staff and management unit are attuned to realise the company&rsquo;s policy of zero compromise in quality, offer products at a relatively lower price, and remain accountable and responsible to the market, customers and promoters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has always treated its employees as member of its extended family. When it comes to human resource management, the group has attempted to understand the necessities and aspirations of its employees and motivate them accordingly. For motivation, the group has been using rewards and encouragement while adhering to organisational discipline, culture and responsibilities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has 350 employees working in its manufacturing unit and sister companies while another 350 are working along the market value chain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Addressing Challenges</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A key challenge the group is facing at the moment is duplication of products that has tarnished the image of the common market. &nbsp;Availability of counterfeit products has prohibited market growth and expansion. Additionally, in the absence of major construction and infrastructure projects in the country, the market of construction materials, where the group has expertise, is limited to the consumer market instead of reaching large scale institutional clients. According to Keyal, the slowdown of the housing and real estate industry has affected construction material producing subsidiaries. However, the group has not lost hope. It has held on to the belief that a market can be created and clients can be attracted by offering quality products at reasonable price. With this philosophy, the group has been working to expand its market and attract customers towards its projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Constant Hope</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some business and industrial houses have constricted their operation and even closed down their companies citing political instability and a murky business environment. But the Keyal Group chooses to see the light at the end of tunnel. Keyal hopes for political stability to speed up the economic growth of the country which would boost construction and development projects. &ldquo;It would also create higher demand for our products. We are hopeful and are waiting for that moment to arrive soon,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>CSR</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has been consistently involved in corporate social responsibilities and has believed in giving back to society throughout the years. Similarly, the group has contributed to the construction of temples and funded religious activities in Birgunj and surrounding areas. Alongside this, the group has contributed to post-conflict reconstruction of infrastructure that has benefitted a larger number of people.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">Some Companies under the Keyal Group</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Narayani Rolling Mills</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel manufacturing unit located in Chhatapipara of Bara district produces TMT steel rods ranging from 8mm to 25 mm and plain rods of 8 to 36 mm. TMT steel products have been certified Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). The unit also produces flat square rods, angles and tor-karis among others. The group claims that this is probably the first company in Nepal to produce a large variety of products required for construction projects.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel factory at Jitpur, Bara district produces MS Black Pipe (0.5 to 6 inches), MS plates, shutter strips, and shatter guides, among others. It also produces hot rolled sheets, MS pipes, shutter section and related products.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This cement producing unit located at Jitpur, Bara district produces cement and markets PSC products under the &lsquo;Arati&rsquo; brand, and OPC products under the &lsquo;Shikhar&rsquo; brand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Makalu Axum</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This is the importer and authorised distributor of Magic Moments liquor for Nepal.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Enterprises</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This subsidiary of the group imports various consumer products from India and other countries to distribute across the country. The company is also based in Birgunj.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Hardware</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The hardware product distributor has its network spread over major cities like Kathmandu, Banepa, Butwal and Itahari.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Landmark Years:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						2052: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Establishment of Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing unit of Keyal Group.</div>
					<div>
						2056: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd, second manufacturing unit of the group, was established.</div>
					<div>
						2060: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd was established. It produces PSC and OPC grades of cement.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.',
			'sortorder' => '1827',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1873',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Everest Group: Climbing Higher',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Sanjeev Saraff ,CEO ,Everest Group" src="/userfiles/images/ss(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Sanjeev Saraff</strong></div>
					<div>
						CEO, Everest Group</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Everest Group Nepal is a pioneer group of companies in the sectors where it has had involvement since its inception. Whether it is petroleum product imports, operation of a cardboard factory or the paper industry, the Everest Group has been a pathfinder in Nepal in these sectors.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has begun an expansion drive with plans to venture into the pharmaceutical industry and to add new plants and production capacity in some of its factories. The Everest Group plans to bring its pharmaceutical company, Himalayan Parental and Pharmaceutical Company, into operation by next year. This new company will be producing life saving drugs and intravenous fluids. Sanjeev Saraff, CEO of the group, claims that it will be the first company of its kind in Nepal and that it will install the latest technology that has never been used in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has recently set up a new factory for producing non-woven fabrics. Everest Plasto has already started production. Saraff says that it is also one of the first factories in Nepal to produce non-woven fabrics.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Saraff reveals that the group is coming up with another sugar mill, Himalayan Sugar Mill in Mirchaiya. He says that the manufacturing unit is under construction and will be brought into operation in the next two years. Saraff says that the unit plans to sell electricity produced in its own thermal plant to the government during the winter season.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Local Targets</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Saraff, the group has always kept the local market and local raw materials on priority for all its productions. He says, &ldquo;We have been successful only in those industries where the raw material has been Nepali and the market in Nepal.&rdquo; Whether it is the paper factory or the sugar factory, the group has always been using local raw materials and targeting Nepal as its prime market. Saraff says that the group once tried its hands on copper processing by importing raw materials and exporting the final products. He says that it turned out to be a sort of trading business and did not perform well. However, the group still owns and operates Everest Wire factory that has majority market shares in the Tarai region.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group targets Nepal as its prime market for upcoming pharmaceutical ventures as well. Saraff says that 100 per cent of life saving drugs and IV fluids are imported and the factory aims for import substitution.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff claims that the Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; production covers majority of the local market while the sugar mill also has leading market share among half a dozen other Nepali companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that the group&rsquo;s only strategy to conquer the market is through quality assurance and its dealer network. Saraff further explains that some of the dealers have worked with the group since its establishment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The prime markets for Everest Groups&rsquo; products are Kathmandu, Pokhara and markets in the Tarai region. The secret of a strong relationship with its dealer network is to keep them happy, according to Saraff. However, the group has not considered branding as its major marketing tool. &ldquo;Our products are commodities rather than consumer goods. So, we do not require branding as such,&rdquo; he explains. &nbsp;However, the group has been carrying out campaigns to inform its clients about the right use of products to extract maximum value out of it. Marketing activities through billboards and other media, though, are not carried out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When asked about group branding, Saraff says, &ldquo;We have less concentrated on group branding. Hopefully, we will get into it once we grow bigger.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Competition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff says that the group has been facing unethical competition from smuggled products through the open border of Nepal and India. &ldquo;We decided not to compete with those products as it would be useless to compete with illegal products,&rdquo; he says. He acknowledges the quality and competitiveness of peer companies and says, &ldquo;Manufacturers of Nepal are equally competitive. So, the competition is more on offering quality than on price.&rdquo; Saraff expects the government to control the smuggling of goods that have been a threat to legitimate companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group had a major set-back when Everest Paper Mill was bombed during the Maoist insurgency. Saraff recalls that it was the first private sector factory to be targeted during the conflict. The bombing in 2005 left the factory completely destroyed. &ldquo;We did not lose hope and we rebuilt the factory within two months&rsquo; time. Bankers and others too appreciated our efforts,&rdquo; says Saraff. He adds that the group rebuilt a new and better factory immediately.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group employs around 2500 people in four of its companies in operation. A strong human resource department has been looking after all human resource management activities. Entire management duties are given to this department. The department deals with labour issues as and when they arise. Saraff recalls the closure of one of the group&rsquo;s factory for two months after labours came up with &ldquo;unreasonable demands&rdquo;. &nbsp;&ldquo;We made them realise that we were not going to bow down. We have been handling issues of labours and workers pretty well and the human resource department is pretty effective and strong,&rdquo; he explains.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The management responsibilities of all four companies are handled independently by the management team assigned for each company. The team is headed by members of the extended Saraff family. He says that the group is still a family-owned business more than a corporate group. Second generation businesspersons educated abroad have been taking up responsibility and taking the business to new heights.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The corporate headquarter of the group is located in Janakpur, the place of origin of the group. While the Kathmandu office has been working as a liaison office to look after bureaucratic activities and maintaining relationship with banks, among other activities.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">History&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						Dina Nath Saraff, father of Sanjeev Saraff is the founder of the Everest Group. Senior Saraff started his own import-export firm &lsquo;Brij Mohan Dina Nath&rsquo; in Janakpur that dealt initially with importing clothing materials from India, Soda Ash and various kinds of spices from Malaysia and Indonesia. The firm was also involved in rice exports to India.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Similarly, Saraff acquired the sole agency of ESSO and of Brooke Bond tea in the 50s and 60s for Nepal and started marketing their petroleum products such as, Petrol, Diesel, LDO, engine oil, Kerosene oil, etc even before the Nepal Oil Corporation was established. By mid 1960s, he established another firm, Everest Trading Company, along with the Jhunjhunwalas in Biratnagar and started exporting jute to millers in India.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In the late 60s, Saraff established Janakpur Soap Factory that manufactured various grades of soap and marketed it under brand names Natraj and OX. &nbsp;Similarly, a decade later, he and his son established Everest Cardboard Industry Pvt Ltd, the first in the country to manufacture corrugated boxes from Kraft paper imported from India and Sweden. &nbsp;During that phase, he also established Tiger Tea Company whose raw materials were imported from India, blended and packed in Nepal and sold in Nepal under the brand name Tiger.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						The group continued to grow and passed onto the second generation. Though some industries were closed in the process, its flagship production line such as paper and sugar has continued to rise. The group is now planning to expand its capacity and area of business in the near future.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Flagship Companies of Everest Group:</strong></span></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Everest Paper Mill Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Sugar and Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Wire Industry</li>
						<li>
							Everest Plasto</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Trading</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group feels proud about exporting paper pulps to Japan. In the past, the group used to import paper and chemicals as raw materials. The group also tried its hand on importing fertilizers but stopped later. The group wishes that the country allows international trading in Nepal to export goods to&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						third countries.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Plans</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group wants to carve its own path in business without following what others are doing. Saraff says that his group is looking into new sectors for business and also hints that the group will be investing in the tourism sector in the next two to three years and will also explore new possibilities in food products the group had expertise on in the past.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group does not have overt corporate social activities but is carrying out several activities on its own. The group provides scholarships to 25 to 30 children every year from underprivileged families under the Bhagwati Devi Trust, named after Saraff&rsquo;s grandmother. The trust has been annually sponsoring 40 to 50 children for their education. Similarly, Saraff considers Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; paper recycling plant a socially responsible activity of the group. &ldquo;We are recycling waste paper and contributing to clean the country along with utilising agricultural residues,&rdquo; says Saraff.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-07',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Everest Group, having around fi ve decades of business experience in Nepal has plans to expand its current line of business while exploring fresh opportunities in new sectors.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1865',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'At A Glance Yeti Brand',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Brief History</strong></p>
<p>
	The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998. Today, the company is one of the largest domestic airlines with a fleet of 14 aircrafts. The company expanded its reach to remote districts with two DHC-6/300 Series Twin Otter aircrafts and started services to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Rumjatar and Simikot. Within a period of one and a half decades, the airline now flies with a fleet of seven British Aerospace Jetstream-41s, covering major cities within Nepal from the mountains and hills to the Tarai region.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Some Subsidiaries of Yeti Group</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Mountain Home</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="yetimountain" src="/userfiles/images/yetimountain.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Yeti Mountain Home is a group of comfort lodges operating in the Khumbu/Everest region. The company claims these are amongst the world&rsquo;s highest luxury lodges, offering panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of the Himalaya. Each of these lodges have 15 to 20 rooms with modern amenities. Half a dozen lodges are operating under the Yeti Mountain Home brand. These include YMH Lukla, YMH Phakding, YMH Monjo, YMH Namche, YMH Thame and YMH Kongde.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Gokarna Forest Resort</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="gokarna" src="/userfiles/images/gokarna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	The Yeti Group acquired the management of Gokarna Forest Resort from October 2010 from the Singapore-based company LM Suvir Brothers Private Limited. The resort also houses one of the best golf courses in Asia, spread over 470 acres of land. The resort has 90 rooms and spa services among other top notch luxury services.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tara Air</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="taraair" src="/userfiles/images/taraair.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Tara Air, the subsidiary of Yeti Airlines is one of the biggest airline service providers in the mountain region. According to the company, it is guided by the mission of helping develop the rural Nepal. So, its services are concentrated in the hills and mountain destinations across the country. The airline has a fleet of six STOL aircrafts, comprising of four Twin Otter (DHC 6/300) and two Dornier (DO 228) aircrafts. The airline operates both scheduled and chartered flights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Thamserku Trekking</strong></p>
<p>
	This trekking and holiday service provider has been serving more than 4000 clients each year with agents in nine countries. Thamserku has been established as a group of companies offering trekking and adventure tourism services through its subsidiaries namely, Thamserku Trekking, Thamserku Expedition and Luxe Nepal. The company offers services ranging from classic trekking programmes to wild and exciting journeys in the remote mountains, and easy peaks and scaling mountains taller than 8000 metres.</p>',
			'published' => true,
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			'description' => 'The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1863',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1805',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Golyan Group: Looking Beyond Textiles',
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			'content' => '<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</div>
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	Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</div>
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	He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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	Golyan says.</div>
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	Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</div>
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	The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.&nbsp;</div>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
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						<strong>Pawan Golyan</strong></div>
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						Chairman, Golyan Group</div>
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<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	According to Golyan, the hotel&rsquo;s prime clients will be transit tourists as it will be located close to the Tribhuvan International Airport and Pashupatinath Temple, a popular Hindu shrine. The hotel will have 115 rooms. Golyan reveals that the company will tie up with an international hotel chain once the construction is completed.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group plans to develop tourism as one of its core sectors. Golyan says that the hotel is being developed as a trial project before leaping into the industry. If things go as planned, the group plans to establish two and three star hotels in industrial hubs such as Biratnagar, Birgunj and Pokhara. &ldquo;We do not just dive into any business sector. We first try it to understand the scene before we move forward,&rdquo; he explains.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Weaving the Industrial Base</span></strong></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group was founded by Sohan L Golyan, father of Pawan Golyan around five and a half decades ago with trading. The first manufacturing venture he established was a button factory, after which textile factories followed. In the course of the group&rsquo;s evolution, it involved itself in manufacturing a wide range of products such as slippers, zippers, audio cassettes among others, but they closed it down later. The textile and fabric based companies, however, lived on.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	When business was passed on to the second generation, Pawan Golyan started Reliance Spinning Mills Limited, one of the signature companies of the group. He says that this company registers an annual turnover of roughly Rs 5 billion and employs 3500 labours and 300 executives. Golyan claims that this is one of the largest industries in Nepal in terms of labour size and capital base. The group has invested around Rs 4 billion in this spinning mill alone.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Textile&rsquo;s Strength</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Though the group went on exploring, it also started experimenting with various other sectors, textile manufacturing continued by extending product line from acrylic yarn to pashmina and packing sacks. Golyan says that the group at one point tried steel manufacturing but did not succeed as much as textiles. &nbsp;The group now considers textiles as its specialised sector, whether it is pashmina, cashmere sweaters, yarns or woven sacks.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group now has five companies specialised in the textiles industry. Reliance Spinning, a state of the art spinning mill, manufactures spun yarns mainly in acrylic, polyester, viscose and blends. The products of this company are mostly exported to India. According to Golyan, 70 per cent of the products are exported to India, 20 to 25 per cent is sold in the domestic market, and the rest are exported to other countries. The company is now working towards producing cotton yarns to meet all domestic requirements.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Similarly, 95 per cent of cashmere and pashmina products produced by two companies - Tricot Industries and Himali Pashmina - are exported to the European, Australian and the US markets. The export surplus is sold in the domestic market through a showroom at Durbarmarg, Kathmandu. Tricot Industries was upgraded to a fully automated system around one and a half year ago.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Products such as circular knitted fabrics and woven sacks produced by Shivam, a third company, have their majority markets beyond Nepal - mostly in India, Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Golyan, around 80 per cent of Shivam Plastic&rsquo;s products are exported to India while remaining 20 per cent is sold in other countries including Nepal.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expanding Business</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group refrains from expanding the production capacity of its manufacturing units because of power shortage. &ldquo;If we had 24 hour power supply, we could double the production capacity of Reliance Spinning Mills and create jobs for 4000 people. But most of our factories are operating at 30 to 60 per cent of the installed capacity,&rdquo; he explains.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Besides this, the group is determined to revive its interest in hydropower business. It had dropped five projects with a total capacity of 20 MW after procedural delays and obstruction from local bodies. Golyan says that the group will start researching other possible projects in the next three months.</p>
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						<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</span></strong></p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo; Golyan says.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.</p>
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					Some Companies under Golyan Group</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Textile Manufacturing</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reliance Spinning Mill</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shivam Plastic Industries</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tricot Industries&nbsp;</div>
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					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Himali Pashmina</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Financial Services</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NIC Asia Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NMB Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lumbini Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					International Trade</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Real Estate</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Management&nbsp;</div>
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					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Hi-life on Westar Properties</div>
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					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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					he claims.</div>
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					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
					<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">Some Companies under Golyan Group</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Textile Manufacturing</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Reliance Spinning Mill</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Shivam Plastic Industries</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Tricot Industries&nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Himali Pashmina</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Financial Services</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NIC Asia Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NMB Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Lumbini Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">International Trade</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Real Estate</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Management&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hi-life on Westar Properties</strong></span></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo; he claims.</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-16',
			'modified' => '2013-09-16',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.',
			'sortorder' => '1666',
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	),
	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1687',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Consistent Growth Of The RMC Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajesh Agrawal, Director, RMC group" src="/userfiles/images/ra(1).jpg" style="width: 183px; height: 203px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajesh Agrawal</strong></div>
				<div>
					Director, RMC group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The export of RMC cements to India comes as a respite for the economy of Nepal that has long been suffering due to the dominance of imported goods from India. Along with catering to the rising demand for building materials like cement, steels and pipes in Nepal, the RMC Group now strives to expand its market to neighbor down south. Amidst a deepening trade deficit with India, the RMC Group is now planning to export manufacturing goods to the country. The strategy is to import raw materials and export value-added products to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Conviction behind success</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Since Nepal was completely dependent on imports for steel, Rajesh Agrawal, Director of RMC group, thought of establishing a factory to meet the growing demand of steel in the country. Despite his lack of experience and knowledge on the manufacturing industry, Agrawal did not shy away from venturing into a relatively new front. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Promising prospects for steel manufacturers prompted me to start a factory despite my inexperience,&rdquo; Agrawal says. He recalls being firm on his conviction to develop it through the learn-by-doing approach. Today, the RMC Group has leapfrogged from a small-scale firm to a big industry through this approach itself.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company initially formed for steel drum packaging for paints is now manufacturing steels, pipes, cements and sheets. Along with catering to the rising demands for steel, the company also meets the needs of pipes and other construction materials in its backyard. Growing steadily thus, it is now eyeing a broader market in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Forty per cent of our total turnover is exported to India today,&rdquo; Agrawal states to The Corporate. The group has recently started exporting cement to India and is the first company in Nepal to do so.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The RMC Group was established with an investment of five million rupees and now has an annual turnover of 5 billion rupees, informs Agrawal. Apart from the manufacturing sector, the group has investments in the banking and insurance sectors as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Industrialisation was yet to begin in Nepal when Agrawal had begun business. Despite limitations, Nepal gradually headed towards industrialization and augmented economic growth in the country. &ldquo;The steel consumption is directly related with economic development and the economic development of Nepal has increased with the consumption of our steels,&rdquo; says Agrawal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">&lsquo;Ups and Downs&rsquo; in Business Environment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	In the two decades of its operation, the RMC Group has experienced some ups and downs. Few years after the group established its factory to manufacture steel, the Maoist insurgency took off and posed many challenges to industrialists from running their business. &ldquo;However, the business environment recovered after the Maoists came into the peace process,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Affordability of local consumers has gone up in recent times due to remittance and other sources of income. &ldquo;People in villages have been switching to corrugated sheets from bricks, straw and other local materials to roof their houses,&rdquo; Agrawal observes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, the per capita steel consumption in Nepal is still one of the lowest in the world - 30kg per person, according to Agrawal, whereas the average is more than 300kg per person in the world. Agrawal is hopeful that steel consumption will get a boost in the days to come with political stability in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But despite these vicissitudes, consistent service to customers for the last 20 years has made RMC a credible brand. &ldquo;The consistent quality provided to consumers has ensured the growth of our companies,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Valuing Labour&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The company had begun with only 15 employees in total, but today, there are 400 employees hired by it. It has employed 80 peoples in its cement factory and has been hiring staff for administrative purposes through vacancy calls in newspapers.</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;A large number of our human resources are labours and we recruit them at the local level where our factories are located through the contractors,&rdquo; says Agrawal who values the labour force for the success of his company.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">CSR activities&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC Group has arranged drinking water facilities at the villages of the workers of its factories in Simra and other places as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. It has built water tanks, provided water pipes and bored water wells as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, it has provided corrugated sheets, steel and other construction materials to schools at the factories&rsquo; sites.</div>
<div>
	The company is also providing medical services to the families of its workers regularly.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Competition &amp; Promotional Activities</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to Agrawal, the RMC Group faces competition against Jagadamba Enterprises for pipes and Hulas Steel and the Biratnagar-based Arati Steel for Galvanised sheets.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group runs TVC (television commercials) as well as media advertisements in newspapers as a part of its promotional activity. Likewise, the group comes up frequently with scratch coupons, gift vouchers and other schemes for its customers. &nbsp;Targeting customers at the local level to advertise its products, the group airs advertisements through FM stations all across the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Social Affinity&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	While Director Agrawal is taking care of the companies and factories, his father Shrawan Kumar Agrawal - also Chairperson of the group - is involved in politics and social sectors. &nbsp;Chairperson Agrawal was a former Constituent Assembly lawmaker representing the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Marwari Sewa Samiti, an organization for social service to the Marwari community.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Palpa Cement at the offing</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC group has a project in Palpa to produce clinkers and cements in the pipeline. &ldquo;Clinkers are largely being imported from India for cement production, and we are planning to produce it, and cement made from it, from Palpa,&rdquo; informs Agrawal. The group is already in talks with the government for building the necessary infrastructure in the proposed factory sites.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="RMC Group" src="/userfiles/images/rMCGROUP.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 306px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					AT A GLANCE</h2>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Brief History</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Pvt Ltd was established on 1993. Prior to that, it was a firm to trade steels by importing from Japan, Korea and India. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Rajesh Agrawal left Rajesh Hardware Pvt Ltd to his partner on 1995 and he owned RMC Pvt Ltd. &nbsp;His partner is still doing the business on hardware. RMC is focusing its business on manufacturing. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Award and Recognition</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC already has the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate and the company was recently conferred with ISO 14001: 2004 certificate for its environment management system. Also, it has been awarded NS mark by Nepal Bureau of Standards &amp; Metrology (NBSM), a National Standards Body under Government of Nepal, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Involvement of the RMC group:</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>1. Rajesh Metal Craft Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Sister concern of the RMC Group, RMC Pvt Ltd manufactures and supplies MS Black Pipes, Galvanised Iron Pipes, Galvanised Plain and Corrugated Sheets, Tubular and Telescopic Steel Poles and Fabricated Steel Structural, among others. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>2. RMC Cement Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Cement Pvt Ltd, sister concern of RMC group, produces RMC cement from its Simara-based factory. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>3. H&amp;B Development Bank</strong></div>
					<div>
						HNB Development Bank is a leading development bank of Nepal that has a &ldquo;B&rdquo; class license issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank. RMC group chairperson Shrawan Agrwawal is the chairman of the H &amp; B Development Bank.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>4. Prudential Insurance Co Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Prudential Insurance Company was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 30, 2000. With the approval of Beema Samiti, it commenced operation on June 20, 2002. The Chairperson of RMC Group, Shrawan Agrawal, is in the Board of Directors of the Prudential Insurance Co Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>5. Palpa Cement&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						This is the mine based that will to produce clinker and cement. The factory will come under operation soon.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Details of major products of the RMC group:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>RMC Cement</strong></div>
					<div>
						The company has a production of RMC Cement from its factory that has a capacity of 2.4 million bags a year. The company has installed the latest PLC controlled closed circuit technology to ensure high quality and strength in the cement along with the installation of latest technology for the pollution control. It has also established fully-equipped modern quality testing laboratory to test the raw materials and finished goods at all stages.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>MS Black Pipes</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC has been manufacturing and supplying MS Black Pipe through its Birgunj based factory. It has the production capacity of 30 thousand tons per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Galvanised Iron Pipes&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Metal Craft Pvt Ltd also manufactures galvanised iron pipes. These are made from steel or iron pipes coated in molten-zinc.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Color Coated Sheets&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Pvt Ltd has begun manufacturing and supplying the color coated sheets from last two weeks and it has the production capacity of 18 thousand ton per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CR Sheet</strong></div>
					<div>
						The production capacity of CR sheet is 30 thousand ton per annum.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-25',
			'modified' => '2013-09-10',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'While Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with India due to its heavy dependency on import, Rajesh Metal Craft (RMC) Group has been exporting 40 per cent of its annual turnover to India.',
			'sortorder' => '1548',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1637',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Leading Chain Of Hotels In Nepal Grows Bigger',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajan Sakya CEO, KGH Group" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(2).jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajan Sakya</strong></div>
				<div>
					CEO, KGH Group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House. According to Rajan Sakya, CEO of KGH Group, 60 rooms of five-star facility were added on each hotel in the year 2012. Sakya says that rooms were upgraded in accordance with the demand of clients and growing competition to offer quality service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Renovation work is also ongoing at Aqua Buzz Unlimited, a hotel located in Koshi. Sakya admits that the hotel is not doing impressive business at the moment but he is optimistic that Koshi will emerge as a tourism hub when the Banepa-Bardibas highway gets completed in the next two years. He says that the highway will shorten the distance between Koshi and Kathmandu and will increase tourist flow to the area.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Expansion Plans</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group plans to add new properties to business in the years to come to their current line-up of eight hotels and three travel agencies. According to Sakya, the group is planning to establish two new hotels within the next two years. He says one will be in Kathmandu while the other will be in Koshi.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group wishes to see the business he established to be passed on to the future generation. Rajan Sakya, his youngest son also expresses commitment to continue the business and says, &ldquo;Tourism is the industry where we have expertise and long-time experience. The next generation will also be involved in the same field as we do not have any plans to venture into any other sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When making plans for the future, young Sakya says that the overall business climate of Nepal makes it difficult to make long-term plans. So, he says the group has been only making plans for the short term.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya reveals that the group plans to streamline and standardise the quality of its services offered throughout the properties of the group as well as its management style. For this purpose, he says, the group is adopting a corporate model of running business that will centrally control all sister concerns it owns.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Clientele and Occupancy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The morale of tourism entrepreneurs is getting a boost with the rise in tourist flow after the insurgency. Sakya is also content with the number of clients his chain of hotels has been able to attract. He says that the occupancy level has been satisfactory throughout the year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Sakya, Park Village Resort is primarily targeting conferences and seminars, and so 60 per cent of its clients are Nepalis while the rest are foreigners. Similarly, guests at the Kathmandu Guest House are mostly adventure tourists and it is an all-season hotel with 100 per cent foreign clients. Likewise, 80 per cent of clients at the group&rsquo;s hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini comprise of foreigners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Management strategy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has been operating under the family business model since Karna Sakya ventured into the tourism and hospitality sector almost 48 years ago. &ldquo;We are not running our business similar to a professionally managed five star hotel. &nbsp;Though we have professional hotel managers to look after a particular hotel, we have shouldered the responsibility of running the business and we are happy with this style because we believe we have the expertise and experience of several decades,&rdquo; explains Rajan Sakya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Sakyas, however, are planning to corporatise the group in the next one to two years. The group plans to set up a corporate head office in Kathmandu with a team headed by a General Manager. Sakya says that the corporate office will centrally control the accounts, internal audits and central purchasing. &ldquo;This model is being adopted to standardise the quality of services and products used across all the properties under the group,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Human Resource Management</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has not only created employment for 650 to 700 people but also has been meeting a social responsibility in hiring employees. Sakya says that the group hires women under the shelter of Maiti Nepal, a non profit organisation dedicated to help victims of sex trafficking. As women from the organisation find it challenging to reintegrate into society after being rescued from brothels, the KGH group has tied up with Anuradha Koirala (Founder and Director of Maiti Nepal and also a winner of CNN Heroes of 2010) to provide them with job opportunities in all of its properties, says Sakya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group prioritises hiring employees from underprivileged groups and communities. Sakya says that the group gives preference to those who have returned after working abroad. He gives an example of a recent recruitment of 10 employees who had returned from the US and the UK. He also reveals that the employee turnover at the group is quite low and some of the employees have been with the company for even decades. &ldquo;We have maintained a very good relationship with employees and so, we do not have problems with the human resource management,&rdquo; he states about the company&rsquo;s relationship with its employees.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="KGH GROUP NEPAL" src="/userfiles/images/2a.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 169px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" /></div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<div>
		<strong style="font-size: 14px;">The KGH journey</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
	The journey of the KGH Group began when Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group established Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, 48 years ago. Sakya recalls that Thamel was nothing more than a paddy field then. Thamel, the tourist hub of today grew around the hotel which started with 13 rooms.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya, a government employee then, used to work at the department of forestry and was not satisfied with the working environment. &nbsp;Brought up in an affluent family, he never felt that he had to take up a job to make his living. A traveller himself, he says that one must be able to comprehend what tourists want in order to run a tourism business and adds: &ldquo;Tourism is a business of dreams and only a dreamer can delve deep into this sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	His expertise as a forester and environmentalist is reflected in the hotels of the group. He has always prioritised the harmony between buildings, nature and the culture of the locality where the hotel is built and it can be witnessed in any of the sister hotels of the group. Sakya says he never developed a property on a leased or government land and all land where hotels are built is owned by the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When the country was at the peak of insurgency, the group never took a break. Rather it expanded into new projects and purchased land that helped it achieve success that it had never seen earlier.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Today, the group has eight hotels and three travel agencies and is about to mark its golden jubilee in two years&rsquo; time</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					Signature Hotels of the KGH Group</h2>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Park Village Hotel and Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Park Village Hotel and Resort" src="/userfiles/images/park%20villafge.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />This hotel spreads over 55 ropanis of land and is nestled in the foothills of Shivapuri National Park. Located just seven kilometres away from the heart of Kathmandu city, the hotel is so close to nature that it is regarded as a hotspot for bird watching, gorgeous scenery and harbours over 78 species of 3000 flowering plants. The hotel primarily targets conference clients and has seven conference halls and parking space for 80 vehicles. Similarly, it has 135 rooms, suites and service apartments of five star categories, swimming pool and spa among other luxurious amenities.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Kathmandu Guest House</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Kathmandu Guest House" src="/userfiles/images/kgh.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 132px;" />Kathmandu Guest House is the second largest hotel of the group that also preserves the architectural grandeur of a Rana palace intact along with ultra modern facilities. The hotel named one of the 300 most popular icon hotels in Asia by the Inside Guide in 2003 is famous among adventure tourists, writers, musicians and artists travelling Nepal. The hotel located at the heart of city, Thamel, has 150 rooms that cost from USD 30 to USD160 per night. Recently, the hotel has upgraded its rooms and interiors keeping the elegance and history of its architecture alive.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Waterfront Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						The resort located on the banks of Fewa Lake in the popular tourist destination, Pokhara, is spread over 15 ropanis of land. The company claims that it is one of the best eco friendly hotels in Pokhara. The resort even has a rain harvesting system and waste water is recycled to be used in its gardens, according to the company. One of the newest ventures of the KGH Group, the resort offers unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. The resort with 60 rooms also offers a peaceful and homely environment.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Buddha Maya Garden Hotel</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Buddha Maya Garden Hotel" src="/userfiles/images/bmg.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />The hotel is located just five minutes from the birth spot of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. The hotel spreads over nine bighas of land and has its garden full of indigenous Buddha era trees. Founder of the group, Karna Sakya&rsquo;s expertise in forestry and environment has inspired the landscape of the hotel in marrying art, culture and nature. It is one of the largest hotels in Lumbini with three and four star quality rooms.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Maruni Sanctuary Lodge</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Maruni Sanctuary Lodge" src="/userfiles/images/msl.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />Established in 2004 with 11 cottages, the hotel has now expanded into 37 huts. The hotel nestled on the edge of Chitwan National Park and just 10 minutes walk from Sauraha. All rooms are decorated in a unique traditional architecture with bamboo furniture, terra-cotta flooring and colourful ethnic Tharu paintings. The hotel also has its own wetland that attracts migratory birds, making it ideal for bird watching.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-19',
			'modified' => '2013-09-19',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House.',
			'sortorder' => '1498',
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			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1591',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Constant Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></p>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Rajesh Kazi Shrestha,Chairman, RK Associates" src="/userfiles/images/RKS.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td style="text-align: center;">
					<div>
						<strong>Rajesh Kazi Shrestha</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, RK Associates</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		RK Associates and its sister concerns such as Nepal International Business (NIB) Pvt Ltd and &nbsp; Constant Business Group (CBG) are authorised dealers of Lifan&rsquo;s motorbikes and cars and the brands Zotye, Proton, Jonway and Ssangyong. In business for the past 32 years, CBG and its promoters have been trading automobiles and dealing re-conditioned and brand new vehicles in Kathmandu.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		CBG started its business by first importing Lifan motorbikes to Nepal and later assembling them here. After selling a large number of motorbikes within a short time, the company felt the need to provide after sales services and spare parts to its customers, which it has now arranged for.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Chairman of RK Associates, the group of companies that runs CBG, NIB, Alliance Insurance Company Ltd, Soaltee Hotel Limited, Status Trading Pvt Ltd among other companies, said that the Lifan Company has introduced SUVs in the Chinese market and that he plans to bring them to Nepal through Nepal International Business (NIB), an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha claims that the company has sold more than 600 Zotye SUVs in Nepal in the past five years. &ldquo;Customers demand Zotye vehicles that use Mitsubishi engines and provide power, performance and quality to their rides; we brought the Jonway SUV in order to meet their demand,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		NIB has also brought the Zotye Nomad, a mini SUV, to Kathmandu recently. An authorised distributor of Ssangyong Automobiles of Korea too, it has also introduced the four-wheeler Korando in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Starting a Business&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Shrestha&rsquo;s interest in automobiles and his family&rsquo;s background in business lured him to the field of trading vehicles. &ldquo;While I was doing my B.Com, I realised that I my fortunes were waiting for me in this line and that prompted me to jump into this sector,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given to his keen interest in vehicles since childhood, Shrestha focused himself in the trading of vehicles. He is not, however, confined only to vehicle trading but also involved in insurance, banking, food and carpets, among other businesses. CBG&rsquo;s sister enterprises are looked over by Shrestha himself while others are taken care of by his business partners.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">New Launches</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The company introduced the Higer bus in Nepal last Wednesday. The bus&rsquo;s primary clients are tourism and travel agencies and were brought to Nepal following the request of travel entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;When I told them it was hard for me to provide the service unless there was a demand for more than 12 buses, tourism entrepreneurs came jointly with an order of 10 buses,&rdquo; says Shrestha, who also claims the buses will help boost the tourism industry in Nepal. Post the bus launch, CBG has been getting an overwhelming response from the market according to Shrestha. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		This initial response, although a boost for the company&rsquo;s morale, does not ascertain success as the depreciation of the rupee is bound to affect the market price and sales of vehicles. &nbsp;&ldquo;We have requested the company to reduce the price for pre-order in bulk,&rdquo; says Shrestha, revealing some cautionary measures for market uncertainty. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Market Challenges and Prospects</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The spiraling value of the rupee has hit businesses hard and NIB is not an exception. Though the company is satisfied with increase in sales, Shrestha says the rate of return is too low and additional vehicles are not being imported due to the escalating price of dollars. &ldquo;We are in a wait and watch mode,&rdquo; Shrestha says adding that the company does not have immediate plans for market expansion unless the rupee strengthens against the dollar.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With various models and brands available, Shrestha regards competition due multiple choices in the market as a major challenge for his company. To overcome this, the company is keeping a vigilant eye to provide something unique to its customers. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Nepal, however, is a lucrative market for SUVs, fancy cars, motorbikes, buses and other vehicles. Provided there is political stability in the country, Shrestha sees a very good prospective for automobile business here. &ldquo;People&rsquo;s purchasing power has gone up and they are demanding more,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Selling more vehicles would result in big transaction which bodes well to all including businessmen, government and the people.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Expectations from the Government&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		High import duties imposed on automobiles by the government, despite Nepal&rsquo;s WTO membership and commitment to gradually reduce custom duties, is affecting vehicle sales, according to Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Entrepreneurs like him expect the government to formulate policies and laws in line with the obligation it has made for the WTO membership.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha also demands the government to come up with an effective plan to replace old vehicles. &ldquo;Vehicles older than 20 years should be replaced. They consume too much fuel and pollute the environment,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Marketing Matters and the Future</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		Even though marketing work has become more simplified with information and technology, Shrestha is not satisfied with the way it is executed in Nepal. He admits that the business community here has not been able to fully tap the advantage of technology in this field. &ldquo;Sometimes, our marketing expenditure even surpasses our income,&rdquo; he says to demonstrate the point.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha emphasises the need for assessing consumer demand and market wave length as a first step to improvement. &ldquo;Our company formulates marketing strategies to increase our sales and we are trying to integrate appropriate technology in our marketing tools,&rdquo; he shares. &ldquo;But it is still uncertain as to whether investment in marketing would bring returns.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With over 150 employees in total, Shrestha delegates responsibilities to a trusted team and receives updates and provides guidance through regular meetings. His future plans hinge upon the political and business climate of the country. But even as he echoes common frustrations among businessmen of a lack of encouragement for new ventures, Shrestha has not withheld from making optimistic plans for the future, for solar energy, agri-business and tourism are sectors he has kept an eye out for, he also reveals possibilities of importing airplanes from China soon.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>
	<img alt="rk aSSOCIATES" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 112px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>AT A GLANCE</b></span></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Higer Buses Launched</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							<img alt="Higer Bus" src="/userfiles/images/HIGER%20BUS.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 182px;" />Nepal International Business Pvt. Ltd has brought Higer Bus in Nepali market. The bus is produced by Higer Company of China. Tourism entrepreneurs are the main target customers of the company for these buses. &nbsp;The buses were launched by Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudyal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, amid a program in capital last week. &nbsp;Designed to suit the topography like of Nepal, the company has believed, this brand of the bus will be popular in Nepali market very soon. The newly introduced buses have the seat capacity of 29 to 35, according to the company. The company has also offered the warranty for 18 months while maintenance and the buses&rsquo; spear parts can be easily available from the company. Air condition cooling and heating, luggage compartment with cool air outlet, luxurious seats, reverse display monitor, Electrophoretic technology guarantee and corrosion resistance, among others, are the main features of the bus.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Vehicle Brands Imported by CBG</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Zotye Nomad SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CBG is also an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China in Nepal. The Company had also brought the Zotye Nomad mini SUV in 2011. Zotya Nomad SUV- 3,970 mm long, 1,570 mm wide and 1,733 mm tall - &nbsp; has 1,500 cc petrol engine with 16 valves and a multi-point electric fuel injection system. Zotye Nomad is available in seven colors&mdash;pure white, crystal silver, light black, pure red, light blue, dark blue and bright black.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Jonway SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorised dealer of Jonway Companies&rsquo; products in Nepal. Jonway Auto Company is the main exporting automobile company of China. &nbsp;It has minimum grounded clearances of 200 mm. The ISO 9001: 2000 certified company has been exporting its products to around 40 countries.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>SSangYong Cars</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorized dealer of SsangYong, the automobile manufacturing company based in South Korea. It had introduced the new model of its second generation Korando cars in the Nepali in April, 2011. Korando brand cars are sold in 82 countries around the world. The price tag of Korando car was Rs. 4,775,000 at the time of launch.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Lifan</strong></div>
						<div>
							The sister concern of the CGP has sold Lifan motorbikes in Nepal. Later, it also started assembling the motorbikes itself in Nepal. &nbsp;The company has the service center and spare parts for Lifan customers.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Proton</strong></div>
						<div>
							Sole authorized distributor of Malaysia based auto manufacturer Proton in Nepal, CGP sells Proton Persona, Gen.2 and Savvy&mdash;in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-12',
			'modified' => '2013-08-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Active in business for over three decades, the Constant Business Group’s Rajesh Kazi Shrestha is now attempting to expand his turf to agriculture, tourism and solar energy.',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1544',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Mudbhary And Joshi Construction - Distributing Energy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman, Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/Ajay%20Kumar%20Mudbhary.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ajay Kumar Mudbhary</strong></div>
				<div>
					Executive Chairman</div>
				<div>
					Mudbhary and Joshi</div>
				<div>
					Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd, one of the leading companies in power line industry of Nepal plans to venture into the power production and tourism industry too. Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman of the company who believes that hydropower and tourism are two major sectors that can push Nepal towards prosperity, however, did not reveal the details of the plans. But, he promised to venture into these sectors soon and the company is working towards it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary said, &ldquo;We do not dive into any new venture without plans. Power generation is a capital intensive activity, so, to move into it, we need to make sure that the current business is not affected.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	MJC is a part of three companies involved in the energy sector including Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co Pvt Ltd (NEEK) and a wooden pole manufacturer inside the Hetauda Industrial District in Hetauda.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Mudbhary, the group of companies is specialised on construction of transmission line, substation and manufacturing of transformers. He said that the company has been involved in this sector since the establishment of the company in 1982.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Expanding the Horizon&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Although the company does not have plans to go into a particular sector at the moment, it has been constantly involved in expanding the construction business within the energy sector. Mudbhary says, &ldquo;There are few companies involved in the transmission line development. So, there are enough opportunities and we are concentrating on enhancing capacity needed for expansion in this particular area.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary says that his company wants to tap the opportunities in the transmission line and grid expansion of the country that is growing with the number of new hydropower plants entering the construction phase. &ldquo;We prioritise what we have in front of us at the moment. We have realised that the country needs a company like us in the power distribution channel. So, we will continue working either as a prime contractor or as a sub contractor for an international contractor.&rdquo; To, materialise this goal the company is involved in producing a capable work force.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that there is a soaring demand of human resources not only in Nepal but also in the entire South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East regions. He explains, because of the high demand in these areas, we have to face shortage of human resource, which is a challenge of working in the power sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary further says that the company does not want to supply human resource to other countries but would go as a contractor there if the resources would remain in favour of his company. &ldquo;There were invitations from India, Cambodia and Myanmar, but, we are busy in Nepal. And, we do not want to overtrade works beyond our capacity and size as we must complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated time. So, we want to wait for a while and emerge strongly within the country before looking beyond the borders&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Grabbing Opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The company is involved in developing transmission lines and substation across the country. Mudbhary shares that the company is currently involved in 10 different projects including Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line, Kusaha- Kattaiya 132 kV cross border transmission line, Butwol- Kohalpur, Dumre-Damauli, and other power grids in Dang, Hetauda, Damak and Dhulabari. Mudbhary believes that there are ample opportunities within the country because of the new power plants in the development stage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that his company has always believed in capacity building and proving with quality works. &ldquo;In the power sector, competitiveness comes only through experience. The competency we have developed is a result of hard work for almost two decades. Now, we are known as a competitive company that holds a leading position in Nepal with a market share of roughly 35 per cent,&rdquo; he says. He also says that around five companies in the market are working in the similar field.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Mudbhary and Joshi Construction" src="/userfiles/images/mjc1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 239px;" />Power Specialisation&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Along with the MJC, two other companies are also involved in production of power equipment. The company&rsquo;s journey towards the energy sector was guided by Mudbhary&rsquo;s knowledge gained as a student of electrical engineering at Pulchowk Engineering Campus. He is the first generation business person in his family and started business that matches his knowledge and interest. The determined and gradual move in this sector has made him and his company, one of the established names in the power transmission industry of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The MJC had started with road construction project in Rupandehi almost three decades back. However, the company did not stick to just road construction. Mudbhary says that his company gradually moved into power distribution works and then to development of substations and transmission lines. The company through its sister concerns also manufactures transformers and electricity poles.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NEEK produces 3000 transformers in a year and certain portion of the production is exported to Bhutan. Mudbhary says that NEEK products capture 75 per cent market share in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Managing Human Resources&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As the company works on various projects, Mudbhary says that up to 1000 employees have worked with the company at a point of time. But, at the moment around 600 employees are working in 10 different projects. He says that majority of staff are temporary employees.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, Mudbhary says employee retention high in his business. There are employees working with the company for more than two decades - since the beginning days of the company, he adds. He also says that those who left the company when a project came to an end returned back when another project began.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A team of professionals assigned for a particular project looks after all the managerial tasks including the human resource management. He says that the projects are supervised by the top management on a regular basis. &ldquo;The project manager is provided with all the managerial responsibilities under our close supervision. We facilitate as and when required,&rdquo; he shares his management style.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Project Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	MJC acquires projects through both national and international competitive bidding process and executes according to the mentioned norms and requirements of the project. Mudbhary says that various factors are taken into account before bidding, such as proximity of new project to the current area of works.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similar to the human resource management, Mudhbary says that the projects are also managed by a team of professionals under the supervision of the top level management. He further explains that the team of technicians and employees consists of only Nepali staff.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When it comes to developing projects, most of the construction materials are local products while other equipment like conductors, tower materials and others are imported from Germany, India, China, USA or any other country if Nepali products are not approved in the contract provision.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Company&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						MJC was incorporated by a team of young entrepreneurs in 1982 with the objective of establishing a professionally managed and well equipped construction company. The company was registered as &ldquo;A&rdquo; class contractor in 1993 by Ministry of Works and Transport. With three decades of construction experience, MJC has been helping its customers to move energy where it is needed from power plant to the user through Transmission and Distribution lines. MJC has constructed Transmission Line ranging from 11 kV to 400 kV with Optical Fibre Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) and Substation raging from 33 kV to 132 kV with Power Transformer raging from 1 MVA to 63 MVA. MJC has also constructed some national road projects and has also completed Oil Storage Project with its own design.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Some Projects of MCJ&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&bull; Hetauda 132kV Substation and Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kusum-Hapure 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kabeli Corridor 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and construction of Dhulabari (Jhapa) 33/11kV Substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Power P. 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Khimti-Dhalkebar 220kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400kV Dhauliganga- Barreilley Transmission Line Tanakpur, India (5 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; 400kV DC Vishnuprayag- Muzaffarnagar Transmission Line, India (3 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and installation, testing and commissioning of two numbers of 33/11kV, 16.6 MVA PT at Duhabi S/S with overhauling and shifting of &nbsp; &nbsp;existing transformers to Anarmani&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and commissioning of 132/33kV transformer at Lahan Subsation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, stringing and testing of optical fiber with ground wire in Hetauda - Pathlaiya and Lahan - Duhabi 132kV T/L project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 33/11kV 2x10/13.3/16. 6 MVA new substation at Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400km of 11kV overhead lines and distribution line for Kailali - Kanchanpur Rural Electrification Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Rural electrification of various districts&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Thankot-Chapagaon-Bhaktapur 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Re-routing work of Chilime-Trishuli 66kV transmission line at Thade in Rasuwa&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, relocation and commissioning of power transformer (3 nos. 15 MVA, 1No. 30 MVA, Circuit Breakers, Control and Relay Panels)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and delivery of three phase whole current energy meter&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Stringing of OPGW in 11kV line from dam site to power house in Kali- Gankadi &ldquo;A&rdquo; hydroelectric power project (9km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and installation of 11kV vacuum circuit breaker panel board at sub-station in Hetauda Industrial District&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Shifting, erection and commissioning of power transformer from Anarmani to Lamahi substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						Mudbhary has been carrying out philanthropic activities through rotary clubs at a personal level but he says that his company has not officially carried out any such activities as of now. But, he understands the importance of CSR activities and promises to gradually involve in it.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-08-04',
