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			'title' => 'CEOs Exit: Nepali Banking Sector Faces New Problem',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The once lucrative Nepali banking industry is now being deserted by long serving CEOs as they head on to start their own business or shift to other areas. The latest bank CEO who left is Suman Joshi of Laxmi Bank. Nearly a month ago, Grand Bank CEO Sudhir Khatri had resigned from his post. While some insiders claim that Joshi left the job as the main promoter of the bank stopped liking him and Khatri laid his papers to avoid actions from the central bank, banking sectors analysts have also started wondering if a new trend of CEOs leaving the banking sector has set in. This concern is based on the fact that some bank CEOs who resigned from their post have left banking career altogether. One such prominent example is Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri, who resigned when Bank of Asia that he was leading went to merge with NIC Bank to form NIC Asia Bank. One prominent exception to this is Kumar Lamsal who left Sanima Bank and joined Kist Bank as the CEO. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This trend has triggered other concerns as well in the sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the Nepali banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence? Will the departure of experienced hands affect the overall stability of the country&#39;s financial sector? With long serving CEOs leaving the institutions, are BFIs losing opportunities to hire good executives? &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It&#39;s been more than two-and-half years since the Nepali banking authority issued directive and guidelines on the executive compensation system for BFIs. This 2011 policy mandates that the annual salary and perks of a bank&rsquo;s CEOs cannot exceed more than five percent of the average staff expenditure of the respective institution over the period of three years or 0.025 percent of the total assets registered during the previous year, whichever is lower. This provision comes into action only while appointing new CEOs and spares the existing ones. With such a provision in place, the bank CEOs are left with three choices - work with present bank, join another bank on lower perks and salary or abandon the sector and look out for new avenues.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Defending this cap, the central bank argued that it was aimed at discouraging banks from getting involved into unnecessary risk taking activities. &quot;The executive compensation structure was widely regarded as one of the causes of the global financial crisis as it encouraged banks and financial institutions to get involved into high risk taking manoeuvres to increase short-term profit, eventually inviting long-term systematic risks,&quot; the NRB directive and guidelines states. The policy was introduced in the wake of rising fears of real estate bubble that followed the liquidity crunch of 2011. After the commencement of peace process in 2006, house and land prices soared to record high levels in major cities across the country forcing the NRB to tighten the provisions of bank lending into the real estate sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, merger of BFIs is also seen as another reason to reduce the number of CEOs in the banking sector. Since only one CEO leads a bank, the CEO of one of the merging BFI is required to leave the institution during or after the merger process completes. NRB issued Merger Bylaws on May 2011, stating that it would strengthen the financial system and raise trust of public towards the banking sector. The main aim of the merger policy is to expand the capital base of BFIs and thereby strengthen their financial position to withstand various risks in the future. Following the policy rollout, 43 BFIs went for merger and resulted in the formation of 18 BFIs, official NRB data as of mid-March says. Of them two were &#39;A&#39; class banks and 41 were &#39;B&#39;, &#39;C&#39; and &#39;D&#39; class institutions. NIC Bank and Bank of Asia were the first commercial banks to go for merger that resulted in the formation of NIC Asia. Recently the Global IME Bank and the Commerz and Trust Bank have also submitted their merger proposal to the central bank for final approval. Remaining 25 BFIs of all classes have received Letter of Intent (LoI) from the NRB to merge and form 10 BFIs. These mergers have resulted in 25 CEOs resigning from their posts as of March 2014. Commerz and Trust Bank CEO Anal Raj Bhattarai is said to be leaving his post following the the merger process. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB stands quite firm to its decision to put cap on perks and salaries of bank CEOs. &quot;It is wrong to say that supply of experienced chief executives have declined due to our directive and guidelines. We made the decision after evaluating various factors,&quot; says NRB Spokesperson, Bhaskar Mani Gyawali. &quot;The factors include per capita income of the country and average pay scale in various sectors,&quot; he elaborated while claiming that introduction of the policy is making the Nepali banking sector more efficient as chief executives receive compensations according to the income of their respective institutions. &quot;Bankers are now required to perform in more effective manner. &nbsp;This ensures stability of the financial sector,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="CEO" src="/userfiles/images/sect1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 350px; height: 100px;" />The departure of long serving CEOs has provided opportunity to second-layer bank officials to rise to the top spot. The second-tier officials can now groom themselves to grasp the chair of chief executive. Nevertheless, this has raised concerns regarding the risk taking appetite and the overall performance of banks as less experienced people come to the lead role.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB&#39;s argument has generated mixed views from experts. &quot;CEOs who hold long experience in the sector are the essential part of the banking system. The sector as we know is all about experience. Long serving chief executives know the core of banking which gives the institutions edge to get ahead with proficient business strategies,&quot; says a former CEO of a commercial bank under the condition of anonymity. &quot;They also have risk taking appetite to expand the bank&rsquo;s business areas further.&quot;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sanjeev Subba, the CEO of National Banking Training Institute (NBTI) shared different view. &quot;I think the departure of long serving CEOs won&#39;t affect adversely after all. The second and third tier officers are capable as they have come up with experience in different layers,&quot; he said. &quot;This has provided them with significant experience over the years.&quot; Subba mentioned that Nepali commercial banking sector, which has been running for the past three decades has produced sufficient number of experienced manpower. For the perks and salaries part he opines, &quot;Salary cap won&#39;t affect bank CEOs to renew employment contract within the same institutions. This will only affect those who are willing to join other organizations.&quot;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Suman Joshi, Laxmi Bank&#39;s former CEO expressed his perspective close to Subba. &quot;Departure of experienced chief executives is unlikely to have overall adverse impact on the banking sector. Exit of the old and entry of new should be taken as two sides of a coin,&quot; he said. Joshi, however, cautioned that banks might see performance related issues as less experienced people take over the executive post. He also mentioned that Nepali banking sector has started to follow international trend. &quot;If we look the international scenario, CEOs don&#39;t stay in the same responsibility for long time,&quot; he opines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lack of motivational factor seems to be another reason for the CEOs to leave their jobs. &quot;Bank CEOs get more salary compared to other sectors. However, working regularly for a long time without increment in salary creates an environment of de-motivation,&quot; says Bank of Asia&rsquo;s former chief executive, Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri. According to him, many chief executives are facing the problem of stagnant salary levels and have to work under pressures of media, investors, shareholders and rising day-by-day business risks. &quot;Nevertheless, financial institutions are run and governed by particular system, so a significant negative impact is unlikely in an event of a CEO leaving his post,&quot; Chhetri said. &nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-04-11',
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			'description' => 'The departure of long serving CEOs has raised concern in the Nepali banking sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence?',
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			'id' => '2494',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Alternative Energy Replacing Traditional Ones',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal&rsquo;s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	More than half of the country&rsquo;s households - almost all in urban and semi-urban areas - are connected to the national electricity grid. But 80 percent of the population is rural, and in these areas, less than one-third has electricity. With grid extension to the country&rsquo;s hilly and mountainous areas prohibitively expensive, officials are looking to off-grid renewable energy alternatives.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Govinda Raj Pokharel, Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) said, &ldquo;We are using alternative energy mainly for rural electrification that provides an easy access of clean energy to rural area. But now we are moving to urban areas with the use of solar and utilization of bio degradable waste.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Talking about the consumption of renewable energy in Nepal he said, &ldquo;Quantity-wise, renewable energy is covering 1 per cent of total population of the country. Our energy comes from bio-mass which is consumed by around 87 per cent of the total household.&rdquo; But in terms of number of population around 14 percent of total population is using renewable energy to get light, Pokharel added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative Energy Promotion Center is a national focal government organization for promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nepal. AEPC is acting as an intermediary institution between the operational level i.e. NGOs/private promoters of renewable energy and the policy decision levels in relevant ministries. &nbsp;AEPC&#39;s activities include renewable energy policy formulation, planning and facilitating the implementation of the policies/plans, standardization, quality control and monitoring.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pokharel further added the role of alternative energy promotion sector is mainly to promote the use of renewable energy and our approach is public private partnership. &ldquo;We work jointly with private organizations that are responsible to deliver and supply energy to the people and we work to fulfill demands by creating awareness and other activities, &rdquo;he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Resource Potential</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There are abundantly available sources for mini and micro hydro power, enough solar radiation, good potential of wind in selected areas and other biomass based resources to meet the energy need of our country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mini-Micro and Pico-hydro up to 100kW can be developed in a short period of time to electrify the villages. &nbsp;The existing total installed capacity of micro hydro projects is about 20 MW. However, altogether mini micro-hydro can generate about 10,000 MW of power in Nepal. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal receives ample solar radiation as it is located in favorable latitude. With National average sunshine hours of 6.8/day and solar insolation intensity of about 4.7 kWh/m2/day, there is a huge potential for large-scale development of solar energy technologies in the country. Presently solar water heater systems have been fully commercialized and have been widely installed in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	About 1.5 million households can install domestic biogas plants based on animal dung. &nbsp;Another potential application of biogas technology in Nepal is to manage household solid waste in urban and peri-urban areas. There is also a significant potential of medium sized biogas plants suitable for SMEs, mainly in the dairy farms, poultry farms where biogas can be used directly for heat or for electricity generation that can replace diesel or other forms of fossil fuels. &nbsp;The other biomass waste having energy potential includes municipal solid waste. Over 1,350 tons of solid waste is generated across the 58 municipalities in Nepal. About 70% of municipal (solid) waste is biodegradable, and this waste can be used to generate energy. It is estimated that 50 million kWh can be generated per year from the total waste generated in these municipalities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Why Alternative Energy in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Focusing on the importance of alternative energy Pokharel said that alternative energy is important in Nepal mainly to address and reduce development disparity considering the people in rural areas also should have clean light as the people enjoy in urban areas.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly Nepal has diversified land structure from plain to high Himalayas and also settlement pattern is scattered and sparse. National grid extension in some places is not economically feasible. Big hydro projects need a huge investment and all the petroleum products consumed in Nepal are imported from India or overseas in the refined form for direct consumption, which is causing the economic burden for the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The high potentiality of the renewable energy resources available in the country is the most appropriate option for Nepal. It also helps to reduce the dependency on the traditional biomass energy resources and fossil fuels and to manage the energy crisis of the nation. This ultimately helps to minimize the degradation of the environment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative energy helps in enhancing energy security and promoting energy mix in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cost Effective</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The experts of alternative energy claim that the alternative energy use costs cheaperthan traditional sources. Though initial investment cost of alternative energy technologies are expensive compared to the other traditional sources of energy. In the long-run alternative energy is mostly cheaper than the traditional sources because alternative source is almost free but you have to pay always for traditional source. Hence, if the financial mechanism can be developed in such a way that users can pay in installment basis by mortgaging house, vehicle, etc., than users will not feel initial financial burden.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Popularity of Alternative Energy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	In Nepal, depending upon the geographical and type of energy required, solar is popular for &nbsp;lighting purpose, mini micro hydro is popular in hilly areas, biogas for cooking purpose. Around 700,000 households use biogas, 500,000 use solar and various other forms of alternative energy.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is no doubt regarding the fact that solar energy based technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic or Solar Thermal systems are the best substitutes. Right now, in the urban sector, individual households are opting for small-scale Solar PV solutions for domestic use. Even institutions like banks, corporate offices, and hospitals have adopted larger size system to meet their immediate energy needs. Besides Solar PV, which generates direct electricity; Solar Thermal systems also play a crucial role in minimizing use of electricity from national grid as well as reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Solar can now compete with hydropower,&rdquo; Pokharel added. We are targeting to provide cooking stoves to 2 million and lighting to one million, he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Issues in this sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though alternative energy sources are focused on electrifying rural areas, Pokhrel says that the efforts made are not sufficient. There is still lack of alternative energy usage in the rural areas, which needs to be fulfilled.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not able to provide full financing for the installation of the alternative energy systems and this affects poor and rural people,&rdquo; he added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the effort of AEPC in producing energy from sugarcane extracts, Pokharel said, &ldquo;We are also trying to produce energy blending ethanol in petrol but lack of mandatory policy from government has restrained this effort. &nbsp;At least 5 per cent of Nepal petrol consumption can be replaced with this.&rdquo;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-01-24',
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			'keywords' => 'new business age sectoral news & articles, sectoral news & articles from new business age nepal, sectoral headlines from nepal,  current and latest sectoral news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali sectoral economic news and events,  ongoing  sectoral news of nepal',
			'description' => 'A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal’s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.',
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			'id' => '1964',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Health Is Wealth:  The Rise Of Private Hospitals In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is a strong presence of private sector in the domestic healthcare service industry with medical institutions like Om Hospital, B&amp;B Hospital, Medicare Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College and Manipal Medical College. However, the latest wave of investments from the private sector shows that healthcare is now turning into an attractive area of investment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Chaudhary Group was perhaps the first old business house in Nepal to foray into the healthcare sector in an institutional way. The group established Norvic International Hospital (then known as Norvic Health Care and Research Centre) in 1994. Two leading private hospitals, Om Hospital and Medicare Hospital, were upgraded from nursing homes. &nbsp;Adding to the list, Vayodha hospital, Grande hospital, Neuro hospital, Welcare hospital and others have been established with commitment to provide high standard healthcare service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The expansion and success of private hospitals in Nepal, the ever growing need of quality healthcare service and the poor performance of public health outlets have provided immense opportunities for the private sector. As there is a huge gap between the demand and supply in domestic healthcare services, the domestic market is large enough for private players to survive and make profits.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Private Sector in Hospital Business</div>
<div>
	Private investment in hospitals has seen a significant increase in recent years. Even big corporate houses are keen to invest in these sectors. Norvic, Vayodha and Grande International are some visible examples to show that the private sector has seen potential in healthcare business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Of late, foreign joint ventures are slowly making inroads into the Nepali healthcare sector. Norvic Hospital has recently entered into an agreement with India&rsquo;s Medanta Medicity, one of the leading hospitals in India, for technology transfer and expertise in the medical field.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Very soon, Norvic Hospital will be importing machines worth approximately Rs one billion. The machines include CT scan, MRI, and Mamogram machines, world&rsquo;s latest endoscopy machines and other latest imaging equipments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Grande International Hospital has entered Nepal with an investment of Rs 3.5 billion. The project has been promoted and managed by the CE Group in Nepal and will be under the professional supervision of an expert team from Samitivej Hospital, Thailand. The 15-storey hospital has 10 operation theatres and many added features including a wellness center, internet lounge, coffee shop, restaurants and so on. There are 18 ICUs, 12 CCUs and 4 NICs with separate medical gas supply for isolation rooms. The infrastructure in the hospitals include helipad services, wheelchair accessibility, fire fighting systems, earthquake resistance systems, complete waste management and disposal systems among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vayodha Hospitals Pvt Ltd has also poured a sizable amount of money in the Nepal&rsquo;s health care sector to serve the community. One of the unique features of this hospital includes the TURP Rooftop helipad for patients to be airlifted from any corner of the country within 30 minutes after getting reliable information. It also has a Physiotherapy Department with complete physiotherapy services, ICU with 11 beds, post-operative wards, an endoscopy centre, and a Eurology department including Mini PCNL, Pathology Department, in-house pharmacy and ambulance that is available 24 hours for normal and critical patients. Vayodha has signed an exclusive agreement with Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi for an Excellent Cardiac Care in the hospital. Fortis Escorts will appoint a full time Invasive Cardiologist at Vayodha along with a trained medical team.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, many other private hospitals are being established in Nepalgunj, Dang, Biratnagar and other parts of Nepal. Gopi Neupane, General Secretary of the Association of Private Health Institution of Nepal (APHIN) said that there are 366 private hospitals in the country with an investment of approximately Rs 30 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hospitals in Nepal: Private hospitals and Government hospitals</div>
<div>
	According to data from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), there are 366 private hospitals in Nepal among which 99 hospitals are located in the Kathmandu Valley. In comparison, 123 government hospitals are under the MoHP which proves the vast gap between private and government hospitals in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Challenges in the business</div>
<div>
	With public health service still not being effective despite the government pumping in billions of rupees, the private sector&rsquo;s entry is believed to make healthcare services better, professional and more reliable. However, there is also the question of affordability. Will the common people have access to these high-end medical facilities? Will they be able to access services? These are some pertinent questions. Private hospitals are also facing various hurdles in government regulation. &nbsp;The government has been imposing heavy taxes upon these hospitals. &ldquo;Being service-providing institutions, private hospitals should not be imposed various taxes but the government neither removes tax from us nor facilitates us as an industry sector,&rdquo; says an official at Norvic Hospital. The government also does not help these hospitals in importing equipments and technologies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Besides this, private hospitals established some years ago are also facing problems with the parameters that the government has set up recently. Parameters such as environment assessment tests, earthquake resistant building, etc are some which hospitals cannot comply with. As the buildings have been constructed a long time ago, it would be next to impossible to impose these parameters on them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With these complications, private hospitals are still making their way towards a progressive future with their promptness, efficiency and quality services in the healthcare sector which is the ultimate desire of all citizens. Following the slogan &ldquo;Health is Wealth&rdquo;, they have been able to attract a large size of the population with their reliable services.&nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2013-10-08',