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			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Mudbhary and Joshi Construction Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneer and leading companies involved in development of power grids. The company plans to diversify its portfolio by investing in hydropower generation and also in the tourism industry.',
			'sortorder' => '1405',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1501',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'VOITH: A Tale Of Struggle, Conviction And Patience',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director , United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/ritusingh.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 193px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ritu Singh Vaidya</strong></div>
				<div>
					Managing Director</div>
				<div>
					United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people. The group started as United Trade Syndicate, a company that imports automobiles, has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Inception&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	VOITH was established in Kathmandu 40 years ago by an enterprising young man, late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya was initially involved in the political movement of Nepal to overthrow the Rana oligarchy and also worked for 11 years in different institutions including USAID and Ministry for Foreign Affairs until he realized that nothing would interest him except working under his own leadership and self vision.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya gave up everything just to initiate his own business. With just $700 in his pocket, he ventured into the business journey to Japan on December 18, 1967. After continuous and regular meetings with the officials of Toyota Company in Japan, who were initially skeptical about his ability, eventually signed an agreement with the company on selling their vehicles in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Upon his arrival, Vaidya established United Traders Syndicate (UTS) Pvt Ltd and sold 97 vehicles, 91 more than the targets set by the Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After four-decades, Toyota, which was introduced to the customers by the UTS for the first time in Nepal, is still one of the dominant brands in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Started from the UTS dealing automobiles, the VOITH has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Behind the meteoric rise of the organization as one of the largest business house, there are the tales of struggle, conviction, hard-work and patience of the organization&rsquo;s founder late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Setting the priorities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The organisation accords its priority to industries that contribute greatly to the social upliftment of the Nepali people. Hence, labor-intensive, agro-based industries are VOITH&rsquo;s priorities. And, as it said, it is convinced that such undertakings help raise the living standard of Nepal&rsquo;s poorest people, the bulk of whom are farmers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has been continuously serving the people for past four decades. Since its inception, the organization is putting the farmers at its center of focus. It strives to bring joy and success into the community of the common farmers through professional development and modernization of the agricultural sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Now, the president of the VOITH President Suraj Vaidya is upholding the legacy of Vaidya group created by his late father Dr Vijay G. Vaidya. Suraj, President of the VOITH, is also leading the umbrella organisation of the business community - Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries- as its president.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Caring the Nature&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	For many, doing business is all about gaining immediate profits from their investment and deposit the cash in their bank accounts even at the expense of human health or irrespective of the adverse impact it makes on the environment or natural heritages.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, VOITH claims that it has abided by the concept and principle of green environment in the field of industrial and business development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This company has refrained itself from entering into any production that causes harm to human health or adversely challenges the natural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Management Mantra&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Vision, commitment, courage, perseverance and hard work are the key mantras for the staffs working in VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Board of Directors sets the overall policy and management guidance for each of the divisions - Trading and Services, Industry, Construction - of VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The VOITH is one of the largest business groups in Nepal and provides employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people, and prides itself in its staff that represents some of the best managerial talent in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Each division is led by an Executive Director. Regular staff meetings are held that ensures total managerial involvement in the day-to-day operation of VOITH as well as its future planning needs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Though it has made its slogan &ldquo;Little Things We Do&rdquo;, the philanthropy and social services of the VOITH are beyond the merely fulfilling its bit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The list of the services that the company has done goes long. To mention few: it provides scholarships to the needy and underprivileged students for the scholarship; builds school buildings, temples; supports sportsperson; involves itself in cleaning campaign as well as renovating and preserving cultural heritages, among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has organized Toyota Women&rsquo;s Motor Rally and the money that was raised was given to a primary school at Hile, Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since 2006, VOITH has begun awarding a Toyota car to the most outstanding football player of the year. Likewise, VOITH set up a revolving fund of Rs. 400,000 to organize the tournaments and made available additional funds to manage them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It had donated an Ambulance to the Avyudaya Multipurpose Cooperative at Kalyanpur, Chitwan. It has been providing financial help to dozens of schools across the country. In Chitwan, it has constructed a Reading Room besides providing books and magazines. It has made available Rs. 1 million to Mothers&rsquo; groups to create awareness and expand literacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Kathmandu, it has built numerous waiting stands at the bus stops for the comfort of passengers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Venturing Next&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As part of its regular and new launches, VOITH is all set to launch a new model of Toyota car at the end of the August. According to Sahara KC, Marketing Manager at VOITH, Toyota Etios will roll out in the street. This car would cost Rs 3.44 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	KC says those who want to exchange their vehicle with the Toyota Etios will have that opportunity during the launch where bank, insurance and validity counter will also be available.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Vijaya Academy of Health and Science is scheduled to begin four-year Bachelor degree in affiliation with universities from Australia and Philippines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of UTS Pvt Ltd, the organization is planning to expand into newer sectors like hydropower, hospitality and education.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	She says, &ldquo;Hydropower should be there soon as it is already in the pipeline and we are seriously looking into hospitality. Hopefully, we will be coming with new ventures in the next two years if we don&rsquo;t have external disturbing factors like endless bandhs&nbsp;and political crisis.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/voith1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 397px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h1>
					Group&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</h1>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="automobile" src="/userfiles/images/automobiles(2).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 62px;" />Automobiles&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The group is sole distributor of Toyota vehicles and Genuine parts for Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					Sole distributor of Chinese vehicles - Yutong (Zhegnzhou Yutong Bus Company) and Shandong Wuzeng Group Co. Ltd. - in Nepal and is working to promote Great Wall Motors as well.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The company also imports electric bicycles and furnitures.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="tea" src="/userfiles/images/tea(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 42px;" />Tea&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It produces high grown orthodox tea. Its scientific method of cultivation is totally bio-organic.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="agriproducts" src="/userfiles/images/Agri%20Products(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 35px;" />Agri-products&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The organization is also producing high quality agricultural products.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="construction" src="/userfiles/images/Construction(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 36px;" />Construction&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The company is active in the national and international construction.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="education" src="/userfiles/images/Education(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 53px;" />Education&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It has planned tor a three-year Proficiency Certificate Level (Undergraduate) Course in Nursing. In future, it will offer four-year Bachelor in Nursing Degree.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Achievements of UTS&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has successfully received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Effort Award&rdquo; in the year 2000 for its outstanding performance.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been receiving the &ldquo;Exhibitor Award&rdquo; for the 1st Auto Show 1998 and 2nd Auto Show 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has also received a ,&ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Parts and Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Award Program from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for the year 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been getting consecutively a &ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Service Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service Award.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;A recognition of over 30 years of dedicated partnership&rdquo; in the year 2001 from Toyota Motor Corporation.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; in the year 2004 for its outstanding performance from Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; 2006/2007/2008 from Toyota Motor Corporations.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS was awarded for highest tax paying company at FY 2063/2064 as &ldquo;Customs Distinguished Personality&rdquo;.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-29',
			'modified' => '2013-07-29',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people.',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1451',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'New Beginnings For Incentive Tours And Travels',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nutan Bajracharya,Group General Manager, Incentive Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/nutan.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 248px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<strong>Nutan Bajracharya</strong><br />
				<em>Group General Manager<br />
				Incentive Group of Companies</em></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company turned GSA of Air Asia X last year but the excitement of winning the title persists. It was obvious for Incentive Tours and Travel, also known as Incentive Group of Companies, that this wouldbecome a major turning point in their business. Nutan Bajracharya, General Manager of the group says, &ldquo;It happened because of the diligence and hard work of our Chairman Hariman Lama whostarted his career as a messenger in a travel agency..&rdquo; Lama symbolizes the brand image the company is to going to form.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Having started off as Incentives Tours and Travels in 1999, the group now acquires two other companies namely Sansui Cargo and Incentive Holidays. With five flights a week to Malaysia, the group acquires 25 percent of market shares in flights to and from Malaysia, according to the company&rsquo;s spokesperson. Within a short span of time, the company has served over 10 thousand tourists from all over the world, mainly theUS, Japan, Europe and South East Asian countries. The company now has anannual turnover of two billion&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Targeting the middle class&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Before the introduction of direct flights and economy tourism packages, only upper class customers were considered to be the target market for international tourism in Nepal. According to the company, it is the sole enterprise that flies people at an affordable fare and targets mostly middle class consumers.. The company has now expanded its services to China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bhutan and Tibet. &ldquo;We are now focusing on out-bound tourism because a high number of Nepalis are going abroad daily for jobs, travel or to study,&rdquo; says Bajracharya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Recently, the company has come up with a travel package to Malaysia targeting the middle class in Nepal. &ldquo;We have a four-night-five-day tour package for Malaysia at the price of Rs 49,499and, so far we have received very good bookings,&rdquo; he shares.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	International ticketing and tour packages as well as cargo all around the world are Incentive&rsquo;s services at the offing. Says Bajracharya: &ldquo;We have trekking and mountaineering as well, in addition to our packages forout-bound tourism.&rdquo; According to him, Air Asia X is gaining popularity among people flying togulf countries and some 200-250 people choose to fly with it every month. The company has a target of increasing this number to 500 passengers per month. Among those who come to Incentive Holidays, Singapore and Malaysia are the most visited destinations.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The services of the company include hotel reservations, domestic flights, MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition), international flights, helicopter charters, special tailored tours and out-bound tours. Bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain flights, jungle safari, tours, sightseeing and white water river rafting are other activities the company has been in the business of. Prior to Incentive Holidays, Incentive Tours and Travels used to handle these businesses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan sees three or four companies as his competitors. He says they have packages for outbound tourists as well butwhen it comes totour packages in Malaysia, competition seems to have been eliminated due to Incentive&rsquo;s alliance with Air Asia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Human Resource Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan shares that his company follows staff rules and regulations for pay and perks. &ldquo;We hire experts and seek their recommendation to manage our human resource,&rdquo; he says, adding that this system becomes instrumental in keeping the company fine tuned. &ldquo;Even when staff are at leave or in holiday, the company&rsquo;s schedule is not affected since their tasks are handled systematically.&rdquo; Including five Deputy General Managers and board directors, the company currently employs 50 people, among who 17 are women.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company has fixed working hours and holidays for the staff, which according to Nutan are mostly disciplined and rule abiding. In a bid to acknowledge the work of his staff and to further motivate them, the company confers the&lsquo;Staff of the year&rsquo; award annually to those who have worked well and served the company for over five years. . To keep the staff up to mark with international standards, the company often sends them abroad for training and also invites experts from outside to train them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since there is a huge opportunity and scope in the tourism sector, it seems that the private companies have not been able to exploit it. Bajracharya is upbeat about the prospect of tourism in Nepal. &ldquo;Although Nepal is a country of amazing extremes including the greatest mountain range and anincredible variety of ecosystems, we have not been able to draw a large number of tourists,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Our company strives towards tapping this huge potential by bringing adventurous and luxury travelers from around the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Like many industries in Nepal, the unpredictable but recurring strikes are having an adverse impact in their business too. Bajracharya says that it not only incurs a huge loss to the economy but also paints a negative image of the country in the international arena. However, he is optimistic about the future of the tourism.. He underlines the need for massive tourism to make it a foremost industry.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hosting the tourist, which was once considered a part of the culture in Nepal, is now growing to be a lucrative business. In his experience, the understanding of tourism benefits among local people has increased. &ldquo;Peoplein remote areas these days are using western-style toilets because they now understand the value of tourism,&rdquo; he observes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hariman, however, laments the apathy and indifference shown by the government towards the tourism industry. He says, &ldquo;The government is not serious in exploring new tourist destinations. It is least bothered to promote already discovered tourist destinations and trekking trails. For example there isn&rsquo;t a single comprehensive information booklet published by the government consisting of information on tourist destinations in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Future Strategy&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group aims to become an international travels and tours operator in the near future. The exploration of new international destinations is their immediate plan, targeting the outbound tourists. &ldquo;We are exploring new destinations all around the world catering with services at competitively lower prices,&rdquo; Bajracharyainforms.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Speaking about the travel patterns in general, Bajracharaya observes that people usually go for pre-made packages and are relatively clueless about future travel plans.. &ldquo;The ignorance of new destinations is the reason behind this,and this is why we are inviting travelers with new packages as planned by our company,&rdquo; he concludes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="AirAsia " src="/userfiles/images/airasia1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 331px; margin: 5px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div>
					<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></span></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;">Incentives Group of Companies&nbsp;</span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentives Tours and Travels&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 1999, the company offers travel and tour packages as well as other services like ticketing, hotel reservation, paragliding andjungle safari.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Sansui Cargo&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company provides cargo services all over the world.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentive Holidays&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company is the GSA of Air Asia X for Nepal and offers special tour packages for Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Strengths</strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Discipline and good working culture&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Threats </strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							<span style="font-size: 12px;">Political instability&nbsp;</span></li>
						<li>
							Success mantras&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Continuity with honesty&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Cost efficiency&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Good service&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						So far the company has been helping flood victims and local clubs as a part of their corporate social responsibility. However, this company is keenly looking to do something more in the travel and tourism sector. Bajracharya says that they are planning to renovate temples, footpaths and other sites of cultural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Individual brand matters&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Asthe chairperson of the group, Lama, has been associated with the travel businessfor approximately 30 years. The prospects he saw in the tourism sector encouraged and led him to establish his own company. Now, his struggle and diligencehas paid him off,making him the owner of the company from his humbles beginnings as messenger for a previous work place.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In 2000, he got another opportunity to gain an international recognition. His participation at the Global Youth Meet, where youths from around 58 countries were present, gave him an opportunity to project himself as a promising businessman in the tourism business.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Networking and Affiliation&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Incentive Tours and Travels is a member of Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA). It is also affiliated with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Pacific Air Travel Association (PATA), Trekking Agencies&rsquo; Association of Nepal (TAAN), and various other associations. Nutan informs that his company has links with around 150 hotels in Nepal to use this facility for in-bound tourists.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.',
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			'id' => '1403',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'TM Dugar Group: Preserving Its Legacy',
			'sub_title' => '',
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			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Moti Lal Dugar,Chairman, TM Dugar Group" src="/userfiles/images/dugar2.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 220px; margin: 5px 2px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Moti Lal Dugar</strong></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">Chairman, TM Dugar Group</span></div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself. The group today is far from its heyday, though it has not lost all of its charm. According to Chairman Moti Lal Dugar, the group has been hit hard by the prevailing gloom in the business environment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Sizing down&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The organised sector is treading a path of misery. We have felt that we are less capable to work in such an environment. So, without alleging anyone, we are closing some of our ventures,&rdquo; Dugar expressed dissatisfaction. Bureaucratic hassles and procedural delays have been discouraging constraints in the business. Dugar also says that it is extremely difficult to run a business in current times. The group has closed down almost half a dozen manufacturing units.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With no plans for expansion in the manufacturing sector, the group has kept itself in a &lsquo;wait and watch&rsquo; mode and has decided to sustain those ventures that are doing relatively well. Says Dugar: &ldquo;We do not have thoughts to pursue a new line of business today. We are instead concentrating on ways to sustain our ventures and even downsizing and closing some of them.&rdquo; He says that doing business in current unfavourable environment is not an easy job and going for expansion at the moment would be a costly proposition.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Hydro Hope&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite the depressing business climate, the group sees prospects in the hydropower industry. Although Dugar did not reveal the details of the project, he says the group is soon developing three hydropower plants. &ldquo;Hydropower is the only sector where the future rests,&rdquo; he claims.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group is currently waiting for the government&rsquo;s approval of the projects and to sign the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). After filing an application for the PPA at NEA, things have yet to be finalised due to procedural delays. &ldquo;We are ready from our side but we need the go ahead signal from the government,&rdquo; Dugar shares.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Dugar expects the construction phase to begin next year. While a detailed project report has already been completed, progress has stalled at the project development stage since the past five to six years. &ldquo;The response of NEA is not encouraging. They invite investors but the government monopsony --NEA--is reluctant to purchase electricity. We do not have the provisions to sell power directly to the industries by paying wheeling charges to NEA for using their transmission line.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Initially, the group will make investments in the project solely, but Dugar is open to including locals and to inviting public shareholders once the construction begins. As the hydropower project is capital-intensive, the group has kept its doors open for external partners as well. Dugar believes that the hydropower sector of Nepal can only be developed when the government, investors, general public and the private sector can go hand in hand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Days of Glory&nbsp;</strong></div>
<p>
	Chandmal Dugar--Moti Lal Dugar&rsquo;s grandfather--first initiated business in Biratnagar with the trading of agro products like paddy, jute and textiles. Business later expanded into the processing of jute and setting up rice mills in different parts of the country. The group grew further during his son&rsquo;s time, but it took a new turn under the leadership of his second grandson - Tolaram Dugar. After the death of his father, Tolaram shouldered all responsibilities of the group at the age of 28. Dugar credits his brother&rsquo;s contributions in taking the business to new heights. Later, when the family split in the early 90s, the group was divided into three sub groups namely HC Dugar, KL Dugar and TM Dugar. Though the group split professionally, Dugar says that family relations are still going strong and united.</p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Current Involvement&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/dgr3.jpg" style="float: right; width: 325px; height: 153px;" /></div>
<div>
	TM Dugar Group has specialised in manufacturing of food grains such as rice, lentils and vegetable oils. It was the TM Dugar Group that set up modern rice mills in Dhangadhi in far-western Nepal and contributed in creating and expanding the market for agro products. Today, the group has a wide array of investments in banking, hydropower, automobiles, agro solutions, life insurance, FMCG products, agro based industries and automobiles, among others. The group is a major promoter of Sunrise Bank Ltd. and Gurans Life Insurance Co Ltd.--two public limited companies in the financial sector. The group stepped into the service industry through banking and insurance about seven years ago.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The automobiles trading wing of the group imports and sells vehicles of the Japanese brand Nissan, buses and trucks from the Indian company Mahindra, motorcycles from Royal Enfield and tractors from John Deere. Similarly, Frooti and Appy are two soft drink brands that are produced by the TM Dugar Group in Nepal. In the days to come, the group plans to concentrate on the service&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">sector. Banking, life insurance and hydropower are some of the areas of its interest, although there are hints that the group will gradually be working under the model of public limited company. &ldquo;Slowly we will go into the public limited model of doing business. Old businesses will continue as they are and the new ventures will be under this new model. Sunrise Bank and Gurans Life Insurance are public limited companies whereas the hydropower companies will also go public once they enter the construction phase,&rdquo; Dugar says.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Dugar Food and Beverage" src="/userfiles/images/dgr4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 380px; margin: 5px 25px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>Management Style&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The group has provided employment to more than 600 people in its various companies. However, Dugar says that the group&rsquo;s latest strategy of business constriction allows no new employees to be hired. Though the company does not have layoff plans, vacancies are not being announced after employees resign. Human resource management is done professionally through a separate team at the TM Dugar Group.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		When it comes to making decisions, professionals and managers are given the right to make decisions on administrative and daily procedures. However, financial matters are left to the board to decide.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Staying cautious in a &lsquo;wait and watch mode&rsquo;, the group does not have any plans other than venturing into hydropower generation. The group has its hopes pinned on this sector and it is a matter of time before it will begin developing power plants and find itself once again in expansion mode.</div>
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">AT A GLANCE</span></strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Financial Services</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					After trading and manufacturing, the TM Dugar Group ventured into the financial service sector. The first move into this sector was with Sunrise Bank Limited, an A class financial institution, in association with other business houses of Nepal. The bank has a paid-up capital of Rs 2.015 billion and authorised capital of Rs 5 billion.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Similarly, the next venture was in the life insurance business, which is believed to hold tremendous potentials. So, Gurans Life Insurance Company was established in 2008, six months after the Sunrise Bank, where the group is one of the major promoters. The company has a total authorised capital of Rs 500 million, out of which issued and paid-up capital accounts to Rs 360 million. Out of the total issued capital, 30 per cent has been allotted to the public through IPO and 70 per cent remains with the promoters. There are more than 26,000 shareholders in the company.</span></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					<strong>Working Area&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Banking&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Hydropower&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Automobiles&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Solutions&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Life Insurance&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; FMCG Products&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Based Industries</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Food Grains&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The TM Dugar Group is an authorised supplier for the World Food Program (WFP), supplying food grains as per WFP standards for more than a decade. The TM Dugar Group also exports Nepali lentils to Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world. The group&rsquo;s agro processing plants are situated in Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The group has been regularly involved in various social causes since its establishment. There are two charitable trusts - Tolaram Malchand Dugar Charitable Trust and Motilal Vivek Dugar Charitable Trust - that support people by providing food, clothes, education, scholarships, medicines and surgery expenses. Some of the CSR activities the group has conducted thus far are:<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of a wing in Nandi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Naxal, Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Kathmandu&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Aditi Sadan, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of Tolaram Bhanwari Devi Chikitsalaya and Research Center, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of schools, temples, homeopathic clinics and college buildings.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself.',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director, Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/ks.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
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			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Khagendra Sitaula</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, Sitaula Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	S<span style="font-size: 12px;">itaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hari Bhakta Sitaula, eldest son of the family started a general store in their place of origin, Aathrai in 2025 BS. The urge to expand the business did not stop and they carried their profession with them when they moved to Dharan. During a decade (2028-2038 BS), their business took the shape of a wholesale store that supplied goods to neighbouring three districts. In 2037 BS, Khagendra Sitaula, younger brother of Hari Bhakta Sitaula joined the business to support his brother and it is also the same year when the family moved to Biratnagar and started international trading.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Khagendra Sitaula recalls that the trading business was doing well propelling a healthy growth for the family business. This inspired them to begin agency trading. They had acquired local agency for various multinational companies including Nestle and GlaxoSmithKline. Then, the family decided to abandon the business in Dharan and concentrate in Biratnagar in 2038. Trading business kept on further growing and there was no turning back for two brothers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Expansion</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula brothers did not want to confine themselves only to the trading industry. Thus, they invested in dairy and cattle farming in Biratnagar. This new expansion encouraged them to move into the manufacturing sector. Then, a towel manufacturing factory was set-up in Biratnagar that exported its products to USA. The factory was installed in partnership but the majority stakes were held by Sitaulas. However, the factory was not there to stay for long. When the USA scrapped quota system, the wise brothers handed over the factory to somebody else before it was too late.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, a new expansion project was added to the family business portfolio. They established a three star hotel, Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd in Biratnagar realising the need of a quality hotel in the industrial town. By then, the business had grown into a group of companies but was operating as a family business that has remained intact till date.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, their younger brother, Dinesh Sitaula joined the business in 2045 upon completion of his higher studies. Then, Khagendra Sitaula moved to Kathmandu for expanding their horizon in the capital city. One of his significant moves in Kathmandu was acquiring 51 per cent stakes of Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd when the government decided to privatise the factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Amid these expansions, agency trading too kept on increasing leaps and bounds and moved into food and beverage sector with special focus on alcoholic beverages. Around 2059 BS they had distributorship of well known brand names like Royal Stag and Chivas Regal. In the meantime, various trading companies were also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At present, various companies of the groups are concentrated in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. 13 companies under the group are managed by three brothers as a family business. Moreover, relatives of Sitaula family are also in the business but outside the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Moves</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tourism is the latest move of the group. The group has decided to venture into this sector with long term plans. As a journey to this new sector, the group is starting a new travel agency, Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd, within a couple of weeks. According to Sitaula, this company will be dealing with tour packages for both inbound and outbound tours among various other travel services. He says that this latest move is being made with an aim to concentrate and expand into the service industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is simultaneously expanding into the manufacturing sector too. Sitaula reveals that the group has already acquired license for operating a liquor manufacturing unit and he says that the production will begin within the next two years. Likewise, the trading wing is soon launching unique products, Bio Whiskey and Bio Vodka as a national distributor next week. These products are being bottled in Nepal by Biotech Spirits Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula says that the group wants to focus on manufacturing, food and beverages and tourism in the future and the group is planning new ventures like hotels and food processing factories. He adds, &ldquo;We must identify a particular industry that would be sustainable for us as a business group. Food and beverages, food processing and tourism are the viable industries for Nepal.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Prime Involvement</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The major sectoral involvement of the group is doing fairly well, according to Sitaula. He says that the Hotel Xenial is performing well and Nepal Foundry Industries this year has declared to distribute 25 per cent dividend to its shareholders. He also claims that it is one of the best performing privatised company. The company is soon going for Initial Public Offering (IPO).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula explains the reason behind the group&rsquo;s specialisation on trading as relatively safe area of investment compared to the manufacturing. &nbsp;He adds that the turnover in trading is quite good and is a sustainable business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from these, the group is also into the financial sector. One of its investment companies, Sitaula Investment Company has more than five per cent promoter shares in Lumbini Bank Limited. He says that the group is interested in infrastructure sector and owns some stakes in some of the infrastructure development projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with trading and manufacturing, the group believes it must involve in other sectors with competitive advantages for its strong presence. Therefore, the group has invested in Chirayu Hospital.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Satisfactory Growth</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula is very much content with the growth the group is achieving annually. He says that despite the overall problems of the country and economy, the achievement of group has been significant. According to Sitaula the growth rate hovers around 15 to 20 per cent annually. And, the group registers annual turnover of around&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rs 2 billion.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He believes that the business environment of Nepal is not bad as everybody is surviving and there are prospects for being hopeful. Sitaula is hopeful about the bright future to be ascertained by technology transfers and the gradual increase in positive attitude among workers and people in general.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the group is happy with the level of progress it is making but has dreams to reach a significant position among Nepali business houses in the future. He says that the fate of the business will largely depend on the situation. &ldquo;We are hopeful to move ahead and reach somewhere soon,&rdquo; Sitaula expresses desire.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/sectors%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 219px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Companies of Sitaula Group</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin&rsquo;s Mart Supermarket Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Traders Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Export Import Marketing&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Pvt Ltd</span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Energy International Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Enterprises Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nirmal Traders</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Trade Centre Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Target Markets</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The trading companies of the group are targeting general public as their market especially for beverages, liquor and food products. Similarly, for the tourism, the group is targeting mainly Indian, Chinese and Eastern Europe as its prime market.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group has created employment opportunity for 250 people in all its companies. &nbsp;Sitaula says that all of them are happy employees. He further adds that the group has not experienced any strikes by workers and any sort of negotiations as of now. The group believes that the facilities employees are entitled must be provided earlier if possible rather than being late.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Three brothers in the family have divided their responsibilities. Khagendra looks after the business in Kathmandu while his younger brother looks after enterprises in the eastern region and his elder brother looks after the overall business as a guardian. He says that the group is strengthening its managerial practices and corporatize the group to make it future-proof and meet the demand of time and space.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Being future-proof</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group&rsquo;s transition from a small business into a medium-sized group of Nepal carries a huge value to the Sitaula family. They believe that it has not only encouraged them but also created a strong platform for future growth and development. So, the founders of the group are concentrating on finding viable business options so that the future generation in the family can adopt entrepreneurship as their career. Khagendra Sitaula says, &ldquo;We must develop business is such a way that it would be suitable also for the coming generations and develop a corporate structure and culture to encourage them into the field where we laid foundation stone.&rdquo;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Competition and Challenges</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						Sitaula says that there are not many challenges in Nepal as compared to other countries because of low level of competition here. &ldquo;The competition level is still quite low in Nepal. It is still easy here as the competition is not yet too tough. Competition was almost non-existent 20 years back, it grew a little a decade ago and today it is still growing but is yet to reach a cut throat level,&rdquo; he says. It is natural that when the competition increases, it would be challenging for companies to be more innovative and gain competitive edge. &nbsp;To address the growing challenges amid increasing competition, the group is in a mode to identify sectors with higher level of business viability for the future.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-11-11',
			'modified' => '2013-11-26',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Sitaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.',
			'sortorder' => '1981',
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	),
	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2020',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'MS Group: From Manufacturing To Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director, MS Group" src="/userfiles/images/ssk.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Shashi Kant Agarwal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, MS Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Travel and tourism does not lure someone merely by its entertaining and fun experiences. Entrepreneurs are lured to this industry because of its lucrative business prospects that are believed to be growing in Nepal. MS (Maliram Shivkumar) Group is one of the latest national manufacturing houses to join this niche. It has decided to venture into the tourism industry by establishing luxury hotels in a tie-up with Marriot International- an US based international hotel chain.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of the MS conglomerate reached an agreement with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. This business hotel, according to Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director of the group, has an investment of Rs 600 million and informed that its construction has already kicked off.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, a second hotel in Naxal, also under the joint venture partnership with Marriot International is scheduled to start construction immediately after Tihar festivals. Agarwal says that this will be a luxury hotel with 250 rooms. Both of these hotels will be at par with four star hotel standards.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These new ventures of the group are the first initiatives towards the tourism industry and are part of the larger plan the group has. Agarwal says, &ldquo;We have plans to establish hotels across the country. This is the beginning and we have decided to come up with two new hotels at the time as the political situation has shown signs of improvement.&rdquo; Agarwal, who is also a traveller, says there are numerous tourism potentials in sub-sectors like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Trading Transition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The journey of the MS Group started as a trading house some six decades ago by Shashi Kant Agarwal&rsquo;s grandfather, Maliram Agarwal. During that time, he had a shop at Indra Chowk in Kathmandu that sold clothes in the palace of Ranas. When the market gradually expanded, Maliram Agarwal started a whole-sale garments store at Jhochhe. Garments were imported from India and &nbsp;supplied to local retailers in the valley districts along with Dhulikhel, Katari, Tandi among others. The founder Agarwal used to walk for weeks to reach these places and sell goods even in credits to local merchants.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The local garment business slowly expanded into international trading with the beginning of third country export in Nepal. Agarwals involved in it by exporting jute and textiles. Gradually they started importing motor parts and bearings. Some were consumed in Nepal while majority of them were exported to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group had already seen success in the trading business before moving onto the manufacturing sector. An incident during the trading days encouraged Agarwals to venture into a more stable business than trading &ndash; into the manufacturing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Initiating Manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Agarwal recalls that a ship transporting garments belonging to MS Group along with other traders of Nepal was hijacked near Hong Kong and goods never reached Nepal making a huge loss to the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This unfortunate incident made them settle down to a business with marginal risks. Agarwal says, &ldquo;That incident was a blessing in disguise. In our corporate life-cycle, it inspired us to move towards the manufacturing business.&rdquo; As a consequence, a hosiery factory was established, although of a small scale. He recollected that the hosiery factory came at a time when the group was counted as one of the leading garment trading concerns in Nepal in terms of turnover and said that the family had decided to establish a cottage industry despite it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The hosiery factory at Battisputali, Kathmandu grew well and was followed by the setting-up of Pashupati Textile factory in Patan. This manufacturing unit produced both cotton and polyester textiles and also dyed them. As the group&rsquo;s turnover kept growing, it moved into steel manufacturing with Bhagwati Steel Industries in Birgunj. There were no pauses in the expansion drive. The group further established the largest sugar mill Everest Sugar Mill in Mahottari, in partnership with Everest Group. Similarly, Reliance Spinning Mill , that is now a factory that has created highest number of employment- 3400 people including 1500 women, was also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since the group moved into the manufacturing sector, it never had to look back. As of now, the group has a total of 10 companies operating in manufacturing, housing and trading business including a couple of them in partnership with other business houses of Nepal. And, these companies register an annual turnover of Rs 12 billion.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a recent expansion to its manufacturing unit, the group is setting up a new large scale sugar mill in Siraha. According to Agarwal, the construction works have commenced and necessary machineries have been imported. He says that the mill will begin crushing in a year&rsquo;s time.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, the group is promoter in some banks and financial institutions but Agarwal says that the group is not directly involved in them.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Positioning Markets&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	As the group is involved in production of diverse products, they cater to a wide range of market and target customers. Most of its steel products are targeted at local market and is purchased for constructing electricity poles, bridges, telephone towers by telecom and electricity companies. Similarly, the group also produces galvanised sheets and pipes for the local market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, sugar is sold to both bulk buyers and general public. According to Agarwal, Salt Trading, bottlers of Coca-Cola Pepsi, and Frooty, Rio and other beverage manufacturers are regular buyers. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of production of Reliance Spinning Mill is exported and the remaining is consumed within Nepal which accounts to around 50 to 60 per cent market share, claims Agarwal. The foreign markets for its products are mainly India and Turkey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Agarwal says that the housing project of the group did relatively well as it was launched relatively earlier before the market was over flooded. &nbsp;However the bubble burst of the housing and real estate business hit its Subsidiary Sunrise Apartments. He says that the housing still has strong brand strength in the market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the branding needs, he argues that other products such as sugar do not need any branding and aggressive publicity. As the market is mostly the bulk buyers, offering quality would help gain the market share. And added that sugar produced by Everest Sugar and Chemical Industry Ltd has a good recognition in &nbsp;domestic and international market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Companies under MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Everest Sugar &amp; Chemical Industries Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sunrise Apartments Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Soap Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Carbide Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Steel Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Products of MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Polyester, Acrylic and Cotton Yarns</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Steel</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sugar</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Housing and Apartments</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Soaps</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Partially Oriented Yarn,Polyester Texturised Yarn and Knitted Fabrics</div>
						<div>
							&bull;MS torque steel&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Dry cell batteries</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Galvanised sheets, poles, door/window profiles</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Employment and Management</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							According to Shashi Kant Agarwal, the group has &nbsp;provided direct employment to 6000 people including its subsidiaries under the joint venture with other business houses. However, Reliance Spinning Mill alone employs 3500 people. The decentralised management system of each of the companies looks after each and every management responsibilities and daily affairs. He shares that the policy level and financial affairs are only taken care by the central management. The management team is well groomed to take care of everyday activities, marketing, sales and procurements, he added.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR &nbsp;Activities</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							Although the group does not aggressively pitch Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) it has subtly carried out such activities, in various forms, in localities where the groups&rsquo; factories established. The group has built hospitals, dispensaries, schools, rooms for schools, donated ambulances among others on a regular basis. Agarwal says that his father is a spiritual person and makes constant donations and supports to religious causes. Well known among the Marwari community, his father had donated land worth Rs 20 million to Gaushala recently.</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-27',
			'modified' => '2013-11-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'MS Group started its business journey almost six decades ago as a trading house. During these years the house has not only established itself as a leading manufacturing house, but more recently has also ventured into the tourism industry with major hospitality projects on the cards.',
			'sortorder' => '1915',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1973',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Leading Strong: The Saurabh Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Bishnu Prasad Neupane,Chairman, Saurabh Group" src="/userfiles/images/BPN.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Bishnu Prasad Neupane</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Saurabh Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal is planning to establish a large scale cement factory in Sunawal, Nawalparasi. Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Chairman of the group says this new factory will be producing 400,000 metric tonnes of clinker in the first stage and expand it to 1 million metric tonnes of clinker at the end of 2015. The factory &nbsp;has set a target to begin production by February 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This factory has been established with an authorised capital of Rs 4000 million. It is one of the largest cement factories of Nepal that produce their own clinker. The factory has 45 per cent shareholding of a Hong Kong based company, Krishna Holdings Limited. &nbsp;The factory is spread over 30 bighas of land and the mine is spread over an area of 20 square kilometres for extracting limestone.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that this factory uses the latest technology that is not only efficient but also energy saving. He adds the technology installed in the factory is different than those used in Nepal and consumes 50 per cent less energy. All machineries for this project are imported from Denmark and manufactured by FLSmidth Private Limited.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expansion Drive</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always been prioritising the expansion of its factories. Last year, the group had a major expansion on its laminated sacks factory, Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd. New technology was installed and all upgraded machineries were imported from Austria. The factory has an installed production capacity of 1.5 million metres of fabrics per day. Neupane claims that it is the largest woven sacks factory in South East Asia. He adds, &ldquo;We are proud to say that we are the largest producer and exporter of woven sacks in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Jagdamba Synthetics was established around 13 years ago and the latest addition is the new process of producing laminated bags. Neupane claims that this company has the capacity to produce the thinnest fibres in the entire South Asian region with quality consistency. He says that quality consistency has helped the company export 90 per cent of its production to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has plans to convert its 15 storey building in Bhaktapur into a hotel as a part of its plan to move into the tourism industry. This three-star hotel will come into operation in a few years tying up with an international chain. Neupane says that it will be a unique hotel that utilises green technology.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Manufacturing Focus<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group in its initial days was involved in trading business. &nbsp;When Neupane separated from his family business and started his own, he had little experience in the manufacturing sector. He partnered with Shanker Lal Agrawal who was also in the trading business then. It was around 1996 when he and his partner Agrawal thought about entering into the manufacturing industry. Agrawal had the experience of running Jagdamba Steel and Neupane, who is also an engineer, had thoughts of establishing a cement factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2001, the group started the construction of a woven sacks factory that produces bags for cement packaging. Construction was completed in 2003 and production began in the same year. Similarly, the group moved into spinning and tea gardening and processing. It was followed by the establishment of Jagdamba Roto Packaging factory. Likewise, the group also moved into pashmina, steels and other construction material production. Sarbottam Cement would be the latest addition to the construction material production business of the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I always had a desire to go for production based industries especially on construction material rather than the service industry,&rdquo; Neupane says. He was often suggested to venture into more profitable sectors such as real estate and gold trading but they never lured him. Though the group is still involved in trading, it is the manufacturing sector that gives Neupane an immense pleasure. He says that the manufacturing sector creates employment for a good number of people and benefits society with both backward and forward linkages. The Saurabh group has been employing 2600 people at the moment in all of its companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	When democracy was restored in the country in 1990, it was a new beginning for the Saurabh Group as well. The group&rsquo;s major industries were established in the 1990s. The liberal policies of the government encouraged industrialists like Neupane to establish new companies. The easier licensing policies and laws were a sort of relief for them. In the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the group came up with its major companies. This was the same period when the armed insurgency was escalating and businessmen were realizing that the situation is unfavourable for making investments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says his companies were least affected by the armed conflict being located in urban areas of the Tarai region. However, when the conflict ended and the country was moving towards conflict resolution, the political events of 2005-2006 took its toll on companies in the Tarai by disrupting the operation of factories. Neupane says that bandhs and strikes are a part of life and industrialists must be immune to such incidents.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The cement factory was one of the major establishments of the group in the early 1990s. The group&rsquo;s course changed when Neupane thought of establishing his own cement bags factory while the general trend was to import bags from abroad as local production was insufficient. This very move led the group to be the largest producer of woven sacks in the South East Asian region at present.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane considers the group&rsquo;s move to establish a cement factory that totally depends on local raw materials as another turning point. The group came up with the idea of producing cement by manufacturing clinker using local limestone when a majority of industries were importing clinker. This gave the company the benefit to get a strong foothold in the market as one of the producers of cement in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Neupane, 90 per cent of the total production of Jagdamba Spinning Mills is exported to India while the remaining 10 per cent is supplied to local textile manufacturers. Similarly, products of Jagdamba Roto Packaging are supplied to confectioneries, biscuits and noodles producer for packaging and wrappers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that the largest market of cement is Kathmandu Valley and its periphery where 40 per cent of the group&rsquo;s production is consumed. Out of around 1 billion sacks of cement produced by the group, 40 million sacks are consumed in Kathmandu Valley alone, says Neupane. He expects the groups&rsquo; market share on cement to increase to 20 per cent once Sarbottam Cement&rsquo;s production enters the market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When offering products to the market, the group abides by three fundamentals: quantity, quality and consistency. Neupane says that producing larger quantities helps to achieve economies of scale and also gives an edge to competition. Similarly, quality is the prime focus of the group and he says that any complaints on quality are taken seriously.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="SAURAV GROUP" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 243px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
					<div>