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			'description' => 'Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.',
			'sortorder' => '1815',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1682',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Hotel: Rediscovery Of A Lucrative Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Multinational hotel brands Sheraton (the largest and second oldest brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) and Marriott International (a leading hotel chain based in Maryland, US) recently announced the decision to enter Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shesh Ghale, the Australia-based Nepali millionaire businessman, has entered into joint venture with Sheraton to operate a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. His MIT Group Holding Nepal recently signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide Inc and set the project rolling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Slated to open in February 2018, the 225-room Sheraton Kathmandu Hotel will be managed by Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts. This project will bring around Aus $ 75-80 million in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similalry, Maliram Shivakumar (MS) Group has signed an agreement with Marriot International, a globally renowned chain of hotels, to open a four-star hotel in Nepal. Named &ldquo;Fairfield Marriott Kathmandu&rdquo;, the hotel will be located in Thamel which will start its commercial service in the beginning of 2016 with around Rs 650 million investment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Various other 5- star hotels like Sambala Holdings at Maharajgunj, Chhaya Devi Complex at Thamel and Shree G Hotel are also planning to start soon. Similarly, luxurious hotels have also been established outside Kathmandu valley mainly in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Lumbini and Nepalgunj.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With the tourism industry&rsquo;s growth in Nepal, it is certainly no surprise that the hotels have mushroomed in recent years. As the number of tourists and foreign business travelers in Nepal are growing, Nepal&rsquo;s rapidly maturing hotel industry is one of the key beneficiaries. The country is booming the world of five-star hotels offering best services.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from 5 stars hotels, the hotels labeled as 4- star, 3- star, 2- star, other informal hotels and even home stay system have been witnessing rise in the investment with the increasing number of tourists in Nepal. Though selected number of tourists emphasize on their living standards also during their visit, most of the tourists entertain themselves on spending money on recreational activities rather than their lodging which is the main cause of flourishing the business of non star hotels and home stays.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Number of Hotels in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/no%20of%20hotels(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 159px;" />Rising Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the statistics provided by Nepal Rastra Bank, the total investment in hotel sector in Nepal till the date is Rs 16.91 billion. About 75 per cent of the entire investment in tourism sector is being done in hotel sector. The data shows that yearly investment in hotel sector only in 18 per cent while only 18 per cent of investment can be seen in other sectors of tourism.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a positive impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the investment in hotel industry have started to boom. Stars hotels in Kathmandu are investing over Rs1 billion to build up their capacity and upgrade the facilities. Most of four stars hotels in the country are working hard upgrading themselves by adding new rooms and uplifting their amenities. It was crucial for such investments in hotel industry to cope up with the increasing numbers of tourist entering into Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the information from Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the hotels in Nepal have the capacity to accommodate around one million tourists at present. Similarly hotels are boosting up their occupancy level to accommodate the expected number of tourist.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The existing five star property Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza has renovated 130 rooms. It is replacing the TVs in all its rooms with 42 inch-LCD TVs. Similarly Radisson has already added 100 rooms. According to the hotel, the new rooms will be spacious and have contemporary looks, lighting and furniture. Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti is giving a new look to 150 rooms in the Durbar Wing while the Everest has renovated 40 of its 160 rooms. Hotel Annapurna is now working to refurbish its 150 rooms. The record number of tourist in year 2010 has made hoteliers optimistic to pick up the pace.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Home Stay in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/hotel1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 319px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Home Stay System&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The concept of home stay program is considered to be the best alternative to hotel accommodation in the hospitality industry. Basically home stay systems are planned to increase the flow of tourists in the villages or the remote areas where the hotels are not established. But these days the home stay systems are also being urban centered. Around 60 per cent of investments of home stay system are being done around the city in the areas like Kavre, Sitapaila, Dhulikhel etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Tourist Inflow in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/tourist%20inflow(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 209px;" />Tourists&rsquo; inflow&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the data provided by economic survey FY 2012, Ministry of Finance, the rate of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 9.08 per cent by 2011 to 2012. A total of 7,36,215 tourist entered to Nepal in the year 2011 which increased to 8,03,092 in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the number of tourist visiting to Nepal has been increasing, their average stay in Nepal has been decreased by 0.25 percent this year.</div>
<div>
	With the increment of tourist in the country, the hotel industry doesn&rsquo;t have to see backward. Experts in the hospitality industry opine that the establishment of hotel in the area becomes the major root for the urbanization. Prasidha Bahadur Panday, former president of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) said that the hotel business will flourish more in upcoming days as the tourist offer first priority to lodging. The government of Nepal has prioritized tourism sector and started implementation its announcement to provide the same facilities to this sector as provided to any industry</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '888',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Banks In CAMELS And EAGLES',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>By Rashesh Vaidya</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Standard Charted Bank Nepal Limited is seen at number one position under the CAMELS Rating. The bank stood at the number one position as per the evaluation done on its second quarter financial report of the fiscal year 2012-13. The bank has been capable to maintain good total expenses to total assets ratio during the period among the 32 commercial banks. Similarly, the bank has also maintained good return on assets as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The newly established commercial banks stood at the top rank under the EAGLES Rating. The low level of non-performing loan to total loan and advance ratio was the main reason behind these banks to stand at the top rank. Similarly, the high growth ratio of the loan and advances also boosted them to get top rank.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As per the EAGLES rating, Commerze and Trust Bank Limited stood at the first position. Similarly, Sanima Bank Limited which was upgraded from the development bank to commercial bank came at second. &nbsp;The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio of the newly opened bank has helped them to gain the top position.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The CAMELS system evaluates banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Capital Adequacy: </strong>Capital adequacy has been the main pillar of existence of any bank. Banks have to maintain a proper mix of different types of capitals to avoid pressure on their dividend policies and inadequacy of total capital funds against the risk exposure. Capital adequacy is measured by the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). A sound capital base strengthens the confidence of depositors.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> One of the indicators for asset quality is the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (Gross Non-Performing Assets - GNPA). The gross non-performing loans to gross advances ratio is more indicative of the quality of credit decisions made by bankers. A higher GNPA is indicative of poor credit decision-making.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Management: </strong>The ratio of non-interest expenditures to total assets can be one of the measures to assess the working of the management. This variable, which includes a variety of expenses, such as payroll, workers’ compensation and training investment, reflects the management policy stance.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earnings:</strong> It can be measured as the return on asset, ratio.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> The ratio of cash maintained by a bank and balances with the central bank to the total asset, is an indicator of the bank’s liquidity.&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Sensitivity to Market Risks/Systems and Control:</strong> Risks associated with adverse movements in the exchange rates (including gold positions), interest rates, liquidity and investment in equity are covered under market risk management. A bank faces market risks either from its investments in government securities and bonds or from the exchange rate risk that persist in matching position. The market risk is managed by the banks’ Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) which assesses policies and levels of risk appetite. &nbsp;Similarly, the central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank has made a provision of additional 2 percent of the total Risk Weighted Exposures by Supervisory Review.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Top Ten Banks as per CAMELS and EAGLES" height="292" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_per_camels_and_eagles.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the CAMELS rating system, each bank is assigned two sets of ratings:</p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		Performance Ratings, which comprise six individual ratings that address each of the CAMELS components; and</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		An overall Composite Rating, which is a single rating based on a comprehensive assessment of the bank’s overall condition.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Both the ratings are scored on a numerical scale of 1 to 5 in the ascending order of supervisory concern where “1” represents the best rating and “5” the worst.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Here is a description of the rating scores for each of the five components:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 1 (A) indicates very strong performance</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 2 (B) indicates above-average performance that adequately provides for a safe and sound operation of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 3 (C) indicates performance that is flawed to some degree.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 4 (D) indicates unsatisfactory performance which, if left unchecked, could threaten the solvency of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 5 (E) indicates very unsatisfactory performance and calls for immediate remedial attention for the survival of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The rating of banks can be further developed by giving a score to each component of the CAMELS, known as the Composite CAMELS Rating Score. The Composite CAMELS Rating can be calculated as:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Composite CAMELS Rating= C (0.25) + A (0.25) + M (0.25) + E (0.10) + L (0.10) + S (0.05)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Each of the above six parameters can be weighted on a scale of 1 to 100 and contains a number of sub-parameters with individual weightage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The EAGLES system is able to measure and compare banks’ performance in a more determinate, objective and consistent manner. The name is derived from the key success factors confronting banks today, i.e. Earning Ability, Asset quality, Growth, Liquidity, Equity and Strategy. This approach has gained credibility among the banking community and fund management industry in Asia, for competition analysis and investment planning, respectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sectoral, march 2013" height="514" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_ratios.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>EAGLES evaluate banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earning Ability:</strong> Earning ability is shown by three noteworthy indicators – Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Shareholders’ Fund (ROSF) and Income/Overheads Ratio (IOR). The importance of IOR is usually not well understood. The main point lies in that income depends on external market forces, while overheads are highly influenced by internal staffing. So, the banks must know how to adjust the staffing according to the market demand for its products and services. This is shown by three indicators - ROA, Return on Net worth (RONW) and IOR.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> Asset quality is best assessed by on-site inspection of the bank’s loan portfolio. If this is not possible, asset quality can be measured by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts (BDD) as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision to err on the high side is rather low. This is best judged by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision is on the high side is rather low.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Growth: </strong>Growth rates of loans and core deposits are the most important indicators of how a bank wants to position itself in the market.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> Liquidity can be described as the ability of a bank to have sufficient funds to meet cash demands for loans, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. For this reason, a balance should be made between the amount of deposits garnered and the quantum of loans extended. The indicator is the deposit-to-loan ratio or credit-deposit ratio (CD Ratio).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Equity:</strong> Equity level and capital adequacy have a profound impact on the bank. International guideline (Basel II) stipulates that a bank must have a minimum capital equivalent to 8 per cent of the risk adjusted assets. Even the central bank of Nepal, the NRB, has mentioned a comfort zone of 6 and 10 per cent of core capital and total capital funds, respectively, based on the risk-weight assets (percent).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Strategy:</strong> The effective management of a bank’s strategy is indicated by the strategic response quotient (SRQ). It assesses the management’s ability to lend, garner deposits, generate fee-based income and manage the operating cost. An appropriate balance of the three core banking activities depends on the bank’s strategy. The SRQ is obtained by dividing the interest margin by net operating cost (that is, total operating cost minus fee income).</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Seventeen banks could not feature on the top-ten list under both ratings. The banks with negative capital adequacy ratio and very low return on assets were seen behind in ranking under CAMELS rating. &nbsp;Similarly, the banks with huge amount of non-performing loan and negative return on assets were seen at the lowest rank under EAGLES rating.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio 
of the newly opened bank has helped them to put at top position.',
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			'id' => '878',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Days Of Pure Portland Cement Gone Forever Time For PPC/PSP (Blended Cement)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Rajendra Prakash Manandhar</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1984, I had just returned to Kathmandu after studying Cement Technology (1st batch) at CRI/NCB India. One of my friends asked me about the best type of cement which would last long and resist the polluted environment. We have seen in many toilets, drainpipes, roofs of buildings and other different places the cement plaster being deteriorated by urine, domestic waste, heat, polluted environment etc. I was once in a paper factory in Nepal. The factory had two concrete tanks, plastered with OPC cement. One tank was used for cold water and the other for warm water. The plaster in the warm water tank was cracked &amp; falling, but nothing had happened to the cold tank. At our homes, we notice water leaking and its spot spreading on the concrete ceiling. At many other places, we see hair cracks on the plastered wall. These are some of the common problems with OPC. The best way to minimize such problems is to use PPC/PSC instead of OPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	During the 9th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, New Delhi, India in 1992, one of the delegates had presented some video clips showing the difference between OPC &amp; PPC. The clips showed that two cement bars - one made of OPC and the other with PPC were kept immersed in water for 15 years. Both the bars had a steel rod inside. After 15 yrs, when the bars were opened, it was found that the steel rod in the PPC bar was fresh and Shinning like &nbsp;before, but the steel rod inside the OPC bar was found corroded and damaged. Thus the clips demonstrated the quality of PPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	AM Neville, an expert from world authority on cement &amp; concrete puts his view on PPC use: “The various cementitious materials- fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, are here to stay. In their various ways and under various circumstances, they all have an important role to play in concrete, the days of Pure Portland Cement, once upon a time lauded by cement manufacturers have gone forever. Portland is vital ingredient, but the other cementitious materials are highly valuable”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	A Pozzolanic cement consisting of ground clay and portland cement was described in 1909 by Potter, who stated that over 5000 tons of it were used in fresh water and seawater construction about that time. Later, this cement was known as Potter Cement. For many years up to about 1915, the Lafarge Company in France used burnt clay in to manufacture ‘undecomposable’ cement. A cement composed of 70 per cent Portland cement &amp; 30 percent burnt clay was used to build the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile from 1919 to 1925. The same material (Oil-well Cements manufactured in Great Britain) was used in construction of the Bonneville Dam in the USA. Burnt clay, an excellent artificial Pozzolana, is produced by burning suitable clay or shale at a temperature of 600° to 900° and above. Artifical pozzolanas &nbsp;are burnt clays and shales, spent oil shales, burnt maize/ rice husks, burnt moler and pulverized fuel ‘fly ash’ whereas volcanic deposits are natural Pozzolana.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Effect of pozzolana addition on hydration and performance of PSC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Pozzolana was added (5-25% by weight) to the binary blends (OPC + Slag) and the resulting ternary blends were subjected to hydration and the performance was studied. The results indicated that addition of Pozzolana up to 10 per cent does not affect the properties of the binary system significations. It has also been observed that the ternary blends show better sulphate resistance compared to the binary blends.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The production and use of blended cement, especially PPC, has gradually increased worldwide in recent years. Its larger use in different countries is an indicator of its acceptability as well as suitability for various types of construction. Industrial wastes or the by–product ‘fly ash’ from thermal power stations and slag from steel plants are used for making blended cements such as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portlant Slag Cement (PSC). More than 50 per cent of the blended cements produced is PPC today. Blended cements such as PPC and PSC offer unique advantages to the concrete. In other words, PPC is better than OPC in terms of quality, and strength, and has &nbsp;a longer life than OPC. We could compare these unique characters of PPC with the antibodies in the human body that protect from different diseases.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>OPC is made by grinding Clinker and Gypsum&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	One ton of clinker requires approx 1.5 tons of limestone whose reserves are limited. PPC/PSC is manufactured by grinding clinker with fly ash/slag and gypsum or blending OPC with fly ash and slag. Thus, limestone consumption can be reduced by producing PPC/PSC.</p>
<p>
	OPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clinker 95%+ Gypsum 5%</p>
<p>
	PPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 70% + Gypsum 5% + Fly ash 25%</p>
<p>
	PSC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 45% + Gypsum 5% + Slag 50%, (depending upon quality of Slag)&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal Bureau of Standard has formulated the standard for PPC and PSC. PPC/PSC produced has to meet the quality parameters laid down for specific cement type. Generally engineers/ consultant/ and builders contractors decide on the type of cement to be used in the construction of houses, building roads, water tanks etc. Design parameter, types of construction, ground condition, durability requirement and environmental conditions are important factors while selecting the appropriate type of cement for any application.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Extra Qualities Benefit of PPC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC provides numerous environmental benefits such as conservation of limestone, reduction in green house gases in cement manufacturing and utilization of industrial wastes/ by-products &nbsp;- fly ash. It thus increases production of cement in the country. The government can take more benefit by collecting more tax on technical grounds and economics. There is a sound case for use of PPC in concrete due to:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Water resistance due to high density concrete</li>
	<li>
		Improves workability of concrete&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces bleeding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces heat of hydration preventing cracks</li>
	<li>
		No need to add any plasticizer like cement silica.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Higher bang ultimate strength</li>
	<li>
		Reduces permeability of concrete enhanced&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Gives strength, has higher durability than OPC</li>
	<li>