						<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Brief History</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh Group&rsquo;s products can be found also in Myanmar. Till the 1960&rsquo;s, Bishnu Prasad Neupane&rsquo;s father, Lila Ram Neupane, was doing retail business alongside running a butter processing factory in Lashio town in the Shan state of Myanmar. After Buddhism was made the state religion in the 1960s, people of Nepali and Indian origin were forced to leave the country. Lila Ram Neupane made a decision to leave Myanmar and resettle in Nepal and started his own business with a wholesale store of textiles in Bhairahawa. During that time, textiles were brought from Kathmandu and distributed there. Later, he also took dealership of the National Trading and Salt Trading Limited.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							It was in 1964 when the business took shape of a group and was further diversified. Bishnu Prasad Neupane took up responsibility in 1986 and started the Jagadamba Cement Industries, his first manufacturing venture, in the early 1990s.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							Saurabh Photo International, the authorized distributor of Konka products, was in the agency trading business since 1990 and has a strong presence in the market. Currently, the group is mainly involved in the production of cement, steel, tea, spun yarn, PP Woven fabrics, calcium carbonates and other such products. The group&rsquo;s trading activities continue with imports of Konka products, Citizen watch components and other Chinese products. There are 14 companies under the group and some companies are operating under a joint venture with Shanker Group, another business house of Nepal. Today, the Saurabh Group registers an annual turnover of Rs 5 billion, Rs 4 billion, and Rs 2 billion from its cement, spinning and synthetic production, respectively.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saurabh Group of Companies</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Laxmi Steel Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Tea Estates Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Photo International</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Tea Processing Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Cement Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Roto Packaging Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree Jagdamba Builders Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Diamonds Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree J Cement Mill Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Force Electronics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sarbottam Cement Pvt Ltd&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">CSR</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh group and the Neupane family have a good reputation in Rupandehi district not only for business but also for their contribution to society. The business house has contributed over Rs 100 million for social work in the area. Along with institutional corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, the Neupane family has been carrying out philanthropic activities on a personal scale. A separate trust has been established and run by the family. This trust was established by Neupane&rsquo;s father and every year, at least Rs 2.5 million is donated by the family for social work. According to Neupane, donations amounted to Rs 2.7 million last year. He modestly says, &ldquo;This is not our CSR activity and is not for any commercial benefit. Within our family, there are three business groups and all of them contribute to the trust to make it an independent social entity.&rdquo; Neupane says that the group does not take any credit for the trust&rsquo;s activities.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							The trust supports government hospitals, schools and government organisations. Neupane says that most schools in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts have received support from the trust. Similarly, Jagdamba Cement has recently initiated ambulance services. It also carries out social training programmes for various activities such as cancer relief activity. Likewise, the group also awards people and their social and non-profit organisations that have made good contributions to society. The company has been providing cement to construct buildings of such organisations at cost price.</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-20',
			'modified' => '2013-10-28',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal has been registering an annual turnover of Rs 18 billion and targets to raise it to Rs 20 billion at the end of the running fiscal year.',
			'sortorder' => '1878',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1961',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Keyal Group’s Key Areas',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal and Om Prakash Khanal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman, Keyal Group" src="/userfiles/images/spt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Satya Narayan Keyal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Keyal Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first manufacturing unit was established in the mid-90s &ndash; a milestone for the family&rsquo;s journey towards manufacturing. Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing venture of the group, has been producing steel products to meet local needs.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman of the group, the initial days of entering the manufacturing sector were not easy. In the absence of a robust banking sector, managing large scale funds for investment was not quite the same as it is today. &ldquo;It was pretty tough to borrow loans as the banking sector was less developed,&rdquo; recalls Keyal who believes that growing competition in the banking and financial industry in the 2000s has benefitted industrialists at large. However, the challenging environment provided various learning experiences to the group that helped design its next move for the future.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growing Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	While the group was gradually growing, the Nepali market was expanding as well. Keyal says that the market for manufactured goods has increased in recent times due to the growing purchasing power of the general public. He adds that technological advancement has helped the group&rsquo;s factories produce better quality products that support companies in the increasingly competitive market. The competition is not always healthy and for Keyal Group, it is not an exception. Unhealthy competition has brought about difficult situations time and again, but the group holds on to its promise to deliver quality products, regardless.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Focus Areas of the Group&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has focused on the manufacturing sector with half a dozen industrial units specialised on production of steel rods, angles and flat squares, pipes, MS plates, shutter strips and cement. Steel products produced by Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd have been certified with Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). Likewise, Makalu Axum, a subsidiary company of the group is the authorised distributor for liquor of the Magic Moments brand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/spt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 440px;" />Capturing the Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The target market for the group&rsquo;s major products such as steel, cement, rods and pipes, among others, is the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The group does not wish to remain confined to these areas and is planning to explore more market potential within and outside the country. &ldquo;We have a big market presence in the central and eastern regions and have plans to export our products to India in the near future,&rdquo; says Keyal. As a part of this plan, the group plans to export pipes manufactured by Shree Krishna Steel to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has adopted a policy to not compromise with the quality it is offering. With state-of-the- art technology and service to produce quality products, Keyals says: &ldquo;We have understood the needs and demands of our clients and have targeted products accordingly. But our products are by no means expensive.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Structuring Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Keyal, each human resource staff and management unit are attuned to realise the company&rsquo;s policy of zero compromise in quality, offer products at a relatively lower price, and remain accountable and responsible to the market, customers and promoters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has always treated its employees as member of its extended family. When it comes to human resource management, the group has attempted to understand the necessities and aspirations of its employees and motivate them accordingly. For motivation, the group has been using rewards and encouragement while adhering to organisational discipline, culture and responsibilities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has 350 employees working in its manufacturing unit and sister companies while another 350 are working along the market value chain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Addressing Challenges</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A key challenge the group is facing at the moment is duplication of products that has tarnished the image of the common market. &nbsp;Availability of counterfeit products has prohibited market growth and expansion. Additionally, in the absence of major construction and infrastructure projects in the country, the market of construction materials, where the group has expertise, is limited to the consumer market instead of reaching large scale institutional clients. According to Keyal, the slowdown of the housing and real estate industry has affected construction material producing subsidiaries. However, the group has not lost hope. It has held on to the belief that a market can be created and clients can be attracted by offering quality products at reasonable price. With this philosophy, the group has been working to expand its market and attract customers towards its projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Constant Hope</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some business and industrial houses have constricted their operation and even closed down their companies citing political instability and a murky business environment. But the Keyal Group chooses to see the light at the end of tunnel. Keyal hopes for political stability to speed up the economic growth of the country which would boost construction and development projects. &ldquo;It would also create higher demand for our products. We are hopeful and are waiting for that moment to arrive soon,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>CSR</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has been consistently involved in corporate social responsibilities and has believed in giving back to society throughout the years. Similarly, the group has contributed to the construction of temples and funded religious activities in Birgunj and surrounding areas. Alongside this, the group has contributed to post-conflict reconstruction of infrastructure that has benefitted a larger number of people.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">Some Companies under the Keyal Group</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Narayani Rolling Mills</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel manufacturing unit located in Chhatapipara of Bara district produces TMT steel rods ranging from 8mm to 25 mm and plain rods of 8 to 36 mm. TMT steel products have been certified Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). The unit also produces flat square rods, angles and tor-karis among others. The group claims that this is probably the first company in Nepal to produce a large variety of products required for construction projects.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel factory at Jitpur, Bara district produces MS Black Pipe (0.5 to 6 inches), MS plates, shutter strips, and shatter guides, among others. It also produces hot rolled sheets, MS pipes, shutter section and related products.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This cement producing unit located at Jitpur, Bara district produces cement and markets PSC products under the &lsquo;Arati&rsquo; brand, and OPC products under the &lsquo;Shikhar&rsquo; brand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Makalu Axum</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This is the importer and authorised distributor of Magic Moments liquor for Nepal.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Enterprises</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This subsidiary of the group imports various consumer products from India and other countries to distribute across the country. The company is also based in Birgunj.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Hardware</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The hardware product distributor has its network spread over major cities like Kathmandu, Banepa, Butwal and Itahari.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Landmark Years:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						2052: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Establishment of Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing unit of Keyal Group.</div>
					<div>
						2056: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd, second manufacturing unit of the group, was established.</div>
					<div>
						2060: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd was established. It produces PSC and OPC grades of cement.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.',
			'sortorder' => '1827',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1873',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Everest Group: Climbing Higher',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Sanjeev Saraff ,CEO ,Everest Group" src="/userfiles/images/ss(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Sanjeev Saraff</strong></div>
					<div>
						CEO, Everest Group</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Everest Group Nepal is a pioneer group of companies in the sectors where it has had involvement since its inception. Whether it is petroleum product imports, operation of a cardboard factory or the paper industry, the Everest Group has been a pathfinder in Nepal in these sectors.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has begun an expansion drive with plans to venture into the pharmaceutical industry and to add new plants and production capacity in some of its factories. The Everest Group plans to bring its pharmaceutical company, Himalayan Parental and Pharmaceutical Company, into operation by next year. This new company will be producing life saving drugs and intravenous fluids. Sanjeev Saraff, CEO of the group, claims that it will be the first company of its kind in Nepal and that it will install the latest technology that has never been used in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has recently set up a new factory for producing non-woven fabrics. Everest Plasto has already started production. Saraff says that it is also one of the first factories in Nepal to produce non-woven fabrics.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Saraff reveals that the group is coming up with another sugar mill, Himalayan Sugar Mill in Mirchaiya. He says that the manufacturing unit is under construction and will be brought into operation in the next two years. Saraff says that the unit plans to sell electricity produced in its own thermal plant to the government during the winter season.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Local Targets</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Saraff, the group has always kept the local market and local raw materials on priority for all its productions. He says, &ldquo;We have been successful only in those industries where the raw material has been Nepali and the market in Nepal.&rdquo; Whether it is the paper factory or the sugar factory, the group has always been using local raw materials and targeting Nepal as its prime market. Saraff says that the group once tried its hands on copper processing by importing raw materials and exporting the final products. He says that it turned out to be a sort of trading business and did not perform well. However, the group still owns and operates Everest Wire factory that has majority market shares in the Tarai region.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group targets Nepal as its prime market for upcoming pharmaceutical ventures as well. Saraff says that 100 per cent of life saving drugs and IV fluids are imported and the factory aims for import substitution.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff claims that the Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; production covers majority of the local market while the sugar mill also has leading market share among half a dozen other Nepali companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that the group&rsquo;s only strategy to conquer the market is through quality assurance and its dealer network. Saraff further explains that some of the dealers have worked with the group since its establishment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The prime markets for Everest Groups&rsquo; products are Kathmandu, Pokhara and markets in the Tarai region. The secret of a strong relationship with its dealer network is to keep them happy, according to Saraff. However, the group has not considered branding as its major marketing tool. &ldquo;Our products are commodities rather than consumer goods. So, we do not require branding as such,&rdquo; he explains. &nbsp;However, the group has been carrying out campaigns to inform its clients about the right use of products to extract maximum value out of it. Marketing activities through billboards and other media, though, are not carried out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When asked about group branding, Saraff says, &ldquo;We have less concentrated on group branding. Hopefully, we will get into it once we grow bigger.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Competition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff says that the group has been facing unethical competition from smuggled products through the open border of Nepal and India. &ldquo;We decided not to compete with those products as it would be useless to compete with illegal products,&rdquo; he says. He acknowledges the quality and competitiveness of peer companies and says, &ldquo;Manufacturers of Nepal are equally competitive. So, the competition is more on offering quality than on price.&rdquo; Saraff expects the government to control the smuggling of goods that have been a threat to legitimate companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group had a major set-back when Everest Paper Mill was bombed during the Maoist insurgency. Saraff recalls that it was the first private sector factory to be targeted during the conflict. The bombing in 2005 left the factory completely destroyed. &ldquo;We did not lose hope and we rebuilt the factory within two months&rsquo; time. Bankers and others too appreciated our efforts,&rdquo; says Saraff. He adds that the group rebuilt a new and better factory immediately.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group employs around 2500 people in four of its companies in operation. A strong human resource department has been looking after all human resource management activities. Entire management duties are given to this department. The department deals with labour issues as and when they arise. Saraff recalls the closure of one of the group&rsquo;s factory for two months after labours came up with &ldquo;unreasonable demands&rdquo;. &nbsp;&ldquo;We made them realise that we were not going to bow down. We have been handling issues of labours and workers pretty well and the human resource department is pretty effective and strong,&rdquo; he explains.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The management responsibilities of all four companies are handled independently by the management team assigned for each company. The team is headed by members of the extended Saraff family. He says that the group is still a family-owned business more than a corporate group. Second generation businesspersons educated abroad have been taking up responsibility and taking the business to new heights.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The corporate headquarter of the group is located in Janakpur, the place of origin of the group. While the Kathmandu office has been working as a liaison office to look after bureaucratic activities and maintaining relationship with banks, among other activities.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">History&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						Dina Nath Saraff, father of Sanjeev Saraff is the founder of the Everest Group. Senior Saraff started his own import-export firm &lsquo;Brij Mohan Dina Nath&rsquo; in Janakpur that dealt initially with importing clothing materials from India, Soda Ash and various kinds of spices from Malaysia and Indonesia. The firm was also involved in rice exports to India.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Similarly, Saraff acquired the sole agency of ESSO and of Brooke Bond tea in the 50s and 60s for Nepal and started marketing their petroleum products such as, Petrol, Diesel, LDO, engine oil, Kerosene oil, etc even before the Nepal Oil Corporation was established. By mid 1960s, he established another firm, Everest Trading Company, along with the Jhunjhunwalas in Biratnagar and started exporting jute to millers in India.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In the late 60s, Saraff established Janakpur Soap Factory that manufactured various grades of soap and marketed it under brand names Natraj and OX. &nbsp;Similarly, a decade later, he and his son established Everest Cardboard Industry Pvt Ltd, the first in the country to manufacture corrugated boxes from Kraft paper imported from India and Sweden. &nbsp;During that phase, he also established Tiger Tea Company whose raw materials were imported from India, blended and packed in Nepal and sold in Nepal under the brand name Tiger.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						The group continued to grow and passed onto the second generation. Though some industries were closed in the process, its flagship production line such as paper and sugar has continued to rise. The group is now planning to expand its capacity and area of business in the near future.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Flagship Companies of Everest Group:</strong></span></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Everest Paper Mill Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Sugar and Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Wire Industry</li>
						<li>
							Everest Plasto</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Trading</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group feels proud about exporting paper pulps to Japan. In the past, the group used to import paper and chemicals as raw materials. The group also tried its hand on importing fertilizers but stopped later. The group wishes that the country allows international trading in Nepal to export goods to&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						third countries.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Plans</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group wants to carve its own path in business without following what others are doing. Saraff says that his group is looking into new sectors for business and also hints that the group will be investing in the tourism sector in the next two to three years and will also explore new possibilities in food products the group had expertise on in the past.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group does not have overt corporate social activities but is carrying out several activities on its own. The group provides scholarships to 25 to 30 children every year from underprivileged families under the Bhagwati Devi Trust, named after Saraff&rsquo;s grandmother. The trust has been annually sponsoring 40 to 50 children for their education. Similarly, Saraff considers Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; paper recycling plant a socially responsible activity of the group. &ldquo;We are recycling waste paper and contributing to clean the country along with utilising agricultural residues,&rdquo; says Saraff.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
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			'created' => '2013-09-29',
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			'description' => 'The Everest Group, having around fi ve decades of business experience in Nepal has plans to expand its current line of business while exploring fresh opportunities in new sectors.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1865',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'At A Glance Yeti Brand',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Brief History</strong></p>
<p>
	The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998. Today, the company is one of the largest domestic airlines with a fleet of 14 aircrafts. The company expanded its reach to remote districts with two DHC-6/300 Series Twin Otter aircrafts and started services to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Rumjatar and Simikot. Within a period of one and a half decades, the airline now flies with a fleet of seven British Aerospace Jetstream-41s, covering major cities within Nepal from the mountains and hills to the Tarai region.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Some Subsidiaries of Yeti Group</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Mountain Home</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="yetimountain" src="/userfiles/images/yetimountain.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Yeti Mountain Home is a group of comfort lodges operating in the Khumbu/Everest region. The company claims these are amongst the world&rsquo;s highest luxury lodges, offering panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of the Himalaya. Each of these lodges have 15 to 20 rooms with modern amenities. Half a dozen lodges are operating under the Yeti Mountain Home brand. These include YMH Lukla, YMH Phakding, YMH Monjo, YMH Namche, YMH Thame and YMH Kongde.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Gokarna Forest Resort</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="gokarna" src="/userfiles/images/gokarna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	The Yeti Group acquired the management of Gokarna Forest Resort from October 2010 from the Singapore-based company LM Suvir Brothers Private Limited. The resort also houses one of the best golf courses in Asia, spread over 470 acres of land. The resort has 90 rooms and spa services among other top notch luxury services.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tara Air</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="taraair" src="/userfiles/images/taraair.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Tara Air, the subsidiary of Yeti Airlines is one of the biggest airline service providers in the mountain region. According to the company, it is guided by the mission of helping develop the rural Nepal. So, its services are concentrated in the hills and mountain destinations across the country. The airline has a fleet of six STOL aircrafts, comprising of four Twin Otter (DHC 6/300) and two Dornier (DO 228) aircrafts. The airline operates both scheduled and chartered flights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Thamserku Trekking</strong></p>
<p>
	This trekking and holiday service provider has been serving more than 4000 clients each year with agents in nine countries. Thamserku has been established as a group of companies offering trekking and adventure tourism services through its subsidiaries namely, Thamserku Trekking, Thamserku Expedition and Luxe Nepal. The company offers services ranging from classic trekking programmes to wild and exciting journeys in the remote mountains, and easy peaks and scaling mountains taller than 8000 metres.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1863',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1805',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Golyan Group: Looking Beyond Textiles',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Golyan says.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.&nbsp;</div>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Pawan Golyan, Chairman, Golyan Group" src="/userfiles/images/pg%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Pawan Golyan</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, Golyan Group</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	According to Golyan, the hotel&rsquo;s prime clients will be transit tourists as it will be located close to the Tribhuvan International Airport and Pashupatinath Temple, a popular Hindu shrine. The hotel will have 115 rooms. Golyan reveals that the company will tie up with an international hotel chain once the construction is completed.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group plans to develop tourism as one of its core sectors. Golyan says that the hotel is being developed as a trial project before leaping into the industry. If things go as planned, the group plans to establish two and three star hotels in industrial hubs such as Biratnagar, Birgunj and Pokhara. &ldquo;We do not just dive into any business sector. We first try it to understand the scene before we move forward,&rdquo; he explains.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Weaving the Industrial Base</span></strong></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group was founded by Sohan L Golyan, father of Pawan Golyan around five and a half decades ago with trading. The first manufacturing venture he established was a button factory, after which textile factories followed. In the course of the group&rsquo;s evolution, it involved itself in manufacturing a wide range of products such as slippers, zippers, audio cassettes among others, but they closed it down later. The textile and fabric based companies, however, lived on.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	When business was passed on to the second generation, Pawan Golyan started Reliance Spinning Mills Limited, one of the signature companies of the group. He says that this company registers an annual turnover of roughly Rs 5 billion and employs 3500 labours and 300 executives. Golyan claims that this is one of the largest industries in Nepal in terms of labour size and capital base. The group has invested around Rs 4 billion in this spinning mill alone.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Textile&rsquo;s Strength</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Though the group went on exploring, it also started experimenting with various other sectors, textile manufacturing continued by extending product line from acrylic yarn to pashmina and packing sacks. Golyan says that the group at one point tried steel manufacturing but did not succeed as much as textiles. &nbsp;The group now considers textiles as its specialised sector, whether it is pashmina, cashmere sweaters, yarns or woven sacks.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group now has five companies specialised in the textiles industry. Reliance Spinning, a state of the art spinning mill, manufactures spun yarns mainly in acrylic, polyester, viscose and blends. The products of this company are mostly exported to India. According to Golyan, 70 per cent of the products are exported to India, 20 to 25 per cent is sold in the domestic market, and the rest are exported to other countries. The company is now working towards producing cotton yarns to meet all domestic requirements.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Similarly, 95 per cent of cashmere and pashmina products produced by two companies - Tricot Industries and Himali Pashmina - are exported to the European, Australian and the US markets. The export surplus is sold in the domestic market through a showroom at Durbarmarg, Kathmandu. Tricot Industries was upgraded to a fully automated system around one and a half year ago.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Products such as circular knitted fabrics and woven sacks produced by Shivam, a third company, have their majority markets beyond Nepal - mostly in India, Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Golyan, around 80 per cent of Shivam Plastic&rsquo;s products are exported to India while remaining 20 per cent is sold in other countries including Nepal.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expanding Business</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group refrains from expanding the production capacity of its manufacturing units because of power shortage. &ldquo;If we had 24 hour power supply, we could double the production capacity of Reliance Spinning Mills and create jobs for 4000 people. But most of our factories are operating at 30 to 60 per cent of the installed capacity,&rdquo; he explains.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Besides this, the group is determined to revive its interest in hydropower business. It had dropped five projects with a total capacity of 20 MW after procedural delays and obstruction from local bodies. Golyan says that the group will start researching other possible projects in the next three months.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
						<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</span></strong></p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo; Golyan says.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.</p>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Some Companies under Golyan Group</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Textile Manufacturing</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reliance Spinning Mill</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shivam Plastic Industries</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tricot Industries&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Himali Pashmina</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Financial Services</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NIC Asia Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NMB Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lumbini Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					International Trade</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Real Estate</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Management&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Hi-life on Westar Properties</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					he claims.</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
					<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">Some Companies under Golyan Group</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Textile Manufacturing</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Reliance Spinning Mill</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Shivam Plastic Industries</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Tricot Industries&nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Himali Pashmina</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Financial Services</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NIC Asia Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NMB Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Lumbini Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">International Trade</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Real Estate</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Management&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hi-life on Westar Properties</strong></span></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo; he claims.</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-16',
			'modified' => '2013-09-16',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.',
			'sortorder' => '1666',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1687',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Consistent Growth Of The RMC Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajesh Agrawal, Director, RMC group" src="/userfiles/images/ra(1).jpg" style="width: 183px; height: 203px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajesh Agrawal</strong></div>
				<div>
					Director, RMC group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The export of RMC cements to India comes as a respite for the economy of Nepal that has long been suffering due to the dominance of imported goods from India. Along with catering to the rising demand for building materials like cement, steels and pipes in Nepal, the RMC Group now strives to expand its market to neighbor down south. Amidst a deepening trade deficit with India, the RMC Group is now planning to export manufacturing goods to the country. The strategy is to import raw materials and export value-added products to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Conviction behind success</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Since Nepal was completely dependent on imports for steel, Rajesh Agrawal, Director of RMC group, thought of establishing a factory to meet the growing demand of steel in the country. Despite his lack of experience and knowledge on the manufacturing industry, Agrawal did not shy away from venturing into a relatively new front. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Promising prospects for steel manufacturers prompted me to start a factory despite my inexperience,&rdquo; Agrawal says. He recalls being firm on his conviction to develop it through the learn-by-doing approach. Today, the RMC Group has leapfrogged from a small-scale firm to a big industry through this approach itself.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company initially formed for steel drum packaging for paints is now manufacturing steels, pipes, cements and sheets. Along with catering to the rising demands for steel, the company also meets the needs of pipes and other construction materials in its backyard. Growing steadily thus, it is now eyeing a broader market in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Forty per cent of our total turnover is exported to India today,&rdquo; Agrawal states to The Corporate. The group has recently started exporting cement to India and is the first company in Nepal to do so.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The RMC Group was established with an investment of five million rupees and now has an annual turnover of 5 billion rupees, informs Agrawal. Apart from the manufacturing sector, the group has investments in the banking and insurance sectors as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Industrialisation was yet to begin in Nepal when Agrawal had begun business. Despite limitations, Nepal gradually headed towards industrialization and augmented economic growth in the country. &ldquo;The steel consumption is directly related with economic development and the economic development of Nepal has increased with the consumption of our steels,&rdquo; says Agrawal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">&lsquo;Ups and Downs&rsquo; in Business Environment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	In the two decades of its operation, the RMC Group has experienced some ups and downs. Few years after the group established its factory to manufacture steel, the Maoist insurgency took off and posed many challenges to industrialists from running their business. &ldquo;However, the business environment recovered after the Maoists came into the peace process,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Affordability of local consumers has gone up in recent times due to remittance and other sources of income. &ldquo;People in villages have been switching to corrugated sheets from bricks, straw and other local materials to roof their houses,&rdquo; Agrawal observes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, the per capita steel consumption in Nepal is still one of the lowest in the world - 30kg per person, according to Agrawal, whereas the average is more than 300kg per person in the world. Agrawal is hopeful that steel consumption will get a boost in the days to come with political stability in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But despite these vicissitudes, consistent service to customers for the last 20 years has made RMC a credible brand. &ldquo;The consistent quality provided to consumers has ensured the growth of our companies,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Valuing Labour&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The company had begun with only 15 employees in total, but today, there are 400 employees hired by it. It has employed 80 peoples in its cement factory and has been hiring staff for administrative purposes through vacancy calls in newspapers.</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;A large number of our human resources are labours and we recruit them at the local level where our factories are located through the contractors,&rdquo; says Agrawal who values the labour force for the success of his company.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">CSR activities&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC Group has arranged drinking water facilities at the villages of the workers of its factories in Simra and other places as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. It has built water tanks, provided water pipes and bored water wells as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, it has provided corrugated sheets, steel and other construction materials to schools at the factories&rsquo; sites.</div>
<div>
	The company is also providing medical services to the families of its workers regularly.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Competition &amp; Promotional Activities</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to Agrawal, the RMC Group faces competition against Jagadamba Enterprises for pipes and Hulas Steel and the Biratnagar-based Arati Steel for Galvanised sheets.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group runs TVC (television commercials) as well as media advertisements in newspapers as a part of its promotional activity. Likewise, the group comes up frequently with scratch coupons, gift vouchers and other schemes for its customers. &nbsp;Targeting customers at the local level to advertise its products, the group airs advertisements through FM stations all across the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Social Affinity&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	While Director Agrawal is taking care of the companies and factories, his father Shrawan Kumar Agrawal - also Chairperson of the group - is involved in politics and social sectors. &nbsp;Chairperson Agrawal was a former Constituent Assembly lawmaker representing the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Marwari Sewa Samiti, an organization for social service to the Marwari community.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Palpa Cement at the offing</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC group has a project in Palpa to produce clinkers and cements in the pipeline. &ldquo;Clinkers are largely being imported from India for cement production, and we are planning to produce it, and cement made from it, from Palpa,&rdquo; informs Agrawal. The group is already in talks with the government for building the necessary infrastructure in the proposed factory sites.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="RMC Group" src="/userfiles/images/rMCGROUP.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 306px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					AT A GLANCE</h2>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Brief History</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Pvt Ltd was established on 1993. Prior to that, it was a firm to trade steels by importing from Japan, Korea and India. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Rajesh Agrawal left Rajesh Hardware Pvt Ltd to his partner on 1995 and he owned RMC Pvt Ltd. &nbsp;His partner is still doing the business on hardware. RMC is focusing its business on manufacturing. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Award and Recognition</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC already has the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate and the company was recently conferred with ISO 14001: 2004 certificate for its environment management system. Also, it has been awarded NS mark by Nepal Bureau of Standards &amp; Metrology (NBSM), a National Standards Body under Government of Nepal, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Involvement of the RMC group:</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>1. Rajesh Metal Craft Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Sister concern of the RMC Group, RMC Pvt Ltd manufactures and supplies MS Black Pipes, Galvanised Iron Pipes, Galvanised Plain and Corrugated Sheets, Tubular and Telescopic Steel Poles and Fabricated Steel Structural, among others. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>2. RMC Cement Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Cement Pvt Ltd, sister concern of RMC group, produces RMC cement from its Simara-based factory. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>3. H&amp;B Development Bank</strong></div>
					<div>
						HNB Development Bank is a leading development bank of Nepal that has a &ldquo;B&rdquo; class license issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank. RMC group chairperson Shrawan Agrwawal is the chairman of the H &amp; B Development Bank.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>4. Prudential Insurance Co Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Prudential Insurance Company was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 30, 2000. With the approval of Beema Samiti, it commenced operation on June 20, 2002. The Chairperson of RMC Group, Shrawan Agrawal, is in the Board of Directors of the Prudential Insurance Co Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>5. Palpa Cement&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						This is the mine based that will to produce clinker and cement. The factory will come under operation soon.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Details of major products of the RMC group:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>RMC Cement</strong></div>
					<div>
						The company has a production of RMC Cement from its factory that has a capacity of 2.4 million bags a year. The company has installed the latest PLC controlled closed circuit technology to ensure high quality and strength in the cement along with the installation of latest technology for the pollution control. It has also established fully-equipped modern quality testing laboratory to test the raw materials and finished goods at all stages.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>MS Black Pipes</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC has been manufacturing and supplying MS Black Pipe through its Birgunj based factory. It has the production capacity of 30 thousand tons per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Galvanised Iron Pipes&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Metal Craft Pvt Ltd also manufactures galvanised iron pipes. These are made from steel or iron pipes coated in molten-zinc.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Color Coated Sheets&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Pvt Ltd has begun manufacturing and supplying the color coated sheets from last two weeks and it has the production capacity of 18 thousand ton per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CR Sheet</strong></div>
					<div>
						The production capacity of CR sheet is 30 thousand ton per annum.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-25',
			'modified' => '2013-09-10',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'While Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with India due to its heavy dependency on import, Rajesh Metal Craft (RMC) Group has been exporting 40 per cent of its annual turnover to India.',
			'sortorder' => '1548',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1637',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Leading Chain Of Hotels In Nepal Grows Bigger',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajan Sakya CEO, KGH Group" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(2).jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajan Sakya</strong></div>
				<div>
					CEO, KGH Group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House. According to Rajan Sakya, CEO of KGH Group, 60 rooms of five-star facility were added on each hotel in the year 2012. Sakya says that rooms were upgraded in accordance with the demand of clients and growing competition to offer quality service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Renovation work is also ongoing at Aqua Buzz Unlimited, a hotel located in Koshi. Sakya admits that the hotel is not doing impressive business at the moment but he is optimistic that Koshi will emerge as a tourism hub when the Banepa-Bardibas highway gets completed in the next two years. He says that the highway will shorten the distance between Koshi and Kathmandu and will increase tourist flow to the area.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Expansion Plans</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group plans to add new properties to business in the years to come to their current line-up of eight hotels and three travel agencies. According to Sakya, the group is planning to establish two new hotels within the next two years. He says one will be in Kathmandu while the other will be in Koshi.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group wishes to see the business he established to be passed on to the future generation. Rajan Sakya, his youngest son also expresses commitment to continue the business and says, &ldquo;Tourism is the industry where we have expertise and long-time experience. The next generation will also be involved in the same field as we do not have any plans to venture into any other sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When making plans for the future, young Sakya says that the overall business climate of Nepal makes it difficult to make long-term plans. So, he says the group has been only making plans for the short term.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya reveals that the group plans to streamline and standardise the quality of its services offered throughout the properties of the group as well as its management style. For this purpose, he says, the group is adopting a corporate model of running business that will centrally control all sister concerns it owns.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Clientele and Occupancy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The morale of tourism entrepreneurs is getting a boost with the rise in tourist flow after the insurgency. Sakya is also content with the number of clients his chain of hotels has been able to attract. He says that the occupancy level has been satisfactory throughout the year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Sakya, Park Village Resort is primarily targeting conferences and seminars, and so 60 per cent of its clients are Nepalis while the rest are foreigners. Similarly, guests at the Kathmandu Guest House are mostly adventure tourists and it is an all-season hotel with 100 per cent foreign clients. Likewise, 80 per cent of clients at the group&rsquo;s hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini comprise of foreigners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Management strategy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has been operating under the family business model since Karna Sakya ventured into the tourism and hospitality sector almost 48 years ago. &ldquo;We are not running our business similar to a professionally managed five star hotel. &nbsp;Though we have professional hotel managers to look after a particular hotel, we have shouldered the responsibility of running the business and we are happy with this style because we believe we have the expertise and experience of several decades,&rdquo; explains Rajan Sakya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Sakyas, however, are planning to corporatise the group in the next one to two years. The group plans to set up a corporate head office in Kathmandu with a team headed by a General Manager. Sakya says that the corporate office will centrally control the accounts, internal audits and central purchasing. &ldquo;This model is being adopted to standardise the quality of services and products used across all the properties under the group,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Human Resource Management</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has not only created employment for 650 to 700 people but also has been meeting a social responsibility in hiring employees. Sakya says that the group hires women under the shelter of Maiti Nepal, a non profit organisation dedicated to help victims of sex trafficking. As women from the organisation find it challenging to reintegrate into society after being rescued from brothels, the KGH group has tied up with Anuradha Koirala (Founder and Director of Maiti Nepal and also a winner of CNN Heroes of 2010) to provide them with job opportunities in all of its properties, says Sakya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group prioritises hiring employees from underprivileged groups and communities. Sakya says that the group gives preference to those who have returned after working abroad. He gives an example of a recent recruitment of 10 employees who had returned from the US and the UK. He also reveals that the employee turnover at the group is quite low and some of the employees have been with the company for even decades. &ldquo;We have maintained a very good relationship with employees and so, we do not have problems with the human resource management,&rdquo; he states about the company&rsquo;s relationship with its employees.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="KGH GROUP NEPAL" src="/userfiles/images/2a.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 169px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" /></div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<div>
		<strong style="font-size: 14px;">The KGH journey</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
	The journey of the KGH Group began when Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group established Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, 48 years ago. Sakya recalls that Thamel was nothing more than a paddy field then. Thamel, the tourist hub of today grew around the hotel which started with 13 rooms.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya, a government employee then, used to work at the department of forestry and was not satisfied with the working environment. &nbsp;Brought up in an affluent family, he never felt that he had to take up a job to make his living. A traveller himself, he says that one must be able to comprehend what tourists want in order to run a tourism business and adds: &ldquo;Tourism is a business of dreams and only a dreamer can delve deep into this sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	His expertise as a forester and environmentalist is reflected in the hotels of the group. He has always prioritised the harmony between buildings, nature and the culture of the locality where the hotel is built and it can be witnessed in any of the sister hotels of the group. Sakya says he never developed a property on a leased or government land and all land where hotels are built is owned by the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When the country was at the peak of insurgency, the group never took a break. Rather it expanded into new projects and purchased land that helped it achieve success that it had never seen earlier.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Today, the group has eight hotels and three travel agencies and is about to mark its golden jubilee in two years&rsquo; time</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					Signature Hotels of the KGH Group</h2>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Park Village Hotel and Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Park Village Hotel and Resort" src="/userfiles/images/park%20villafge.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />This hotel spreads over 55 ropanis of land and is nestled in the foothills of Shivapuri National Park. Located just seven kilometres away from the heart of Kathmandu city, the hotel is so close to nature that it is regarded as a hotspot for bird watching, gorgeous scenery and harbours over 78 species of 3000 flowering plants. The hotel primarily targets conference clients and has seven conference halls and parking space for 80 vehicles. Similarly, it has 135 rooms, suites and service apartments of five star categories, swimming pool and spa among other luxurious amenities.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Kathmandu Guest House</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Kathmandu Guest House" src="/userfiles/images/kgh.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 132px;" />Kathmandu Guest House is the second largest hotel of the group that also preserves the architectural grandeur of a Rana palace intact along with ultra modern facilities. The hotel named one of the 300 most popular icon hotels in Asia by the Inside Guide in 2003 is famous among adventure tourists, writers, musicians and artists travelling Nepal. The hotel located at the heart of city, Thamel, has 150 rooms that cost from USD 30 to USD160 per night. Recently, the hotel has upgraded its rooms and interiors keeping the elegance and history of its architecture alive.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Waterfront Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						The resort located on the banks of Fewa Lake in the popular tourist destination, Pokhara, is spread over 15 ropanis of land. The company claims that it is one of the best eco friendly hotels in Pokhara. The resort even has a rain harvesting system and waste water is recycled to be used in its gardens, according to the company. One of the newest ventures of the KGH Group, the resort offers unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. The resort with 60 rooms also offers a peaceful and homely environment.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Buddha Maya Garden Hotel</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Buddha Maya Garden Hotel" src="/userfiles/images/bmg.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />The hotel is located just five minutes from the birth spot of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. The hotel spreads over nine bighas of land and has its garden full of indigenous Buddha era trees. Founder of the group, Karna Sakya&rsquo;s expertise in forestry and environment has inspired the landscape of the hotel in marrying art, culture and nature. It is one of the largest hotels in Lumbini with three and four star quality rooms.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Maruni Sanctuary Lodge</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Maruni Sanctuary Lodge" src="/userfiles/images/msl.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />Established in 2004 with 11 cottages, the hotel has now expanded into 37 huts. The hotel nestled on the edge of Chitwan National Park and just 10 minutes walk from Sauraha. All rooms are decorated in a unique traditional architecture with bamboo furniture, terra-cotta flooring and colourful ethnic Tharu paintings. The hotel also has its own wetland that attracts migratory birds, making it ideal for bird watching.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-19',
			'modified' => '2013-09-19',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House.',
			'sortorder' => '1498',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1591',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Constant Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></p>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Rajesh Kazi Shrestha,Chairman, RK Associates" src="/userfiles/images/RKS.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td style="text-align: center;">
					<div>
						<strong>Rajesh Kazi Shrestha</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, RK Associates</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		RK Associates and its sister concerns such as Nepal International Business (NIB) Pvt Ltd and &nbsp; Constant Business Group (CBG) are authorised dealers of Lifan&rsquo;s motorbikes and cars and the brands Zotye, Proton, Jonway and Ssangyong. In business for the past 32 years, CBG and its promoters have been trading automobiles and dealing re-conditioned and brand new vehicles in Kathmandu.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		CBG started its business by first importing Lifan motorbikes to Nepal and later assembling them here. After selling a large number of motorbikes within a short time, the company felt the need to provide after sales services and spare parts to its customers, which it has now arranged for.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Chairman of RK Associates, the group of companies that runs CBG, NIB, Alliance Insurance Company Ltd, Soaltee Hotel Limited, Status Trading Pvt Ltd among other companies, said that the Lifan Company has introduced SUVs in the Chinese market and that he plans to bring them to Nepal through Nepal International Business (NIB), an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha claims that the company has sold more than 600 Zotye SUVs in Nepal in the past five years. &ldquo;Customers demand Zotye vehicles that use Mitsubishi engines and provide power, performance and quality to their rides; we brought the Jonway SUV in order to meet their demand,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		NIB has also brought the Zotye Nomad, a mini SUV, to Kathmandu recently. An authorised distributor of Ssangyong Automobiles of Korea too, it has also introduced the four-wheeler Korando in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Starting a Business&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Shrestha&rsquo;s interest in automobiles and his family&rsquo;s background in business lured him to the field of trading vehicles. &ldquo;While I was doing my B.Com, I realised that I my fortunes were waiting for me in this line and that prompted me to jump into this sector,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given to his keen interest in vehicles since childhood, Shrestha focused himself in the trading of vehicles. He is not, however, confined only to vehicle trading but also involved in insurance, banking, food and carpets, among other businesses. CBG&rsquo;s sister enterprises are looked over by Shrestha himself while others are taken care of by his business partners.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">New Launches</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The company introduced the Higer bus in Nepal last Wednesday. The bus&rsquo;s primary clients are tourism and travel agencies and were brought to Nepal following the request of travel entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;When I told them it was hard for me to provide the service unless there was a demand for more than 12 buses, tourism entrepreneurs came jointly with an order of 10 buses,&rdquo; says Shrestha, who also claims the buses will help boost the tourism industry in Nepal. Post the bus launch, CBG has been getting an overwhelming response from the market according to Shrestha. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		This initial response, although a boost for the company&rsquo;s morale, does not ascertain success as the depreciation of the rupee is bound to affect the market price and sales of vehicles. &nbsp;&ldquo;We have requested the company to reduce the price for pre-order in bulk,&rdquo; says Shrestha, revealing some cautionary measures for market uncertainty. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Market Challenges and Prospects</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The spiraling value of the rupee has hit businesses hard and NIB is not an exception. Though the company is satisfied with increase in sales, Shrestha says the rate of return is too low and additional vehicles are not being imported due to the escalating price of dollars. &ldquo;We are in a wait and watch mode,&rdquo; Shrestha says adding that the company does not have immediate plans for market expansion unless the rupee strengthens against the dollar.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With various models and brands available, Shrestha regards competition due multiple choices in the market as a major challenge for his company. To overcome this, the company is keeping a vigilant eye to provide something unique to its customers. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Nepal, however, is a lucrative market for SUVs, fancy cars, motorbikes, buses and other vehicles. Provided there is political stability in the country, Shrestha sees a very good prospective for automobile business here. &ldquo;People&rsquo;s purchasing power has gone up and they are demanding more,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Selling more vehicles would result in big transaction which bodes well to all including businessmen, government and the people.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Expectations from the Government&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		High import duties imposed on automobiles by the government, despite Nepal&rsquo;s WTO membership and commitment to gradually reduce custom duties, is affecting vehicle sales, according to Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Entrepreneurs like him expect the government to formulate policies and laws in line with the obligation it has made for the WTO membership.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha also demands the government to come up with an effective plan to replace old vehicles. &ldquo;Vehicles older than 20 years should be replaced. They consume too much fuel and pollute the environment,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Marketing Matters and the Future</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		Even though marketing work has become more simplified with information and technology, Shrestha is not satisfied with the way it is executed in Nepal. He admits that the business community here has not been able to fully tap the advantage of technology in this field. &ldquo;Sometimes, our marketing expenditure even surpasses our income,&rdquo; he says to demonstrate the point.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha emphasises the need for assessing consumer demand and market wave length as a first step to improvement. &ldquo;Our company formulates marketing strategies to increase our sales and we are trying to integrate appropriate technology in our marketing tools,&rdquo; he shares. &ldquo;But it is still uncertain as to whether investment in marketing would bring returns.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With over 150 employees in total, Shrestha delegates responsibilities to a trusted team and receives updates and provides guidance through regular meetings. His future plans hinge upon the political and business climate of the country. But even as he echoes common frustrations among businessmen of a lack of encouragement for new ventures, Shrestha has not withheld from making optimistic plans for the future, for solar energy, agri-business and tourism are sectors he has kept an eye out for, he also reveals possibilities of importing airplanes from China soon.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>
	<img alt="rk aSSOCIATES" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 112px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>AT A GLANCE</b></span></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Higer Buses Launched</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							<img alt="Higer Bus" src="/userfiles/images/HIGER%20BUS.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 182px;" />Nepal International Business Pvt. Ltd has brought Higer Bus in Nepali market. The bus is produced by Higer Company of China. Tourism entrepreneurs are the main target customers of the company for these buses. &nbsp;The buses were launched by Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudyal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, amid a program in capital last week. &nbsp;Designed to suit the topography like of Nepal, the company has believed, this brand of the bus will be popular in Nepali market very soon. The newly introduced buses have the seat capacity of 29 to 35, according to the company. The company has also offered the warranty for 18 months while maintenance and the buses&rsquo; spear parts can be easily available from the company. Air condition cooling and heating, luggage compartment with cool air outlet, luxurious seats, reverse display monitor, Electrophoretic technology guarantee and corrosion resistance, among others, are the main features of the bus.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Vehicle Brands Imported by CBG</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Zotye Nomad SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CBG is also an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China in Nepal. The Company had also brought the Zotye Nomad mini SUV in 2011. Zotya Nomad SUV- 3,970 mm long, 1,570 mm wide and 1,733 mm tall - &nbsp; has 1,500 cc petrol engine with 16 valves and a multi-point electric fuel injection system. Zotye Nomad is available in seven colors&mdash;pure white, crystal silver, light black, pure red, light blue, dark blue and bright black.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Jonway SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorised dealer of Jonway Companies&rsquo; products in Nepal. Jonway Auto Company is the main exporting automobile company of China. &nbsp;It has minimum grounded clearances of 200 mm. The ISO 9001: 2000 certified company has been exporting its products to around 40 countries.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>SSangYong Cars</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorized dealer of SsangYong, the automobile manufacturing company based in South Korea. It had introduced the new model of its second generation Korando cars in the Nepali in April, 2011. Korando brand cars are sold in 82 countries around the world. The price tag of Korando car was Rs. 4,775,000 at the time of launch.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Lifan</strong></div>
						<div>
							The sister concern of the CGP has sold Lifan motorbikes in Nepal. Later, it also started assembling the motorbikes itself in Nepal. &nbsp;The company has the service center and spare parts for Lifan customers.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Proton</strong></div>
						<div>
							Sole authorized distributor of Malaysia based auto manufacturer Proton in Nepal, CGP sells Proton Persona, Gen.2 and Savvy&mdash;in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-12',
			'modified' => '2013-08-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Active in business for over three decades, the Constant Business Group’s Rajesh Kazi Shrestha is now attempting to expand his turf to agriculture, tourism and solar energy.',
			'sortorder' => '1452',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1544',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Mudbhary And Joshi Construction - Distributing Energy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman, Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/Ajay%20Kumar%20Mudbhary.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ajay Kumar Mudbhary</strong></div>
				<div>
					Executive Chairman</div>
				<div>
					Mudbhary and Joshi</div>
				<div>
					Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd, one of the leading companies in power line industry of Nepal plans to venture into the power production and tourism industry too. Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman of the company who believes that hydropower and tourism are two major sectors that can push Nepal towards prosperity, however, did not reveal the details of the plans. But, he promised to venture into these sectors soon and the company is working towards it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary said, &ldquo;We do not dive into any new venture without plans. Power generation is a capital intensive activity, so, to move into it, we need to make sure that the current business is not affected.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	MJC is a part of three companies involved in the energy sector including Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co Pvt Ltd (NEEK) and a wooden pole manufacturer inside the Hetauda Industrial District in Hetauda.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Mudbhary, the group of companies is specialised on construction of transmission line, substation and manufacturing of transformers. He said that the company has been involved in this sector since the establishment of the company in 1982.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Expanding the Horizon&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Although the company does not have plans to go into a particular sector at the moment, it has been constantly involved in expanding the construction business within the energy sector. Mudbhary says, &ldquo;There are few companies involved in the transmission line development. So, there are enough opportunities and we are concentrating on enhancing capacity needed for expansion in this particular area.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary says that his company wants to tap the opportunities in the transmission line and grid expansion of the country that is growing with the number of new hydropower plants entering the construction phase. &ldquo;We prioritise what we have in front of us at the moment. We have realised that the country needs a company like us in the power distribution channel. So, we will continue working either as a prime contractor or as a sub contractor for an international contractor.&rdquo; To, materialise this goal the company is involved in producing a capable work force.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that there is a soaring demand of human resources not only in Nepal but also in the entire South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East regions. He explains, because of the high demand in these areas, we have to face shortage of human resource, which is a challenge of working in the power sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary further says that the company does not want to supply human resource to other countries but would go as a contractor there if the resources would remain in favour of his company. &ldquo;There were invitations from India, Cambodia and Myanmar, but, we are busy in Nepal. And, we do not want to overtrade works beyond our capacity and size as we must complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated time. So, we want to wait for a while and emerge strongly within the country before looking beyond the borders&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Grabbing Opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The company is involved in developing transmission lines and substation across the country. Mudbhary shares that the company is currently involved in 10 different projects including Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line, Kusaha- Kattaiya 132 kV cross border transmission line, Butwol- Kohalpur, Dumre-Damauli, and other power grids in Dang, Hetauda, Damak and Dhulabari. Mudbhary believes that there are ample opportunities within the country because of the new power plants in the development stage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that his company has always believed in capacity building and proving with quality works. &ldquo;In the power sector, competitiveness comes only through experience. The competency we have developed is a result of hard work for almost two decades. Now, we are known as a competitive company that holds a leading position in Nepal with a market share of roughly 35 per cent,&rdquo; he says. He also says that around five companies in the market are working in the similar field.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Mudbhary and Joshi Construction" src="/userfiles/images/mjc1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 239px;" />Power Specialisation&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Along with the MJC, two other companies are also involved in production of power equipment. The company&rsquo;s journey towards the energy sector was guided by Mudbhary&rsquo;s knowledge gained as a student of electrical engineering at Pulchowk Engineering Campus. He is the first generation business person in his family and started business that matches his knowledge and interest. The determined and gradual move in this sector has made him and his company, one of the established names in the power transmission industry of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The MJC had started with road construction project in Rupandehi almost three decades back. However, the company did not stick to just road construction. Mudbhary says that his company gradually moved into power distribution works and then to development of substations and transmission lines. The company through its sister concerns also manufactures transformers and electricity poles.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NEEK produces 3000 transformers in a year and certain portion of the production is exported to Bhutan. Mudbhary says that NEEK products capture 75 per cent market share in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Managing Human Resources&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As the company works on various projects, Mudbhary says that up to 1000 employees have worked with the company at a point of time. But, at the moment around 600 employees are working in 10 different projects. He says that majority of staff are temporary employees.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, Mudbhary says employee retention high in his business. There are employees working with the company for more than two decades - since the beginning days of the company, he adds. He also says that those who left the company when a project came to an end returned back when another project began.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A team of professionals assigned for a particular project looks after all the managerial tasks including the human resource management. He says that the projects are supervised by the top management on a regular basis. &ldquo;The project manager is provided with all the managerial responsibilities under our close supervision. We facilitate as and when required,&rdquo; he shares his management style.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Project Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	MJC acquires projects through both national and international competitive bidding process and executes according to the mentioned norms and requirements of the project. Mudbhary says that various factors are taken into account before bidding, such as proximity of new project to the current area of works.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similar to the human resource management, Mudhbary says that the projects are also managed by a team of professionals under the supervision of the top level management. He further explains that the team of technicians and employees consists of only Nepali staff.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When it comes to developing projects, most of the construction materials are local products while other equipment like conductors, tower materials and others are imported from Germany, India, China, USA or any other country if Nepali products are not approved in the contract provision.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Company&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						MJC was incorporated by a team of young entrepreneurs in 1982 with the objective of establishing a professionally managed and well equipped construction company. The company was registered as &ldquo;A&rdquo; class contractor in 1993 by Ministry of Works and Transport. With three decades of construction experience, MJC has been helping its customers to move energy where it is needed from power plant to the user through Transmission and Distribution lines. MJC has constructed Transmission Line ranging from 11 kV to 400 kV with Optical Fibre Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) and Substation raging from 33 kV to 132 kV with Power Transformer raging from 1 MVA to 63 MVA. MJC has also constructed some national road projects and has also completed Oil Storage Project with its own design.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Some Projects of MCJ&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&bull; Hetauda 132kV Substation and Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kusum-Hapure 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kabeli Corridor 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and construction of Dhulabari (Jhapa) 33/11kV Substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Power P. 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Khimti-Dhalkebar 220kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400kV Dhauliganga- Barreilley Transmission Line Tanakpur, India (5 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; 400kV DC Vishnuprayag- Muzaffarnagar Transmission Line, India (3 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and installation, testing and commissioning of two numbers of 33/11kV, 16.6 MVA PT at Duhabi S/S with overhauling and shifting of &nbsp; &nbsp;existing transformers to Anarmani&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and commissioning of 132/33kV transformer at Lahan Subsation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, stringing and testing of optical fiber with ground wire in Hetauda - Pathlaiya and Lahan - Duhabi 132kV T/L project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 33/11kV 2x10/13.3/16. 6 MVA new substation at Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400km of 11kV overhead lines and distribution line for Kailali - Kanchanpur Rural Electrification Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Rural electrification of various districts&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Thankot-Chapagaon-Bhaktapur 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Re-routing work of Chilime-Trishuli 66kV transmission line at Thade in Rasuwa&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, relocation and commissioning of power transformer (3 nos. 15 MVA, 1No. 30 MVA, Circuit Breakers, Control and Relay Panels)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and delivery of three phase whole current energy meter&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Stringing of OPGW in 11kV line from dam site to power house in Kali- Gankadi &ldquo;A&rdquo; hydroelectric power project (9km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and installation of 11kV vacuum circuit breaker panel board at sub-station in Hetauda Industrial District&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Shifting, erection and commissioning of power transformer from Anarmani to Lamahi substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						Mudbhary has been carrying out philanthropic activities through rotary clubs at a personal level but he says that his company has not officially carried out any such activities as of now. But, he understands the importance of CSR activities and promises to gradually involve in it.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-04',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Mudbhary and Joshi Construction Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneer and leading companies involved in development of power grids. The company plans to diversify its portfolio by investing in hydropower generation and also in the tourism industry.',
			'sortorder' => '1405',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1501',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'VOITH: A Tale Of Struggle, Conviction And Patience',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director , United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/ritusingh.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 193px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ritu Singh Vaidya</strong></div>
				<div>
					Managing Director</div>
				<div>
					United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people. The group started as United Trade Syndicate, a company that imports automobiles, has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Inception&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	VOITH was established in Kathmandu 40 years ago by an enterprising young man, late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya was initially involved in the political movement of Nepal to overthrow the Rana oligarchy and also worked for 11 years in different institutions including USAID and Ministry for Foreign Affairs until he realized that nothing would interest him except working under his own leadership and self vision.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya gave up everything just to initiate his own business. With just $700 in his pocket, he ventured into the business journey to Japan on December 18, 1967. After continuous and regular meetings with the officials of Toyota Company in Japan, who were initially skeptical about his ability, eventually signed an agreement with the company on selling their vehicles in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Upon his arrival, Vaidya established United Traders Syndicate (UTS) Pvt Ltd and sold 97 vehicles, 91 more than the targets set by the Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After four-decades, Toyota, which was introduced to the customers by the UTS for the first time in Nepal, is still one of the dominant brands in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Started from the UTS dealing automobiles, the VOITH has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Behind the meteoric rise of the organization as one of the largest business house, there are the tales of struggle, conviction, hard-work and patience of the organization&rsquo;s founder late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Setting the priorities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The organisation accords its priority to industries that contribute greatly to the social upliftment of the Nepali people. Hence, labor-intensive, agro-based industries are VOITH&rsquo;s priorities. And, as it said, it is convinced that such undertakings help raise the living standard of Nepal&rsquo;s poorest people, the bulk of whom are farmers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has been continuously serving the people for past four decades. Since its inception, the organization is putting the farmers at its center of focus. It strives to bring joy and success into the community of the common farmers through professional development and modernization of the agricultural sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Now, the president of the VOITH President Suraj Vaidya is upholding the legacy of Vaidya group created by his late father Dr Vijay G. Vaidya. Suraj, President of the VOITH, is also leading the umbrella organisation of the business community - Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries- as its president.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Caring the Nature&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	For many, doing business is all about gaining immediate profits from their investment and deposit the cash in their bank accounts even at the expense of human health or irrespective of the adverse impact it makes on the environment or natural heritages.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, VOITH claims that it has abided by the concept and principle of green environment in the field of industrial and business development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This company has refrained itself from entering into any production that causes harm to human health or adversely challenges the natural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Management Mantra&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Vision, commitment, courage, perseverance and hard work are the key mantras for the staffs working in VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Board of Directors sets the overall policy and management guidance for each of the divisions - Trading and Services, Industry, Construction - of VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The VOITH is one of the largest business groups in Nepal and provides employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people, and prides itself in its staff that represents some of the best managerial talent in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Each division is led by an Executive Director. Regular staff meetings are held that ensures total managerial involvement in the day-to-day operation of VOITH as well as its future planning needs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Though it has made its slogan &ldquo;Little Things We Do&rdquo;, the philanthropy and social services of the VOITH are beyond the merely fulfilling its bit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The list of the services that the company has done goes long. To mention few: it provides scholarships to the needy and underprivileged students for the scholarship; builds school buildings, temples; supports sportsperson; involves itself in cleaning campaign as well as renovating and preserving cultural heritages, among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has organized Toyota Women&rsquo;s Motor Rally and the money that was raised was given to a primary school at Hile, Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since 2006, VOITH has begun awarding a Toyota car to the most outstanding football player of the year. Likewise, VOITH set up a revolving fund of Rs. 400,000 to organize the tournaments and made available additional funds to manage them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It had donated an Ambulance to the Avyudaya Multipurpose Cooperative at Kalyanpur, Chitwan. It has been providing financial help to dozens of schools across the country. In Chitwan, it has constructed a Reading Room besides providing books and magazines. It has made available Rs. 1 million to Mothers&rsquo; groups to create awareness and expand literacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Kathmandu, it has built numerous waiting stands at the bus stops for the comfort of passengers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Venturing Next&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As part of its regular and new launches, VOITH is all set to launch a new model of Toyota car at the end of the August. According to Sahara KC, Marketing Manager at VOITH, Toyota Etios will roll out in the street. This car would cost Rs 3.44 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	KC says those who want to exchange their vehicle with the Toyota Etios will have that opportunity during the launch where bank, insurance and validity counter will also be available.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Vijaya Academy of Health and Science is scheduled to begin four-year Bachelor degree in affiliation with universities from Australia and Philippines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of UTS Pvt Ltd, the organization is planning to expand into newer sectors like hydropower, hospitality and education.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	She says, &ldquo;Hydropower should be there soon as it is already in the pipeline and we are seriously looking into hospitality. Hopefully, we will be coming with new ventures in the next two years if we don&rsquo;t have external disturbing factors like endless bandhs&nbsp;and political crisis.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/voith1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 397px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h1>
					Group&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</h1>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="automobile" src="/userfiles/images/automobiles(2).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 62px;" />Automobiles&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The group is sole distributor of Toyota vehicles and Genuine parts for Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					Sole distributor of Chinese vehicles - Yutong (Zhegnzhou Yutong Bus Company) and Shandong Wuzeng Group Co. Ltd. - in Nepal and is working to promote Great Wall Motors as well.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The company also imports electric bicycles and furnitures.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="tea" src="/userfiles/images/tea(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 42px;" />Tea&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It produces high grown orthodox tea. Its scientific method of cultivation is totally bio-organic.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="agriproducts" src="/userfiles/images/Agri%20Products(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 35px;" />Agri-products&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The organization is also producing high quality agricultural products.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="construction" src="/userfiles/images/Construction(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 36px;" />Construction&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The company is active in the national and international construction.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="education" src="/userfiles/images/Education(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 53px;" />Education&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It has planned tor a three-year Proficiency Certificate Level (Undergraduate) Course in Nursing. In future, it will offer four-year Bachelor in Nursing Degree.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Achievements of UTS&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has successfully received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Effort Award&rdquo; in the year 2000 for its outstanding performance.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been receiving the &ldquo;Exhibitor Award&rdquo; for the 1st Auto Show 1998 and 2nd Auto Show 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has also received a ,&ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Parts and Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Award Program from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for the year 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been getting consecutively a &ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Service Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service Award.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;A recognition of over 30 years of dedicated partnership&rdquo; in the year 2001 from Toyota Motor Corporation.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; in the year 2004 for its outstanding performance from Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; 2006/2007/2008 from Toyota Motor Corporations.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS was awarded for highest tax paying company at FY 2063/2064 as &ldquo;Customs Distinguished Personality&rdquo;.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-29',
			'modified' => '2013-07-29',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people.',
			'sortorder' => '1362',
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			'user_id' => '0'
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	),
	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1451',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'New Beginnings For Incentive Tours And Travels',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nutan Bajracharya,Group General Manager, Incentive Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/nutan.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 248px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<strong>Nutan Bajracharya</strong><br />
				<em>Group General Manager<br />
				Incentive Group of Companies</em></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company turned GSA of Air Asia X last year but the excitement of winning the title persists. It was obvious for Incentive Tours and Travel, also known as Incentive Group of Companies, that this wouldbecome a major turning point in their business. Nutan Bajracharya, General Manager of the group says, &ldquo;It happened because of the diligence and hard work of our Chairman Hariman Lama whostarted his career as a messenger in a travel agency..&rdquo; Lama symbolizes the brand image the company is to going to form.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Having started off as Incentives Tours and Travels in 1999, the group now acquires two other companies namely Sansui Cargo and Incentive Holidays. With five flights a week to Malaysia, the group acquires 25 percent of market shares in flights to and from Malaysia, according to the company&rsquo;s spokesperson. Within a short span of time, the company has served over 10 thousand tourists from all over the world, mainly theUS, Japan, Europe and South East Asian countries. The company now has anannual turnover of two billion&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Targeting the middle class&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Before the introduction of direct flights and economy tourism packages, only upper class customers were considered to be the target market for international tourism in Nepal. According to the company, it is the sole enterprise that flies people at an affordable fare and targets mostly middle class consumers.. The company has now expanded its services to China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bhutan and Tibet. &ldquo;We are now focusing on out-bound tourism because a high number of Nepalis are going abroad daily for jobs, travel or to study,&rdquo; says Bajracharya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Recently, the company has come up with a travel package to Malaysia targeting the middle class in Nepal. &ldquo;We have a four-night-five-day tour package for Malaysia at the price of Rs 49,499and, so far we have received very good bookings,&rdquo; he shares.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	International ticketing and tour packages as well as cargo all around the world are Incentive&rsquo;s services at the offing. Says Bajracharya: &ldquo;We have trekking and mountaineering as well, in addition to our packages forout-bound tourism.&rdquo; According to him, Air Asia X is gaining popularity among people flying togulf countries and some 200-250 people choose to fly with it every month. The company has a target of increasing this number to 500 passengers per month. Among those who come to Incentive Holidays, Singapore and Malaysia are the most visited destinations.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The services of the company include hotel reservations, domestic flights, MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition), international flights, helicopter charters, special tailored tours and out-bound tours. Bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain flights, jungle safari, tours, sightseeing and white water river rafting are other activities the company has been in the business of. Prior to Incentive Holidays, Incentive Tours and Travels used to handle these businesses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan sees three or four companies as his competitors. He says they have packages for outbound tourists as well butwhen it comes totour packages in Malaysia, competition seems to have been eliminated due to Incentive&rsquo;s alliance with Air Asia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Human Resource Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan shares that his company follows staff rules and regulations for pay and perks. &ldquo;We hire experts and seek their recommendation to manage our human resource,&rdquo; he says, adding that this system becomes instrumental in keeping the company fine tuned. &ldquo;Even when staff are at leave or in holiday, the company&rsquo;s schedule is not affected since their tasks are handled systematically.&rdquo; Including five Deputy General Managers and board directors, the company currently employs 50 people, among who 17 are women.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company has fixed working hours and holidays for the staff, which according to Nutan are mostly disciplined and rule abiding. In a bid to acknowledge the work of his staff and to further motivate them, the company confers the&lsquo;Staff of the year&rsquo; award annually to those who have worked well and served the company for over five years. . To keep the staff up to mark with international standards, the company often sends them abroad for training and also invites experts from outside to train them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since there is a huge opportunity and scope in the tourism sector, it seems that the private companies have not been able to exploit it. Bajracharya is upbeat about the prospect of tourism in Nepal. &ldquo;Although Nepal is a country of amazing extremes including the greatest mountain range and anincredible variety of ecosystems, we have not been able to draw a large number of tourists,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Our company strives towards tapping this huge potential by bringing adventurous and luxury travelers from around the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Like many industries in Nepal, the unpredictable but recurring strikes are having an adverse impact in their business too. Bajracharya says that it not only incurs a huge loss to the economy but also paints a negative image of the country in the international arena. However, he is optimistic about the future of the tourism.. He underlines the need for massive tourism to make it a foremost industry.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hosting the tourist, which was once considered a part of the culture in Nepal, is now growing to be a lucrative business. In his experience, the understanding of tourism benefits among local people has increased. &ldquo;Peoplein remote areas these days are using western-style toilets because they now understand the value of tourism,&rdquo; he observes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hariman, however, laments the apathy and indifference shown by the government towards the tourism industry. He says, &ldquo;The government is not serious in exploring new tourist destinations. It is least bothered to promote already discovered tourist destinations and trekking trails. For example there isn&rsquo;t a single comprehensive information booklet published by the government consisting of information on tourist destinations in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Future Strategy&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group aims to become an international travels and tours operator in the near future. The exploration of new international destinations is their immediate plan, targeting the outbound tourists. &ldquo;We are exploring new destinations all around the world catering with services at competitively lower prices,&rdquo; Bajracharyainforms.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Speaking about the travel patterns in general, Bajracharaya observes that people usually go for pre-made packages and are relatively clueless about future travel plans.. &ldquo;The ignorance of new destinations is the reason behind this,and this is why we are inviting travelers with new packages as planned by our company,&rdquo; he concludes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="AirAsia " src="/userfiles/images/airasia1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 331px; margin: 5px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div>
					<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></span></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;">Incentives Group of Companies&nbsp;</span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentives Tours and Travels&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 1999, the company offers travel and tour packages as well as other services like ticketing, hotel reservation, paragliding andjungle safari.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Sansui Cargo&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company provides cargo services all over the world.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentive Holidays&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company is the GSA of Air Asia X for Nepal and offers special tour packages for Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Strengths</strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Discipline and good working culture&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Threats </strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							<span style="font-size: 12px;">Political instability&nbsp;</span></li>
						<li>
							Success mantras&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Continuity with honesty&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Cost efficiency&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Good service&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						So far the company has been helping flood victims and local clubs as a part of their corporate social responsibility. However, this company is keenly looking to do something more in the travel and tourism sector. Bajracharya says that they are planning to renovate temples, footpaths and other sites of cultural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Individual brand matters&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Asthe chairperson of the group, Lama, has been associated with the travel businessfor approximately 30 years. The prospects he saw in the tourism sector encouraged and led him to establish his own company. Now, his struggle and diligencehas paid him off,making him the owner of the company from his humbles beginnings as messenger for a previous work place.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In 2000, he got another opportunity to gain an international recognition. His participation at the Global Youth Meet, where youths from around 58 countries were present, gave him an opportunity to project himself as a promising businessman in the tourism business.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Networking and Affiliation&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Incentive Tours and Travels is a member of Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA). It is also affiliated with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Pacific Air Travel Association (PATA), Trekking Agencies&rsquo; Association of Nepal (TAAN), and various other associations. Nutan informs that his company has links with around 150 hotels in Nepal to use this facility for in-bound tourists.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-22',
			'modified' => '2013-07-22',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1403',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'TM Dugar Group: Preserving Its Legacy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Moti Lal Dugar,Chairman, TM Dugar Group" src="/userfiles/images/dugar2.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 220px; margin: 5px 2px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Moti Lal Dugar</strong></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">Chairman, TM Dugar Group</span></div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself. The group today is far from its heyday, though it has not lost all of its charm. According to Chairman Moti Lal Dugar, the group has been hit hard by the prevailing gloom in the business environment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Sizing down&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The organised sector is treading a path of misery. We have felt that we are less capable to work in such an environment. So, without alleging anyone, we are closing some of our ventures,&rdquo; Dugar expressed dissatisfaction. Bureaucratic hassles and procedural delays have been discouraging constraints in the business. Dugar also says that it is extremely difficult to run a business in current times. The group has closed down almost half a dozen manufacturing units.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With no plans for expansion in the manufacturing sector, the group has kept itself in a &lsquo;wait and watch&rsquo; mode and has decided to sustain those ventures that are doing relatively well. Says Dugar: &ldquo;We do not have thoughts to pursue a new line of business today. We are instead concentrating on ways to sustain our ventures and even downsizing and closing some of them.&rdquo; He says that doing business in current unfavourable environment is not an easy job and going for expansion at the moment would be a costly proposition.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Hydro Hope&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite the depressing business climate, the group sees prospects in the hydropower industry. Although Dugar did not reveal the details of the project, he says the group is soon developing three hydropower plants. &ldquo;Hydropower is the only sector where the future rests,&rdquo; he claims.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group is currently waiting for the government&rsquo;s approval of the projects and to sign the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). After filing an application for the PPA at NEA, things have yet to be finalised due to procedural delays. &ldquo;We are ready from our side but we need the go ahead signal from the government,&rdquo; Dugar shares.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Dugar expects the construction phase to begin next year. While a detailed project report has already been completed, progress has stalled at the project development stage since the past five to six years. &ldquo;The response of NEA is not encouraging. They invite investors but the government monopsony --NEA--is reluctant to purchase electricity. We do not have the provisions to sell power directly to the industries by paying wheeling charges to NEA for using their transmission line.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Initially, the group will make investments in the project solely, but Dugar is open to including locals and to inviting public shareholders once the construction begins. As the hydropower project is capital-intensive, the group has kept its doors open for external partners as well. Dugar believes that the hydropower sector of Nepal can only be developed when the government, investors, general public and the private sector can go hand in hand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Days of Glory&nbsp;</strong></div>
<p>
	Chandmal Dugar--Moti Lal Dugar&rsquo;s grandfather--first initiated business in Biratnagar with the trading of agro products like paddy, jute and textiles. Business later expanded into the processing of jute and setting up rice mills in different parts of the country. The group grew further during his son&rsquo;s time, but it took a new turn under the leadership of his second grandson - Tolaram Dugar. After the death of his father, Tolaram shouldered all responsibilities of the group at the age of 28. Dugar credits his brother&rsquo;s contributions in taking the business to new heights. Later, when the family split in the early 90s, the group was divided into three sub groups namely HC Dugar, KL Dugar and TM Dugar. Though the group split professionally, Dugar says that family relations are still going strong and united.</p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Current Involvement&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/dgr3.jpg" style="float: right; width: 325px; height: 153px;" /></div>
<div>
	TM Dugar Group has specialised in manufacturing of food grains such as rice, lentils and vegetable oils. It was the TM Dugar Group that set up modern rice mills in Dhangadhi in far-western Nepal and contributed in creating and expanding the market for agro products. Today, the group has a wide array of investments in banking, hydropower, automobiles, agro solutions, life insurance, FMCG products, agro based industries and automobiles, among others. The group is a major promoter of Sunrise Bank Ltd. and Gurans Life Insurance Co Ltd.--two public limited companies in the financial sector. The group stepped into the service industry through banking and insurance about seven years ago.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The automobiles trading wing of the group imports and sells vehicles of the Japanese brand Nissan, buses and trucks from the Indian company Mahindra, motorcycles from Royal Enfield and tractors from John Deere. Similarly, Frooti and Appy are two soft drink brands that are produced by the TM Dugar Group in Nepal. In the days to come, the group plans to concentrate on the service&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">sector. Banking, life insurance and hydropower are some of the areas of its interest, although there are hints that the group will gradually be working under the model of public limited company. &ldquo;Slowly we will go into the public limited model of doing business. Old businesses will continue as they are and the new ventures will be under this new model. Sunrise Bank and Gurans Life Insurance are public limited companies whereas the hydropower companies will also go public once they enter the construction phase,&rdquo; Dugar says.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Dugar Food and Beverage" src="/userfiles/images/dgr4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 380px; margin: 5px 25px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>Management Style&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The group has provided employment to more than 600 people in its various companies. However, Dugar says that the group&rsquo;s latest strategy of business constriction allows no new employees to be hired. Though the company does not have layoff plans, vacancies are not being announced after employees resign. Human resource management is done professionally through a separate team at the TM Dugar Group.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		When it comes to making decisions, professionals and managers are given the right to make decisions on administrative and daily procedures. However, financial matters are left to the board to decide.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Staying cautious in a &lsquo;wait and watch mode&rsquo;, the group does not have any plans other than venturing into hydropower generation. The group has its hopes pinned on this sector and it is a matter of time before it will begin developing power plants and find itself once again in expansion mode.</div>
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">AT A GLANCE</span></strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Financial Services</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					After trading and manufacturing, the TM Dugar Group ventured into the financial service sector. The first move into this sector was with Sunrise Bank Limited, an A class financial institution, in association with other business houses of Nepal. The bank has a paid-up capital of Rs 2.015 billion and authorised capital of Rs 5 billion.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Similarly, the next venture was in the life insurance business, which is believed to hold tremendous potentials. So, Gurans Life Insurance Company was established in 2008, six months after the Sunrise Bank, where the group is one of the major promoters. The company has a total authorised capital of Rs 500 million, out of which issued and paid-up capital accounts to Rs 360 million. Out of the total issued capital, 30 per cent has been allotted to the public through IPO and 70 per cent remains with the promoters. There are more than 26,000 shareholders in the company.</span></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					<strong>Working Area&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Banking&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Hydropower&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Automobiles&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Solutions&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Life Insurance&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; FMCG Products&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Based Industries</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Food Grains&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The TM Dugar Group is an authorised supplier for the World Food Program (WFP), supplying food grains as per WFP standards for more than a decade. The TM Dugar Group also exports Nepali lentils to Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world. The group&rsquo;s agro processing plants are situated in Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The group has been regularly involved in various social causes since its establishment. There are two charitable trusts - Tolaram Malchand Dugar Charitable Trust and Motilal Vivek Dugar Charitable Trust - that support people by providing food, clothes, education, scholarships, medicines and surgery expenses. Some of the CSR activities the group has conducted thus far are:<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of a wing in Nandi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Naxal, Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Kathmandu&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Aditi Sadan, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of Tolaram Bhanwari Devi Chikitsalaya and Research Center, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of schools, temples, homeopathic clinics and college buildings.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself.',
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			'title' => 'Sitaula Group: Spreading Wings',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director, Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/ks.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Khagendra Sitaula</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, Sitaula Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	S<span style="font-size: 12px;">itaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hari Bhakta Sitaula, eldest son of the family started a general store in their place of origin, Aathrai in 2025 BS. The urge to expand the business did not stop and they carried their profession with them when they moved to Dharan. During a decade (2028-2038 BS), their business took the shape of a wholesale store that supplied goods to neighbouring three districts. In 2037 BS, Khagendra Sitaula, younger brother of Hari Bhakta Sitaula joined the business to support his brother and it is also the same year when the family moved to Biratnagar and started international trading.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Khagendra Sitaula recalls that the trading business was doing well propelling a healthy growth for the family business. This inspired them to begin agency trading. They had acquired local agency for various multinational companies including Nestle and GlaxoSmithKline. Then, the family decided to abandon the business in Dharan and concentrate in Biratnagar in 2038. Trading business kept on further growing and there was no turning back for two brothers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Expansion</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula brothers did not want to confine themselves only to the trading industry. Thus, they invested in dairy and cattle farming in Biratnagar. This new expansion encouraged them to move into the manufacturing sector. Then, a towel manufacturing factory was set-up in Biratnagar that exported its products to USA. The factory was installed in partnership but the majority stakes were held by Sitaulas. However, the factory was not there to stay for long. When the USA scrapped quota system, the wise brothers handed over the factory to somebody else before it was too late.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, a new expansion project was added to the family business portfolio. They established a three star hotel, Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd in Biratnagar realising the need of a quality hotel in the industrial town. By then, the business had grown into a group of companies but was operating as a family business that has remained intact till date.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, their younger brother, Dinesh Sitaula joined the business in 2045 upon completion of his higher studies. Then, Khagendra Sitaula moved to Kathmandu for expanding their horizon in the capital city. One of his significant moves in Kathmandu was acquiring 51 per cent stakes of Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd when the government decided to privatise the factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Amid these expansions, agency trading too kept on increasing leaps and bounds and moved into food and beverage sector with special focus on alcoholic beverages. Around 2059 BS they had distributorship of well known brand names like Royal Stag and Chivas Regal. In the meantime, various trading companies were also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At present, various companies of the groups are concentrated in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. 13 companies under the group are managed by three brothers as a family business. Moreover, relatives of Sitaula family are also in the business but outside the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Moves</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tourism is the latest move of the group. The group has decided to venture into this sector with long term plans. As a journey to this new sector, the group is starting a new travel agency, Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd, within a couple of weeks. According to Sitaula, this company will be dealing with tour packages for both inbound and outbound tours among various other travel services. He says that this latest move is being made with an aim to concentrate and expand into the service industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is simultaneously expanding into the manufacturing sector too. Sitaula reveals that the group has already acquired license for operating a liquor manufacturing unit and he says that the production will begin within the next two years. Likewise, the trading wing is soon launching unique products, Bio Whiskey and Bio Vodka as a national distributor next week. These products are being bottled in Nepal by Biotech Spirits Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula says that the group wants to focus on manufacturing, food and beverages and tourism in the future and the group is planning new ventures like hotels and food processing factories. He adds, &ldquo;We must identify a particular industry that would be sustainable for us as a business group. Food and beverages, food processing and tourism are the viable industries for Nepal.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Prime Involvement</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The major sectoral involvement of the group is doing fairly well, according to Sitaula. He says that the Hotel Xenial is performing well and Nepal Foundry Industries this year has declared to distribute 25 per cent dividend to its shareholders. He also claims that it is one of the best performing privatised company. The company is soon going for Initial Public Offering (IPO).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula explains the reason behind the group&rsquo;s specialisation on trading as relatively safe area of investment compared to the manufacturing. &nbsp;He adds that the turnover in trading is quite good and is a sustainable business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from these, the group is also into the financial sector. One of its investment companies, Sitaula Investment Company has more than five per cent promoter shares in Lumbini Bank Limited. He says that the group is interested in infrastructure sector and owns some stakes in some of the infrastructure development projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with trading and manufacturing, the group believes it must involve in other sectors with competitive advantages for its strong presence. Therefore, the group has invested in Chirayu Hospital.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Satisfactory Growth</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula is very much content with the growth the group is achieving annually. He says that despite the overall problems of the country and economy, the achievement of group has been significant. According to Sitaula the growth rate hovers around 15 to 20 per cent annually. And, the group registers annual turnover of around&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rs 2 billion.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He believes that the business environment of Nepal is not bad as everybody is surviving and there are prospects for being hopeful. Sitaula is hopeful about the bright future to be ascertained by technology transfers and the gradual increase in positive attitude among workers and people in general.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the group is happy with the level of progress it is making but has dreams to reach a significant position among Nepali business houses in the future. He says that the fate of the business will largely depend on the situation. &ldquo;We are hopeful to move ahead and reach somewhere soon,&rdquo; Sitaula expresses desire.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/sectors%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 219px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Companies of Sitaula Group</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin&rsquo;s Mart Supermarket Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Traders Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Export Import Marketing&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Pvt Ltd</span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Energy International Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Enterprises Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nirmal Traders</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Trade Centre Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Target Markets</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The trading companies of the group are targeting general public as their market especially for beverages, liquor and food products. Similarly, for the tourism, the group is targeting mainly Indian, Chinese and Eastern Europe as its prime market.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group has created employment opportunity for 250 people in all its companies. &nbsp;Sitaula says that all of them are happy employees. He further adds that the group has not experienced any strikes by workers and any sort of negotiations as of now. The group believes that the facilities employees are entitled must be provided earlier if possible rather than being late.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Three brothers in the family have divided their responsibilities. Khagendra looks after the business in Kathmandu while his younger brother looks after enterprises in the eastern region and his elder brother looks after the overall business as a guardian. He says that the group is strengthening its managerial practices and corporatize the group to make it future-proof and meet the demand of time and space.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Being future-proof</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group&rsquo;s transition from a small business into a medium-sized group of Nepal carries a huge value to the Sitaula family. They believe that it has not only encouraged them but also created a strong platform for future growth and development. So, the founders of the group are concentrating on finding viable business options so that the future generation in the family can adopt entrepreneurship as their career. Khagendra Sitaula says, &ldquo;We must develop business is such a way that it would be suitable also for the coming generations and develop a corporate structure and culture to encourage them into the field where we laid foundation stone.&rdquo;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Competition and Challenges</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						Sitaula says that there are not many challenges in Nepal as compared to other countries because of low level of competition here. &ldquo;The competition level is still quite low in Nepal. It is still easy here as the competition is not yet too tough. Competition was almost non-existent 20 years back, it grew a little a decade ago and today it is still growing but is yet to reach a cut throat level,&rdquo; he says. It is natural that when the competition increases, it would be challenging for companies to be more innovative and gain competitive edge. &nbsp;To address the growing challenges amid increasing competition, the group is in a mode to identify sectors with higher level of business viability for the future.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
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	</tbody>
</table>',
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			'created' => '2013-11-11',
			'modified' => '2013-11-26',
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			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'MS Group: From Manufacturing To Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director, MS Group" src="/userfiles/images/ssk.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Shashi Kant Agarwal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, MS Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Travel and tourism does not lure someone merely by its entertaining and fun experiences. Entrepreneurs are lured to this industry because of its lucrative business prospects that are believed to be growing in Nepal. MS (Maliram Shivkumar) Group is one of the latest national manufacturing houses to join this niche. It has decided to venture into the tourism industry by establishing luxury hotels in a tie-up with Marriot International- an US based international hotel chain.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of the MS conglomerate reached an agreement with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. This business hotel, according to Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director of the group, has an investment of Rs 600 million and informed that its construction has already kicked off.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, a second hotel in Naxal, also under the joint venture partnership with Marriot International is scheduled to start construction immediately after Tihar festivals. Agarwal says that this will be a luxury hotel with 250 rooms. Both of these hotels will be at par with four star hotel standards.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These new ventures of the group are the first initiatives towards the tourism industry and are part of the larger plan the group has. Agarwal says, &ldquo;We have plans to establish hotels across the country. This is the beginning and we have decided to come up with two new hotels at the time as the political situation has shown signs of improvement.&rdquo; Agarwal, who is also a traveller, says there are numerous tourism potentials in sub-sectors like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Trading Transition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The journey of the MS Group started as a trading house some six decades ago by Shashi Kant Agarwal&rsquo;s grandfather, Maliram Agarwal. During that time, he had a shop at Indra Chowk in Kathmandu that sold clothes in the palace of Ranas. When the market gradually expanded, Maliram Agarwal started a whole-sale garments store at Jhochhe. Garments were imported from India and &nbsp;supplied to local retailers in the valley districts along with Dhulikhel, Katari, Tandi among others. The founder Agarwal used to walk for weeks to reach these places and sell goods even in credits to local merchants.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The local garment business slowly expanded into international trading with the beginning of third country export in Nepal. Agarwals involved in it by exporting jute and textiles. Gradually they started importing motor parts and bearings. Some were consumed in Nepal while majority of them were exported to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group had already seen success in the trading business before moving onto the manufacturing sector. An incident during the trading days encouraged Agarwals to venture into a more stable business than trading &ndash; into the manufacturing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Initiating Manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Agarwal recalls that a ship transporting garments belonging to MS Group along with other traders of Nepal was hijacked near Hong Kong and goods never reached Nepal making a huge loss to the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This unfortunate incident made them settle down to a business with marginal risks. Agarwal says, &ldquo;That incident was a blessing in disguise. In our corporate life-cycle, it inspired us to move towards the manufacturing business.&rdquo; As a consequence, a hosiery factory was established, although of a small scale. He recollected that the hosiery factory came at a time when the group was counted as one of the leading garment trading concerns in Nepal in terms of turnover and said that the family had decided to establish a cottage industry despite it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The hosiery factory at Battisputali, Kathmandu grew well and was followed by the setting-up of Pashupati Textile factory in Patan. This manufacturing unit produced both cotton and polyester textiles and also dyed them. As the group&rsquo;s turnover kept growing, it moved into steel manufacturing with Bhagwati Steel Industries in Birgunj. There were no pauses in the expansion drive. The group further established the largest sugar mill Everest Sugar Mill in Mahottari, in partnership with Everest Group. Similarly, Reliance Spinning Mill , that is now a factory that has created highest number of employment- 3400 people including 1500 women, was also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since the group moved into the manufacturing sector, it never had to look back. As of now, the group has a total of 10 companies operating in manufacturing, housing and trading business including a couple of them in partnership with other business houses of Nepal. And, these companies register an annual turnover of Rs 12 billion.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a recent expansion to its manufacturing unit, the group is setting up a new large scale sugar mill in Siraha. According to Agarwal, the construction works have commenced and necessary machineries have been imported. He says that the mill will begin crushing in a year&rsquo;s time.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, the group is promoter in some banks and financial institutions but Agarwal says that the group is not directly involved in them.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Positioning Markets&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	As the group is involved in production of diverse products, they cater to a wide range of market and target customers. Most of its steel products are targeted at local market and is purchased for constructing electricity poles, bridges, telephone towers by telecom and electricity companies. Similarly, the group also produces galvanised sheets and pipes for the local market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, sugar is sold to both bulk buyers and general public. According to Agarwal, Salt Trading, bottlers of Coca-Cola Pepsi, and Frooty, Rio and other beverage manufacturers are regular buyers. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of production of Reliance Spinning Mill is exported and the remaining is consumed within Nepal which accounts to around 50 to 60 per cent market share, claims Agarwal. The foreign markets for its products are mainly India and Turkey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Agarwal says that the housing project of the group did relatively well as it was launched relatively earlier before the market was over flooded. &nbsp;However the bubble burst of the housing and real estate business hit its Subsidiary Sunrise Apartments. He says that the housing still has strong brand strength in the market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the branding needs, he argues that other products such as sugar do not need any branding and aggressive publicity. As the market is mostly the bulk buyers, offering quality would help gain the market share. And added that sugar produced by Everest Sugar and Chemical Industry Ltd has a good recognition in &nbsp;domestic and international market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Companies under MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Everest Sugar &amp; Chemical Industries Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sunrise Apartments Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Soap Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Carbide Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Steel Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Products of MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Polyester, Acrylic and Cotton Yarns</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Steel</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sugar</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Housing and Apartments</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Soaps</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Partially Oriented Yarn,Polyester Texturised Yarn and Knitted Fabrics</div>
						<div>
							&bull;MS torque steel&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Dry cell batteries</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Galvanised sheets, poles, door/window profiles</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Employment and Management</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							According to Shashi Kant Agarwal, the group has &nbsp;provided direct employment to 6000 people including its subsidiaries under the joint venture with other business houses. However, Reliance Spinning Mill alone employs 3500 people. The decentralised management system of each of the companies looks after each and every management responsibilities and daily affairs. He shares that the policy level and financial affairs are only taken care by the central management. The management team is well groomed to take care of everyday activities, marketing, sales and procurements, he added.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR &nbsp;Activities</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							Although the group does not aggressively pitch Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) it has subtly carried out such activities, in various forms, in localities where the groups&rsquo; factories established. The group has built hospitals, dispensaries, schools, rooms for schools, donated ambulances among others on a regular basis. Agarwal says that his father is a spiritual person and makes constant donations and supports to religious causes. Well known among the Marwari community, his father had donated land worth Rs 20 million to Gaushala recently.</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-27',
			'modified' => '2013-11-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'MS Group started its business journey almost six decades ago as a trading house. During these years the house has not only established itself as a leading manufacturing house, but more recently has also ventured into the tourism industry with major hospitality projects on the cards.',