		Higher resistance to sulphate and chloride&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Better resistance to alkali – aggregate reaction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces leaching calcium hydroxide&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Low volume (shrinkage) change preventing cracks.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Hydration of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Hydration is the chemical process by which slilicates and aluminates of the cement clinker, when mixed with water, form hydrated compounds and during the course of reaction produce Calcium Hydroxide and Calcium Silicate Hydrate as shown in the following chemical equation:</p>
<p>
	<strong>Cement + Water→C-S-H + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The compound Ca (OH) 2 being easily soluble in water leaches out of the concrete surface. This leached Ca (OH)2 deposits on the surface as a coating layer cause deterioration of the concrete.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hydration of Portland Pozzolana Cement /Portland Slag Cement: &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When water is added to PPC/PSC, hydration of OPC constituents occurs first. This is known as primary hydration. During this process, the calcium silicates of OPC reacts with water to produce Calcium Silicate Hydrate gel and Calcium Hydroxide. Subsequently, fly-ash / slag present in cement hydrate in presence of Ca (OH) 2 produced during OPC hydration, produces further Calcium Silicate Hydrates. This process is known as secondary hydration. This makes the hydrated silicate gel structure of PPC/PSC more denser and contributes to higher durability of the concrete. But in OPC hydration, the liberated Ca(OH)2 forms a coating layer on the concrete, which is weak and is therefore removed by external pollutants/environment causing deterioration of the concrete. But this Ca(OH)2 is utilized in PPC/PSC in formation of C-S-H (II) which is &nbsp;stronger than C-S-H(I) thus reinforcing the original silicate gel (I) to produce a much denser gel structure which contributes to a higher degree of strength and durability. More and more Ca (OH) 2 is &nbsp;absorbed preventing formation of coating as shown in the following chemical equations: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clinker + Water → C-S-H (I) + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Ca (OH)2 + Fly Ash/ Slag → C-S-H (II)</strong></p>
<p>
	Concrete is not a structural material by itself but it slowly evolves into a structural material in four &nbsp;stages which are: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>1-Plastic, 2- Stiffening (setting), 3- Hardening, 4- Enduring</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Cement, Sectoral February 2013" height="276" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the plastic stage of concrete, the fineness and initial setting time is important. In the stiffening stage, final setting time is important. Tri–Calcium aluminate (C3A) of cement helps in this. In the hardening stage, C3S, C2S, strength and fineness are of vital importance. But the most important stage for durability of the concrete structure is the enduring stage. In this stage, the high quality cement parameters balanced physical and chemical parameters, high strength, low impurities, high soundness, optimum fineness etc can only contribute to the durability and high performance of the concrete structure. Today’s needs are not only high 28-day strength of cement but also high quality cement with (TOTAL QUALITY ATTRIBUTS) EXTRA QUALITY BENEFITS other than strength. These benefits are the resultant products of best clinker &amp; fly ash/ slag of high quality and gypsum in desired proportion to achieve high ultimate physical/ chemical properties. There are a number of parameters to be controlled as inputs during clinker production. Among them, correct proportioning of oxides CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 which is termed as raw mix design and proportioning raw materials is most important. The proportioning C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF are fixed after raw mix design. The preferable ranges of these compounds are 45-55, 20-30, 5-8, 8-12 etc. Strict quality control of raw materials, cement, process control are to be carried out. In the same way, the blending material fly ash should be according to the parameter given by Nepal Standard NS285.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Application of PPC&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC can be used in almost all kinds of construction where OPC is used. For example, general building construction (residential, commercial, and industrial), bridges, flyovers, culverts, dams, irrigation projects, water retaining structures, ports &amp; harbours’ etc - except where high early strength is critical. Taking into account the special properties of concrete made from PPC, there are specific types of job where the use of PPC would be particularly advantageous. These are:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Mass concrete used for dams, bridges, piers etc where low heat of hydration is desirable</li>
	<li>
		In hydraulic structures where water tightness is desired</li>
	<li>
		Concrete in saline environment such as pole foundation works etc</li>
	<li>
		In marine structure where impermeability and resistance to attack by sea water are important</li>
	<li>
		In sewers and other structure subject to acidic or sulphate attack</li>
	<li>
		In construction of swimming pools</li>
	<li>
		In construction of stadia where durability and ultimate &nbsp;high strength is &nbsp;required</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Some construction engineers believe that the concrete made with PPC needs longer curing than OPC concrete. Actually, however, curing is required for all types of cement as long as possible. Some paints the concrete with oil, others cover it. Anyway the water mixed during casting the concrete is to preserve/save from evaporation due to atmospheric temperature.</p>
<div>
	<img alt="Sectoral February 2013" height="189" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013(2).jpg" width="580" /></div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In major constructions, consumers/users hesitate to use Nepali cement except for a few brands. In order to substitute the import of cement, cement manufacturers have to be honest in qualities, attributes or extra quality benefits. Also, the Cement Association of Nepal has to commit fully to manufacture high quality and healthy cement which may have a long life and may also compete with the imported cement. Hence, the Association has to play a significant role in promoting PPC and highlight its usefulness. It can create awareness in the government, builders, users, contractors, construction engineers etc. That will also help to dispel the apprehension with regards to using PPC for construction works.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages. The concerned government authorities, designers etc are required to make a conscious choice between OPC and PPC according to the application and requirement and recommend using PPC in all construction works. Construction needs are durability against increased pollution level and environment effects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In some plants in Nepal, the clinker produced from a vertical shaft kiln (VSK) is mixed with rotary kiln clinker to produce cement. In one clinker plant in Nepal, imported cement is mixed during cement production. Also we have seen/heard that imported or other cements are mixed with Nepali (local) cement in construction. A cement plant owner in western Nepal has used imported cement to build his own building. A proper raw mix design and proportioning raw materials produces the best cement clinker, and there is no need to mix other clinker/cement to increase the so-called “SHAKTI” (strength) of cement.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		Finally, for manufacturing PPC, clinker quality is of primary importance. To avoid illusion over VSK clinker Quality and to boost the morale of VSK owner and interested potential parties, here are some compressive strength data which are being received from the trial production of a modern VSK 500 ton per day plant of Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd. It is indeed a surprising data, not easily believable. A right “Raw Mix Design” (For VSK/ rotary kiln) is a manufacturing prescription to produce the best clinker which contributes in durability of PPC concrete after mixing with Pozzolana (fly ash). It is also a fact that 60 per cent of cement in China is produced from VSK. Productivity is a state of mind whereas making a Megh Quality Clinker is an art.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size:11px;">The author has worked at Himal Cement, Jagadamba Cement, Siddhartha Cement, Cosmos Cement. At present, he is associated with Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd as Senior QC/Production Manager and can be contacted at rajendramdr@yahoo.com.&nbsp;</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages.',
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			'id' => '877',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Responsible Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="text-align: justify;">By Rajendra Desai</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal is bestowed with diversity in nature, religion, culture and people. This beautiful Himalayan country has witnessed a constantly changing social and economic dynamics over the years. In the last two decades, Nepal has made significant achievements in the national economy and the people’s standard of living.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Statistics show that the poverty in Nepal has decreased from 42 per cent in 1995 to 26 per cent in 2011. Similarly, 12 per cent of the GDP is contributed by remittance. The country’s half population comprises of youth, that is energetic and young. Youth is the group which is considered the most productive among all age groups. These youths not only contribute to the society and the economy but also act as the decider of consuming new and trendy products and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It’s a pleasure for a company, to be a partner in a country like Nepal and work with the people here. So, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL), a subsidiary of Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, commenced its operations in Nepal under the brand name Kansai Paints Nepal Pvt Ltd. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) acquired 68 per cent stake in Nepal Shalimar last year. KNPL has decided to utilise the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar to manufacture Nerolac range of products which are imported currently in Nepal itself.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The enhanced economic capabilities of the Nepali people have opened up tremendous market opportunities not only for paints but also for any other FMCG. Similarly, the young population makes a market with prospects for deeper penetration, and demand for new age products and services. The Nepali market has come up with scope for higher consumption along with increased attraction towards health-friendly products such as low or zero VOC paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	KNPL feels proud to have a presence in Nepal. Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, having presence in about 17 countries, believes in transferring the expertise and superior range of products to the consumers in Nepal. This entry promises to provide products that are not only best in performance, but also safe and have minimum environmental impacts. Kansai Paints is the market leader in Japan and the eighth largest paint company of the world. Similarly, Kansai Nerolac in India is the second largest paint company of India.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As of now, Nerolac in India has achieved a noteworthy success in the market. Statistics show that out of every 10 passenger cars, six are painted with products from Nerolac. Similarly, seven out of 10 premium cars, seven out of 10 utility vehicles, eight out of 10 auto rickshaws, eight out of 10 tractors, seven out of 10 scooters and seven out of 10 motorcycles in India are made beautiful with Kansai Nerolac paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The company manufactures a diverse range of products &nbsp;- from decorative coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings. The company believes in the concept of healthy homes. Kansai Nerolac paints are top notch products that do not have adverse impacts on health. They have antifungal traits, contain zero VOC, and are lead free and odourless. The company’s low VOC range of paints conforms to the strictest of International standards and has the NTH certification which compiles to a Green Seal -11 approval. Green Seal is an independent international agency which certifies green and environment-friendly products.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nerolac Impressions 24 Carat is one such Premium Luxury Emulsion that ensures a smooth velvety finish with sheen, excellent flow and brushability, washability and is stain-resistant. Along with it, the company produces award winning products to cater to every segment in the market.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In today’s’ challenging marketing space, it is beyond imagination to succeed in the market without using the new media and the latest technologies to reach out to the targeted consumers. Our exclusive outlets and showrooms offer the customers an easy opportunity to choose and select the paints and colours of their choice. Likewise, the company has focused on 360 degree marketing by using various media such as hoardings, TV, Radio, Vehicles, Movie Theatres and Print Media.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a belief in inclusive growth, the company has always kept the contributions that can be made to the society at the centre while working anywhere in the world. Any business or economic growth should fuel the betterment of the society and people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:11px;">The writer is the Country Head of Kansai Paints Nepal Limited.</span></p>',
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			'id' => '876',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Oil And Gas In Nepal: Foreign Investors’ Dilemma',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Abhimanyu Chhetri</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Oil and Gas, Sectoral February 2013" height="386" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013.jpg" width="570" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">In the time it takes most people to read this sentence, the world will have used up about 8,000 barrels of oil (1 million liters); at 1000 barrels per second. The price of oil and gas is ever rising. International Oil companies are making huge investments around the world in search of new reservoirs. It might be surprising for some to know that Nepal has reserves of both oil and gas and foreign companies are eyeing those reserves. As of July 2012, the 10 blocks designated by the Department of Mines and Geology(DMG) for oil and gas exploration have been leased out to 4 different Oil giants. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the summer of 2012, there was a huge outcry about two international oil giants – Texana Resources Company of Houston, USA and Cairn Energy of UK leaving Nepal citing a “force majeure”. Force Majeure can free both parties from liability or obligation in case of an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.). However, this allows the parties to only suspend their work but not cancel the contract.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In most countries oil companies are being forced out. However, in Nepal the two companies packed up and left. The two companies said they were abandoning exploration work in Nepal due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of cooperation from the government. Both have already spent millions of dollars in Nepal on preliminary surveys and were all set for a ‘seismic operation,’ which determines whether the surveyed areas contain commercially viable quantities of oil. To date, Texana has spent US$3 million and Cairn US$2 - 10 million in the country. &nbsp;The two companies were required to pay an annual fee of US$ 50,000 per ‘block’ to the Nepal government. They also have to provide bank guarantees before starting the geological survey works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rajendra Prasad Khanal, Head of the Petroleum Exploration Promotion Project (PEPP) under DMG, says that these companies entered Nepal during Maoist Insurgency. Texana won the bid in 1998 for 2 blocks and Cairn Energy got the license for 5 out of remaining 8 blocks in 2004. He says, “It is understandable that the companies could not work before due to the insurgency going on during those years, but now the situation has changed. Nepal is a peaceful developing country and there is no obstacle for them to carry out their investigations.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In fact, the team at PEPP is repeatedly requesting them to complete their work in time as per the agreement. Texana has 13 months left and Cairn energy has 7 months left of their contract period. Mr. Khanal and his team are creating a momentum to complete the necessary pre investigations and hopefully extract the crude oil in near future. &nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;margin-bottom:10px;">
	<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
		<strong>Sharing the country’s prospective product with the foreign companies&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		The Petroleum Regulation 2041 (1985) has made a provision of “Model Petroleum Agreement” which includes all the items to be covered in the petroleum operations. This model agreement is in the form of Production Sharing Contract with provision of Royalty and Income Tax. This is also influenced by the amount of crude reserves that can be extracted. The companies will have to pay a royalty of 12.5% to the Government of Nepal and a 30% income tax after sales of the optimal amount of extraction. An obligation to drill a well is not mandatory in the initial exploration period of 4 years.</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Recently, Nepal has accorded high priority to encourage foreign investment in the country. With economic liberalization policy of the government and attractive fiscal terms available, Nepal is committed for full cooperation to international companies in facilitating petroleum exploration in Nepal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The DOMG and PEPP have divided the Tarai and the Siwalik hills into 10 ‘exploration blocks’ of 5,000 sq km each and is trying to sell the exploration license to the International oil exploration companies . Texana won the bid for Blocks 3 (Banke) and 5 (Chitwan) and entered into an agreement with the government in December 1998. In 2004, the British company Cairn Energy received a license to explore five other blocks—Block 1 (Dhangadhi), Block 2 (Karnali), Block 4 (Lumbini), Block 6 (Birgunj) and Block 7 (Malangawa).&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	&nbsp;As of July 2012, when the two companies left the country citing “Force Majeure”, the DMG put the remaining blocks up for bid. Currently, the Block 8(Janakpur), Block 9(Rajbiraj) is owned by Emirates Associated Business Group (EABG) of UAE and the Block 10(Biratnagar) is owned by BBB Champions, which is another Houston based Oil Company. Both have bought a 4 year license to carry out exploration activities in these areas.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Mr. Khanal thinks that this is only the first step and a considerable amount of work is still to be done. The team of geologists at the DMG and PEPP are constantly providing the geological data to the foreign companies that can be indicators to the presence of oil in the region. Along with this, oil and gas have been found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in similar geological setting as that of the exploration blocks in Nepal. This has also further encouraged Mr. Khanal’s team to find the hidden reserves. According to Khanal, more companies are showing interest to bid for the license. The PEPP and DMG are involved in collecting more geological data as to attract more companies and facilitate the process of oil extraction for commercial use.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Oil and Gas in Nepal, Sectoral February 2013" height="402" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />
	<div style="">
		There is an urgency to extract these non renewable resources. Geologically, oil is formed when the dead burials mature under high temperature and pressure. After a certain period, the oil moves from the oil window to the gas window. This indicates that the reserves underground have matured for extraction a long time ago and the reserves might be lost if not extracted in time. A number of oil and natural gas seeps have been recoded in a stretch of 14km in Padukasthan, Sirsethan and Navisthan area in Dailekh and only gas seeps in Muktinath in Mustang. Methane gas deposit in Kathmandu Valley is known since long time. Feasibility study has confirmed that this gas can be used for industrial and household purpose and the reserve is sufficient to supply gas to 21,000 families for about 30 years. During preliminary study, 23 geothermal hot springs have been identified nationwide. Most of them are found to be associated with Main Central Thrust (MCT) and confined to the river banks. The temperature of the hot spring water ranges from 40o to 115oC. It can be utilized for heating, drying fruits, hot water bath to heal skin disease. According to Krishna Prasad Kafle, a Geologist retired from DMG, considerable amount of investments should be made in exploring these resources.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		The only exploration of theses precious natural resources is done in Kathmandu Valley, where Peat and Lignite is mined and used mainly in firing brick kilns. Only one well, the Shell er al Biratnagar 1, with a total depth of 3,520 m has been drilled in Nepal. In 1986, Shell and Triton bought Block no. 10 in Eastern Nepal for exploration but abandoned its project soon when it didn’t strike any oil. People associated with the project argue that Shell just didn’t drill deep enough. The situation was such that the drilling machines had to be imported from India and, due to certain trade restrictions, daily operation charges went as high as Rs 35,000 per day in the then price situation. Today, the daily operation cost is in the range of thousands of dollars. But, if considerable amount of oil is found in Nepal, it will be a boon for the Nepalese economy.</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
</div>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<strong>A case of Norway&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div style="padding:0 10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Before 1960, though an independent country Norway was constantly exploited by the rich and powerful UK and Denmark. During World War I, Norway was a neutral country. In reality, however, Norway had been pressured by the United Kingdom to hand over increasingly large parts of its massive merchant fleet to the UK at low rates, as well as to join the trade blockade against Germany. At the end of the 1950s, very few people believed that the Norwegian continental shelf concealed a wealth of oil and gas. Then, Ekofisk was discovered in 1969 and the Norwegian oil adventure started in earnest. Production from the field started on 15 June 1971 and during the following years, several large discoveries were made. In the 1970s, the exploration activity was concentrated in the North Sea, but the shelf was also gradually opened northwards. This led to world-class discoveries and the production from the Norwegian continental shelf has been dominated by these large fields that were given names such as Ekofisk, Statfjord, Oseberg, Gullfaks and Troll. These fields have been and still are very important for the economic development of Norway. In the last 40 years, Norway has developed an oil and gas industry and this in-turn has resulted in unique national economic growth and welfare improvements. Today, Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world. It used up its oil and gas reserves to gain this status.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<img align="left" alt="" height="207" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_norway_feb2013(3)(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="300" /></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Petroleum exploration activities carried out on the continental shelves of Norway.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<span style="font-size:11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230);">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: upstreamonline.com</span></div>