			'sortorder' => '1915',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1973',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Leading Strong: The Saurabh Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Bishnu Prasad Neupane,Chairman, Saurabh Group" src="/userfiles/images/BPN.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Bishnu Prasad Neupane</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Saurabh Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal is planning to establish a large scale cement factory in Sunawal, Nawalparasi. Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Chairman of the group says this new factory will be producing 400,000 metric tonnes of clinker in the first stage and expand it to 1 million metric tonnes of clinker at the end of 2015. The factory &nbsp;has set a target to begin production by February 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This factory has been established with an authorised capital of Rs 4000 million. It is one of the largest cement factories of Nepal that produce their own clinker. The factory has 45 per cent shareholding of a Hong Kong based company, Krishna Holdings Limited. &nbsp;The factory is spread over 30 bighas of land and the mine is spread over an area of 20 square kilometres for extracting limestone.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that this factory uses the latest technology that is not only efficient but also energy saving. He adds the technology installed in the factory is different than those used in Nepal and consumes 50 per cent less energy. All machineries for this project are imported from Denmark and manufactured by FLSmidth Private Limited.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expansion Drive</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always been prioritising the expansion of its factories. Last year, the group had a major expansion on its laminated sacks factory, Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd. New technology was installed and all upgraded machineries were imported from Austria. The factory has an installed production capacity of 1.5 million metres of fabrics per day. Neupane claims that it is the largest woven sacks factory in South East Asia. He adds, &ldquo;We are proud to say that we are the largest producer and exporter of woven sacks in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Jagdamba Synthetics was established around 13 years ago and the latest addition is the new process of producing laminated bags. Neupane claims that this company has the capacity to produce the thinnest fibres in the entire South Asian region with quality consistency. He says that quality consistency has helped the company export 90 per cent of its production to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has plans to convert its 15 storey building in Bhaktapur into a hotel as a part of its plan to move into the tourism industry. This three-star hotel will come into operation in a few years tying up with an international chain. Neupane says that it will be a unique hotel that utilises green technology.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Manufacturing Focus<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group in its initial days was involved in trading business. &nbsp;When Neupane separated from his family business and started his own, he had little experience in the manufacturing sector. He partnered with Shanker Lal Agrawal who was also in the trading business then. It was around 1996 when he and his partner Agrawal thought about entering into the manufacturing industry. Agrawal had the experience of running Jagdamba Steel and Neupane, who is also an engineer, had thoughts of establishing a cement factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2001, the group started the construction of a woven sacks factory that produces bags for cement packaging. Construction was completed in 2003 and production began in the same year. Similarly, the group moved into spinning and tea gardening and processing. It was followed by the establishment of Jagdamba Roto Packaging factory. Likewise, the group also moved into pashmina, steels and other construction material production. Sarbottam Cement would be the latest addition to the construction material production business of the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I always had a desire to go for production based industries especially on construction material rather than the service industry,&rdquo; Neupane says. He was often suggested to venture into more profitable sectors such as real estate and gold trading but they never lured him. Though the group is still involved in trading, it is the manufacturing sector that gives Neupane an immense pleasure. He says that the manufacturing sector creates employment for a good number of people and benefits society with both backward and forward linkages. The Saurabh group has been employing 2600 people at the moment in all of its companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	When democracy was restored in the country in 1990, it was a new beginning for the Saurabh Group as well. The group&rsquo;s major industries were established in the 1990s. The liberal policies of the government encouraged industrialists like Neupane to establish new companies. The easier licensing policies and laws were a sort of relief for them. In the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the group came up with its major companies. This was the same period when the armed insurgency was escalating and businessmen were realizing that the situation is unfavourable for making investments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says his companies were least affected by the armed conflict being located in urban areas of the Tarai region. However, when the conflict ended and the country was moving towards conflict resolution, the political events of 2005-2006 took its toll on companies in the Tarai by disrupting the operation of factories. Neupane says that bandhs and strikes are a part of life and industrialists must be immune to such incidents.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The cement factory was one of the major establishments of the group in the early 1990s. The group&rsquo;s course changed when Neupane thought of establishing his own cement bags factory while the general trend was to import bags from abroad as local production was insufficient. This very move led the group to be the largest producer of woven sacks in the South East Asian region at present.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane considers the group&rsquo;s move to establish a cement factory that totally depends on local raw materials as another turning point. The group came up with the idea of producing cement by manufacturing clinker using local limestone when a majority of industries were importing clinker. This gave the company the benefit to get a strong foothold in the market as one of the producers of cement in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Neupane, 90 per cent of the total production of Jagdamba Spinning Mills is exported to India while the remaining 10 per cent is supplied to local textile manufacturers. Similarly, products of Jagdamba Roto Packaging are supplied to confectioneries, biscuits and noodles producer for packaging and wrappers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that the largest market of cement is Kathmandu Valley and its periphery where 40 per cent of the group&rsquo;s production is consumed. Out of around 1 billion sacks of cement produced by the group, 40 million sacks are consumed in Kathmandu Valley alone, says Neupane. He expects the groups&rsquo; market share on cement to increase to 20 per cent once Sarbottam Cement&rsquo;s production enters the market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When offering products to the market, the group abides by three fundamentals: quantity, quality and consistency. Neupane says that producing larger quantities helps to achieve economies of scale and also gives an edge to competition. Similarly, quality is the prime focus of the group and he says that any complaints on quality are taken seriously.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="SAURAV GROUP" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 243px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
					<div>
						<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Brief History</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh Group&rsquo;s products can be found also in Myanmar. Till the 1960&rsquo;s, Bishnu Prasad Neupane&rsquo;s father, Lila Ram Neupane, was doing retail business alongside running a butter processing factory in Lashio town in the Shan state of Myanmar. After Buddhism was made the state religion in the 1960s, people of Nepali and Indian origin were forced to leave the country. Lila Ram Neupane made a decision to leave Myanmar and resettle in Nepal and started his own business with a wholesale store of textiles in Bhairahawa. During that time, textiles were brought from Kathmandu and distributed there. Later, he also took dealership of the National Trading and Salt Trading Limited.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							It was in 1964 when the business took shape of a group and was further diversified. Bishnu Prasad Neupane took up responsibility in 1986 and started the Jagadamba Cement Industries, his first manufacturing venture, in the early 1990s.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							Saurabh Photo International, the authorized distributor of Konka products, was in the agency trading business since 1990 and has a strong presence in the market. Currently, the group is mainly involved in the production of cement, steel, tea, spun yarn, PP Woven fabrics, calcium carbonates and other such products. The group&rsquo;s trading activities continue with imports of Konka products, Citizen watch components and other Chinese products. There are 14 companies under the group and some companies are operating under a joint venture with Shanker Group, another business house of Nepal. Today, the Saurabh Group registers an annual turnover of Rs 5 billion, Rs 4 billion, and Rs 2 billion from its cement, spinning and synthetic production, respectively.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saurabh Group of Companies</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Laxmi Steel Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Tea Estates Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Photo International</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Tea Processing Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Cement Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Roto Packaging Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree Jagdamba Builders Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Diamonds Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree J Cement Mill Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Force Electronics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sarbottam Cement Pvt Ltd&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">CSR</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh group and the Neupane family have a good reputation in Rupandehi district not only for business but also for their contribution to society. The business house has contributed over Rs 100 million for social work in the area. Along with institutional corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, the Neupane family has been carrying out philanthropic activities on a personal scale. A separate trust has been established and run by the family. This trust was established by Neupane&rsquo;s father and every year, at least Rs 2.5 million is donated by the family for social work. According to Neupane, donations amounted to Rs 2.7 million last year. He modestly says, &ldquo;This is not our CSR activity and is not for any commercial benefit. Within our family, there are three business groups and all of them contribute to the trust to make it an independent social entity.&rdquo; Neupane says that the group does not take any credit for the trust&rsquo;s activities.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							The trust supports government hospitals, schools and government organisations. Neupane says that most schools in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts have received support from the trust. Similarly, Jagdamba Cement has recently initiated ambulance services. It also carries out social training programmes for various activities such as cancer relief activity. Likewise, the group also awards people and their social and non-profit organisations that have made good contributions to society. The company has been providing cement to construct buildings of such organisations at cost price.</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-20',
			'modified' => '2013-10-28',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal has been registering an annual turnover of Rs 18 billion and targets to raise it to Rs 20 billion at the end of the running fiscal year.',
			'sortorder' => '1878',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1961',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Keyal Group’s Key Areas',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal and Om Prakash Khanal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman, Keyal Group" src="/userfiles/images/spt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Satya Narayan Keyal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Keyal Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first manufacturing unit was established in the mid-90s &ndash; a milestone for the family&rsquo;s journey towards manufacturing. Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing venture of the group, has been producing steel products to meet local needs.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman of the group, the initial days of entering the manufacturing sector were not easy. In the absence of a robust banking sector, managing large scale funds for investment was not quite the same as it is today. &ldquo;It was pretty tough to borrow loans as the banking sector was less developed,&rdquo; recalls Keyal who believes that growing competition in the banking and financial industry in the 2000s has benefitted industrialists at large. However, the challenging environment provided various learning experiences to the group that helped design its next move for the future.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growing Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	While the group was gradually growing, the Nepali market was expanding as well. Keyal says that the market for manufactured goods has increased in recent times due to the growing purchasing power of the general public. He adds that technological advancement has helped the group&rsquo;s factories produce better quality products that support companies in the increasingly competitive market. The competition is not always healthy and for Keyal Group, it is not an exception. Unhealthy competition has brought about difficult situations time and again, but the group holds on to its promise to deliver quality products, regardless.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Focus Areas of the Group&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has focused on the manufacturing sector with half a dozen industrial units specialised on production of steel rods, angles and flat squares, pipes, MS plates, shutter strips and cement. Steel products produced by Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd have been certified with Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). Likewise, Makalu Axum, a subsidiary company of the group is the authorised distributor for liquor of the Magic Moments brand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/spt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 440px;" />Capturing the Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The target market for the group&rsquo;s major products such as steel, cement, rods and pipes, among others, is the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The group does not wish to remain confined to these areas and is planning to explore more market potential within and outside the country. &ldquo;We have a big market presence in the central and eastern regions and have plans to export our products to India in the near future,&rdquo; says Keyal. As a part of this plan, the group plans to export pipes manufactured by Shree Krishna Steel to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has adopted a policy to not compromise with the quality it is offering. With state-of-the- art technology and service to produce quality products, Keyals says: &ldquo;We have understood the needs and demands of our clients and have targeted products accordingly. But our products are by no means expensive.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Structuring Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Keyal, each human resource staff and management unit are attuned to realise the company&rsquo;s policy of zero compromise in quality, offer products at a relatively lower price, and remain accountable and responsible to the market, customers and promoters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has always treated its employees as member of its extended family. When it comes to human resource management, the group has attempted to understand the necessities and aspirations of its employees and motivate them accordingly. For motivation, the group has been using rewards and encouragement while adhering to organisational discipline, culture and responsibilities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has 350 employees working in its manufacturing unit and sister companies while another 350 are working along the market value chain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Addressing Challenges</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A key challenge the group is facing at the moment is duplication of products that has tarnished the image of the common market. &nbsp;Availability of counterfeit products has prohibited market growth and expansion. Additionally, in the absence of major construction and infrastructure projects in the country, the market of construction materials, where the group has expertise, is limited to the consumer market instead of reaching large scale institutional clients. According to Keyal, the slowdown of the housing and real estate industry has affected construction material producing subsidiaries. However, the group has not lost hope. It has held on to the belief that a market can be created and clients can be attracted by offering quality products at reasonable price. With this philosophy, the group has been working to expand its market and attract customers towards its projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Constant Hope</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some business and industrial houses have constricted their operation and even closed down their companies citing political instability and a murky business environment. But the Keyal Group chooses to see the light at the end of tunnel. Keyal hopes for political stability to speed up the economic growth of the country which would boost construction and development projects. &ldquo;It would also create higher demand for our products. We are hopeful and are waiting for that moment to arrive soon,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>CSR</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has been consistently involved in corporate social responsibilities and has believed in giving back to society throughout the years. Similarly, the group has contributed to the construction of temples and funded religious activities in Birgunj and surrounding areas. Alongside this, the group has contributed to post-conflict reconstruction of infrastructure that has benefitted a larger number of people.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">Some Companies under the Keyal Group</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Narayani Rolling Mills</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel manufacturing unit located in Chhatapipara of Bara district produces TMT steel rods ranging from 8mm to 25 mm and plain rods of 8 to 36 mm. TMT steel products have been certified Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). The unit also produces flat square rods, angles and tor-karis among others. The group claims that this is probably the first company in Nepal to produce a large variety of products required for construction projects.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel factory at Jitpur, Bara district produces MS Black Pipe (0.5 to 6 inches), MS plates, shutter strips, and shatter guides, among others. It also produces hot rolled sheets, MS pipes, shutter section and related products.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This cement producing unit located at Jitpur, Bara district produces cement and markets PSC products under the &lsquo;Arati&rsquo; brand, and OPC products under the &lsquo;Shikhar&rsquo; brand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Makalu Axum</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This is the importer and authorised distributor of Magic Moments liquor for Nepal.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Enterprises</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This subsidiary of the group imports various consumer products from India and other countries to distribute across the country. The company is also based in Birgunj.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Hardware</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The hardware product distributor has its network spread over major cities like Kathmandu, Banepa, Butwal and Itahari.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Landmark Years:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						2052: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Establishment of Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing unit of Keyal Group.</div>
					<div>
						2056: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd, second manufacturing unit of the group, was established.</div>
					<div>
						2060: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd was established. It produces PSC and OPC grades of cement.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.',
			'sortorder' => '1827',
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	),
	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1873',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Everest Group: Climbing Higher',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Sanjeev Saraff ,CEO ,Everest Group" src="/userfiles/images/ss(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Sanjeev Saraff</strong></div>
					<div>
						CEO, Everest Group</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Everest Group Nepal is a pioneer group of companies in the sectors where it has had involvement since its inception. Whether it is petroleum product imports, operation of a cardboard factory or the paper industry, the Everest Group has been a pathfinder in Nepal in these sectors.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has begun an expansion drive with plans to venture into the pharmaceutical industry and to add new plants and production capacity in some of its factories. The Everest Group plans to bring its pharmaceutical company, Himalayan Parental and Pharmaceutical Company, into operation by next year. This new company will be producing life saving drugs and intravenous fluids. Sanjeev Saraff, CEO of the group, claims that it will be the first company of its kind in Nepal and that it will install the latest technology that has never been used in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has recently set up a new factory for producing non-woven fabrics. Everest Plasto has already started production. Saraff says that it is also one of the first factories in Nepal to produce non-woven fabrics.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Saraff reveals that the group is coming up with another sugar mill, Himalayan Sugar Mill in Mirchaiya. He says that the manufacturing unit is under construction and will be brought into operation in the next two years. Saraff says that the unit plans to sell electricity produced in its own thermal plant to the government during the winter season.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Local Targets</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Saraff, the group has always kept the local market and local raw materials on priority for all its productions. He says, &ldquo;We have been successful only in those industries where the raw material has been Nepali and the market in Nepal.&rdquo; Whether it is the paper factory or the sugar factory, the group has always been using local raw materials and targeting Nepal as its prime market. Saraff says that the group once tried its hands on copper processing by importing raw materials and exporting the final products. He says that it turned out to be a sort of trading business and did not perform well. However, the group still owns and operates Everest Wire factory that has majority market shares in the Tarai region.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group targets Nepal as its prime market for upcoming pharmaceutical ventures as well. Saraff says that 100 per cent of life saving drugs and IV fluids are imported and the factory aims for import substitution.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff claims that the Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; production covers majority of the local market while the sugar mill also has leading market share among half a dozen other Nepali companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that the group&rsquo;s only strategy to conquer the market is through quality assurance and its dealer network. Saraff further explains that some of the dealers have worked with the group since its establishment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The prime markets for Everest Groups&rsquo; products are Kathmandu, Pokhara and markets in the Tarai region. The secret of a strong relationship with its dealer network is to keep them happy, according to Saraff. However, the group has not considered branding as its major marketing tool. &ldquo;Our products are commodities rather than consumer goods. So, we do not require branding as such,&rdquo; he explains. &nbsp;However, the group has been carrying out campaigns to inform its clients about the right use of products to extract maximum value out of it. Marketing activities through billboards and other media, though, are not carried out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When asked about group branding, Saraff says, &ldquo;We have less concentrated on group branding. Hopefully, we will get into it once we grow bigger.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Competition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff says that the group has been facing unethical competition from smuggled products through the open border of Nepal and India. &ldquo;We decided not to compete with those products as it would be useless to compete with illegal products,&rdquo; he says. He acknowledges the quality and competitiveness of peer companies and says, &ldquo;Manufacturers of Nepal are equally competitive. So, the competition is more on offering quality than on price.&rdquo; Saraff expects the government to control the smuggling of goods that have been a threat to legitimate companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group had a major set-back when Everest Paper Mill was bombed during the Maoist insurgency. Saraff recalls that it was the first private sector factory to be targeted during the conflict. The bombing in 2005 left the factory completely destroyed. &ldquo;We did not lose hope and we rebuilt the factory within two months&rsquo; time. Bankers and others too appreciated our efforts,&rdquo; says Saraff. He adds that the group rebuilt a new and better factory immediately.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group employs around 2500 people in four of its companies in operation. A strong human resource department has been looking after all human resource management activities. Entire management duties are given to this department. The department deals with labour issues as and when they arise. Saraff recalls the closure of one of the group&rsquo;s factory for two months after labours came up with &ldquo;unreasonable demands&rdquo;. &nbsp;&ldquo;We made them realise that we were not going to bow down. We have been handling issues of labours and workers pretty well and the human resource department is pretty effective and strong,&rdquo; he explains.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The management responsibilities of all four companies are handled independently by the management team assigned for each company. The team is headed by members of the extended Saraff family. He says that the group is still a family-owned business more than a corporate group. Second generation businesspersons educated abroad have been taking up responsibility and taking the business to new heights.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The corporate headquarter of the group is located in Janakpur, the place of origin of the group. While the Kathmandu office has been working as a liaison office to look after bureaucratic activities and maintaining relationship with banks, among other activities.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">History&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						Dina Nath Saraff, father of Sanjeev Saraff is the founder of the Everest Group. Senior Saraff started his own import-export firm &lsquo;Brij Mohan Dina Nath&rsquo; in Janakpur that dealt initially with importing clothing materials from India, Soda Ash and various kinds of spices from Malaysia and Indonesia. The firm was also involved in rice exports to India.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Similarly, Saraff acquired the sole agency of ESSO and of Brooke Bond tea in the 50s and 60s for Nepal and started marketing their petroleum products such as, Petrol, Diesel, LDO, engine oil, Kerosene oil, etc even before the Nepal Oil Corporation was established. By mid 1960s, he established another firm, Everest Trading Company, along with the Jhunjhunwalas in Biratnagar and started exporting jute to millers in India.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In the late 60s, Saraff established Janakpur Soap Factory that manufactured various grades of soap and marketed it under brand names Natraj and OX. &nbsp;Similarly, a decade later, he and his son established Everest Cardboard Industry Pvt Ltd, the first in the country to manufacture corrugated boxes from Kraft paper imported from India and Sweden. &nbsp;During that phase, he also established Tiger Tea Company whose raw materials were imported from India, blended and packed in Nepal and sold in Nepal under the brand name Tiger.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						The group continued to grow and passed onto the second generation. Though some industries were closed in the process, its flagship production line such as paper and sugar has continued to rise. The group is now planning to expand its capacity and area of business in the near future.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Flagship Companies of Everest Group:</strong></span></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Everest Paper Mill Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Sugar and Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Wire Industry</li>
						<li>
							Everest Plasto</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Trading</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group feels proud about exporting paper pulps to Japan. In the past, the group used to import paper and chemicals as raw materials. The group also tried its hand on importing fertilizers but stopped later. The group wishes that the country allows international trading in Nepal to export goods to&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						third countries.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Plans</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group wants to carve its own path in business without following what others are doing. Saraff says that his group is looking into new sectors for business and also hints that the group will be investing in the tourism sector in the next two to three years and will also explore new possibilities in food products the group had expertise on in the past.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group does not have overt corporate social activities but is carrying out several activities on its own. The group provides scholarships to 25 to 30 children every year from underprivileged families under the Bhagwati Devi Trust, named after Saraff&rsquo;s grandmother. The trust has been annually sponsoring 40 to 50 children for their education. Similarly, Saraff considers Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; paper recycling plant a socially responsible activity of the group. &ldquo;We are recycling waste paper and contributing to clean the country along with utilising agricultural residues,&rdquo; says Saraff.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-29',
			'modified' => '2013-10-07',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Everest Group, having around fi ve decades of business experience in Nepal has plans to expand its current line of business while exploring fresh opportunities in new sectors.',
			'sortorder' => '1734',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1865',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'At A Glance Yeti Brand',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Brief History</strong></p>
<p>
	The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998. Today, the company is one of the largest domestic airlines with a fleet of 14 aircrafts. The company expanded its reach to remote districts with two DHC-6/300 Series Twin Otter aircrafts and started services to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Rumjatar and Simikot. Within a period of one and a half decades, the airline now flies with a fleet of seven British Aerospace Jetstream-41s, covering major cities within Nepal from the mountains and hills to the Tarai region.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Some Subsidiaries of Yeti Group</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Mountain Home</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="yetimountain" src="/userfiles/images/yetimountain.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Yeti Mountain Home is a group of comfort lodges operating in the Khumbu/Everest region. The company claims these are amongst the world&rsquo;s highest luxury lodges, offering panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of the Himalaya. Each of these lodges have 15 to 20 rooms with modern amenities. Half a dozen lodges are operating under the Yeti Mountain Home brand. These include YMH Lukla, YMH Phakding, YMH Monjo, YMH Namche, YMH Thame and YMH Kongde.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Gokarna Forest Resort</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="gokarna" src="/userfiles/images/gokarna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	The Yeti Group acquired the management of Gokarna Forest Resort from October 2010 from the Singapore-based company LM Suvir Brothers Private Limited. The resort also houses one of the best golf courses in Asia, spread over 470 acres of land. The resort has 90 rooms and spa services among other top notch luxury services.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tara Air</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="taraair" src="/userfiles/images/taraair.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Tara Air, the subsidiary of Yeti Airlines is one of the biggest airline service providers in the mountain region. According to the company, it is guided by the mission of helping develop the rural Nepal. So, its services are concentrated in the hills and mountain destinations across the country. The airline has a fleet of six STOL aircrafts, comprising of four Twin Otter (DHC 6/300) and two Dornier (DO 228) aircrafts. The airline operates both scheduled and chartered flights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Thamserku Trekking</strong></p>
<p>
	This trekking and holiday service provider has been serving more than 4000 clients each year with agents in nine countries. Thamserku has been established as a group of companies offering trekking and adventure tourism services through its subsidiaries namely, Thamserku Trekking, Thamserku Expedition and Luxe Nepal. The company offers services ranging from classic trekking programmes to wild and exciting journeys in the remote mountains, and easy peaks and scaling mountains taller than 8000 metres.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998.',
			'sortorder' => '1726',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1863',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'title' => 'Golyan Group: Looking Beyond Textiles',
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	New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Golyan says.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.&nbsp;</div>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
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				<img alt="Pawan Golyan, Chairman, Golyan Group" src="/userfiles/images/pg%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
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			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Pawan Golyan</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, Golyan Group</div>
				</div>
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<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	According to Golyan, the hotel&rsquo;s prime clients will be transit tourists as it will be located close to the Tribhuvan International Airport and Pashupatinath Temple, a popular Hindu shrine. The hotel will have 115 rooms. Golyan reveals that the company will tie up with an international hotel chain once the construction is completed.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group plans to develop tourism as one of its core sectors. Golyan says that the hotel is being developed as a trial project before leaping into the industry. If things go as planned, the group plans to establish two and three star hotels in industrial hubs such as Biratnagar, Birgunj and Pokhara. &ldquo;We do not just dive into any business sector. We first try it to understand the scene before we move forward,&rdquo; he explains.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Weaving the Industrial Base</span></strong></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group was founded by Sohan L Golyan, father of Pawan Golyan around five and a half decades ago with trading. The first manufacturing venture he established was a button factory, after which textile factories followed. In the course of the group&rsquo;s evolution, it involved itself in manufacturing a wide range of products such as slippers, zippers, audio cassettes among others, but they closed it down later. The textile and fabric based companies, however, lived on.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	When business was passed on to the second generation, Pawan Golyan started Reliance Spinning Mills Limited, one of the signature companies of the group. He says that this company registers an annual turnover of roughly Rs 5 billion and employs 3500 labours and 300 executives. Golyan claims that this is one of the largest industries in Nepal in terms of labour size and capital base. The group has invested around Rs 4 billion in this spinning mill alone.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Textile&rsquo;s Strength</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Though the group went on exploring, it also started experimenting with various other sectors, textile manufacturing continued by extending product line from acrylic yarn to pashmina and packing sacks. Golyan says that the group at one point tried steel manufacturing but did not succeed as much as textiles. &nbsp;The group now considers textiles as its specialised sector, whether it is pashmina, cashmere sweaters, yarns or woven sacks.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group now has five companies specialised in the textiles industry. Reliance Spinning, a state of the art spinning mill, manufactures spun yarns mainly in acrylic, polyester, viscose and blends. The products of this company are mostly exported to India. According to Golyan, 70 per cent of the products are exported to India, 20 to 25 per cent is sold in the domestic market, and the rest are exported to other countries. The company is now working towards producing cotton yarns to meet all domestic requirements.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Similarly, 95 per cent of cashmere and pashmina products produced by two companies - Tricot Industries and Himali Pashmina - are exported to the European, Australian and the US markets. The export surplus is sold in the domestic market through a showroom at Durbarmarg, Kathmandu. Tricot Industries was upgraded to a fully automated system around one and a half year ago.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Products such as circular knitted fabrics and woven sacks produced by Shivam, a third company, have their majority markets beyond Nepal - mostly in India, Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Golyan, around 80 per cent of Shivam Plastic&rsquo;s products are exported to India while remaining 20 per cent is sold in other countries including Nepal.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expanding Business</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group refrains from expanding the production capacity of its manufacturing units because of power shortage. &ldquo;If we had 24 hour power supply, we could double the production capacity of Reliance Spinning Mills and create jobs for 4000 people. But most of our factories are operating at 30 to 60 per cent of the installed capacity,&rdquo; he explains.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Besides this, the group is determined to revive its interest in hydropower business. It had dropped five projects with a total capacity of 20 MW after procedural delays and obstruction from local bodies. Golyan says that the group will start researching other possible projects in the next three months.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
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					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
						<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</span></strong></p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo; Golyan says.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.</p>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
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			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Some Companies under Golyan Group</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Textile Manufacturing</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reliance Spinning Mill</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shivam Plastic Industries</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tricot Industries&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Himali Pashmina</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Financial Services</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NIC Asia Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NMB Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lumbini Bank Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					International Trade</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Real Estate</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Management&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Hi-life on Westar Properties</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					he claims.</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div class="mceItemVisualAid" id="_mcePaste" style="border: 1px dashed rgb(187, 187, 187); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
					&nbsp;</div>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
					<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">Some Companies under Golyan Group</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Textile Manufacturing</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Reliance Spinning Mill</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Shivam Plastic Industries</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Tricot Industries&nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Himali Pashmina</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Financial Services</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NIC Asia Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NMB Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Lumbini Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">International Trade</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Real Estate</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Management&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hi-life on Westar Properties</strong></span></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo; he claims.</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-16',
			'modified' => '2013-09-16',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1687',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Consistent Growth Of The RMC Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajesh Agrawal, Director, RMC group" src="/userfiles/images/ra(1).jpg" style="width: 183px; height: 203px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajesh Agrawal</strong></div>
				<div>
					Director, RMC group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The export of RMC cements to India comes as a respite for the economy of Nepal that has long been suffering due to the dominance of imported goods from India. Along with catering to the rising demand for building materials like cement, steels and pipes in Nepal, the RMC Group now strives to expand its market to neighbor down south. Amidst a deepening trade deficit with India, the RMC Group is now planning to export manufacturing goods to the country. The strategy is to import raw materials and export value-added products to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Conviction behind success</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Since Nepal was completely dependent on imports for steel, Rajesh Agrawal, Director of RMC group, thought of establishing a factory to meet the growing demand of steel in the country. Despite his lack of experience and knowledge on the manufacturing industry, Agrawal did not shy away from venturing into a relatively new front. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Promising prospects for steel manufacturers prompted me to start a factory despite my inexperience,&rdquo; Agrawal says. He recalls being firm on his conviction to develop it through the learn-by-doing approach. Today, the RMC Group has leapfrogged from a small-scale firm to a big industry through this approach itself.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company initially formed for steel drum packaging for paints is now manufacturing steels, pipes, cements and sheets. Along with catering to the rising demands for steel, the company also meets the needs of pipes and other construction materials in its backyard. Growing steadily thus, it is now eyeing a broader market in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Forty per cent of our total turnover is exported to India today,&rdquo; Agrawal states to The Corporate. The group has recently started exporting cement to India and is the first company in Nepal to do so.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The RMC Group was established with an investment of five million rupees and now has an annual turnover of 5 billion rupees, informs Agrawal. Apart from the manufacturing sector, the group has investments in the banking and insurance sectors as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Industrialisation was yet to begin in Nepal when Agrawal had begun business. Despite limitations, Nepal gradually headed towards industrialization and augmented economic growth in the country. &ldquo;The steel consumption is directly related with economic development and the economic development of Nepal has increased with the consumption of our steels,&rdquo; says Agrawal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">&lsquo;Ups and Downs&rsquo; in Business Environment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	In the two decades of its operation, the RMC Group has experienced some ups and downs. Few years after the group established its factory to manufacture steel, the Maoist insurgency took off and posed many challenges to industrialists from running their business. &ldquo;However, the business environment recovered after the Maoists came into the peace process,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Affordability of local consumers has gone up in recent times due to remittance and other sources of income. &ldquo;People in villages have been switching to corrugated sheets from bricks, straw and other local materials to roof their houses,&rdquo; Agrawal observes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, the per capita steel consumption in Nepal is still one of the lowest in the world - 30kg per person, according to Agrawal, whereas the average is more than 300kg per person in the world. Agrawal is hopeful that steel consumption will get a boost in the days to come with political stability in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But despite these vicissitudes, consistent service to customers for the last 20 years has made RMC a credible brand. &ldquo;The consistent quality provided to consumers has ensured the growth of our companies,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Valuing Labour&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The company had begun with only 15 employees in total, but today, there are 400 employees hired by it. It has employed 80 peoples in its cement factory and has been hiring staff for administrative purposes through vacancy calls in newspapers.</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;A large number of our human resources are labours and we recruit them at the local level where our factories are located through the contractors,&rdquo; says Agrawal who values the labour force for the success of his company.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">CSR activities&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC Group has arranged drinking water facilities at the villages of the workers of its factories in Simra and other places as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. It has built water tanks, provided water pipes and bored water wells as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, it has provided corrugated sheets, steel and other construction materials to schools at the factories&rsquo; sites.</div>
<div>
	The company is also providing medical services to the families of its workers regularly.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Competition &amp; Promotional Activities</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to Agrawal, the RMC Group faces competition against Jagadamba Enterprises for pipes and Hulas Steel and the Biratnagar-based Arati Steel for Galvanised sheets.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group runs TVC (television commercials) as well as media advertisements in newspapers as a part of its promotional activity. Likewise, the group comes up frequently with scratch coupons, gift vouchers and other schemes for its customers. &nbsp;Targeting customers at the local level to advertise its products, the group airs advertisements through FM stations all across the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Social Affinity&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	While Director Agrawal is taking care of the companies and factories, his father Shrawan Kumar Agrawal - also Chairperson of the group - is involved in politics and social sectors. &nbsp;Chairperson Agrawal was a former Constituent Assembly lawmaker representing the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Marwari Sewa Samiti, an organization for social service to the Marwari community.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Palpa Cement at the offing</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC group has a project in Palpa to produce clinkers and cements in the pipeline. &ldquo;Clinkers are largely being imported from India for cement production, and we are planning to produce it, and cement made from it, from Palpa,&rdquo; informs Agrawal. The group is already in talks with the government for building the necessary infrastructure in the proposed factory sites.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="RMC Group" src="/userfiles/images/rMCGROUP.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 306px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					AT A GLANCE</h2>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Brief History</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Pvt Ltd was established on 1993. Prior to that, it was a firm to trade steels by importing from Japan, Korea and India. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Rajesh Agrawal left Rajesh Hardware Pvt Ltd to his partner on 1995 and he owned RMC Pvt Ltd. &nbsp;His partner is still doing the business on hardware. RMC is focusing its business on manufacturing. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Award and Recognition</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC already has the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate and the company was recently conferred with ISO 14001: 2004 certificate for its environment management system. Also, it has been awarded NS mark by Nepal Bureau of Standards &amp; Metrology (NBSM), a National Standards Body under Government of Nepal, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Involvement of the RMC group:</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>1. Rajesh Metal Craft Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Sister concern of the RMC Group, RMC Pvt Ltd manufactures and supplies MS Black Pipes, Galvanised Iron Pipes, Galvanised Plain and Corrugated Sheets, Tubular and Telescopic Steel Poles and Fabricated Steel Structural, among others. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>2. RMC Cement Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Cement Pvt Ltd, sister concern of RMC group, produces RMC cement from its Simara-based factory. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>3. H&amp;B Development Bank</strong></div>
					<div>
						HNB Development Bank is a leading development bank of Nepal that has a &ldquo;B&rdquo; class license issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank. RMC group chairperson Shrawan Agrwawal is the chairman of the H &amp; B Development Bank.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>4. Prudential Insurance Co Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Prudential Insurance Company was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 30, 2000. With the approval of Beema Samiti, it commenced operation on June 20, 2002. The Chairperson of RMC Group, Shrawan Agrawal, is in the Board of Directors of the Prudential Insurance Co Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>5. Palpa Cement&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						This is the mine based that will to produce clinker and cement. The factory will come under operation soon.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Details of major products of the RMC group:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>RMC Cement</strong></div>
					<div>
						The company has a production of RMC Cement from its factory that has a capacity of 2.4 million bags a year. The company has installed the latest PLC controlled closed circuit technology to ensure high quality and strength in the cement along with the installation of latest technology for the pollution control. It has also established fully-equipped modern quality testing laboratory to test the raw materials and finished goods at all stages.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>MS Black Pipes</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC has been manufacturing and supplying MS Black Pipe through its Birgunj based factory. It has the production capacity of 30 thousand tons per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Galvanised Iron Pipes&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Metal Craft Pvt Ltd also manufactures galvanised iron pipes. These are made from steel or iron pipes coated in molten-zinc.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Color Coated Sheets&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Pvt Ltd has begun manufacturing and supplying the color coated sheets from last two weeks and it has the production capacity of 18 thousand ton per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CR Sheet</strong></div>
					<div>
						The production capacity of CR sheet is 30 thousand ton per annum.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-25',
			'modified' => '2013-09-10',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'While Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with India due to its heavy dependency on import, Rajesh Metal Craft (RMC) Group has been exporting 40 per cent of its annual turnover to India.',
			'sortorder' => '1548',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1637',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Leading Chain Of Hotels In Nepal Grows Bigger',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajan Sakya CEO, KGH Group" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(2).jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajan Sakya</strong></div>
				<div>
					CEO, KGH Group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House. According to Rajan Sakya, CEO of KGH Group, 60 rooms of five-star facility were added on each hotel in the year 2012. Sakya says that rooms were upgraded in accordance with the demand of clients and growing competition to offer quality service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Renovation work is also ongoing at Aqua Buzz Unlimited, a hotel located in Koshi. Sakya admits that the hotel is not doing impressive business at the moment but he is optimistic that Koshi will emerge as a tourism hub when the Banepa-Bardibas highway gets completed in the next two years. He says that the highway will shorten the distance between Koshi and Kathmandu and will increase tourist flow to the area.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Expansion Plans</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group plans to add new properties to business in the years to come to their current line-up of eight hotels and three travel agencies. According to Sakya, the group is planning to establish two new hotels within the next two years. He says one will be in Kathmandu while the other will be in Koshi.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group wishes to see the business he established to be passed on to the future generation. Rajan Sakya, his youngest son also expresses commitment to continue the business and says, &ldquo;Tourism is the industry where we have expertise and long-time experience. The next generation will also be involved in the same field as we do not have any plans to venture into any other sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When making plans for the future, young Sakya says that the overall business climate of Nepal makes it difficult to make long-term plans. So, he says the group has been only making plans for the short term.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya reveals that the group plans to streamline and standardise the quality of its services offered throughout the properties of the group as well as its management style. For this purpose, he says, the group is adopting a corporate model of running business that will centrally control all sister concerns it owns.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Clientele and Occupancy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The morale of tourism entrepreneurs is getting a boost with the rise in tourist flow after the insurgency. Sakya is also content with the number of clients his chain of hotels has been able to attract. He says that the occupancy level has been satisfactory throughout the year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Sakya, Park Village Resort is primarily targeting conferences and seminars, and so 60 per cent of its clients are Nepalis while the rest are foreigners. Similarly, guests at the Kathmandu Guest House are mostly adventure tourists and it is an all-season hotel with 100 per cent foreign clients. Likewise, 80 per cent of clients at the group&rsquo;s hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini comprise of foreigners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Management strategy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has been operating under the family business model since Karna Sakya ventured into the tourism and hospitality sector almost 48 years ago. &ldquo;We are not running our business similar to a professionally managed five star hotel. &nbsp;Though we have professional hotel managers to look after a particular hotel, we have shouldered the responsibility of running the business and we are happy with this style because we believe we have the expertise and experience of several decades,&rdquo; explains Rajan Sakya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Sakyas, however, are planning to corporatise the group in the next one to two years. The group plans to set up a corporate head office in Kathmandu with a team headed by a General Manager. Sakya says that the corporate office will centrally control the accounts, internal audits and central purchasing. &ldquo;This model is being adopted to standardise the quality of services and products used across all the properties under the group,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Human Resource Management</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has not only created employment for 650 to 700 people but also has been meeting a social responsibility in hiring employees. Sakya says that the group hires women under the shelter of Maiti Nepal, a non profit organisation dedicated to help victims of sex trafficking. As women from the organisation find it challenging to reintegrate into society after being rescued from brothels, the KGH group has tied up with Anuradha Koirala (Founder and Director of Maiti Nepal and also a winner of CNN Heroes of 2010) to provide them with job opportunities in all of its properties, says Sakya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group prioritises hiring employees from underprivileged groups and communities. Sakya says that the group gives preference to those who have returned after working abroad. He gives an example of a recent recruitment of 10 employees who had returned from the US and the UK. He also reveals that the employee turnover at the group is quite low and some of the employees have been with the company for even decades. &ldquo;We have maintained a very good relationship with employees and so, we do not have problems with the human resource management,&rdquo; he states about the company&rsquo;s relationship with its employees.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="KGH GROUP NEPAL" src="/userfiles/images/2a.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 169px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" /></div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<div>
		<strong style="font-size: 14px;">The KGH journey</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
	The journey of the KGH Group began when Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group established Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, 48 years ago. Sakya recalls that Thamel was nothing more than a paddy field then. Thamel, the tourist hub of today grew around the hotel which started with 13 rooms.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya, a government employee then, used to work at the department of forestry and was not satisfied with the working environment. &nbsp;Brought up in an affluent family, he never felt that he had to take up a job to make his living. A traveller himself, he says that one must be able to comprehend what tourists want in order to run a tourism business and adds: &ldquo;Tourism is a business of dreams and only a dreamer can delve deep into this sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	His expertise as a forester and environmentalist is reflected in the hotels of the group. He has always prioritised the harmony between buildings, nature and the culture of the locality where the hotel is built and it can be witnessed in any of the sister hotels of the group. Sakya says he never developed a property on a leased or government land and all land where hotels are built is owned by the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When the country was at the peak of insurgency, the group never took a break. Rather it expanded into new projects and purchased land that helped it achieve success that it had never seen earlier.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Today, the group has eight hotels and three travel agencies and is about to mark its golden jubilee in two years&rsquo; time</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					Signature Hotels of the KGH Group</h2>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Park Village Hotel and Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Park Village Hotel and Resort" src="/userfiles/images/park%20villafge.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />This hotel spreads over 55 ropanis of land and is nestled in the foothills of Shivapuri National Park. Located just seven kilometres away from the heart of Kathmandu city, the hotel is so close to nature that it is regarded as a hotspot for bird watching, gorgeous scenery and harbours over 78 species of 3000 flowering plants. The hotel primarily targets conference clients and has seven conference halls and parking space for 80 vehicles. Similarly, it has 135 rooms, suites and service apartments of five star categories, swimming pool and spa among other luxurious amenities.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Kathmandu Guest House</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Kathmandu Guest House" src="/userfiles/images/kgh.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 132px;" />Kathmandu Guest House is the second largest hotel of the group that also preserves the architectural grandeur of a Rana palace intact along with ultra modern facilities. The hotel named one of the 300 most popular icon hotels in Asia by the Inside Guide in 2003 is famous among adventure tourists, writers, musicians and artists travelling Nepal. The hotel located at the heart of city, Thamel, has 150 rooms that cost from USD 30 to USD160 per night. Recently, the hotel has upgraded its rooms and interiors keeping the elegance and history of its architecture alive.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Waterfront Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						The resort located on the banks of Fewa Lake in the popular tourist destination, Pokhara, is spread over 15 ropanis of land. The company claims that it is one of the best eco friendly hotels in Pokhara. The resort even has a rain harvesting system and waste water is recycled to be used in its gardens, according to the company. One of the newest ventures of the KGH Group, the resort offers unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. The resort with 60 rooms also offers a peaceful and homely environment.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Buddha Maya Garden Hotel</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Buddha Maya Garden Hotel" src="/userfiles/images/bmg.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />The hotel is located just five minutes from the birth spot of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. The hotel spreads over nine bighas of land and has its garden full of indigenous Buddha era trees. Founder of the group, Karna Sakya&rsquo;s expertise in forestry and environment has inspired the landscape of the hotel in marrying art, culture and nature. It is one of the largest hotels in Lumbini with three and four star quality rooms.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Maruni Sanctuary Lodge</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Maruni Sanctuary Lodge" src="/userfiles/images/msl.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />Established in 2004 with 11 cottages, the hotel has now expanded into 37 huts. The hotel nestled on the edge of Chitwan National Park and just 10 minutes walk from Sauraha. All rooms are decorated in a unique traditional architecture with bamboo furniture, terra-cotta flooring and colourful ethnic Tharu paintings. The hotel also has its own wetland that attracts migratory birds, making it ideal for bird watching.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-19',
			'modified' => '2013-09-19',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House.',
			'sortorder' => '1498',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1591',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Constant Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></p>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Rajesh Kazi Shrestha,Chairman, RK Associates" src="/userfiles/images/RKS.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td style="text-align: center;">
					<div>
						<strong>Rajesh Kazi Shrestha</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, RK Associates</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		RK Associates and its sister concerns such as Nepal International Business (NIB) Pvt Ltd and &nbsp; Constant Business Group (CBG) are authorised dealers of Lifan&rsquo;s motorbikes and cars and the brands Zotye, Proton, Jonway and Ssangyong. In business for the past 32 years, CBG and its promoters have been trading automobiles and dealing re-conditioned and brand new vehicles in Kathmandu.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		CBG started its business by first importing Lifan motorbikes to Nepal and later assembling them here. After selling a large number of motorbikes within a short time, the company felt the need to provide after sales services and spare parts to its customers, which it has now arranged for.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Chairman of RK Associates, the group of companies that runs CBG, NIB, Alliance Insurance Company Ltd, Soaltee Hotel Limited, Status Trading Pvt Ltd among other companies, said that the Lifan Company has introduced SUVs in the Chinese market and that he plans to bring them to Nepal through Nepal International Business (NIB), an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha claims that the company has sold more than 600 Zotye SUVs in Nepal in the past five years. &ldquo;Customers demand Zotye vehicles that use Mitsubishi engines and provide power, performance and quality to their rides; we brought the Jonway SUV in order to meet their demand,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		NIB has also brought the Zotye Nomad, a mini SUV, to Kathmandu recently. An authorised distributor of Ssangyong Automobiles of Korea too, it has also introduced the four-wheeler Korando in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Starting a Business&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Shrestha&rsquo;s interest in automobiles and his family&rsquo;s background in business lured him to the field of trading vehicles. &ldquo;While I was doing my B.Com, I realised that I my fortunes were waiting for me in this line and that prompted me to jump into this sector,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given to his keen interest in vehicles since childhood, Shrestha focused himself in the trading of vehicles. He is not, however, confined only to vehicle trading but also involved in insurance, banking, food and carpets, among other businesses. CBG&rsquo;s sister enterprises are looked over by Shrestha himself while others are taken care of by his business partners.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">New Launches</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The company introduced the Higer bus in Nepal last Wednesday. The bus&rsquo;s primary clients are tourism and travel agencies and were brought to Nepal following the request of travel entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;When I told them it was hard for me to provide the service unless there was a demand for more than 12 buses, tourism entrepreneurs came jointly with an order of 10 buses,&rdquo; says Shrestha, who also claims the buses will help boost the tourism industry in Nepal. Post the bus launch, CBG has been getting an overwhelming response from the market according to Shrestha. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		This initial response, although a boost for the company&rsquo;s morale, does not ascertain success as the depreciation of the rupee is bound to affect the market price and sales of vehicles. &nbsp;&ldquo;We have requested the company to reduce the price for pre-order in bulk,&rdquo; says Shrestha, revealing some cautionary measures for market uncertainty. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Market Challenges and Prospects</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The spiraling value of the rupee has hit businesses hard and NIB is not an exception. Though the company is satisfied with increase in sales, Shrestha says the rate of return is too low and additional vehicles are not being imported due to the escalating price of dollars. &ldquo;We are in a wait and watch mode,&rdquo; Shrestha says adding that the company does not have immediate plans for market expansion unless the rupee strengthens against the dollar.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With various models and brands available, Shrestha regards competition due multiple choices in the market as a major challenge for his company. To overcome this, the company is keeping a vigilant eye to provide something unique to its customers. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Nepal, however, is a lucrative market for SUVs, fancy cars, motorbikes, buses and other vehicles. Provided there is political stability in the country, Shrestha sees a very good prospective for automobile business here. &ldquo;People&rsquo;s purchasing power has gone up and they are demanding more,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Selling more vehicles would result in big transaction which bodes well to all including businessmen, government and the people.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Expectations from the Government&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		High import duties imposed on automobiles by the government, despite Nepal&rsquo;s WTO membership and commitment to gradually reduce custom duties, is affecting vehicle sales, according to Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Entrepreneurs like him expect the government to formulate policies and laws in line with the obligation it has made for the WTO membership.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha also demands the government to come up with an effective plan to replace old vehicles. &ldquo;Vehicles older than 20 years should be replaced. They consume too much fuel and pollute the environment,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Marketing Matters and the Future</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		Even though marketing work has become more simplified with information and technology, Shrestha is not satisfied with the way it is executed in Nepal. He admits that the business community here has not been able to fully tap the advantage of technology in this field. &ldquo;Sometimes, our marketing expenditure even surpasses our income,&rdquo; he says to demonstrate the point.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha emphasises the need for assessing consumer demand and market wave length as a first step to improvement. &ldquo;Our company formulates marketing strategies to increase our sales and we are trying to integrate appropriate technology in our marketing tools,&rdquo; he shares. &ldquo;But it is still uncertain as to whether investment in marketing would bring returns.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With over 150 employees in total, Shrestha delegates responsibilities to a trusted team and receives updates and provides guidance through regular meetings. His future plans hinge upon the political and business climate of the country. But even as he echoes common frustrations among businessmen of a lack of encouragement for new ventures, Shrestha has not withheld from making optimistic plans for the future, for solar energy, agri-business and tourism are sectors he has kept an eye out for, he also reveals possibilities of importing airplanes from China soon.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>