</div>
<p>
	 </p>',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '811',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Warehousing Problems: Insufficient Pre-requisites',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	By Chittaranjan Pandey</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">Commodities exchanges in Nepal are handicapped by the lack of a warehouse receipt system to help the country’s agricultural development. The Nepali media recently launched a tirade of criticisms against the commodity exchanges in Nepal. One of the main points of that criticism was that the exchanges have not included the local agro-products, or any local product for that matter, in the list of commodities traded on their systems and that they are just making the investors trade in foreign commodities. The media also questioned the process of deriving the prices of the foreign commodities quoted in these exchanges. But unfortunately not even once did anybody try to know why the local products have not &nbsp;been introduced to the trading systems of these exchanges.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The answer is simple. These exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same. Yes, the Secured Transaction Act 2063 BS does list “Warehouse Receipts” as one of the tradable instruments. But just listing the name “Warehouse Receipt” in the law is not enough to hope that such receipts will be actually traded in the market.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The flowchart given here presents an ideal system required to make warehouse receipts tradable. There are many infrastructural shortcomings we face in this regard. A commodity exchange is essential for this system but not sufficient. &nbsp;Like in any other market, the primary requirements here are the buyers and sellers. Then we need financial institutions like commercial banks. And we need a policy from the central bank that allows the banks to treat warehouse receipts as tradable (negotiable) instruments.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The issue with the commercial banks now is that they want to know who will take the responsibility if the products in the warehouse are not sold. So, we need the Insurance Board to come up with a policy that makes the insurance companies insure the agro-products stored in the warehouse. But as the situation is today, the insurance companies do not want to insure agro-products stored in the warehouse because of the higher risks.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Next, we need a public authority assigned with the task of licensing and regulating the warehouses that store agro-products and issue the warehouse receipts. We also need a proper market channel; a proper Supply Chain Management System. This requires competent transport companies that can deliver the goods to the buyers. Also required is a strong rule of law so that the transport companies are not obstructed anywhere on the roads while they are carrying the goods to their destinations. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Thus, for the local agro-products to be traded on the systems of these commodities exchanges, the basic pre-requisites are: a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt issuance and a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt financing. Agriculture, a less valued occupation at present, will be valued higher only when these systems are in place. A culture of commercial farming has actually started in the country but we still need a proper supply chain for this trend of commercial farming to thrive. A commodity exchange can help in this and eliminate the current system in which the number of intermediaries in the supply chain is unnecessarily high. Reduction in the number of intermediaries will bring the prices of agro-commodities up for the farmers and &nbsp;down for the consumers to a reasonable level. And this is possible once the general public and the policy makers think about it seriously.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="458" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/regulated_warehouse_receipt_system.jpg" width="512" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Mr. Pandey is Asst. Manager, Research &amp; Development Department in Mercantile Exchange Nepal Limited. He can be contacted at r&amp;d@mexnepal.com.</strong></span></p>',
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			'description' => 'Commodity exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '812',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Secured Business Of Nepali Paper',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="left" alt="" height="391" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="200" />The Nepali paper industry is one such industry in the country that has withstood the ongoing political turbulence to run in profit. &nbsp;This is also reflected in the fact that handmade Nepali paper products produced by this industry contribute around 10 per cent to Nepal’s total export and this contribution is growing &nbsp;by 7 to 8 per cent annually. Bikash Ratna Dhakhwa, President of the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) is quite happy with the growth of the Nepali paper business even during such harsh times. He says, “Had there been a good environment for industries, politically as well as economically, this sector would have seen a massive growth.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The ever-growing market demand of the Nepali paper or Lokta Kagaj, as it is locally known, is the main reason behind the steady performance of the Nepali paper industry. Lokta has been successful in attracting many craft lovers nationally and internationally. Products made of Lokta are a major attraction at every handicraft trade fair. Dhakhwa says, “We have been organizing numerous handicraft fairs to promote the business of these products. We are now organizing the 10th handicraft fair which would definitely be fruitful to the Nepali paper business among other handicraft businesses.” According to FHAN, the export of paper products increased by 32 per cent to Rs 410 million in FY 2011/12 from Rs 310 million &nbsp;in &nbsp;2010/11.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Once replaced by the massive import of cheap papers from China, the Lokta has regained its lost sheen because of its quality and uniqueness. Having seen the prospects, industrialist like Bishnu Das Dangol, former Managing Director of Bhaktapur Craft Paper Ltd- the first business enterprise to produce and export Nepali handmade paper - are being lured into the business again. Dangol has joined the company back after a long gap as its Executive Director. “I have entered this business again because it involves people from the grass-roots to those at the high level. The paper industry can become the major industry to eradicate poverty in our country,” he says. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Kiran Kumar Dangol, President of HANDPASS (Nepal Handmade Paper Association) there are around 300 companies involved in the Lokta business and together they have employed around 50,000 people. He says, “Lokta is a big business today. We export Lokta products worth around Rs 40 to 50 million yearly. Europe accounts for 60 per cent of our export while the USA for around the remaining 40 per cent.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Benu Das Shrestha who is originally from Sindupalchok district has been making and selling &nbsp;the Lokta paper for the past two decades and is inspiration to many. He says, “Many of my friends have followed in my footsteps. Lokta is a low-cost business that we can afford to run and can start it with the help of just around 10 people.” It was more than 20 years ago that he started his Lokta factory, &nbsp;Jugal Nepali Haate Kagaj Udhyog, at Jalbire, his birthplace in Sindhupalchok. Today, Shrestha earns around Rs 60,000 a month and is also hopeful about expanding his business in the coming years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For industrialists like Satyalal Shrestha, who has spent 25 years in the Lokta business and is the owner of Bagmati Paper Company, it is a business of creativity. In the beginning, he used to produce the plain Lokta paper. But he soon found new ways to diversify his business and today he produces several creative paper products. “We design various items according to the needs of the customers and we often consult with them before making new products,” he shares.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Shrestha produces a range of products from wall hangings, photo-frames, albums, mirrors, and paper vases to the extra-ordinarily made paper jewelries. His creativity is seen in the marvelous set of paper tables which are perfect even for dining. However, he has no showroom in Nepal and anyone &nbsp;wanting to buy his products has to visit his factory and give an order in advance. The average annual turnover of his company is around Rs. 20 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta paper has a long history in Nepali paper usage. Although Lokta is being produced in Nepal from as early as the twelfth century, it got international recognition when the UNICEF started to buy and use it for important documents. Known for its long lasting quality, the handmade Lokta has been traditionally used for official purpose for ages. But today it is used for many purposes. The Nepali paper used for the legal and government documents is produced with a Japanese technology in A4 size. This paper is made from not only the bark of the Lokta tree but also other plants like Argeli (Edgeworthia gardeneri), babiyo (Eulaliopsis binata), hay, leaf of cardamoms etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Many farmers have contributed to run the Lokta business and most of them are working at the community level enterprises in association with different groups of collectors. They produce the Lokta paper according to the demand of the buyers from different paper industries. The paper can be used directly after buying from them. However, processes like shorting, coloring, processing, etc at the paper factories further enhances the quality of the Lokta paper. Dangol says, “Unlike other products, the Lokta paper is 100 per cent handmade. All the raw materials are produced locally.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta products are of two categories- pure and mixed ones. In the market, one sheet of pure Lokta paper weighing five gram costs around Rs 6 while the other paper with same weight made with mixed products cost around Rs 5. Similarly, a Lokta sheet &nbsp;weighing 20 gms costs Rs 18 while the mixed paper in the same category costs Rs 16. Lokta products are available as sheets, note-books, photo albums and picture frames, writing sets, and gift- boxes, among other products such as carry bags, calendars, file-folders, lampshades, greeting cards, wall papers, photo frames, art paper, picture albums, gift sets, postcards, paper jewelry, jewelry boxes, telephone diaries, etc. The price for these products differs with the size, weight and quality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta plant is found in 56 districts of the country. According to the FNCCI’s document ‘Business Promotion Strategy (2012 – 2016)’, Lokta is listed among the 20 species of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) including some exotic species like Mentha, chamomile, lemongrass, Dalchini, etc. The Western Mid Hilly regions and the hilly district of Gandaki and Dhaulagiri Zones - Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, and Tanahu - are the main locations of the Lokta plant. Usually, the Lokta plant is harvested when it is mature enough.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Brand Nepal&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta paper has been identified among the 19 major exportable goods of the country. It has become a brand name in itself and is known as a quality paper all over the world. Today, Lokta paper’s international market is far bigger than its local market. According to the traders, Lokta products have a huge market in countries like the USA, Canada &nbsp;and many European countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Denmark and lately, Japan in Asia.