	<img alt="rk aSSOCIATES" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 112px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>AT A GLANCE</b></span></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Higer Buses Launched</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							<img alt="Higer Bus" src="/userfiles/images/HIGER%20BUS.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 182px;" />Nepal International Business Pvt. Ltd has brought Higer Bus in Nepali market. The bus is produced by Higer Company of China. Tourism entrepreneurs are the main target customers of the company for these buses. &nbsp;The buses were launched by Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudyal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, amid a program in capital last week. &nbsp;Designed to suit the topography like of Nepal, the company has believed, this brand of the bus will be popular in Nepali market very soon. The newly introduced buses have the seat capacity of 29 to 35, according to the company. The company has also offered the warranty for 18 months while maintenance and the buses&rsquo; spear parts can be easily available from the company. Air condition cooling and heating, luggage compartment with cool air outlet, luxurious seats, reverse display monitor, Electrophoretic technology guarantee and corrosion resistance, among others, are the main features of the bus.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Vehicle Brands Imported by CBG</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Zotye Nomad SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CBG is also an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China in Nepal. The Company had also brought the Zotye Nomad mini SUV in 2011. Zotya Nomad SUV- 3,970 mm long, 1,570 mm wide and 1,733 mm tall - &nbsp; has 1,500 cc petrol engine with 16 valves and a multi-point electric fuel injection system. Zotye Nomad is available in seven colors&mdash;pure white, crystal silver, light black, pure red, light blue, dark blue and bright black.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Jonway SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorised dealer of Jonway Companies&rsquo; products in Nepal. Jonway Auto Company is the main exporting automobile company of China. &nbsp;It has minimum grounded clearances of 200 mm. The ISO 9001: 2000 certified company has been exporting its products to around 40 countries.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>SSangYong Cars</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorized dealer of SsangYong, the automobile manufacturing company based in South Korea. It had introduced the new model of its second generation Korando cars in the Nepali in April, 2011. Korando brand cars are sold in 82 countries around the world. The price tag of Korando car was Rs. 4,775,000 at the time of launch.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Lifan</strong></div>
						<div>
							The sister concern of the CGP has sold Lifan motorbikes in Nepal. Later, it also started assembling the motorbikes itself in Nepal. &nbsp;The company has the service center and spare parts for Lifan customers.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Proton</strong></div>
						<div>
							Sole authorized distributor of Malaysia based auto manufacturer Proton in Nepal, CGP sells Proton Persona, Gen.2 and Savvy&mdash;in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-12',
			'modified' => '2013-08-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Active in business for over three decades, the Constant Business Group’s Rajesh Kazi Shrestha is now attempting to expand his turf to agriculture, tourism and solar energy.',
			'sortorder' => '1452',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1544',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Mudbhary And Joshi Construction - Distributing Energy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman, Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/Ajay%20Kumar%20Mudbhary.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ajay Kumar Mudbhary</strong></div>
				<div>
					Executive Chairman</div>
				<div>
					Mudbhary and Joshi</div>
				<div>
					Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd, one of the leading companies in power line industry of Nepal plans to venture into the power production and tourism industry too. Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman of the company who believes that hydropower and tourism are two major sectors that can push Nepal towards prosperity, however, did not reveal the details of the plans. But, he promised to venture into these sectors soon and the company is working towards it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary said, &ldquo;We do not dive into any new venture without plans. Power generation is a capital intensive activity, so, to move into it, we need to make sure that the current business is not affected.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	MJC is a part of three companies involved in the energy sector including Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co Pvt Ltd (NEEK) and a wooden pole manufacturer inside the Hetauda Industrial District in Hetauda.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Mudbhary, the group of companies is specialised on construction of transmission line, substation and manufacturing of transformers. He said that the company has been involved in this sector since the establishment of the company in 1982.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Expanding the Horizon&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Although the company does not have plans to go into a particular sector at the moment, it has been constantly involved in expanding the construction business within the energy sector. Mudbhary says, &ldquo;There are few companies involved in the transmission line development. So, there are enough opportunities and we are concentrating on enhancing capacity needed for expansion in this particular area.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary says that his company wants to tap the opportunities in the transmission line and grid expansion of the country that is growing with the number of new hydropower plants entering the construction phase. &ldquo;We prioritise what we have in front of us at the moment. We have realised that the country needs a company like us in the power distribution channel. So, we will continue working either as a prime contractor or as a sub contractor for an international contractor.&rdquo; To, materialise this goal the company is involved in producing a capable work force.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that there is a soaring demand of human resources not only in Nepal but also in the entire South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East regions. He explains, because of the high demand in these areas, we have to face shortage of human resource, which is a challenge of working in the power sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary further says that the company does not want to supply human resource to other countries but would go as a contractor there if the resources would remain in favour of his company. &ldquo;There were invitations from India, Cambodia and Myanmar, but, we are busy in Nepal. And, we do not want to overtrade works beyond our capacity and size as we must complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated time. So, we want to wait for a while and emerge strongly within the country before looking beyond the borders&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Grabbing Opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The company is involved in developing transmission lines and substation across the country. Mudbhary shares that the company is currently involved in 10 different projects including Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line, Kusaha- Kattaiya 132 kV cross border transmission line, Butwol- Kohalpur, Dumre-Damauli, and other power grids in Dang, Hetauda, Damak and Dhulabari. Mudbhary believes that there are ample opportunities within the country because of the new power plants in the development stage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that his company has always believed in capacity building and proving with quality works. &ldquo;In the power sector, competitiveness comes only through experience. The competency we have developed is a result of hard work for almost two decades. Now, we are known as a competitive company that holds a leading position in Nepal with a market share of roughly 35 per cent,&rdquo; he says. He also says that around five companies in the market are working in the similar field.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Mudbhary and Joshi Construction" src="/userfiles/images/mjc1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 239px;" />Power Specialisation&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Along with the MJC, two other companies are also involved in production of power equipment. The company&rsquo;s journey towards the energy sector was guided by Mudbhary&rsquo;s knowledge gained as a student of electrical engineering at Pulchowk Engineering Campus. He is the first generation business person in his family and started business that matches his knowledge and interest. The determined and gradual move in this sector has made him and his company, one of the established names in the power transmission industry of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The MJC had started with road construction project in Rupandehi almost three decades back. However, the company did not stick to just road construction. Mudbhary says that his company gradually moved into power distribution works and then to development of substations and transmission lines. The company through its sister concerns also manufactures transformers and electricity poles.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NEEK produces 3000 transformers in a year and certain portion of the production is exported to Bhutan. Mudbhary says that NEEK products capture 75 per cent market share in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Managing Human Resources&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As the company works on various projects, Mudbhary says that up to 1000 employees have worked with the company at a point of time. But, at the moment around 600 employees are working in 10 different projects. He says that majority of staff are temporary employees.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, Mudbhary says employee retention high in his business. There are employees working with the company for more than two decades - since the beginning days of the company, he adds. He also says that those who left the company when a project came to an end returned back when another project began.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A team of professionals assigned for a particular project looks after all the managerial tasks including the human resource management. He says that the projects are supervised by the top management on a regular basis. &ldquo;The project manager is provided with all the managerial responsibilities under our close supervision. We facilitate as and when required,&rdquo; he shares his management style.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Project Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	MJC acquires projects through both national and international competitive bidding process and executes according to the mentioned norms and requirements of the project. Mudbhary says that various factors are taken into account before bidding, such as proximity of new project to the current area of works.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similar to the human resource management, Mudhbary says that the projects are also managed by a team of professionals under the supervision of the top level management. He further explains that the team of technicians and employees consists of only Nepali staff.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When it comes to developing projects, most of the construction materials are local products while other equipment like conductors, tower materials and others are imported from Germany, India, China, USA or any other country if Nepali products are not approved in the contract provision.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Company&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						MJC was incorporated by a team of young entrepreneurs in 1982 with the objective of establishing a professionally managed and well equipped construction company. The company was registered as &ldquo;A&rdquo; class contractor in 1993 by Ministry of Works and Transport. With three decades of construction experience, MJC has been helping its customers to move energy where it is needed from power plant to the user through Transmission and Distribution lines. MJC has constructed Transmission Line ranging from 11 kV to 400 kV with Optical Fibre Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) and Substation raging from 33 kV to 132 kV with Power Transformer raging from 1 MVA to 63 MVA. MJC has also constructed some national road projects and has also completed Oil Storage Project with its own design.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Some Projects of MCJ&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&bull; Hetauda 132kV Substation and Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kusum-Hapure 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kabeli Corridor 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and construction of Dhulabari (Jhapa) 33/11kV Substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Power P. 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Khimti-Dhalkebar 220kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400kV Dhauliganga- Barreilley Transmission Line Tanakpur, India (5 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; 400kV DC Vishnuprayag- Muzaffarnagar Transmission Line, India (3 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and installation, testing and commissioning of two numbers of 33/11kV, 16.6 MVA PT at Duhabi S/S with overhauling and shifting of &nbsp; &nbsp;existing transformers to Anarmani&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and commissioning of 132/33kV transformer at Lahan Subsation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, stringing and testing of optical fiber with ground wire in Hetauda - Pathlaiya and Lahan - Duhabi 132kV T/L project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 33/11kV 2x10/13.3/16. 6 MVA new substation at Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400km of 11kV overhead lines and distribution line for Kailali - Kanchanpur Rural Electrification Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Rural electrification of various districts&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Thankot-Chapagaon-Bhaktapur 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Re-routing work of Chilime-Trishuli 66kV transmission line at Thade in Rasuwa&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, relocation and commissioning of power transformer (3 nos. 15 MVA, 1No. 30 MVA, Circuit Breakers, Control and Relay Panels)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and delivery of three phase whole current energy meter&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Stringing of OPGW in 11kV line from dam site to power house in Kali- Gankadi &ldquo;A&rdquo; hydroelectric power project (9km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and installation of 11kV vacuum circuit breaker panel board at sub-station in Hetauda Industrial District&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Shifting, erection and commissioning of power transformer from Anarmani to Lamahi substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						Mudbhary has been carrying out philanthropic activities through rotary clubs at a personal level but he says that his company has not officially carried out any such activities as of now. But, he understands the importance of CSR activities and promises to gradually involve in it.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-08-04',
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			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Mudbhary and Joshi Construction Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneer and leading companies involved in development of power grids. The company plans to diversify its portfolio by investing in hydropower generation and also in the tourism industry.',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1501',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'VOITH: A Tale Of Struggle, Conviction And Patience',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director , United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/ritusingh.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 193px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ritu Singh Vaidya</strong></div>
				<div>
					Managing Director</div>
				<div>
					United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people. The group started as United Trade Syndicate, a company that imports automobiles, has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Inception&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	VOITH was established in Kathmandu 40 years ago by an enterprising young man, late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya was initially involved in the political movement of Nepal to overthrow the Rana oligarchy and also worked for 11 years in different institutions including USAID and Ministry for Foreign Affairs until he realized that nothing would interest him except working under his own leadership and self vision.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya gave up everything just to initiate his own business. With just $700 in his pocket, he ventured into the business journey to Japan on December 18, 1967. After continuous and regular meetings with the officials of Toyota Company in Japan, who were initially skeptical about his ability, eventually signed an agreement with the company on selling their vehicles in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Upon his arrival, Vaidya established United Traders Syndicate (UTS) Pvt Ltd and sold 97 vehicles, 91 more than the targets set by the Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After four-decades, Toyota, which was introduced to the customers by the UTS for the first time in Nepal, is still one of the dominant brands in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Started from the UTS dealing automobiles, the VOITH has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Behind the meteoric rise of the organization as one of the largest business house, there are the tales of struggle, conviction, hard-work and patience of the organization&rsquo;s founder late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Setting the priorities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The organisation accords its priority to industries that contribute greatly to the social upliftment of the Nepali people. Hence, labor-intensive, agro-based industries are VOITH&rsquo;s priorities. And, as it said, it is convinced that such undertakings help raise the living standard of Nepal&rsquo;s poorest people, the bulk of whom are farmers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has been continuously serving the people for past four decades. Since its inception, the organization is putting the farmers at its center of focus. It strives to bring joy and success into the community of the common farmers through professional development and modernization of the agricultural sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Now, the president of the VOITH President Suraj Vaidya is upholding the legacy of Vaidya group created by his late father Dr Vijay G. Vaidya. Suraj, President of the VOITH, is also leading the umbrella organisation of the business community - Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries- as its president.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Caring the Nature&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	For many, doing business is all about gaining immediate profits from their investment and deposit the cash in their bank accounts even at the expense of human health or irrespective of the adverse impact it makes on the environment or natural heritages.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, VOITH claims that it has abided by the concept and principle of green environment in the field of industrial and business development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This company has refrained itself from entering into any production that causes harm to human health or adversely challenges the natural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Management Mantra&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Vision, commitment, courage, perseverance and hard work are the key mantras for the staffs working in VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Board of Directors sets the overall policy and management guidance for each of the divisions - Trading and Services, Industry, Construction - of VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The VOITH is one of the largest business groups in Nepal and provides employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people, and prides itself in its staff that represents some of the best managerial talent in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Each division is led by an Executive Director. Regular staff meetings are held that ensures total managerial involvement in the day-to-day operation of VOITH as well as its future planning needs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Though it has made its slogan &ldquo;Little Things We Do&rdquo;, the philanthropy and social services of the VOITH are beyond the merely fulfilling its bit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The list of the services that the company has done goes long. To mention few: it provides scholarships to the needy and underprivileged students for the scholarship; builds school buildings, temples; supports sportsperson; involves itself in cleaning campaign as well as renovating and preserving cultural heritages, among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has organized Toyota Women&rsquo;s Motor Rally and the money that was raised was given to a primary school at Hile, Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since 2006, VOITH has begun awarding a Toyota car to the most outstanding football player of the year. Likewise, VOITH set up a revolving fund of Rs. 400,000 to organize the tournaments and made available additional funds to manage them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It had donated an Ambulance to the Avyudaya Multipurpose Cooperative at Kalyanpur, Chitwan. It has been providing financial help to dozens of schools across the country. In Chitwan, it has constructed a Reading Room besides providing books and magazines. It has made available Rs. 1 million to Mothers&rsquo; groups to create awareness and expand literacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Kathmandu, it has built numerous waiting stands at the bus stops for the comfort of passengers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Venturing Next&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As part of its regular and new launches, VOITH is all set to launch a new model of Toyota car at the end of the August. According to Sahara KC, Marketing Manager at VOITH, Toyota Etios will roll out in the street. This car would cost Rs 3.44 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	KC says those who want to exchange their vehicle with the Toyota Etios will have that opportunity during the launch where bank, insurance and validity counter will also be available.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Vijaya Academy of Health and Science is scheduled to begin four-year Bachelor degree in affiliation with universities from Australia and Philippines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of UTS Pvt Ltd, the organization is planning to expand into newer sectors like hydropower, hospitality and education.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	She says, &ldquo;Hydropower should be there soon as it is already in the pipeline and we are seriously looking into hospitality. Hopefully, we will be coming with new ventures in the next two years if we don&rsquo;t have external disturbing factors like endless bandhs&nbsp;and political crisis.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/voith1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 397px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h1>
					Group&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</h1>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="automobile" src="/userfiles/images/automobiles(2).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 62px;" />Automobiles&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The group is sole distributor of Toyota vehicles and Genuine parts for Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					Sole distributor of Chinese vehicles - Yutong (Zhegnzhou Yutong Bus Company) and Shandong Wuzeng Group Co. Ltd. - in Nepal and is working to promote Great Wall Motors as well.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The company also imports electric bicycles and furnitures.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="tea" src="/userfiles/images/tea(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 42px;" />Tea&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It produces high grown orthodox tea. Its scientific method of cultivation is totally bio-organic.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="agriproducts" src="/userfiles/images/Agri%20Products(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 35px;" />Agri-products&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The organization is also producing high quality agricultural products.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="construction" src="/userfiles/images/Construction(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 36px;" />Construction&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The company is active in the national and international construction.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="education" src="/userfiles/images/Education(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 53px;" />Education&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It has planned tor a three-year Proficiency Certificate Level (Undergraduate) Course in Nursing. In future, it will offer four-year Bachelor in Nursing Degree.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Achievements of UTS&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has successfully received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Effort Award&rdquo; in the year 2000 for its outstanding performance.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been receiving the &ldquo;Exhibitor Award&rdquo; for the 1st Auto Show 1998 and 2nd Auto Show 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has also received a ,&ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Parts and Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Award Program from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for the year 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been getting consecutively a &ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Service Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service Award.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;A recognition of over 30 years of dedicated partnership&rdquo; in the year 2001 from Toyota Motor Corporation.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; in the year 2004 for its outstanding performance from Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; 2006/2007/2008 from Toyota Motor Corporations.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS was awarded for highest tax paying company at FY 2063/2064 as &ldquo;Customs Distinguished Personality&rdquo;.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-29',
			'modified' => '2013-07-29',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people.',
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			'title' => 'New Beginnings For Incentive Tours And Travels',
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	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nutan Bajracharya,Group General Manager, Incentive Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/nutan.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 248px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<strong>Nutan Bajracharya</strong><br />
				<em>Group General Manager<br />
				Incentive Group of Companies</em></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company turned GSA of Air Asia X last year but the excitement of winning the title persists. It was obvious for Incentive Tours and Travel, also known as Incentive Group of Companies, that this wouldbecome a major turning point in their business. Nutan Bajracharya, General Manager of the group says, &ldquo;It happened because of the diligence and hard work of our Chairman Hariman Lama whostarted his career as a messenger in a travel agency..&rdquo; Lama symbolizes the brand image the company is to going to form.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Having started off as Incentives Tours and Travels in 1999, the group now acquires two other companies namely Sansui Cargo and Incentive Holidays. With five flights a week to Malaysia, the group acquires 25 percent of market shares in flights to and from Malaysia, according to the company&rsquo;s spokesperson. Within a short span of time, the company has served over 10 thousand tourists from all over the world, mainly theUS, Japan, Europe and South East Asian countries. The company now has anannual turnover of two billion&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Targeting the middle class&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Before the introduction of direct flights and economy tourism packages, only upper class customers were considered to be the target market for international tourism in Nepal. According to the company, it is the sole enterprise that flies people at an affordable fare and targets mostly middle class consumers.. The company has now expanded its services to China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bhutan and Tibet. &ldquo;We are now focusing on out-bound tourism because a high number of Nepalis are going abroad daily for jobs, travel or to study,&rdquo; says Bajracharya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Recently, the company has come up with a travel package to Malaysia targeting the middle class in Nepal. &ldquo;We have a four-night-five-day tour package for Malaysia at the price of Rs 49,499and, so far we have received very good bookings,&rdquo; he shares.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	International ticketing and tour packages as well as cargo all around the world are Incentive&rsquo;s services at the offing. Says Bajracharya: &ldquo;We have trekking and mountaineering as well, in addition to our packages forout-bound tourism.&rdquo; According to him, Air Asia X is gaining popularity among people flying togulf countries and some 200-250 people choose to fly with it every month. The company has a target of increasing this number to 500 passengers per month. Among those who come to Incentive Holidays, Singapore and Malaysia are the most visited destinations.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The services of the company include hotel reservations, domestic flights, MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition), international flights, helicopter charters, special tailored tours and out-bound tours. Bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain flights, jungle safari, tours, sightseeing and white water river rafting are other activities the company has been in the business of. Prior to Incentive Holidays, Incentive Tours and Travels used to handle these businesses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan sees three or four companies as his competitors. He says they have packages for outbound tourists as well butwhen it comes totour packages in Malaysia, competition seems to have been eliminated due to Incentive&rsquo;s alliance with Air Asia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Human Resource Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan shares that his company follows staff rules and regulations for pay and perks. &ldquo;We hire experts and seek their recommendation to manage our human resource,&rdquo; he says, adding that this system becomes instrumental in keeping the company fine tuned. &ldquo;Even when staff are at leave or in holiday, the company&rsquo;s schedule is not affected since their tasks are handled systematically.&rdquo; Including five Deputy General Managers and board directors, the company currently employs 50 people, among who 17 are women.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company has fixed working hours and holidays for the staff, which according to Nutan are mostly disciplined and rule abiding. In a bid to acknowledge the work of his staff and to further motivate them, the company confers the&lsquo;Staff of the year&rsquo; award annually to those who have worked well and served the company for over five years. . To keep the staff up to mark with international standards, the company often sends them abroad for training and also invites experts from outside to train them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since there is a huge opportunity and scope in the tourism sector, it seems that the private companies have not been able to exploit it. Bajracharya is upbeat about the prospect of tourism in Nepal. &ldquo;Although Nepal is a country of amazing extremes including the greatest mountain range and anincredible variety of ecosystems, we have not been able to draw a large number of tourists,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Our company strives towards tapping this huge potential by bringing adventurous and luxury travelers from around the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Like many industries in Nepal, the unpredictable but recurring strikes are having an adverse impact in their business too. Bajracharya says that it not only incurs a huge loss to the economy but also paints a negative image of the country in the international arena. However, he is optimistic about the future of the tourism.. He underlines the need for massive tourism to make it a foremost industry.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hosting the tourist, which was once considered a part of the culture in Nepal, is now growing to be a lucrative business. In his experience, the understanding of tourism benefits among local people has increased. &ldquo;Peoplein remote areas these days are using western-style toilets because they now understand the value of tourism,&rdquo; he observes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hariman, however, laments the apathy and indifference shown by the government towards the tourism industry. He says, &ldquo;The government is not serious in exploring new tourist destinations. It is least bothered to promote already discovered tourist destinations and trekking trails. For example there isn&rsquo;t a single comprehensive information booklet published by the government consisting of information on tourist destinations in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Future Strategy&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group aims to become an international travels and tours operator in the near future. The exploration of new international destinations is their immediate plan, targeting the outbound tourists. &ldquo;We are exploring new destinations all around the world catering with services at competitively lower prices,&rdquo; Bajracharyainforms.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Speaking about the travel patterns in general, Bajracharaya observes that people usually go for pre-made packages and are relatively clueless about future travel plans.. &ldquo;The ignorance of new destinations is the reason behind this,and this is why we are inviting travelers with new packages as planned by our company,&rdquo; he concludes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="AirAsia " src="/userfiles/images/airasia1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 331px; margin: 5px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div>
					<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></span></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;">Incentives Group of Companies&nbsp;</span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentives Tours and Travels&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 1999, the company offers travel and tour packages as well as other services like ticketing, hotel reservation, paragliding andjungle safari.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Sansui Cargo&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company provides cargo services all over the world.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentive Holidays&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company is the GSA of Air Asia X for Nepal and offers special tour packages for Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Strengths</strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Discipline and good working culture&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Threats </strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							<span style="font-size: 12px;">Political instability&nbsp;</span></li>
						<li>
							Success mantras&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Continuity with honesty&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Cost efficiency&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Good service&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						So far the company has been helping flood victims and local clubs as a part of their corporate social responsibility. However, this company is keenly looking to do something more in the travel and tourism sector. Bajracharya says that they are planning to renovate temples, footpaths and other sites of cultural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Individual brand matters&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Asthe chairperson of the group, Lama, has been associated with the travel businessfor approximately 30 years. The prospects he saw in the tourism sector encouraged and led him to establish his own company. Now, his struggle and diligencehas paid him off,making him the owner of the company from his humbles beginnings as messenger for a previous work place.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In 2000, he got another opportunity to gain an international recognition. His participation at the Global Youth Meet, where youths from around 58 countries were present, gave him an opportunity to project himself as a promising businessman in the tourism business.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Networking and Affiliation&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Incentive Tours and Travels is a member of Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA). It is also affiliated with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Pacific Air Travel Association (PATA), Trekking Agencies&rsquo; Association of Nepal (TAAN), and various other associations. Nutan informs that his company has links with around 150 hotels in Nepal to use this facility for in-bound tourists.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'title' => 'TM Dugar Group: Preserving Its Legacy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Moti Lal Dugar,Chairman, TM Dugar Group" src="/userfiles/images/dugar2.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 220px; margin: 5px 2px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Moti Lal Dugar</strong></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">Chairman, TM Dugar Group</span></div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself. The group today is far from its heyday, though it has not lost all of its charm. According to Chairman Moti Lal Dugar, the group has been hit hard by the prevailing gloom in the business environment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Sizing down&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The organised sector is treading a path of misery. We have felt that we are less capable to work in such an environment. So, without alleging anyone, we are closing some of our ventures,&rdquo; Dugar expressed dissatisfaction. Bureaucratic hassles and procedural delays have been discouraging constraints in the business. Dugar also says that it is extremely difficult to run a business in current times. The group has closed down almost half a dozen manufacturing units.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With no plans for expansion in the manufacturing sector, the group has kept itself in a &lsquo;wait and watch&rsquo; mode and has decided to sustain those ventures that are doing relatively well. Says Dugar: &ldquo;We do not have thoughts to pursue a new line of business today. We are instead concentrating on ways to sustain our ventures and even downsizing and closing some of them.&rdquo; He says that doing business in current unfavourable environment is not an easy job and going for expansion at the moment would be a costly proposition.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Hydro Hope&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite the depressing business climate, the group sees prospects in the hydropower industry. Although Dugar did not reveal the details of the project, he says the group is soon developing three hydropower plants. &ldquo;Hydropower is the only sector where the future rests,&rdquo; he claims.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group is currently waiting for the government&rsquo;s approval of the projects and to sign the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). After filing an application for the PPA at NEA, things have yet to be finalised due to procedural delays. &ldquo;We are ready from our side but we need the go ahead signal from the government,&rdquo; Dugar shares.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Dugar expects the construction phase to begin next year. While a detailed project report has already been completed, progress has stalled at the project development stage since the past five to six years. &ldquo;The response of NEA is not encouraging. They invite investors but the government monopsony --NEA--is reluctant to purchase electricity. We do not have the provisions to sell power directly to the industries by paying wheeling charges to NEA for using their transmission line.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Initially, the group will make investments in the project solely, but Dugar is open to including locals and to inviting public shareholders once the construction begins. As the hydropower project is capital-intensive, the group has kept its doors open for external partners as well. Dugar believes that the hydropower sector of Nepal can only be developed when the government, investors, general public and the private sector can go hand in hand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Days of Glory&nbsp;</strong></div>
<p>
	Chandmal Dugar--Moti Lal Dugar&rsquo;s grandfather--first initiated business in Biratnagar with the trading of agro products like paddy, jute and textiles. Business later expanded into the processing of jute and setting up rice mills in different parts of the country. The group grew further during his son&rsquo;s time, but it took a new turn under the leadership of his second grandson - Tolaram Dugar. After the death of his father, Tolaram shouldered all responsibilities of the group at the age of 28. Dugar credits his brother&rsquo;s contributions in taking the business to new heights. Later, when the family split in the early 90s, the group was divided into three sub groups namely HC Dugar, KL Dugar and TM Dugar. Though the group split professionally, Dugar says that family relations are still going strong and united.</p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Current Involvement&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/dgr3.jpg" style="float: right; width: 325px; height: 153px;" /></div>
<div>
	TM Dugar Group has specialised in manufacturing of food grains such as rice, lentils and vegetable oils. It was the TM Dugar Group that set up modern rice mills in Dhangadhi in far-western Nepal and contributed in creating and expanding the market for agro products. Today, the group has a wide array of investments in banking, hydropower, automobiles, agro solutions, life insurance, FMCG products, agro based industries and automobiles, among others. The group is a major promoter of Sunrise Bank Ltd. and Gurans Life Insurance Co Ltd.--two public limited companies in the financial sector. The group stepped into the service industry through banking and insurance about seven years ago.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The automobiles trading wing of the group imports and sells vehicles of the Japanese brand Nissan, buses and trucks from the Indian company Mahindra, motorcycles from Royal Enfield and tractors from John Deere. Similarly, Frooti and Appy are two soft drink brands that are produced by the TM Dugar Group in Nepal. In the days to come, the group plans to concentrate on the service&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">sector. Banking, life insurance and hydropower are some of the areas of its interest, although there are hints that the group will gradually be working under the model of public limited company. &ldquo;Slowly we will go into the public limited model of doing business. Old businesses will continue as they are and the new ventures will be under this new model. Sunrise Bank and Gurans Life Insurance are public limited companies whereas the hydropower companies will also go public once they enter the construction phase,&rdquo; Dugar says.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Dugar Food and Beverage" src="/userfiles/images/dgr4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 380px; margin: 5px 25px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>Management Style&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The group has provided employment to more than 600 people in its various companies. However, Dugar says that the group&rsquo;s latest strategy of business constriction allows no new employees to be hired. Though the company does not have layoff plans, vacancies are not being announced after employees resign. Human resource management is done professionally through a separate team at the TM Dugar Group.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		When it comes to making decisions, professionals and managers are given the right to make decisions on administrative and daily procedures. However, financial matters are left to the board to decide.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Staying cautious in a &lsquo;wait and watch mode&rsquo;, the group does not have any plans other than venturing into hydropower generation. The group has its hopes pinned on this sector and it is a matter of time before it will begin developing power plants and find itself once again in expansion mode.</div>
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">AT A GLANCE</span></strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Financial Services</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					After trading and manufacturing, the TM Dugar Group ventured into the financial service sector. The first move into this sector was with Sunrise Bank Limited, an A class financial institution, in association with other business houses of Nepal. The bank has a paid-up capital of Rs 2.015 billion and authorised capital of Rs 5 billion.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Similarly, the next venture was in the life insurance business, which is believed to hold tremendous potentials. So, Gurans Life Insurance Company was established in 2008, six months after the Sunrise Bank, where the group is one of the major promoters. The company has a total authorised capital of Rs 500 million, out of which issued and paid-up capital accounts to Rs 360 million. Out of the total issued capital, 30 per cent has been allotted to the public through IPO and 70 per cent remains with the promoters. There are more than 26,000 shareholders in the company.</span></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					<strong>Working Area&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Banking&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Hydropower&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Automobiles&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Solutions&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Life Insurance&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; FMCG Products&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Based Industries</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Food Grains&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The TM Dugar Group is an authorised supplier for the World Food Program (WFP), supplying food grains as per WFP standards for more than a decade. The TM Dugar Group also exports Nepali lentils to Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world. The group&rsquo;s agro processing plants are situated in Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The group has been regularly involved in various social causes since its establishment. There are two charitable trusts - Tolaram Malchand Dugar Charitable Trust and Motilal Vivek Dugar Charitable Trust - that support people by providing food, clothes, education, scholarships, medicines and surgery expenses. Some of the CSR activities the group has conducted thus far are:<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of a wing in Nandi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Naxal, Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Kathmandu&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Aditi Sadan, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of Tolaram Bhanwari Devi Chikitsalaya and Research Center, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of schools, temples, homeopathic clinics and college buildings.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'id' => '2093',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Sitaula Group: Spreading Wings',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director, Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/ks.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Khagendra Sitaula</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, Sitaula Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	S<span style="font-size: 12px;">itaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hari Bhakta Sitaula, eldest son of the family started a general store in their place of origin, Aathrai in 2025 BS. The urge to expand the business did not stop and they carried their profession with them when they moved to Dharan. During a decade (2028-2038 BS), their business took the shape of a wholesale store that supplied goods to neighbouring three districts. In 2037 BS, Khagendra Sitaula, younger brother of Hari Bhakta Sitaula joined the business to support his brother and it is also the same year when the family moved to Biratnagar and started international trading.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Khagendra Sitaula recalls that the trading business was doing well propelling a healthy growth for the family business. This inspired them to begin agency trading. They had acquired local agency for various multinational companies including Nestle and GlaxoSmithKline. Then, the family decided to abandon the business in Dharan and concentrate in Biratnagar in 2038. Trading business kept on further growing and there was no turning back for two brothers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Expansion</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula brothers did not want to confine themselves only to the trading industry. Thus, they invested in dairy and cattle farming in Biratnagar. This new expansion encouraged them to move into the manufacturing sector. Then, a towel manufacturing factory was set-up in Biratnagar that exported its products to USA. The factory was installed in partnership but the majority stakes were held by Sitaulas. However, the factory was not there to stay for long. When the USA scrapped quota system, the wise brothers handed over the factory to somebody else before it was too late.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, a new expansion project was added to the family business portfolio. They established a three star hotel, Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd in Biratnagar realising the need of a quality hotel in the industrial town. By then, the business had grown into a group of companies but was operating as a family business that has remained intact till date.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Meanwhile, their younger brother, Dinesh Sitaula joined the business in 2045 upon completion of his higher studies. Then, Khagendra Sitaula moved to Kathmandu for expanding their horizon in the capital city. One of his significant moves in Kathmandu was acquiring 51 per cent stakes of Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd when the government decided to privatise the factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Amid these expansions, agency trading too kept on increasing leaps and bounds and moved into food and beverage sector with special focus on alcoholic beverages. Around 2059 BS they had distributorship of well known brand names like Royal Stag and Chivas Regal. In the meantime, various trading companies were also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At present, various companies of the groups are concentrated in Kathmandu and Biratnagar. 13 companies under the group are managed by three brothers as a family business. Moreover, relatives of Sitaula family are also in the business but outside the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>New Moves</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Tourism is the latest move of the group. The group has decided to venture into this sector with long term plans. As a journey to this new sector, the group is starting a new travel agency, Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd, within a couple of weeks. According to Sitaula, this company will be dealing with tour packages for both inbound and outbound tours among various other travel services. He says that this latest move is being made with an aim to concentrate and expand into the service industry.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group is simultaneously expanding into the manufacturing sector too. Sitaula reveals that the group has already acquired license for operating a liquor manufacturing unit and he says that the production will begin within the next two years. Likewise, the trading wing is soon launching unique products, Bio Whiskey and Bio Vodka as a national distributor next week. These products are being bottled in Nepal by Biotech Spirits Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula says that the group wants to focus on manufacturing, food and beverages and tourism in the future and the group is planning new ventures like hotels and food processing factories. He adds, &ldquo;We must identify a particular industry that would be sustainable for us as a business group. Food and beverages, food processing and tourism are the viable industries for Nepal.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Prime Involvement</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The major sectoral involvement of the group is doing fairly well, according to Sitaula. He says that the Hotel Xenial is performing well and Nepal Foundry Industries this year has declared to distribute 25 per cent dividend to its shareholders. He also claims that it is one of the best performing privatised company. The company is soon going for Initial Public Offering (IPO).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sitaula explains the reason behind the group&rsquo;s specialisation on trading as relatively safe area of investment compared to the manufacturing. &nbsp;He adds that the turnover in trading is quite good and is a sustainable business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from these, the group is also into the financial sector. One of its investment companies, Sitaula Investment Company has more than five per cent promoter shares in Lumbini Bank Limited. He says that the group is interested in infrastructure sector and owns some stakes in some of the infrastructure development projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with trading and manufacturing, the group believes it must involve in other sectors with competitive advantages for its strong presence. Therefore, the group has invested in Chirayu Hospital.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Satisfactory Growth</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Sitaula is very much content with the growth the group is achieving annually. He says that despite the overall problems of the country and economy, the achievement of group has been significant. According to Sitaula the growth rate hovers around 15 to 20 per cent annually. And, the group registers annual turnover of around&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Rs 2 billion.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He believes that the business environment of Nepal is not bad as everybody is surviving and there are prospects for being hopeful. Sitaula is hopeful about the bright future to be ascertained by technology transfers and the gradual increase in positive attitude among workers and people in general.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the group is happy with the level of progress it is making but has dreams to reach a significant position among Nepali business houses in the future. He says that the fate of the business will largely depend on the situation. &ldquo;We are hopeful to move ahead and reach somewhere soon,&rdquo; Sitaula expresses desire.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Sitaula Group" src="/userfiles/images/sectors%20(Copy)(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 219px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Companies of Sitaula Group</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nepal Foundry Industries Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hotel Xenial Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sitaula Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Investment Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin&rsquo;s Mart Supermarket Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Traders Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Export Import Marketing&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Pvt Ltd</span></div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Energy International Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Enterprises Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nirmal Traders</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Robin Trade Centre Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Complete Holidays Pvt Ltd</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Target Markets</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The trading companies of the group are targeting general public as their market especially for beverages, liquor and food products. Similarly, for the tourism, the group is targeting mainly Indian, Chinese and Eastern Europe as its prime market.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group has created employment opportunity for 250 people in all its companies. &nbsp;Sitaula says that all of them are happy employees. He further adds that the group has not experienced any strikes by workers and any sort of negotiations as of now. The group believes that the facilities employees are entitled must be provided earlier if possible rather than being late.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Three brothers in the family have divided their responsibilities. Khagendra looks after the business in Kathmandu while his younger brother looks after enterprises in the eastern region and his elder brother looks after the overall business as a guardian. He says that the group is strengthening its managerial practices and corporatize the group to make it future-proof and meet the demand of time and space.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Being future-proof</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group&rsquo;s transition from a small business into a medium-sized group of Nepal carries a huge value to the Sitaula family. They believe that it has not only encouraged them but also created a strong platform for future growth and development. So, the founders of the group are concentrating on finding viable business options so that the future generation in the family can adopt entrepreneurship as their career. Khagendra Sitaula says, &ldquo;We must develop business is such a way that it would be suitable also for the coming generations and develop a corporate structure and culture to encourage them into the field where we laid foundation stone.&rdquo;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Competition and Challenges</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						Sitaula says that there are not many challenges in Nepal as compared to other countries because of low level of competition here. &ldquo;The competition level is still quite low in Nepal. It is still easy here as the competition is not yet too tough. Competition was almost non-existent 20 years back, it grew a little a decade ago and today it is still growing but is yet to reach a cut throat level,&rdquo; he says. It is natural that when the competition increases, it would be challenging for companies to be more innovative and gain competitive edge. &nbsp;To address the growing challenges amid increasing competition, the group is in a mode to identify sectors with higher level of business viability for the future.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
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			'description' => 'Sitaula family when it started its business from a general store in Aathrai, Tehrathum, had little idea that its business would turn into a group of companies. In the course of 45 years, the general store has expanded into a business house with a dozen companies in its portfolio. Khagendra Sitaula, Managing Director of the group is content with the pace of the growth but promises to take it further to the next level.',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '2020',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'MS Group: From Manufacturing To Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director, MS Group" src="/userfiles/images/ssk.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Shashi Kant Agarwal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Managing Director, MS Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Travel and tourism does not lure someone merely by its entertaining and fun experiences. Entrepreneurs are lured to this industry because of its lucrative business prospects that are believed to be growing in Nepal. MS (Maliram Shivkumar) Group is one of the latest national manufacturing houses to join this niche. It has decided to venture into the tourism industry by establishing luxury hotels in a tie-up with Marriot International- an US based international hotel chain.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of the MS conglomerate reached an agreement with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. This business hotel, according to Shashi Kant Agarwal, Managing Director of the group, has an investment of Rs 600 million and informed that its construction has already kicked off.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, a second hotel in Naxal, also under the joint venture partnership with Marriot International is scheduled to start construction immediately after Tihar festivals. Agarwal says that this will be a luxury hotel with 250 rooms. Both of these hotels will be at par with four star hotel standards.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	These new ventures of the group are the first initiatives towards the tourism industry and are part of the larger plan the group has. Agarwal says, &ldquo;We have plans to establish hotels across the country. This is the beginning and we have decided to come up with two new hotels at the time as the political situation has shown signs of improvement.&rdquo; Agarwal, who is also a traveller, says there are numerous tourism potentials in sub-sectors like eco-tourism, adventure tourism and religious tourism.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Trading Transition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The journey of the MS Group started as a trading house some six decades ago by Shashi Kant Agarwal&rsquo;s grandfather, Maliram Agarwal. During that time, he had a shop at Indra Chowk in Kathmandu that sold clothes in the palace of Ranas. When the market gradually expanded, Maliram Agarwal started a whole-sale garments store at Jhochhe. Garments were imported from India and &nbsp;supplied to local retailers in the valley districts along with Dhulikhel, Katari, Tandi among others. The founder Agarwal used to walk for weeks to reach these places and sell goods even in credits to local merchants.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The local garment business slowly expanded into international trading with the beginning of third country export in Nepal. Agarwals involved in it by exporting jute and textiles. Gradually they started importing motor parts and bearings. Some were consumed in Nepal while majority of them were exported to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group had already seen success in the trading business before moving onto the manufacturing sector. An incident during the trading days encouraged Agarwals to venture into a more stable business than trading &ndash; into the manufacturing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Initiating Manufacturing&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Agarwal recalls that a ship transporting garments belonging to MS Group along with other traders of Nepal was hijacked near Hong Kong and goods never reached Nepal making a huge loss to the companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This unfortunate incident made them settle down to a business with marginal risks. Agarwal says, &ldquo;That incident was a blessing in disguise. In our corporate life-cycle, it inspired us to move towards the manufacturing business.&rdquo; As a consequence, a hosiery factory was established, although of a small scale. He recollected that the hosiery factory came at a time when the group was counted as one of the leading garment trading concerns in Nepal in terms of turnover and said that the family had decided to establish a cottage industry despite it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The hosiery factory at Battisputali, Kathmandu grew well and was followed by the setting-up of Pashupati Textile factory in Patan. This manufacturing unit produced both cotton and polyester textiles and also dyed them. As the group&rsquo;s turnover kept growing, it moved into steel manufacturing with Bhagwati Steel Industries in Birgunj. There were no pauses in the expansion drive. The group further established the largest sugar mill Everest Sugar Mill in Mahottari, in partnership with Everest Group. Similarly, Reliance Spinning Mill , that is now a factory that has created highest number of employment- 3400 people including 1500 women, was also established.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since the group moved into the manufacturing sector, it never had to look back. As of now, the group has a total of 10 companies operating in manufacturing, housing and trading business including a couple of them in partnership with other business houses of Nepal. And, these companies register an annual turnover of Rs 12 billion.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a recent expansion to its manufacturing unit, the group is setting up a new large scale sugar mill in Siraha. According to Agarwal, the construction works have commenced and necessary machineries have been imported. He says that the mill will begin crushing in a year&rsquo;s time.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, the group is promoter in some banks and financial institutions but Agarwal says that the group is not directly involved in them.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Positioning Markets&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	As the group is involved in production of diverse products, they cater to a wide range of market and target customers. Most of its steel products are targeted at local market and is purchased for constructing electricity poles, bridges, telephone towers by telecom and electricity companies. Similarly, the group also produces galvanised sheets and pipes for the local market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, sugar is sold to both bulk buyers and general public. According to Agarwal, Salt Trading, bottlers of Coca-Cola Pepsi, and Frooty, Rio and other beverage manufacturers are regular buyers. Meanwhile, 75 per cent of production of Reliance Spinning Mill is exported and the remaining is consumed within Nepal which accounts to around 50 to 60 per cent market share, claims Agarwal. The foreign markets for its products are mainly India and Turkey.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Agarwal says that the housing project of the group did relatively well as it was launched relatively earlier before the market was over flooded. &nbsp;However the bubble burst of the housing and real estate business hit its Subsidiary Sunrise Apartments. He says that the housing still has strong brand strength in the market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the branding needs, he argues that other products such as sugar do not need any branding and aggressive publicity. As the market is mostly the bulk buyers, offering quality would help gain the market share. And added that sugar produced by Everest Sugar and Chemical Industry Ltd has a good recognition in &nbsp;domestic and international market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Companies under MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Reliance Spinning Mills Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Everest Sugar &amp; Chemical Industries Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sunrise Apartments Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Soap Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Carbide Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Nepal Hospitality Group Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Bhagwati Steel Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Some Products of MS Group</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							&bull;Polyester, Acrylic and Cotton Yarns</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Steel</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Sugar</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Housing and Apartments</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Soaps</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Partially Oriented Yarn,Polyester Texturised Yarn and Knitted Fabrics</div>
						<div>
							&bull;MS torque steel&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Dry cell batteries</div>
						<div>
							&bull;Galvanised sheets, poles, door/window profiles</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Employment and Management</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							According to Shashi Kant Agarwal, the group has &nbsp;provided direct employment to 6000 people including its subsidiaries under the joint venture with other business houses. However, Reliance Spinning Mill alone employs 3500 people. The decentralised management system of each of the companies looks after each and every management responsibilities and daily affairs. He shares that the policy level and financial affairs are only taken care by the central management. The management team is well groomed to take care of everyday activities, marketing, sales and procurements, he added.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>CSR &nbsp;Activities</strong></span></div>
						<div>
							Although the group does not aggressively pitch Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) it has subtly carried out such activities, in various forms, in localities where the groups&rsquo; factories established. The group has built hospitals, dispensaries, schools, rooms for schools, donated ambulances among others on a regular basis. Agarwal says that his father is a spiritual person and makes constant donations and supports to religious causes. Well known among the Marwari community, his father had donated land worth Rs 20 million to Gaushala recently.</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-27',
			'modified' => '2013-11-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'MS Group started its business journey almost six decades ago as a trading house. During these years the house has not only established itself as a leading manufacturing house, but more recently has also ventured into the tourism industry with major hospitality projects on the cards.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1973',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Leading Strong: The Saurabh Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Bishnu Prasad Neupane,Chairman, Saurabh Group" src="/userfiles/images/BPN.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Bishnu Prasad Neupane</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Saurabh Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal is planning to establish a large scale cement factory in Sunawal, Nawalparasi. Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Chairman of the group says this new factory will be producing 400,000 metric tonnes of clinker in the first stage and expand it to 1 million metric tonnes of clinker at the end of 2015. The factory &nbsp;has set a target to begin production by February 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This factory has been established with an authorised capital of Rs 4000 million. It is one of the largest cement factories of Nepal that produce their own clinker. The factory has 45 per cent shareholding of a Hong Kong based company, Krishna Holdings Limited. &nbsp;The factory is spread over 30 bighas of land and the mine is spread over an area of 20 square kilometres for extracting limestone.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that this factory uses the latest technology that is not only efficient but also energy saving. He adds the technology installed in the factory is different than those used in Nepal and consumes 50 per cent less energy. All machineries for this project are imported from Denmark and manufactured by FLSmidth Private Limited.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expansion Drive</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has always been prioritising the expansion of its factories. Last year, the group had a major expansion on its laminated sacks factory, Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd. New technology was installed and all upgraded machineries were imported from Austria. The factory has an installed production capacity of 1.5 million metres of fabrics per day. Neupane claims that it is the largest woven sacks factory in South East Asia. He adds, &ldquo;We are proud to say that we are the largest producer and exporter of woven sacks in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Jagdamba Synthetics was established around 13 years ago and the latest addition is the new process of producing laminated bags. Neupane claims that this company has the capacity to produce the thinnest fibres in the entire South Asian region with quality consistency. He says that quality consistency has helped the company export 90 per cent of its production to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has plans to convert its 15 storey building in Bhaktapur into a hotel as a part of its plan to move into the tourism industry. This three-star hotel will come into operation in a few years tying up with an international chain. Neupane says that it will be a unique hotel that utilises green technology.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Manufacturing Focus<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group in its initial days was involved in trading business. &nbsp;When Neupane separated from his family business and started his own, he had little experience in the manufacturing sector. He partnered with Shanker Lal Agrawal who was also in the trading business then. It was around 1996 when he and his partner Agrawal thought about entering into the manufacturing industry. Agrawal had the experience of running Jagdamba Steel and Neupane, who is also an engineer, had thoughts of establishing a cement factory.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2001, the group started the construction of a woven sacks factory that produces bags for cement packaging. Construction was completed in 2003 and production began in the same year. Similarly, the group moved into spinning and tea gardening and processing. It was followed by the establishment of Jagdamba Roto Packaging factory. Likewise, the group also moved into pashmina, steels and other construction material production. Sarbottam Cement would be the latest addition to the construction material production business of the group.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;I always had a desire to go for production based industries especially on construction material rather than the service industry,&rdquo; Neupane says. He was often suggested to venture into more profitable sectors such as real estate and gold trading but they never lured him. Though the group is still involved in trading, it is the manufacturing sector that gives Neupane an immense pleasure. He says that the manufacturing sector creates employment for a good number of people and benefits society with both backward and forward linkages. The Saurabh group has been employing 2600 people at the moment in all of its companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	When democracy was restored in the country in 1990, it was a new beginning for the Saurabh Group as well. The group&rsquo;s major industries were established in the 1990s. The liberal policies of the government encouraged industrialists like Neupane to establish new companies. The easier licensing policies and laws were a sort of relief for them. In the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the group came up with its major companies. This was the same period when the armed insurgency was escalating and businessmen were realizing that the situation is unfavourable for making investments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says his companies were least affected by the armed conflict being located in urban areas of the Tarai region. However, when the conflict ended and the country was moving towards conflict resolution, the political events of 2005-2006 took its toll on companies in the Tarai by disrupting the operation of factories. Neupane says that bandhs and strikes are a part of life and industrialists must be immune to such incidents.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The cement factory was one of the major establishments of the group in the early 1990s. The group&rsquo;s course changed when Neupane thought of establishing his own cement bags factory while the general trend was to import bags from abroad as local production was insufficient. This very move led the group to be the largest producer of woven sacks in the South East Asian region at present.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane considers the group&rsquo;s move to establish a cement factory that totally depends on local raw materials as another turning point. The group came up with the idea of producing cement by manufacturing clinker using local limestone when a majority of industries were importing clinker. This gave the company the benefit to get a strong foothold in the market as one of the producers of cement in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Neupane, 90 per cent of the total production of Jagdamba Spinning Mills is exported to India while the remaining 10 per cent is supplied to local textile manufacturers. Similarly, products of Jagdamba Roto Packaging are supplied to confectioneries, biscuits and noodles producer for packaging and wrappers.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Neupane says that the largest market of cement is Kathmandu Valley and its periphery where 40 per cent of the group&rsquo;s production is consumed. Out of around 1 billion sacks of cement produced by the group, 40 million sacks are consumed in Kathmandu Valley alone, says Neupane. He expects the groups&rsquo; market share on cement to increase to 20 per cent once Sarbottam Cement&rsquo;s production enters the market.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When offering products to the market, the group abides by three fundamentals: quantity, quality and consistency. Neupane says that producing larger quantities helps to achieve economies of scale and also gives an edge to competition. Similarly, quality is the prime focus of the group and he says that any complaints on quality are taken seriously.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="SAURAV GROUP" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1(1).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 243px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
					<div>
						<span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Brief History</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh Group&rsquo;s products can be found also in Myanmar. Till the 1960&rsquo;s, Bishnu Prasad Neupane&rsquo;s father, Lila Ram Neupane, was doing retail business alongside running a butter processing factory in Lashio town in the Shan state of Myanmar. After Buddhism was made the state religion in the 1960s, people of Nepali and Indian origin were forced to leave the country. Lila Ram Neupane made a decision to leave Myanmar and resettle in Nepal and started his own business with a wholesale store of textiles in Bhairahawa. During that time, textiles were brought from Kathmandu and distributed there. Later, he also took dealership of the National Trading and Salt Trading Limited.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							It was in 1964 when the business took shape of a group and was further diversified. Bishnu Prasad Neupane took up responsibility in 1986 and started the Jagadamba Cement Industries, his first manufacturing venture, in the early 1990s.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							Saurabh Photo International, the authorized distributor of Konka products, was in the agency trading business since 1990 and has a strong presence in the market. Currently, the group is mainly involved in the production of cement, steel, tea, spun yarn, PP Woven fabrics, calcium carbonates and other such products. The group&rsquo;s trading activities continue with imports of Konka products, Citizen watch components and other Chinese products. There are 14 companies under the group and some companies are operating under a joint venture with Shanker Group, another business house of Nepal. Today, the Saurabh Group registers an annual turnover of Rs 5 billion, Rs 4 billion, and Rs 2 billion from its cement, spinning and synthetic production, respectively.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saurabh Group of Companies</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Laxmi Steel Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Tea Estates Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Saurabh Photo International</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Tea Processing Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Synthetics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Cement Industries Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Roto Packaging Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree Jagdamba Builders Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jagdamba Diamonds Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subha Shree J Cement Mill Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Force Electronics Pvt Ltd</div>
						<div>
							&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sarbottam Cement Pvt Ltd&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">CSR</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							The Saurabh group and the Neupane family have a good reputation in Rupandehi district not only for business but also for their contribution to society. The business house has contributed over Rs 100 million for social work in the area. Along with institutional corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, the Neupane family has been carrying out philanthropic activities on a personal scale. A separate trust has been established and run by the family. This trust was established by Neupane&rsquo;s father and every year, at least Rs 2.5 million is donated by the family for social work. According to Neupane, donations amounted to Rs 2.7 million last year. He modestly says, &ldquo;This is not our CSR activity and is not for any commercial benefit. Within our family, there are three business groups and all of them contribute to the trust to make it an independent social entity.&rdquo; Neupane says that the group does not take any credit for the trust&rsquo;s activities.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							The trust supports government hospitals, schools and government organisations. Neupane says that most schools in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts have received support from the trust. Similarly, Jagdamba Cement has recently initiated ambulance services. It also carries out social training programmes for various activities such as cancer relief activity. Likewise, the group also awards people and their social and non-profit organisations that have made good contributions to society. The company has been providing cement to construct buildings of such organisations at cost price.</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-20',
			'modified' => '2013-10-28',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Saurabh Group, one of the leading industrial houses of Nepal has been registering an annual turnover of Rs 18 billion and targets to raise it to Rs 20 billion at the end of the running fiscal year.',
			'sortorder' => '1878',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1961',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Keyal Group’s Key Areas',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal and Om Prakash Khanal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman, Keyal Group" src="/userfiles/images/spt2%20(Copy).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 219px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Satya Narayan Keyal</strong></div>
					<div>
						<em>Chairman, Keyal Group</em></div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The first manufacturing unit was established in the mid-90s &ndash; a milestone for the family&rsquo;s journey towards manufacturing. Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing venture of the group, has been producing steel products to meet local needs.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Satya Narayan Keyal, Chairman of the group, the initial days of entering the manufacturing sector were not easy. In the absence of a robust banking sector, managing large scale funds for investment was not quite the same as it is today. &ldquo;It was pretty tough to borrow loans as the banking sector was less developed,&rdquo; recalls Keyal who believes that growing competition in the banking and financial industry in the 2000s has benefitted industrialists at large. However, the challenging environment provided various learning experiences to the group that helped design its next move for the future.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Growing Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	While the group was gradually growing, the Nepali market was expanding as well. Keyal says that the market for manufactured goods has increased in recent times due to the growing purchasing power of the general public. He adds that technological advancement has helped the group&rsquo;s factories produce better quality products that support companies in the increasingly competitive market. The competition is not always healthy and for Keyal Group, it is not an exception. Unhealthy competition has brought about difficult situations time and again, but the group holds on to its promise to deliver quality products, regardless.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Focus Areas of the Group&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The Keyal Group has focused on the manufacturing sector with half a dozen industrial units specialised on production of steel rods, angles and flat squares, pipes, MS plates, shutter strips and cement. Steel products produced by Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd have been certified with Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). Likewise, Makalu Axum, a subsidiary company of the group is the authorised distributor for liquor of the Magic Moments brand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/spt1%20(Copy).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;width: 300px; height: 440px;" />Capturing the Market</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The target market for the group&rsquo;s major products such as steel, cement, rods and pipes, among others, is the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The group does not wish to remain confined to these areas and is planning to explore more market potential within and outside the country. &ldquo;We have a big market presence in the central and eastern regions and have plans to export our products to India in the near future,&rdquo; says Keyal. As a part of this plan, the group plans to export pipes manufactured by Shree Krishna Steel to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has adopted a policy to not compromise with the quality it is offering. With state-of-the- art technology and service to produce quality products, Keyals says: &ldquo;We have understood the needs and demands of our clients and have targeted products accordingly. But our products are by no means expensive.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Structuring Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Keyal, each human resource staff and management unit are attuned to realise the company&rsquo;s policy of zero compromise in quality, offer products at a relatively lower price, and remain accountable and responsible to the market, customers and promoters.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group has always treated its employees as member of its extended family. When it comes to human resource management, the group has attempted to understand the necessities and aspirations of its employees and motivate them accordingly. For motivation, the group has been using rewards and encouragement while adhering to organisational discipline, culture and responsibilities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has 350 employees working in its manufacturing unit and sister companies while another 350 are working along the market value chain.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Addressing Challenges</strong></span></div>
<div>
	A key challenge the group is facing at the moment is duplication of products that has tarnished the image of the common market. &nbsp;Availability of counterfeit products has prohibited market growth and expansion. Additionally, in the absence of major construction and infrastructure projects in the country, the market of construction materials, where the group has expertise, is limited to the consumer market instead of reaching large scale institutional clients. According to Keyal, the slowdown of the housing and real estate industry has affected construction material producing subsidiaries. However, the group has not lost hope. It has held on to the belief that a market can be created and clients can be attracted by offering quality products at reasonable price. With this philosophy, the group has been working to expand its market and attract customers towards its projects.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>The Constant Hope</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some business and industrial houses have constricted their operation and even closed down their companies citing political instability and a murky business environment. But the Keyal Group chooses to see the light at the end of tunnel. Keyal hopes for political stability to speed up the economic growth of the country which would boost construction and development projects. &ldquo;It would also create higher demand for our products. We are hopeful and are waiting for that moment to arrive soon,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>CSR</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group has been consistently involved in corporate social responsibilities and has believed in giving back to society throughout the years. Similarly, the group has contributed to the construction of temples and funded religious activities in Birgunj and surrounding areas. Alongside this, the group has contributed to post-conflict reconstruction of infrastructure that has benefitted a larger number of people.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">Some Companies under the Keyal Group</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Narayani Rolling Mills</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel manufacturing unit located in Chhatapipara of Bara district produces TMT steel rods ranging from 8mm to 25 mm and plain rods of 8 to 36 mm. TMT steel products have been certified Nepal Quality Certification Mark (NS). The unit also produces flat square rods, angles and tor-karis among others. The group claims that this is probably the first company in Nepal to produce a large variety of products required for construction projects.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This steel factory at Jitpur, Bara district produces MS Black Pipe (0.5 to 6 inches), MS plates, shutter strips, and shatter guides, among others. It also produces hot rolled sheets, MS pipes, shutter section and related products.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This cement producing unit located at Jitpur, Bara district produces cement and markets PSC products under the &lsquo;Arati&rsquo; brand, and OPC products under the &lsquo;Shikhar&rsquo; brand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Makalu Axum</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This is the importer and authorised distributor of Magic Moments liquor for Nepal.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Enterprises</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						This subsidiary of the group imports various consumer products from India and other countries to distribute across the country. The company is also based in Birgunj.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Bikki Hardware</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The hardware product distributor has its network spread over major cities like Kathmandu, Banepa, Butwal and Itahari.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Landmark Years:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						2052: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Establishment of Narayani Rolling Mills Pvt Ltd, the first manufacturing unit of Keyal Group.</div>
					<div>
						2056: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Shree Krishna Steel Pvt Ltd, second manufacturing unit of the group, was established.</div>
					<div>
						2060: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Star Cement Udhyog Pvt Ltd was established. It produces PSC and OPC grades of cement.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Keyal Group has evolved over the years from its humble beginning as a family-owned business. For generations, the founders of the group were involved in the family business of trading. The Keyal family was performing well on trading of garments, hardware and timber products before making a transition into manufacturing construction materials.',
			'sortorder' => '1827',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1873',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Everest Group: Climbing Higher',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Sanjeev Saraff ,CEO ,Everest Group" src="/userfiles/images/ss(1).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 220px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div align="center">
					<div>
						<strong>Sanjeev Saraff</strong></div>
					<div>
						CEO, Everest Group</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Everest Group Nepal is a pioneer group of companies in the sectors where it has had involvement since its inception. Whether it is petroleum product imports, operation of a cardboard factory or the paper industry, the Everest Group has been a pathfinder in Nepal in these sectors.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has begun an expansion drive with plans to venture into the pharmaceutical industry and to add new plants and production capacity in some of its factories. The Everest Group plans to bring its pharmaceutical company, Himalayan Parental and Pharmaceutical Company, into operation by next year. This new company will be producing life saving drugs and intravenous fluids. Sanjeev Saraff, CEO of the group, claims that it will be the first company of its kind in Nepal and that it will install the latest technology that has never been used in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group has recently set up a new factory for producing non-woven fabrics. Everest Plasto has already started production. Saraff says that it is also one of the first factories in Nepal to produce non-woven fabrics.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Saraff reveals that the group is coming up with another sugar mill, Himalayan Sugar Mill in Mirchaiya. He says that the manufacturing unit is under construction and will be brought into operation in the next two years. Saraff says that the unit plans to sell electricity produced in its own thermal plant to the government during the winter season.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Local Targets</strong></span></div>
<div>
	According to Saraff, the group has always kept the local market and local raw materials on priority for all its productions. He says, &ldquo;We have been successful only in those industries where the raw material has been Nepali and the market in Nepal.&rdquo; Whether it is the paper factory or the sugar factory, the group has always been using local raw materials and targeting Nepal as its prime market. Saraff says that the group once tried its hands on copper processing by importing raw materials and exporting the final products. He says that it turned out to be a sort of trading business and did not perform well. However, the group still owns and operates Everest Wire factory that has majority market shares in the Tarai region.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group targets Nepal as its prime market for upcoming pharmaceutical ventures as well. Saraff says that 100 per cent of life saving drugs and IV fluids are imported and the factory aims for import substitution.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Market Coverage</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff claims that the Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; production covers majority of the local market while the sugar mill also has leading market share among half a dozen other Nepali companies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that the group&rsquo;s only strategy to conquer the market is through quality assurance and its dealer network. Saraff further explains that some of the dealers have worked with the group since its establishment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The prime markets for Everest Groups&rsquo; products are Kathmandu, Pokhara and markets in the Tarai region. The secret of a strong relationship with its dealer network is to keep them happy, according to Saraff. However, the group has not considered branding as its major marketing tool. &ldquo;Our products are commodities rather than consumer goods. So, we do not require branding as such,&rdquo; he explains. &nbsp;However, the group has been carrying out campaigns to inform its clients about the right use of products to extract maximum value out of it. Marketing activities through billboards and other media, though, are not carried out.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When asked about group branding, Saraff says, &ldquo;We have less concentrated on group branding. Hopefully, we will get into it once we grow bigger.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Competition</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Saraff says that the group has been facing unethical competition from smuggled products through the open border of Nepal and India. &ldquo;We decided not to compete with those products as it would be useless to compete with illegal products,&rdquo; he says. He acknowledges the quality and competitiveness of peer companies and says, &ldquo;Manufacturers of Nepal are equally competitive. So, the competition is more on offering quality than on price.&rdquo; Saraff expects the government to control the smuggling of goods that have been a threat to legitimate companies.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Turning Point</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group had a major set-back when Everest Paper Mill was bombed during the Maoist insurgency. Saraff recalls that it was the first private sector factory to be targeted during the conflict. The bombing in 2005 left the factory completely destroyed. &ldquo;We did not lose hope and we rebuilt the factory within two months&rsquo; time. Bankers and others too appreciated our efforts,&rdquo; says Saraff. He adds that the group rebuilt a new and better factory immediately.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Management</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The group employs around 2500 people in four of its companies in operation. A strong human resource department has been looking after all human resource management activities. Entire management duties are given to this department. The department deals with labour issues as and when they arise. Saraff recalls the closure of one of the group&rsquo;s factory for two months after labours came up with &ldquo;unreasonable demands&rdquo;. &nbsp;&ldquo;We made them realise that we were not going to bow down. We have been handling issues of labours and workers pretty well and the human resource department is pretty effective and strong,&rdquo; he explains.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The management responsibilities of all four companies are handled independently by the management team assigned for each company. The team is headed by members of the extended Saraff family. He says that the group is still a family-owned business more than a corporate group. Second generation businesspersons educated abroad have been taking up responsibility and taking the business to new heights.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The corporate headquarter of the group is located in Janakpur, the place of origin of the group. While the Kathmandu office has been working as a liaison office to look after bureaucratic activities and maintaining relationship with banks, among other activities.</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong style="font-size: 16px;">History&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					<div>
						Dina Nath Saraff, father of Sanjeev Saraff is the founder of the Everest Group. Senior Saraff started his own import-export firm &lsquo;Brij Mohan Dina Nath&rsquo; in Janakpur that dealt initially with importing clothing materials from India, Soda Ash and various kinds of spices from Malaysia and Indonesia. The firm was also involved in rice exports to India.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Similarly, Saraff acquired the sole agency of ESSO and of Brooke Bond tea in the 50s and 60s for Nepal and started marketing their petroleum products such as, Petrol, Diesel, LDO, engine oil, Kerosene oil, etc even before the Nepal Oil Corporation was established. By mid 1960s, he established another firm, Everest Trading Company, along with the Jhunjhunwalas in Biratnagar and started exporting jute to millers in India.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In the late 60s, Saraff established Janakpur Soap Factory that manufactured various grades of soap and marketed it under brand names Natraj and OX. &nbsp;Similarly, a decade later, he and his son established Everest Cardboard Industry Pvt Ltd, the first in the country to manufacture corrugated boxes from Kraft paper imported from India and Sweden. &nbsp;During that phase, he also established Tiger Tea Company whose raw materials were imported from India, blended and packed in Nepal and sold in Nepal under the brand name Tiger.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						The group continued to grow and passed onto the second generation. Though some industries were closed in the process, its flagship production line such as paper and sugar has continued to rise. The group is now planning to expand its capacity and area of business in the near future.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Flagship Companies of Everest Group:</strong></span></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Everest Paper Mill Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Sugar and Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd</li>
						<li>
							Everest Wire Industry</li>
						<li>
							Everest Plasto</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Trading</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group feels proud about exporting paper pulps to Japan. In the past, the group used to import paper and chemicals as raw materials. The group also tried its hand on importing fertilizers but stopped later. The group wishes that the country allows international trading in Nepal to export goods to&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						third countries.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Plans</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group wants to carve its own path in business without following what others are doing. Saraff says that his group is looking into new sectors for business and also hints that the group will be investing in the tourism sector in the next two to three years and will also explore new possibilities in food products the group had expertise on in the past.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						The group does not have overt corporate social activities but is carrying out several activities on its own. The group provides scholarships to 25 to 30 children every year from underprivileged families under the Bhagwati Devi Trust, named after Saraff&rsquo;s grandmother. The trust has been annually sponsoring 40 to 50 children for their education. Similarly, Saraff considers Everest Paper Mills&rsquo; paper recycling plant a socially responsible activity of the group. &ldquo;We are recycling waste paper and contributing to clean the country along with utilising agricultural residues,&rdquo; says Saraff.&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>',
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			'description' => 'The Everest Group, having around fi ve decades of business experience in Nepal has plans to expand its current line of business while exploring fresh opportunities in new sectors.',
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			'id' => '1865',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'At A Glance Yeti Brand',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Brief History</strong></p>
<p>
	The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998. Today, the company is one of the largest domestic airlines with a fleet of 14 aircrafts. The company expanded its reach to remote districts with two DHC-6/300 Series Twin Otter aircrafts and started services to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Rumjatar and Simikot. Within a period of one and a half decades, the airline now flies with a fleet of seven British Aerospace Jetstream-41s, covering major cities within Nepal from the mountains and hills to the Tarai region.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Some Subsidiaries of Yeti Group</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Mountain Home</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="yetimountain" src="/userfiles/images/yetimountain.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Yeti Mountain Home is a group of comfort lodges operating in the Khumbu/Everest region. The company claims these are amongst the world&rsquo;s highest luxury lodges, offering panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of the Himalaya. Each of these lodges have 15 to 20 rooms with modern amenities. Half a dozen lodges are operating under the Yeti Mountain Home brand. These include YMH Lukla, YMH Phakding, YMH Monjo, YMH Namche, YMH Thame and YMH Kongde.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Gokarna Forest Resort</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="gokarna" src="/userfiles/images/gokarna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	The Yeti Group acquired the management of Gokarna Forest Resort from October 2010 from the Singapore-based company LM Suvir Brothers Private Limited. The resort also houses one of the best golf courses in Asia, spread over 470 acres of land. The resort has 90 rooms and spa services among other top notch luxury services.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Tara Air</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="taraair" src="/userfiles/images/taraair.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p>
<p>
	Tara Air, the subsidiary of Yeti Airlines is one of the biggest airline service providers in the mountain region. According to the company, it is guided by the mission of helping develop the rural Nepal. So, its services are concentrated in the hills and mountain destinations across the country. The airline has a fleet of six STOL aircrafts, comprising of four Twin Otter (DHC 6/300) and two Dornier (DO 228) aircrafts. The airline operates both scheduled and chartered flights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Thamserku Trekking</strong></p>
<p>
	This trekking and holiday service provider has been serving more than 4000 clients each year with agents in nine countries. Thamserku has been established as a group of companies offering trekking and adventure tourism services through its subsidiaries namely, Thamserku Trekking, Thamserku Expedition and Luxe Nepal. The company offers services ranging from classic trekking programmes to wild and exciting journeys in the remote mountains, and easy peaks and scaling mountains taller than 8000 metres.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The Yeti brand was born in 1966 with the establishment of Yeti Travels and it was well known after the success of Yeti Airlines though the aviation company was established much later. Yeti Airlines started its domestic flight with a single DHC-6/300 Twin Otter aircraft in 1998.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1863',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.',
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			'id' => '1805',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Golyan Group: Looking Beyond Textiles',
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			'content' => '<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</div>
<div id="_mcePaste" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;">
	He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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	Golyan says.</div>
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	Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</div>
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	The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.&nbsp;</div>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
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						<strong>Pawan Golyan</strong></div>
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						Chairman, Golyan Group</div>
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<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	According to Golyan, the hotel&rsquo;s prime clients will be transit tourists as it will be located close to the Tribhuvan International Airport and Pashupatinath Temple, a popular Hindu shrine. The hotel will have 115 rooms. Golyan reveals that the company will tie up with an international hotel chain once the construction is completed.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group plans to develop tourism as one of its core sectors. Golyan says that the hotel is being developed as a trial project before leaping into the industry. If things go as planned, the group plans to establish two and three star hotels in industrial hubs such as Biratnagar, Birgunj and Pokhara. &ldquo;We do not just dive into any business sector. We first try it to understand the scene before we move forward,&rdquo; he explains.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Weaving the Industrial Base</span></strong></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group was founded by Sohan L Golyan, father of Pawan Golyan around five and a half decades ago with trading. The first manufacturing venture he established was a button factory, after which textile factories followed. In the course of the group&rsquo;s evolution, it involved itself in manufacturing a wide range of products such as slippers, zippers, audio cassettes among others, but they closed it down later. The textile and fabric based companies, however, lived on.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	When business was passed on to the second generation, Pawan Golyan started Reliance Spinning Mills Limited, one of the signature companies of the group. He says that this company registers an annual turnover of roughly Rs 5 billion and employs 3500 labours and 300 executives. Golyan claims that this is one of the largest industries in Nepal in terms of labour size and capital base. The group has invested around Rs 4 billion in this spinning mill alone.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Textile&rsquo;s Strength</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Though the group went on exploring, it also started experimenting with various other sectors, textile manufacturing continued by extending product line from acrylic yarn to pashmina and packing sacks. Golyan says that the group at one point tried steel manufacturing but did not succeed as much as textiles. &nbsp;The group now considers textiles as its specialised sector, whether it is pashmina, cashmere sweaters, yarns or woven sacks.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The group now has five companies specialised in the textiles industry. Reliance Spinning, a state of the art spinning mill, manufactures spun yarns mainly in acrylic, polyester, viscose and blends. The products of this company are mostly exported to India. According to Golyan, 70 per cent of the products are exported to India, 20 to 25 per cent is sold in the domestic market, and the rest are exported to other countries. The company is now working towards producing cotton yarns to meet all domestic requirements.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Similarly, 95 per cent of cashmere and pashmina products produced by two companies - Tricot Industries and Himali Pashmina - are exported to the European, Australian and the US markets. The export surplus is sold in the domestic market through a showroom at Durbarmarg, Kathmandu. Tricot Industries was upgraded to a fully automated system around one and a half year ago.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Products such as circular knitted fabrics and woven sacks produced by Shivam, a third company, have their majority markets beyond Nepal - mostly in India, Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Golyan, around 80 per cent of Shivam Plastic&rsquo;s products are exported to India while remaining 20 per cent is sold in other countries including Nepal.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Expanding Business</strong></span></p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	The Golyan Group refrains from expanding the production capacity of its manufacturing units because of power shortage. &ldquo;If we had 24 hour power supply, we could double the production capacity of Reliance Spinning Mills and create jobs for 4000 people. But most of our factories are operating at 30 to 60 per cent of the installed capacity,&rdquo; he explains.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
	Besides this, the group is determined to revive its interest in hydropower business. It had dropped five projects with a total capacity of 20 MW after procedural delays and obstruction from local bodies. Golyan says that the group will start researching other possible projects in the next three months.</p>
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						<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">New Model of CSR: Social Enterprise</span></strong></p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Pawan Golyan, Chairman of Golyan Group is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and treats his CSR projects as invaluable business ventures. He has adopted two villages in Kailali district and is working for enhancing the livelihood of local people by providing opportunities for sustainable source of income. These two villages have around 340 households with a total population of nearly 1500 people.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Nauniya, a village Golyan adopted has a majority of settlements of mukta kamaiya (freed bonded labours). &nbsp;Each household owns a small piece of land provided by the government and a house to live in, built by a donor agency. Golyan says that the male members of the community have been making their living by migrating to India after completing rice cultivation while women are mostly unemployed.&nbsp;</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Golyan helped install boring pumps for irrigation in the village. Similarly, he also established a training school targeting young women to train them in sewing and knitting. He says the first batch has completed the course and soon will find jobs within the locality. Golyan has also set up a tapari (plate made of leaves) factory. He has not only made investments but has also been managing the manufacturing unit. So far, the company has installed five machines for producing taparis and plans to increase to 30 machines. &ldquo;Then the factory can employ around 1000 people,&rdquo; says Golyan.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						He explains that out of the total profit made through this venture, 20 per cent goes for development work while the rest is used in replicating similar projects in other villages. &ldquo;I am doing all this to make the project sustainable so that it can continue even if am not there to look after them,&rdquo; Golyan says.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						Around five kilometres north from Nauniya, Golyan has adopted another village with same socio economic situation like Nauniya. &nbsp;People have not been involved in income generating activities despite having land to make decent earnings. Golyan went there and requested locals to come up with a list of activities they could be involved in and assured them financial assistance. The group installed boring pumps in the village for irrigation after which the locals started vegetable farming after harvesting paddy.</p>
					<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
						The group has also started a buffalo farming project. For this project, Rs 1.2 million was collected from 12 farmers while the company invested Rs 2 million, which was borrowed as soft loan. Then 26 buffaloes were brought from Haryana, India. &nbsp;To assist the farmers, the group has trained and employed a vet while one person is hired to monitor farmers&rsquo; activities to ensure they utilise the earnings in paying back the loan and for purchasing feed for the buffaloes. Golyan wants to develop this project as an example so that it can be replicated in other villages and be a model for fellow businessmen.</p>
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					Some Companies under Golyan Group</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Textile Manufacturing</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reliance Spinning Mill</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shivam Plastic Industries</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tricot Industries&nbsp;</div>
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					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Himali Pashmina</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Financial Services</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NIC Asia Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>NMB Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lumbini Bank Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					International Trade</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Real Estate</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</div>
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					&bull;<span mce_style="white-space: pre;" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Management&nbsp;</div>
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					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					Hi-life on Westar Properties</div>
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					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
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					he claims.</div>
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					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
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					&nbsp;</div>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
					<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">Some Companies under Golyan Group</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Textile Manufacturing</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Reliance Spinning Mill</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Shivam Plastic Industries</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Tricot Industries&nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					(Formally Makalu Cashmere)</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Himali Pashmina</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Financial Services</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NIC Asia Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;NMB Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Nepal Life Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Lumbini Bank Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Prudential Insurance Company Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">International Trade</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Atlanta Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;Westar Galaxy Trading Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Real Estate</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Westar Properties Pvt Ltd</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					&bull;<span class="Apple-tab-span" mce_style="white-space:pre" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Properties</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Management&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group employs around 7000 staff. Pawan Golyan says that none of the companies have faced labour strikes and operation has not halted even for a minute. Cordial relationship maintained with workers has prevented disputes and also helped make employees a part of the Golyan family. Fair dealing and fair treatment to employees is the principle of the group when it comes to human resource management, according to Golyan. He says that the major problem is labour shortage rather than other functional wrangling. &nbsp;</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Hi-life on Westar Properties</strong></span></p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					Westar Properties Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the group, founded in 2008 has been developing apartment properties with technical collaboration with Westar Properties, Dubai. According to Golyan, 212 apartments are almost ready to be handed over to their buyers. &ldquo;We have delivered better quality than what we promised. There are no other projects in my knowledge that match the quality, facilities and price of this project, even in India,&rdquo; he claims.</p>
				<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
					The group is planning to develop another high-end residential high-rise apartment at Soaltee Mode with premium facilities. According to Golyan, this new property will have state-of-the-art facilities including a gym, cinema hall, squash court, badminton and tennis courts, a jogging track and oxygen room among others. &nbsp;Golyan promises to complete this project by the first quarter of 2015.</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-16',
			'modified' => '2013-09-16',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The Golyan Group, known to have a strong foothold in the textile industry, is planning to venture into the tourism industry of late. As a first venture into the new sector, a three star hotel is under construction at Baneshwor Height of Kathmandu. Pawan Golyan, Chairman of the group, says that the hotel will start its services within the next two years.',
			'sortorder' => '1666',
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	),
	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1687',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Consistent Growth Of The RMC Group',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sagar Ghimire&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajesh Agrawal, Director, RMC group" src="/userfiles/images/ra(1).jpg" style="width: 183px; height: 203px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajesh Agrawal</strong></div>
				<div>
					Director, RMC group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The export of RMC cements to India comes as a respite for the economy of Nepal that has long been suffering due to the dominance of imported goods from India. Along with catering to the rising demand for building materials like cement, steels and pipes in Nepal, the RMC Group now strives to expand its market to neighbor down south. Amidst a deepening trade deficit with India, the RMC Group is now planning to export manufacturing goods to the country. The strategy is to import raw materials and export value-added products to India.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Conviction behind success</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Since Nepal was completely dependent on imports for steel, Rajesh Agrawal, Director of RMC group, thought of establishing a factory to meet the growing demand of steel in the country. Despite his lack of experience and knowledge on the manufacturing industry, Agrawal did not shy away from venturing into a relatively new front. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Promising prospects for steel manufacturers prompted me to start a factory despite my inexperience,&rdquo; Agrawal says. He recalls being firm on his conviction to develop it through the learn-by-doing approach. Today, the RMC Group has leapfrogged from a small-scale firm to a big industry through this approach itself.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company initially formed for steel drum packaging for paints is now manufacturing steels, pipes, cements and sheets. Along with catering to the rising demands for steel, the company also meets the needs of pipes and other construction materials in its backyard. Growing steadily thus, it is now eyeing a broader market in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Forty per cent of our total turnover is exported to India today,&rdquo; Agrawal states to The Corporate. The group has recently started exporting cement to India and is the first company in Nepal to do so.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The RMC Group was established with an investment of five million rupees and now has an annual turnover of 5 billion rupees, informs Agrawal. Apart from the manufacturing sector, the group has investments in the banking and insurance sectors as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Industrialisation was yet to begin in Nepal when Agrawal had begun business. Despite limitations, Nepal gradually headed towards industrialization and augmented economic growth in the country. &ldquo;The steel consumption is directly related with economic development and the economic development of Nepal has increased with the consumption of our steels,&rdquo; says Agrawal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">&lsquo;Ups and Downs&rsquo; in Business Environment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	In the two decades of its operation, the RMC Group has experienced some ups and downs. Few years after the group established its factory to manufacture steel, the Maoist insurgency took off and posed many challenges to industrialists from running their business. &ldquo;However, the business environment recovered after the Maoists came into the peace process,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Affordability of local consumers has gone up in recent times due to remittance and other sources of income. &ldquo;People in villages have been switching to corrugated sheets from bricks, straw and other local materials to roof their houses,&rdquo; Agrawal observes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, the per capita steel consumption in Nepal is still one of the lowest in the world - 30kg per person, according to Agrawal, whereas the average is more than 300kg per person in the world. Agrawal is hopeful that steel consumption will get a boost in the days to come with political stability in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	But despite these vicissitudes, consistent service to customers for the last 20 years has made RMC a credible brand. &ldquo;The consistent quality provided to consumers has ensured the growth of our companies,&rdquo; Agrawal says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Valuing Labour&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The company had begun with only 15 employees in total, but today, there are 400 employees hired by it. It has employed 80 peoples in its cement factory and has been hiring staff for administrative purposes through vacancy calls in newspapers.</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;A large number of our human resources are labours and we recruit them at the local level where our factories are located through the contractors,&rdquo; says Agrawal who values the labour force for the success of his company.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">CSR activities&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC Group has arranged drinking water facilities at the villages of the workers of its factories in Simra and other places as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. It has built water tanks, provided water pipes and bored water wells as well. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, it has provided corrugated sheets, steel and other construction materials to schools at the factories&rsquo; sites.</div>
<div>
	The company is also providing medical services to the families of its workers regularly.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Competition &amp; Promotional Activities</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to Agrawal, the RMC Group faces competition against Jagadamba Enterprises for pipes and Hulas Steel and the Biratnagar-based Arati Steel for Galvanised sheets.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group runs TVC (television commercials) as well as media advertisements in newspapers as a part of its promotional activity. Likewise, the group comes up frequently with scratch coupons, gift vouchers and other schemes for its customers. &nbsp;Targeting customers at the local level to advertise its products, the group airs advertisements through FM stations all across the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Social Affinity&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	While Director Agrawal is taking care of the companies and factories, his father Shrawan Kumar Agrawal - also Chairperson of the group - is involved in politics and social sectors. &nbsp;Chairperson Agrawal was a former Constituent Assembly lawmaker representing the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Nepal. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the Marwari Sewa Samiti, an organization for social service to the Marwari community.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Palpa Cement at the offing</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The RMC group has a project in Palpa to produce clinkers and cements in the pipeline. &ldquo;Clinkers are largely being imported from India for cement production, and we are planning to produce it, and cement made from it, from Palpa,&rdquo; informs Agrawal. The group is already in talks with the government for building the necessary infrastructure in the proposed factory sites.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="RMC Group" src="/userfiles/images/rMCGROUP.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 306px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					AT A GLANCE</h2>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Brief History</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Pvt Ltd was established on 1993. Prior to that, it was a firm to trade steels by importing from Japan, Korea and India. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Rajesh Agrawal left Rajesh Hardware Pvt Ltd to his partner on 1995 and he owned RMC Pvt Ltd. &nbsp;His partner is still doing the business on hardware. RMC is focusing its business on manufacturing. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Award and Recognition</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC already has the ISO 9001: 2008 certificate and the company was recently conferred with ISO 14001: 2004 certificate for its environment management system. Also, it has been awarded NS mark by Nepal Bureau of Standards &amp; Metrology (NBSM), a National Standards Body under Government of Nepal, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Involvement of the RMC group:</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>1. Rajesh Metal Craft Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Sister concern of the RMC Group, RMC Pvt Ltd manufactures and supplies MS Black Pipes, Galvanised Iron Pipes, Galvanised Plain and Corrugated Sheets, Tubular and Telescopic Steel Poles and Fabricated Steel Structural, among others. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>2. RMC Cement Pvt Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC Cement Pvt Ltd, sister concern of RMC group, produces RMC cement from its Simara-based factory. &nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>3. H&amp;B Development Bank</strong></div>
					<div>
						HNB Development Bank is a leading development bank of Nepal that has a &ldquo;B&rdquo; class license issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank. RMC group chairperson Shrawan Agrwawal is the chairman of the H &amp; B Development Bank.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>4. Prudential Insurance Co Ltd</strong></div>
					<div>
						Prudential Insurance Company was incorporated under the Companies Act on November 30, 2000. With the approval of Beema Samiti, it commenced operation on June 20, 2002. The Chairperson of RMC Group, Shrawan Agrawal, is in the Board of Directors of the Prudential Insurance Co Ltd.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>5. Palpa Cement&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						This is the mine based that will to produce clinker and cement. The factory will come under operation soon.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Details of major products of the RMC group:</strong></span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>RMC Cement</strong></div>
					<div>
						The company has a production of RMC Cement from its factory that has a capacity of 2.4 million bags a year. The company has installed the latest PLC controlled closed circuit technology to ensure high quality and strength in the cement along with the installation of latest technology for the pollution control. It has also established fully-equipped modern quality testing laboratory to test the raw materials and finished goods at all stages.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>MS Black Pipes</strong></div>
					<div>
						RMC has been manufacturing and supplying MS Black Pipe through its Birgunj based factory. It has the production capacity of 30 thousand tons per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Galvanised Iron Pipes&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Metal Craft Pvt Ltd also manufactures galvanised iron pipes. These are made from steel or iron pipes coated in molten-zinc.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Color Coated Sheets&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						The RMC Pvt Ltd has begun manufacturing and supplying the color coated sheets from last two weeks and it has the production capacity of 18 thousand ton per annum.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CR Sheet</strong></div>
					<div>
						The production capacity of CR sheet is 30 thousand ton per annum.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-25',
			'modified' => '2013-09-10',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'While Nepal is witnessing a huge trade deficit with India due to its heavy dependency on import, Rajesh Metal Craft (RMC) Group has been exporting 40 per cent of its annual turnover to India.',
			'sortorder' => '1548',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1637',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Leading Chain Of Hotels In Nepal Grows Bigger',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Rajan Sakya CEO, KGH Group" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(2).jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Rajan Sakya</strong></div>
				<div>
					CEO, KGH Group</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House. According to Rajan Sakya, CEO of KGH Group, 60 rooms of five-star facility were added on each hotel in the year 2012. Sakya says that rooms were upgraded in accordance with the demand of clients and growing competition to offer quality service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Renovation work is also ongoing at Aqua Buzz Unlimited, a hotel located in Koshi. Sakya admits that the hotel is not doing impressive business at the moment but he is optimistic that Koshi will emerge as a tourism hub when the Banepa-Bardibas highway gets completed in the next two years. He says that the highway will shorten the distance between Koshi and Kathmandu and will increase tourist flow to the area.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Expansion Plans</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group plans to add new properties to business in the years to come to their current line-up of eight hotels and three travel agencies. According to Sakya, the group is planning to establish two new hotels within the next two years. He says one will be in Kathmandu while the other will be in Koshi.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group wishes to see the business he established to be passed on to the future generation. Rajan Sakya, his youngest son also expresses commitment to continue the business and says, &ldquo;Tourism is the industry where we have expertise and long-time experience. The next generation will also be involved in the same field as we do not have any plans to venture into any other sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When making plans for the future, young Sakya says that the overall business climate of Nepal makes it difficult to make long-term plans. So, he says the group has been only making plans for the short term.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya reveals that the group plans to streamline and standardise the quality of its services offered throughout the properties of the group as well as its management style. For this purpose, he says, the group is adopting a corporate model of running business that will centrally control all sister concerns it owns.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Clientele and Occupancy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The morale of tourism entrepreneurs is getting a boost with the rise in tourist flow after the insurgency. Sakya is also content with the number of clients his chain of hotels has been able to attract. He says that the occupancy level has been satisfactory throughout the year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Sakya, Park Village Resort is primarily targeting conferences and seminars, and so 60 per cent of its clients are Nepalis while the rest are foreigners. Similarly, guests at the Kathmandu Guest House are mostly adventure tourists and it is an all-season hotel with 100 per cent foreign clients. Likewise, 80 per cent of clients at the group&rsquo;s hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini comprise of foreigners.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Management strategy</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has been operating under the family business model since Karna Sakya ventured into the tourism and hospitality sector almost 48 years ago. &ldquo;We are not running our business similar to a professionally managed five star hotel. &nbsp;Though we have professional hotel managers to look after a particular hotel, we have shouldered the responsibility of running the business and we are happy with this style because we believe we have the expertise and experience of several decades,&rdquo; explains Rajan Sakya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Sakyas, however, are planning to corporatise the group in the next one to two years. The group plans to set up a corporate head office in Kathmandu with a team headed by a General Manager. Sakya says that the corporate office will centrally control the accounts, internal audits and central purchasing. &ldquo;This model is being adopted to standardise the quality of services and products used across all the properties under the group,&rdquo; he says.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Human Resource Management</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The KGH Group has not only created employment for 650 to 700 people but also has been meeting a social responsibility in hiring employees. Sakya says that the group hires women under the shelter of Maiti Nepal, a non profit organisation dedicated to help victims of sex trafficking. As women from the organisation find it challenging to reintegrate into society after being rescued from brothels, the KGH group has tied up with Anuradha Koirala (Founder and Director of Maiti Nepal and also a winner of CNN Heroes of 2010) to provide them with job opportunities in all of its properties, says Sakya.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, the group prioritises hiring employees from underprivileged groups and communities. Sakya says that the group gives preference to those who have returned after working abroad. He gives an example of a recent recruitment of 10 employees who had returned from the US and the UK. He also reveals that the employee turnover at the group is quite low and some of the employees have been with the company for even decades. &ldquo;We have maintained a very good relationship with employees and so, we do not have problems with the human resource management,&rdquo; he states about the company&rsquo;s relationship with its employees.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="KGH GROUP NEPAL" src="/userfiles/images/2a.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 169px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 25px;" /></div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<div>
		<strong style="font-size: 14px;">The KGH journey</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
	The journey of the KGH Group began when Karna Sakya, Founding President of the group established Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, 48 years ago. Sakya recalls that Thamel was nothing more than a paddy field then. Thamel, the tourist hub of today grew around the hotel which started with 13 rooms.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sakya, a government employee then, used to work at the department of forestry and was not satisfied with the working environment. &nbsp;Brought up in an affluent family, he never felt that he had to take up a job to make his living. A traveller himself, he says that one must be able to comprehend what tourists want in order to run a tourism business and adds: &ldquo;Tourism is a business of dreams and only a dreamer can delve deep into this sector.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	His expertise as a forester and environmentalist is reflected in the hotels of the group. He has always prioritised the harmony between buildings, nature and the culture of the locality where the hotel is built and it can be witnessed in any of the sister hotels of the group. Sakya says he never developed a property on a leased or government land and all land where hotels are built is owned by the group.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When the country was at the peak of insurgency, the group never took a break. Rather it expanded into new projects and purchased land that helped it achieve success that it had never seen earlier.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Today, the group has eight hotels and three travel agencies and is about to mark its golden jubilee in two years&rsquo; time</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h2>
					Signature Hotels of the KGH Group</h2>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Park Village Hotel and Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Park Village Hotel and Resort" src="/userfiles/images/park%20villafge.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />This hotel spreads over 55 ropanis of land and is nestled in the foothills of Shivapuri National Park. Located just seven kilometres away from the heart of Kathmandu city, the hotel is so close to nature that it is regarded as a hotspot for bird watching, gorgeous scenery and harbours over 78 species of 3000 flowering plants. The hotel primarily targets conference clients and has seven conference halls and parking space for 80 vehicles. Similarly, it has 135 rooms, suites and service apartments of five star categories, swimming pool and spa among other luxurious amenities.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Kathmandu Guest House</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Kathmandu Guest House" src="/userfiles/images/kgh.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 132px;" />Kathmandu Guest House is the second largest hotel of the group that also preserves the architectural grandeur of a Rana palace intact along with ultra modern facilities. The hotel named one of the 300 most popular icon hotels in Asia by the Inside Guide in 2003 is famous among adventure tourists, writers, musicians and artists travelling Nepal. The hotel located at the heart of city, Thamel, has 150 rooms that cost from USD 30 to USD160 per night. Recently, the hotel has upgraded its rooms and interiors keeping the elegance and history of its architecture alive.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Waterfront Resort</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						The resort located on the banks of Fewa Lake in the popular tourist destination, Pokhara, is spread over 15 ropanis of land. The company claims that it is one of the best eco friendly hotels in Pokhara. The resort even has a rain harvesting system and waste water is recycled to be used in its gardens, according to the company. One of the newest ventures of the KGH Group, the resort offers unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. The resort with 60 rooms also offers a peaceful and homely environment.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Buddha Maya Garden Hotel</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Buddha Maya Garden Hotel" src="/userfiles/images/bmg.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 130px;" />The hotel is located just five minutes from the birth spot of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. The hotel spreads over nine bighas of land and has its garden full of indigenous Buddha era trees. Founder of the group, Karna Sakya&rsquo;s expertise in forestry and environment has inspired the landscape of the hotel in marrying art, culture and nature. It is one of the largest hotels in Lumbini with three and four star quality rooms.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Maruni Sanctuary Lodge</span></strong></div>
					<div>
						<img alt="Maruni Sanctuary Lodge" src="/userfiles/images/msl.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 200px; height: 131px;" />Established in 2004 with 11 cottages, the hotel has now expanded into 37 huts. The hotel nestled on the edge of Chitwan National Park and just 10 minutes walk from Sauraha. All rooms are decorated in a unique traditional architecture with bamboo furniture, terra-cotta flooring and colourful ethnic Tharu paintings. The hotel also has its own wetland that attracts migratory birds, making it ideal for bird watching.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-19',
			'modified' => '2013-09-19',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The KGH Group has recently revamped rooms and interiors of its signature hotels, Park Village Hotel and Resorts and Kathmandu Guest House.',
			'sortorder' => '1498',
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			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	),
	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1591',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'A Constant Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>--By TC Correspondent</strong></p>
<div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Rajesh Kazi Shrestha,Chairman, RK Associates" src="/userfiles/images/RKS.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td style="text-align: center;">
					<div>
						<strong>Rajesh Kazi Shrestha</strong></div>
					<div>
						Chairman, RK Associates</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		RK Associates and its sister concerns such as Nepal International Business (NIB) Pvt Ltd and &nbsp; Constant Business Group (CBG) are authorised dealers of Lifan&rsquo;s motorbikes and cars and the brands Zotye, Proton, Jonway and Ssangyong. In business for the past 32 years, CBG and its promoters have been trading automobiles and dealing re-conditioned and brand new vehicles in Kathmandu.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		CBG started its business by first importing Lifan motorbikes to Nepal and later assembling them here. After selling a large number of motorbikes within a short time, the company felt the need to provide after sales services and spare parts to its customers, which it has now arranged for.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Chairman of RK Associates, the group of companies that runs CBG, NIB, Alliance Insurance Company Ltd, Soaltee Hotel Limited, Status Trading Pvt Ltd among other companies, said that the Lifan Company has introduced SUVs in the Chinese market and that he plans to bring them to Nepal through Nepal International Business (NIB), an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha claims that the company has sold more than 600 Zotye SUVs in Nepal in the past five years. &ldquo;Customers demand Zotye vehicles that use Mitsubishi engines and provide power, performance and quality to their rides; we brought the Jonway SUV in order to meet their demand,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		NIB has also brought the Zotye Nomad, a mini SUV, to Kathmandu recently. An authorised distributor of Ssangyong Automobiles of Korea too, it has also introduced the four-wheeler Korando in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Starting a Business&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Shrestha&rsquo;s interest in automobiles and his family&rsquo;s background in business lured him to the field of trading vehicles. &ldquo;While I was doing my B.Com, I realised that I my fortunes were waiting for me in this line and that prompted me to jump into this sector,&rdquo; he recalls. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Given to his keen interest in vehicles since childhood, Shrestha focused himself in the trading of vehicles. He is not, however, confined only to vehicle trading but also involved in insurance, banking, food and carpets, among other businesses. CBG&rsquo;s sister enterprises are looked over by Shrestha himself while others are taken care of by his business partners.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">New Launches</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The company introduced the Higer bus in Nepal last Wednesday. The bus&rsquo;s primary clients are tourism and travel agencies and were brought to Nepal following the request of travel entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&ldquo;When I told them it was hard for me to provide the service unless there was a demand for more than 12 buses, tourism entrepreneurs came jointly with an order of 10 buses,&rdquo; says Shrestha, who also claims the buses will help boost the tourism industry in Nepal. Post the bus launch, CBG has been getting an overwhelming response from the market according to Shrestha. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		This initial response, although a boost for the company&rsquo;s morale, does not ascertain success as the depreciation of the rupee is bound to affect the market price and sales of vehicles. &nbsp;&ldquo;We have requested the company to reduce the price for pre-order in bulk,&rdquo; says Shrestha, revealing some cautionary measures for market uncertainty. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Market Challenges and Prospects</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		The spiraling value of the rupee has hit businesses hard and NIB is not an exception. Though the company is satisfied with increase in sales, Shrestha says the rate of return is too low and additional vehicles are not being imported due to the escalating price of dollars. &ldquo;We are in a wait and watch mode,&rdquo; Shrestha says adding that the company does not have immediate plans for market expansion unless the rupee strengthens against the dollar.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With various models and brands available, Shrestha regards competition due multiple choices in the market as a major challenge for his company. To overcome this, the company is keeping a vigilant eye to provide something unique to its customers. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Nepal, however, is a lucrative market for SUVs, fancy cars, motorbikes, buses and other vehicles. Provided there is political stability in the country, Shrestha sees a very good prospective for automobile business here. &ldquo;People&rsquo;s purchasing power has gone up and they are demanding more,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Selling more vehicles would result in big transaction which bodes well to all including businessmen, government and the people.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Expectations from the Government&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		High import duties imposed on automobiles by the government, despite Nepal&rsquo;s WTO membership and commitment to gradually reduce custom duties, is affecting vehicle sales, according to Shrestha.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Entrepreneurs like him expect the government to formulate policies and laws in line with the obligation it has made for the WTO membership.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha also demands the government to come up with an effective plan to replace old vehicles. &ldquo;Vehicles older than 20 years should be replaced. They consume too much fuel and pollute the environment,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Marketing Matters and the Future</span></strong></div>
	<div>
		Even though marketing work has become more simplified with information and technology, Shrestha is not satisfied with the way it is executed in Nepal. He admits that the business community here has not been able to fully tap the advantage of technology in this field. &ldquo;Sometimes, our marketing expenditure even surpasses our income,&rdquo; he says to demonstrate the point.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Shrestha emphasises the need for assessing consumer demand and market wave length as a first step to improvement. &ldquo;Our company formulates marketing strategies to increase our sales and we are trying to integrate appropriate technology in our marketing tools,&rdquo; he shares. &ldquo;But it is still uncertain as to whether investment in marketing would bring returns.&rdquo;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		With over 150 employees in total, Shrestha delegates responsibilities to a trusted team and receives updates and provides guidance through regular meetings. His future plans hinge upon the political and business climate of the country. But even as he echoes common frustrations among businessmen of a lack of encouragement for new ventures, Shrestha has not withheld from making optimistic plans for the future, for solar energy, agri-business and tourism are sectors he has kept an eye out for, he also reveals possibilities of importing airplanes from China soon.</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<div>
	<img alt="rk aSSOCIATES" src="/userfiles/images/spotlight1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 112px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>AT A GLANCE</b></span></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Higer Buses Launched</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							<img alt="Higer Bus" src="/userfiles/images/HIGER%20BUS.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 182px;" />Nepal International Business Pvt. Ltd has brought Higer Bus in Nepali market. The bus is produced by Higer Company of China. Tourism entrepreneurs are the main target customers of the company for these buses. &nbsp;The buses were launched by Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudyal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, amid a program in capital last week. &nbsp;Designed to suit the topography like of Nepal, the company has believed, this brand of the bus will be popular in Nepali market very soon. The newly introduced buses have the seat capacity of 29 to 35, according to the company. The company has also offered the warranty for 18 months while maintenance and the buses&rsquo; spear parts can be easily available from the company. Air condition cooling and heating, luggage compartment with cool air outlet, luxurious seats, reverse display monitor, Electrophoretic technology guarantee and corrosion resistance, among others, are the main features of the bus.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Vehicle Brands Imported by CBG</span></strong></div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Zotye Nomad SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CBG is also an authorised distributor of Zotye International Automobiles of China in Nepal. The Company had also brought the Zotye Nomad mini SUV in 2011. Zotya Nomad SUV- 3,970 mm long, 1,570 mm wide and 1,733 mm tall - &nbsp; has 1,500 cc petrol engine with 16 valves and a multi-point electric fuel injection system. Zotye Nomad is available in seven colors&mdash;pure white, crystal silver, light black, pure red, light blue, dark blue and bright black.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Jonway SUV</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorised dealer of Jonway Companies&rsquo; products in Nepal. Jonway Auto Company is the main exporting automobile company of China. &nbsp;It has minimum grounded clearances of 200 mm. The ISO 9001: 2000 certified company has been exporting its products to around 40 countries.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>SSangYong Cars</strong></div>
						<div>
							CGP is also an authorized dealer of SsangYong, the automobile manufacturing company based in South Korea. It had introduced the new model of its second generation Korando cars in the Nepali in April, 2011. Korando brand cars are sold in 82 countries around the world. The price tag of Korando car was Rs. 4,775,000 at the time of launch.</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Lifan</strong></div>
						<div>
							The sister concern of the CGP has sold Lifan motorbikes in Nepal. Later, it also started assembling the motorbikes itself in Nepal. &nbsp;The company has the service center and spare parts for Lifan customers.&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							&nbsp;</div>
						<div>
							<strong>Proton</strong></div>
						<div>
							Sole authorized distributor of Malaysia based auto manufacturer Proton in Nepal, CGP sells Proton Persona, Gen.2 and Savvy&mdash;in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
					</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-08-12',
			'modified' => '2013-08-12',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Active in business for over three decades, the Constant Business Group’s Rajesh Kazi Shrestha is now attempting to expand his turf to agriculture, tourism and solar energy.',
			'sortorder' => '1452',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1544',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'Mudbhary And Joshi Construction - Distributing Energy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Gaurav Aryal</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman, Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/Ajay%20Kumar%20Mudbhary.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 192px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ajay Kumar Mudbhary</strong></div>
				<div>
					Executive Chairman</div>
				<div>
					Mudbhary and Joshi</div>
				<div>
					Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Mudbhary and Joshi Construction (MJC) Pvt Ltd, one of the leading companies in power line industry of Nepal plans to venture into the power production and tourism industry too. Ajay Kumar Mudbhary, Executive Chairman of the company who believes that hydropower and tourism are two major sectors that can push Nepal towards prosperity, however, did not reveal the details of the plans. But, he promised to venture into these sectors soon and the company is working towards it.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary said, &ldquo;We do not dive into any new venture without plans. Power generation is a capital intensive activity, so, to move into it, we need to make sure that the current business is not affected.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	MJC is a part of three companies involved in the energy sector including Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co Pvt Ltd (NEEK) and a wooden pole manufacturer inside the Hetauda Industrial District in Hetauda.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Mudbhary, the group of companies is specialised on construction of transmission line, substation and manufacturing of transformers. He said that the company has been involved in this sector since the establishment of the company in 1982.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Expanding the Horizon&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Although the company does not have plans to go into a particular sector at the moment, it has been constantly involved in expanding the construction business within the energy sector. Mudbhary says, &ldquo;There are few companies involved in the transmission line development. So, there are enough opportunities and we are concentrating on enhancing capacity needed for expansion in this particular area.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary says that his company wants to tap the opportunities in the transmission line and grid expansion of the country that is growing with the number of new hydropower plants entering the construction phase. &ldquo;We prioritise what we have in front of us at the moment. We have realised that the country needs a company like us in the power distribution channel. So, we will continue working either as a prime contractor or as a sub contractor for an international contractor.&rdquo; To, materialise this goal the company is involved in producing a capable work force.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that there is a soaring demand of human resources not only in Nepal but also in the entire South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East regions. He explains, because of the high demand in these areas, we have to face shortage of human resource, which is a challenge of working in the power sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mudbhary further says that the company does not want to supply human resource to other countries but would go as a contractor there if the resources would remain in favour of his company. &ldquo;There were invitations from India, Cambodia and Myanmar, but, we are busy in Nepal. And, we do not want to overtrade works beyond our capacity and size as we must complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated time. So, we want to wait for a while and emerge strongly within the country before looking beyond the borders&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Grabbing Opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The company is involved in developing transmission lines and substation across the country. Mudbhary shares that the company is currently involved in 10 different projects including Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line, Kusaha- Kattaiya 132 kV cross border transmission line, Butwol- Kohalpur, Dumre-Damauli, and other power grids in Dang, Hetauda, Damak and Dhulabari. Mudbhary believes that there are ample opportunities within the country because of the new power plants in the development stage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	He says that his company has always believed in capacity building and proving with quality works. &ldquo;In the power sector, competitiveness comes only through experience. The competency we have developed is a result of hard work for almost two decades. Now, we are known as a competitive company that holds a leading position in Nepal with a market share of roughly 35 per cent,&rdquo; he says. He also says that around five companies in the market are working in the similar field.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Mudbhary and Joshi Construction" src="/userfiles/images/mjc1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 300px; height: 239px;" />Power Specialisation&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Along with the MJC, two other companies are also involved in production of power equipment. The company&rsquo;s journey towards the energy sector was guided by Mudbhary&rsquo;s knowledge gained as a student of electrical engineering at Pulchowk Engineering Campus. He is the first generation business person in his family and started business that matches his knowledge and interest. The determined and gradual move in this sector has made him and his company, one of the established names in the power transmission industry of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The MJC had started with road construction project in Rupandehi almost three decades back. However, the company did not stick to just road construction. Mudbhary says that his company gradually moved into power distribution works and then to development of substations and transmission lines. The company through its sister concerns also manufactures transformers and electricity poles.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NEEK produces 3000 transformers in a year and certain portion of the production is exported to Bhutan. Mudbhary says that NEEK products capture 75 per cent market share in the Nepali market.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Managing Human Resources&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As the company works on various projects, Mudbhary says that up to 1000 employees have worked with the company at a point of time. But, at the moment around 600 employees are working in 10 different projects. He says that majority of staff are temporary employees.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, Mudbhary says employee retention high in his business. There are employees working with the company for more than two decades - since the beginning days of the company, he adds. He also says that those who left the company when a project came to an end returned back when another project began.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A team of professionals assigned for a particular project looks after all the managerial tasks including the human resource management. He says that the projects are supervised by the top management on a regular basis. &ldquo;The project manager is provided with all the managerial responsibilities under our close supervision. We facilitate as and when required,&rdquo; he shares his management style.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Project Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	MJC acquires projects through both national and international competitive bidding process and executes according to the mentioned norms and requirements of the project. Mudbhary says that various factors are taken into account before bidding, such as proximity of new project to the current area of works.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similar to the human resource management, Mudhbary says that the projects are also managed by a team of professionals under the supervision of the top level management. He further explains that the team of technicians and employees consists of only Nepali staff.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When it comes to developing projects, most of the construction materials are local products while other equipment like conductors, tower materials and others are imported from Germany, India, China, USA or any other country if Nepali products are not approved in the contract provision.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<p>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Company&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
				<div>
					<div>
						MJC was incorporated by a team of young entrepreneurs in 1982 with the objective of establishing a professionally managed and well equipped construction company. The company was registered as &ldquo;A&rdquo; class contractor in 1993 by Ministry of Works and Transport. With three decades of construction experience, MJC has been helping its customers to move energy where it is needed from power plant to the user through Transmission and Distribution lines. MJC has constructed Transmission Line ranging from 11 kV to 400 kV with Optical Fibre Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) and Substation raging from 33 kV to 132 kV with Power Transformer raging from 1 MVA to 63 MVA. MJC has also constructed some national road projects and has also completed Oil Storage Project with its own design.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Some Projects of MCJ&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&bull; Hetauda 132kV Substation and Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kusum-Hapure 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Kabeli Corridor 132kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and construction of Dhulabari (Jhapa) 33/11kV Substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Power P. 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Khimti-Dhalkebar 220kV T/L Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400kV Dhauliganga- Barreilley Transmission Line Tanakpur, India (5 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; 400kV DC Vishnuprayag- Muzaffarnagar Transmission Line, India (3 km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and installation, testing and commissioning of two numbers of 33/11kV, 16.6 MVA PT at Duhabi S/S with overhauling and shifting of &nbsp; &nbsp;existing transformers to Anarmani&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery and commissioning of 132/33kV transformer at Lahan Subsation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, stringing and testing of optical fiber with ground wire in Hetauda - Pathlaiya and Lahan - Duhabi 132kV T/L project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 33/11kV 2x10/13.3/16. 6 MVA new substation at Tankisinuwari, Morang, Nepal&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Erection of 400km of 11kV overhead lines and distribution line for Kailali - Kanchanpur Rural Electrification Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Rural electrification of various districts&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Thankot-Chapagaon-Bhaktapur 132kV Transmission Line Project&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Re-routing work of Chilime-Trishuli 66kV transmission line at Thade in Rasuwa&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply, relocation and commissioning of power transformer (3 nos. 15 MVA, 1No. 30 MVA, Circuit Breakers, Control and Relay Panels)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and delivery of three phase whole current energy meter&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Stringing of OPGW in 11kV line from dam site to power house in Kali- Gankadi &ldquo;A&rdquo; hydroelectric power project (9km)&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Supply and installation of 11kV vacuum circuit breaker panel board at sub-station in Hetauda Industrial District&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&bull; Shifting, erection and commissioning of power transformer from Anarmani to Lamahi substation&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						Mudbhary has been carrying out philanthropic activities through rotary clubs at a personal level but he says that his company has not officially carried out any such activities as of now. But, he understands the importance of CSR activities and promises to gradually involve in it.</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-08-04',
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			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Mudbhary and Joshi Construction Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneer and leading companies involved in development of power grids. The company plans to diversify its portfolio by investing in hydropower generation and also in the tourism industry.',
			'sortorder' => '1405',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1501',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'VOITH: A Tale Of Struggle, Conviction And Patience',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sagar Ghimire</span></strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director , United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/ritusingh.jpg" style="width: 175px; height: 193px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Ritu Singh Vaidya</strong></div>
				<div>
					Managing Director</div>
				<div>
					United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people. The group started as United Trade Syndicate, a company that imports automobiles, has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Inception&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	VOITH was established in Kathmandu 40 years ago by an enterprising young man, late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya was initially involved in the political movement of Nepal to overthrow the Rana oligarchy and also worked for 11 years in different institutions including USAID and Ministry for Foreign Affairs until he realized that nothing would interest him except working under his own leadership and self vision.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vaidya gave up everything just to initiate his own business. With just $700 in his pocket, he ventured into the business journey to Japan on December 18, 1967. After continuous and regular meetings with the officials of Toyota Company in Japan, who were initially skeptical about his ability, eventually signed an agreement with the company on selling their vehicles in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Upon his arrival, Vaidya established United Traders Syndicate (UTS) Pvt Ltd and sold 97 vehicles, 91 more than the targets set by the Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	After four-decades, Toyota, which was introduced to the customers by the UTS for the first time in Nepal, is still one of the dominant brands in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Started from the UTS dealing automobiles, the VOITH has now expanded its business ranging from education to construction and from tea to agro products.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Behind the meteoric rise of the organization as one of the largest business house, there are the tales of struggle, conviction, hard-work and patience of the organization&rsquo;s founder late Dr Vijay G. Vaidya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Setting the priorities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	The organisation accords its priority to industries that contribute greatly to the social upliftment of the Nepali people. Hence, labor-intensive, agro-based industries are VOITH&rsquo;s priorities. And, as it said, it is convinced that such undertakings help raise the living standard of Nepal&rsquo;s poorest people, the bulk of whom are farmers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has been continuously serving the people for past four decades. Since its inception, the organization is putting the farmers at its center of focus. It strives to bring joy and success into the community of the common farmers through professional development and modernization of the agricultural sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Now, the president of the VOITH President Suraj Vaidya is upholding the legacy of Vaidya group created by his late father Dr Vijay G. Vaidya. Suraj, President of the VOITH, is also leading the umbrella organisation of the business community - Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries- as its president.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Caring the Nature&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	For many, doing business is all about gaining immediate profits from their investment and deposit the cash in their bank accounts even at the expense of human health or irrespective of the adverse impact it makes on the environment or natural heritages.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	However, VOITH claims that it has abided by the concept and principle of green environment in the field of industrial and business development.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This company has refrained itself from entering into any production that causes harm to human health or adversely challenges the natural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Management Mantra&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Vision, commitment, courage, perseverance and hard work are the key mantras for the staffs working in VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Board of Directors sets the overall policy and management guidance for each of the divisions - Trading and Services, Industry, Construction - of VOITH.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The VOITH is one of the largest business groups in Nepal and provides employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people, and prides itself in its staff that represents some of the best managerial talent in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Each division is led by an Executive Director. Regular staff meetings are held that ensures total managerial involvement in the day-to-day operation of VOITH as well as its future planning needs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	Though it has made its slogan &ldquo;Little Things We Do&rdquo;, the philanthropy and social services of the VOITH are beyond the merely fulfilling its bit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The list of the services that the company has done goes long. To mention few: it provides scholarships to the needy and underprivileged students for the scholarship; builds school buildings, temples; supports sportsperson; involves itself in cleaning campaign as well as renovating and preserving cultural heritages, among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	VOITH has organized Toyota Women&rsquo;s Motor Rally and the money that was raised was given to a primary school at Hile, Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since 2006, VOITH has begun awarding a Toyota car to the most outstanding football player of the year. Likewise, VOITH set up a revolving fund of Rs. 400,000 to organize the tournaments and made available additional funds to manage them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It had donated an Ambulance to the Avyudaya Multipurpose Cooperative at Kalyanpur, Chitwan. It has been providing financial help to dozens of schools across the country. In Chitwan, it has constructed a Reading Room besides providing books and magazines. It has made available Rs. 1 million to Mothers&rsquo; groups to create awareness and expand literacy.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In Kathmandu, it has built numerous waiting stands at the bus stops for the comfort of passengers.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Venturing Next&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	As part of its regular and new launches, VOITH is all set to launch a new model of Toyota car at the end of the August. According to Sahara KC, Marketing Manager at VOITH, Toyota Etios will roll out in the street. This car would cost Rs 3.44 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	KC says those who want to exchange their vehicle with the Toyota Etios will have that opportunity during the launch where bank, insurance and validity counter will also be available.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Likewise, Vijaya Academy of Health and Science is scheduled to begin four-year Bachelor degree in affiliation with universities from Australia and Philippines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of UTS Pvt Ltd, the organization is planning to expand into newer sectors like hydropower, hospitality and education.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	She says, &ldquo;Hydropower should be there soon as it is already in the pipeline and we are seriously looking into hospitality. Hopefully, we will be coming with new ventures in the next two years if we don&rsquo;t have external disturbing factors like endless bandhs&nbsp;and political crisis.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="United Traders Syndicate Pvt Ltd" src="/userfiles/images/voith1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 397px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<h1>
					Group&rsquo;s Involvement&nbsp;</h1>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="automobile" src="/userfiles/images/automobiles(2).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 100px; height: 62px;" />Automobiles&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The group is sole distributor of Toyota vehicles and Genuine parts for Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					Sole distributor of Chinese vehicles - Yutong (Zhegnzhou Yutong Bus Company) and Shandong Wuzeng Group Co. Ltd. - in Nepal and is working to promote Great Wall Motors as well.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The company also imports electric bicycles and furnitures.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="tea" src="/userfiles/images/tea(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 42px;" />Tea&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It produces high grown orthodox tea. Its scientific method of cultivation is totally bio-organic.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="agriproducts" src="/userfiles/images/Agri%20Products(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 35px;" />Agri-products&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The organization is also producing high quality agricultural products.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="construction" src="/userfiles/images/Construction(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 36px;" />Construction&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					The company is active in the national and international construction.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong><img alt="education" src="/userfiles/images/Education(1).jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;width: 80px; height: 53px;" />Education&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					It has planned tor a three-year Proficiency Certificate Level (Undergraduate) Course in Nursing. In future, it will offer four-year Bachelor in Nursing Degree.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Achievements of UTS&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has successfully received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Effort Award&rdquo; in the year 2000 for its outstanding performance.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been receiving the &ldquo;Exhibitor Award&rdquo; for the 1st Auto Show 1998 and 2nd Auto Show 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has also received a ,&ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Parts and Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Award Program from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for the year 2000.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has been getting consecutively a &ldquo;Double Star&rdquo; Service Performance Certificate, which is a part of the Customer Service Award.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;A recognition of over 30 years of dedicated partnership&rdquo; in the year 2001 from Toyota Motor Corporation.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS has received &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; in the year 2004 for its outstanding performance from Toyota.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; &ldquo;Toyota Marketing Award for Excellence (Vehicle)&rdquo; 2006/2007/2008 from Toyota Motor Corporations.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; UTS was awarded for highest tax paying company at FY 2063/2064 as &ldquo;Customs Distinguished Personality&rdquo;.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-29',
			'modified' => '2013-07-29',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), one of the largest business groups in Nepal has generated employment opportunities to more than 7,000 people.',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1451',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'New Beginnings For Incentive Tours And Travels',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Nutan Bajracharya,Group General Manager, Incentive Group of Companies" src="/userfiles/images/nutan.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 248px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<strong>Nutan Bajracharya</strong><br />
				<em>Group General Manager<br />
				Incentive Group of Companies</em></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	<strong style="font-size: 12px;">--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company turned GSA of Air Asia X last year but the excitement of winning the title persists. It was obvious for Incentive Tours and Travel, also known as Incentive Group of Companies, that this wouldbecome a major turning point in their business. Nutan Bajracharya, General Manager of the group says, &ldquo;It happened because of the diligence and hard work of our Chairman Hariman Lama whostarted his career as a messenger in a travel agency..&rdquo; Lama symbolizes the brand image the company is to going to form.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Having started off as Incentives Tours and Travels in 1999, the group now acquires two other companies namely Sansui Cargo and Incentive Holidays. With five flights a week to Malaysia, the group acquires 25 percent of market shares in flights to and from Malaysia, according to the company&rsquo;s spokesperson. Within a short span of time, the company has served over 10 thousand tourists from all over the world, mainly theUS, Japan, Europe and South East Asian countries. The company now has anannual turnover of two billion&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Targeting the middle class&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Before the introduction of direct flights and economy tourism packages, only upper class customers were considered to be the target market for international tourism in Nepal. According to the company, it is the sole enterprise that flies people at an affordable fare and targets mostly middle class consumers.. The company has now expanded its services to China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bhutan and Tibet. &ldquo;We are now focusing on out-bound tourism because a high number of Nepalis are going abroad daily for jobs, travel or to study,&rdquo; says Bajracharya.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Recently, the company has come up with a travel package to Malaysia targeting the middle class in Nepal. &ldquo;We have a four-night-five-day tour package for Malaysia at the price of Rs 49,499and, so far we have received very good bookings,&rdquo; he shares.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	International ticketing and tour packages as well as cargo all around the world are Incentive&rsquo;s services at the offing. Says Bajracharya: &ldquo;We have trekking and mountaineering as well, in addition to our packages forout-bound tourism.&rdquo; According to him, Air Asia X is gaining popularity among people flying togulf countries and some 200-250 people choose to fly with it every month. The company has a target of increasing this number to 500 passengers per month. Among those who come to Incentive Holidays, Singapore and Malaysia are the most visited destinations.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The services of the company include hotel reservations, domestic flights, MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition), international flights, helicopter charters, special tailored tours and out-bound tours. Bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain flights, jungle safari, tours, sightseeing and white water river rafting are other activities the company has been in the business of. Prior to Incentive Holidays, Incentive Tours and Travels used to handle these businesses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan sees three or four companies as his competitors. He says they have packages for outbound tourists as well butwhen it comes totour packages in Malaysia, competition seems to have been eliminated due to Incentive&rsquo;s alliance with Air Asia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Human Resource Management&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nutan shares that his company follows staff rules and regulations for pay and perks. &ldquo;We hire experts and seek their recommendation to manage our human resource,&rdquo; he says, adding that this system becomes instrumental in keeping the company fine tuned. &ldquo;Even when staff are at leave or in holiday, the company&rsquo;s schedule is not affected since their tasks are handled systematically.&rdquo; Including five Deputy General Managers and board directors, the company currently employs 50 people, among who 17 are women.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The company has fixed working hours and holidays for the staff, which according to Nutan are mostly disciplined and rule abiding. In a bid to acknowledge the work of his staff and to further motivate them, the company confers the&lsquo;Staff of the year&rsquo; award annually to those who have worked well and served the company for over five years. . To keep the staff up to mark with international standards, the company often sends them abroad for training and also invites experts from outside to train them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Challenges and opportunities&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Since there is a huge opportunity and scope in the tourism sector, it seems that the private companies have not been able to exploit it. Bajracharya is upbeat about the prospect of tourism in Nepal. &ldquo;Although Nepal is a country of amazing extremes including the greatest mountain range and anincredible variety of ecosystems, we have not been able to draw a large number of tourists,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Our company strives towards tapping this huge potential by bringing adventurous and luxury travelers from around the world.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Like many industries in Nepal, the unpredictable but recurring strikes are having an adverse impact in their business too. Bajracharya says that it not only incurs a huge loss to the economy but also paints a negative image of the country in the international arena. However, he is optimistic about the future of the tourism.. He underlines the need for massive tourism to make it a foremost industry.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hosting the tourist, which was once considered a part of the culture in Nepal, is now growing to be a lucrative business. In his experience, the understanding of tourism benefits among local people has increased. &ldquo;Peoplein remote areas these days are using western-style toilets because they now understand the value of tourism,&rdquo; he observes.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hariman, however, laments the apathy and indifference shown by the government towards the tourism industry. He says, &ldquo;The government is not serious in exploring new tourist destinations. It is least bothered to promote already discovered tourist destinations and trekking trails. For example there isn&rsquo;t a single comprehensive information booklet published by the government consisting of information on tourist destinations in Nepal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Future Strategy&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group aims to become an international travels and tours operator in the near future. The exploration of new international destinations is their immediate plan, targeting the outbound tourists. &ldquo;We are exploring new destinations all around the world catering with services at competitively lower prices,&rdquo; Bajracharyainforms.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Speaking about the travel patterns in general, Bajracharaya observes that people usually go for pre-made packages and are relatively clueless about future travel plans.. &ldquo;The ignorance of new destinations is the reason behind this,and this is why we are inviting travelers with new packages as planned by our company,&rdquo; he concludes.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="AirAsia " src="/userfiles/images/airasia1.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 331px; margin: 5px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
				<div>
					<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></span></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<span style="font-size:16px;">Incentives Group of Companies&nbsp;</span></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentives Tours and Travels&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 1999, the company offers travel and tour packages as well as other services like ticketing, hotel reservation, paragliding andjungle safari.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Sansui Cargo&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company provides cargo services all over the world.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Incentive Holidays&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Founded in 2012, the company is the GSA of Air Asia X for Nepal and offers special tour packages for Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Strengths</strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							Discipline and good working culture&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Threats </strong></div>
					<ul>
						<li>
							<span style="font-size: 12px;">Political instability&nbsp;</span></li>
						<li>
							Success mantras&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Continuity with honesty&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Cost efficiency&nbsp;</li>
						<li>
							Good service&nbsp;</li>
					</ul>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>CSR Activities</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						So far the company has been helping flood victims and local clubs as a part of their corporate social responsibility. However, this company is keenly looking to do something more in the travel and tourism sector. Bajracharya says that they are planning to renovate temples, footpaths and other sites of cultural heritage.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Individual brand matters&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Asthe chairperson of the group, Lama, has been associated with the travel businessfor approximately 30 years. The prospects he saw in the tourism sector encouraged and led him to establish his own company. Now, his struggle and diligencehas paid him off,making him the owner of the company from his humbles beginnings as messenger for a previous work place.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						In 2000, he got another opportunity to gain an international recognition. His participation at the Global Youth Meet, where youths from around 58 countries were present, gave him an opportunity to project himself as a promising businessman in the tourism business.&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						<strong>Networking and Affiliation&nbsp;</strong></div>
					<div>
						&nbsp;</div>
					<div>
						Incentive Tours and Travels is a member of Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA). It is also affiliated with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Pacific Air Travel Association (PATA), Trekking Agencies&rsquo; Association of Nepal (TAAN), and various other associations. Nutan informs that his company has links with around 150 hotels in Nepal to use this facility for in-bound tourists.</div>
				</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-07-22',
			'modified' => '2013-07-22',
			'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal',
			'description' => 'The selection of Incentive Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd, a Kathmandu-based travel agency, as General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Asia X - the premiere Malaysia budget carrier - is not a co-incidence with the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, but a result of five years of hard work to achieve such an assignment.',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1403',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'TM Dugar Group: Preserving Its Legacy',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">--By Gaurav Aryal</span></strong></div>
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<img alt="Moti Lal Dugar,Chairman, TM Dugar Group" src="/userfiles/images/dugar2.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 220px; margin: 5px 2px;" /></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align: center;">
				<div>
					<strong>Moti Lal Dugar</strong></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">Chairman, TM Dugar Group</span></div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	T M Dugar Group of companies has a legacy of almost 140 years in Nepal. It was established by the first generation of businesspersons in the Dugar family and has carved a niche and a strong brand image for itself. The group today is far from its heyday, though it has not lost all of its charm. According to Chairman Moti Lal Dugar, the group has been hit hard by the prevailing gloom in the business environment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Sizing down&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;The organised sector is treading a path of misery. We have felt that we are less capable to work in such an environment. So, without alleging anyone, we are closing some of our ventures,&rdquo; Dugar expressed dissatisfaction. Bureaucratic hassles and procedural delays have been discouraging constraints in the business. Dugar also says that it is extremely difficult to run a business in current times. The group has closed down almost half a dozen manufacturing units.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With no plans for expansion in the manufacturing sector, the group has kept itself in a &lsquo;wait and watch&rsquo; mode and has decided to sustain those ventures that are doing relatively well. Says Dugar: &ldquo;We do not have thoughts to pursue a new line of business today. We are instead concentrating on ways to sustain our ventures and even downsizing and closing some of them.&rdquo; He says that doing business in current unfavourable environment is not an easy job and going for expansion at the moment would be a costly proposition.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Hydro Hope&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Despite the depressing business climate, the group sees prospects in the hydropower industry. Although Dugar did not reveal the details of the project, he says the group is soon developing three hydropower plants. &ldquo;Hydropower is the only sector where the future rests,&rdquo; he claims.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The group is currently waiting for the government&rsquo;s approval of the projects and to sign the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). After filing an application for the PPA at NEA, things have yet to be finalised due to procedural delays. &ldquo;We are ready from our side but we need the go ahead signal from the government,&rdquo; Dugar shares.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Dugar expects the construction phase to begin next year. While a detailed project report has already been completed, progress has stalled at the project development stage since the past five to six years. &ldquo;The response of NEA is not encouraging. They invite investors but the government monopsony --NEA--is reluctant to purchase electricity. We do not have the provisions to sell power directly to the industries by paying wheeling charges to NEA for using their transmission line.&rdquo;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Initially, the group will make investments in the project solely, but Dugar is open to including locals and to inviting public shareholders once the construction begins. As the hydropower project is capital-intensive, the group has kept its doors open for external partners as well. Dugar believes that the hydropower sector of Nepal can only be developed when the government, investors, general public and the private sector can go hand in hand.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Days of Glory&nbsp;</strong></div>
<p>
	Chandmal Dugar--Moti Lal Dugar&rsquo;s grandfather--first initiated business in Biratnagar with the trading of agro products like paddy, jute and textiles. Business later expanded into the processing of jute and setting up rice mills in different parts of the country. The group grew further during his son&rsquo;s time, but it took a new turn under the leadership of his second grandson - Tolaram Dugar. After the death of his father, Tolaram shouldered all responsibilities of the group at the age of 28. Dugar credits his brother&rsquo;s contributions in taking the business to new heights. Later, when the family split in the early 90s, the group was divided into three sub groups namely HC Dugar, KL Dugar and TM Dugar. Though the group split professionally, Dugar says that family relations are still going strong and united.</p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Current Involvement&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/dgr3.jpg" style="float: right; width: 325px; height: 153px;" /></div>
<div>
	TM Dugar Group has specialised in manufacturing of food grains such as rice, lentils and vegetable oils. It was the TM Dugar Group that set up modern rice mills in Dhangadhi in far-western Nepal and contributed in creating and expanding the market for agro products. Today, the group has a wide array of investments in banking, hydropower, automobiles, agro solutions, life insurance, FMCG products, agro based industries and automobiles, among others. The group is a major promoter of Sunrise Bank Ltd. and Gurans Life Insurance Co Ltd.--two public limited companies in the financial sector. The group stepped into the service industry through banking and insurance about seven years ago.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The automobiles trading wing of the group imports and sells vehicles of the Japanese brand Nissan, buses and trucks from the Indian company Mahindra, motorcycles from Royal Enfield and tractors from John Deere. Similarly, Frooti and Appy are two soft drink brands that are produced by the TM Dugar Group in Nepal. In the days to come, the group plans to concentrate on the service&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">sector. Banking, life insurance and hydropower are some of the areas of its interest, although there are hints that the group will gradually be working under the model of public limited company. &ldquo;Slowly we will go into the public limited model of doing business. Old businesses will continue as they are and the new ventures will be under this new model. Sunrise Bank and Gurans Life Insurance are public limited companies whereas the hydropower companies will also go public once they enter the construction phase,&rdquo; Dugar says.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><img alt="Dugar Food and Beverage" src="/userfiles/images/dgr4.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 380px; margin: 5px 25px;" /></strong></div>
<div>
	<div>
		<strong>Management Style&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		The group has provided employment to more than 600 people in its various companies. However, Dugar says that the group&rsquo;s latest strategy of business constriction allows no new employees to be hired. Though the company does not have layoff plans, vacancies are not being announced after employees resign. Human resource management is done professionally through a separate team at the TM Dugar Group.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		When it comes to making decisions, professionals and managers are given the right to make decisions on administrative and daily procedures. However, financial matters are left to the board to decide.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		Staying cautious in a &lsquo;wait and watch mode&rsquo;, the group does not have any plans other than venturing into hydropower generation. The group has its hopes pinned on this sector and it is a matter of time before it will begin developing power plants and find itself once again in expansion mode.</div>
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="10" width="99%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td bgcolor="#E5E4E2">
				<div>
					<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">AT A GLANCE</span></strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Financial Services</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					After trading and manufacturing, the TM Dugar Group ventured into the financial service sector. The first move into this sector was with Sunrise Bank Limited, an A class financial institution, in association with other business houses of Nepal. The bank has a paid-up capital of Rs 2.015 billion and authorised capital of Rs 5 billion.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">Similarly, the next venture was in the life insurance business, which is believed to hold tremendous potentials. So, Gurans Life Insurance Company was established in 2008, six months after the Sunrise Bank, where the group is one of the major promoters. The company has a total authorised capital of Rs 500 million, out of which issued and paid-up capital accounts to Rs 360 million. Out of the total issued capital, 30 per cent has been allotted to the public through IPO and 70 per cent remains with the promoters. There are more than 26,000 shareholders in the company.</span></div>
				<div>
					<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					<strong>Working Area&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Banking&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Hydropower&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Automobiles&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Solutions&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Life Insurance&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; FMCG Products&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Agro Based Industries</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Food Grains&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The TM Dugar Group is an authorised supplier for the World Food Program (WFP), supplying food grains as per WFP standards for more than a decade. The TM Dugar Group also exports Nepali lentils to Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world. The group&rsquo;s agro processing plants are situated in Birgunj, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					<strong>Corporate Social Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></div>
				<div>
					&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					The group has been regularly involved in various social causes since its establishment. There are two charitable trusts - Tolaram Malchand Dugar Charitable Trust and Motilal Vivek Dugar Charitable Trust - that support people by providing food, clothes, education, scholarships, medicines and surgery expenses. Some of the CSR activities the group has conducted thus far are:<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span></div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of a wing in Nandi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Naxal, Kathmandu.&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Kathmandu&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Bhagawan Mahavir Jain Niketan, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Aditi Sadan, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Birgunj&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Contribution to the construction of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of Tolaram Bhanwari Devi Chikitsalaya and Research Center, Biratnagar&nbsp;</div>
				<div>
					&bull; Construction of schools, temples, homeopathic clinics and college buildings.</div>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-07-15',
			'modified' => '2013-09-04',
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