“Due to the unique feature and quality, there is a high demand for the Nepali paper in the international market,” Shares Bisnu Das Dangol. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With its attractive texture, durability, strength and resistance to insects, Lokta products are popular even in the digital age and this is an amazing truth for the people involved in this business. Unlike the previous Lokta papers, the Lokta papers today are well-finished products available in a &nbsp;range of colors, textures, patterns and prints. They can be customized for different logos, graphics, colors, designs and paper weight. The success of Nepali industrialists in developing a variety of Lokta products has been a plus point for this business. Satyalal says, “The customers are demanding more and more varieties of Lokta products.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Bisnu Das Shares, “If we can market our products aggressively, all national and international organizations will start using the Nepali paper for their important documents in no time.” The paper is among the costly papers available in the international market. The demand for Lokta-made gift items like cards for different occasions such as weddings, birthdays etc is high in the Nepali market while Lokta-made notebooks, boxes, wrapping- papers, different kinds of printed papers are sought after internationally. Recently, Lokta has found popularity in the making of fashion accessories as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Future in paper</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="" height="339" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="454" />Due to the growing demand, the need for conserving and promoting Lokta and producing high quality papers has emerged at the same time. However, the lack of sustainable harvesting and cultivation process has put the raw materials used for producing the Lokta paper at the risk of extinction. Saraswati Rai, Operation Manager at Himalayan Bio-Trade (HBTL) - a community-based enterprise - is concerned about the negligence in the preservation of the Lokta plant. According to her, it would be difficult to keep up the quality of the Lokta paper in the long run in the absence of &nbsp;concerted efforts to preserve the Lokta plant. &nbsp;“The Lokta products are not being produced in a sustainable way.” The Lokta plant has a unique ability to regenerate and reach maturity within four to five years after the first cutting. But it demands skilled manpower for its harvesting. This ability should also make the preservation of the Lokta plant comparatively easy. Lokta can generate much more employment at the grassroots even if the farmers take Lokta growing as a seasonal business. Rai says, “If we have trained collectors for harvesting Lokta and if we can maintain the quality, the business has a very bright future ahead.” HBTL buys papers made from Lokta or argeli from the farmers. Though Rai shares that the company’s overall production has declined in comparison to the previous years, she is confident of the everlasting market of the Nepali Paper. HBTL’s average annual turnover is around Rs 30 million of which its paper business constitutes Rs 20 million.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	If given due importance, the Lokta paper stands fairly high chances getting much bigger and better national and international markets. “International buyers are looking for unique and valuable products like the Nepali paper which is basically exported as handicraft products,” shares Bisnu Das.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to the traders, though the existing Lokta products are good enough and doing very well, there is an urgent need to develop even better and advanced products. Many organizations are facilitating the designers who could design Lokta products to meet the international demand. They are also providing training to the new generation people who are attracted to paper production, designing and marketing. Some of the organizations and Lokta collectors have even started conserving the Lokta plants. The traders involved in the Lokta business have started getting cash incentives, four and a half per cent re-financing and also export incentives. So, if you are planning to venture into a long-term business in Nepal that has withstood the tests of time, then the Lokta business could be the right place to invest in.&nbsp;</p>',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A1"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><img alt="sectorl 2012" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/december.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	</span></span></span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><br />
	By Rajendra Prasad Devkota</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Organic Agriculture in Nepal</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice, but it enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector.</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Default">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;<img align="left" alt="organic" border="1" height="220" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/organic.jpg" vspace="10" width="171" /></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">T</span><span style="color: black;">he ever-increasing demand for food, fodder, fuel and fiber as consequences of the rapidly increasing population of the world is one of the most important global issues today. Most vulnerable among the rural poor in Nepal are those with small landholdings and landless farm workers living in ecologically fragile areas, such as high hills, mountains and low lands. Most of these areas lack basic transport, communication and social infrastructure. Households in such areas have limited assets and livelihood opportunities. They tend to have low levels of education, large families and strong traditional and cultural values.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepali farmers depend on predominantly traditional and subsistence agriculture where cereals dominate the cropping pattern and cultivation practices depend on monsoon rain. The use of improved seed and compost/farm yard manure is still very low while the use of chemical fertilizers is high but lower than neighbouring countries. Mechanization in agriculture is at a very low level and only 21 per cent of the total area is under cultivation. Almost 64 per cent of agricultural households that have land own a plough that is used to cultivate the land using bullocks. The existing number of livestock is one of the highest per capita and per unit area of cultivated land in Asia. However, livestock productivity is very low due to poor grazing land, crop bio by-products, forest biomass, secondary plant resides and shortage of feed. </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="vegetables" border="1" height="193" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral1245.jpg" vspace="10" width="310" /> <br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Natural resources such as soil, water and forests are considered as sources of livelihood in Nepal. Declining fertile land due to town planning, mass deforestation, soil erosion and problem of food security etc boosts migration to the cities. Increased requirement of agricultural land due to continuous population growth has led to increase in land use intensity and cultivation of marginal land, very often on steep slopes and soils of low fertility. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Intensive synthetic chemical based farming started since the 1980s and chemical fertilizers were imported to the field with the increasing interest of the commercial farmers and pro-production government policy. Similarly, the use of chemical pesticides was accelerated during 1983 with the introduction of Metacid. In the beginning, bags of chemical fertilizers were distributed free to the farmers. However, many farmers had buried the bags in their fields to avoid the use of forcefully distributed fertilizers. With time, farmers were motivated to use fertilizers and other related agro-chemicals in their fields after observing good yield of the crops. This practice eventually gave birth to chemical farming and set a new era in production.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<img alt="orgrainic" border="1" height="301" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral2012.jpg" vspace="10" width="500" /></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice but enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector. Institutionally, the history of organic agriculture in Nepal can be said to have begun with the establishment of the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture Nepal (INSAN) in 1986. This organization was involved in promoting permaculture, a system similar to organic production. Another milestone in organic agriculture in Nepal was the establishment of Appropriate Agricultural Alternatives (AAA) farm in the Kathmandu Valley in 1987 by an American national, Judith Chase. Chase came to Nepal in 1976 and she along with her husband Jim moved to the farm to escape city life. After she started producing organic vegetables, Chase soon realized that she could sell all of her produce to the expatriate community at a premium prices compared to the non-organic fruits and vegetables. For a short while, this remained an isolated effort with no sign of proliferation. However, a niche market for organic products soon witnessed a new wave of development for organic production in the surrounding areas. After 2000, the number of cooperatives and private initiatives for organic farming increased substantially. The Government of Nepal was reluctant to accept the concept of organic agriculture in the beginning. But, after observing the negative impact of agrochemicals on farming, the government decided to take initiatives for the promotion of organic farming. The 10th Plan (NPC, 2002) and Agricultural Policy (MOAC, 2004), for the first time, had spelt out policy statements regarding the promotion of organic agriculture in the country.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Certification of organic products was initiated in 1996 in Nepal. However, the national norms and standards required for production, inspection and certification of organic products have not yet been materialized at the government level. Some internationally recognized certifying agencies and locally authorized organic inspectors have made their presence felt in Nepal to work on organic product certification. At present, Onecert–Asia, Lacon Quality, NASAA-Australia, Eco-cert France, IMO and Indocert provide organic certificates as per NOP, EEC, NPOP and JAS-based standards in tea, coffee, medicinal and aromatic plants, fertilizers and natural crude herbs etc for the export market. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Recently, the government sanctioned a National Technical Standards for Organic Agriculture System 2064 BS which is expected to bring about changes in the production and marketing of organic products. In comparison, other recognized standards have made unseen mistakes in Nepali organic standards due to the lack of knowledge of proper rules and regulations and systems such as Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Geographical Indication of the Product (GIP) and Internal Control System (ICS) etc. Similarly, organic farmers depend on large quantities of farmyard manure and compost but organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers, manure and organic pesticides are not easily available. The lack of appropriate and adaptive technologies such as consistency, incentives for farmers to turn to organic methods, efficient agronomic alternatives for managing soil, nutrient and pest are some of the input related problems faced by the organic growers.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">The marketing of organic vegetables, fruits and other products is a daunting task for the organic growers. Although some supermarkets have started selling organic vegetables, there is a lack of pricing mechanism. Prices are generally fixed by the traders/collectors who procure vegetables from the growers and supply them to the available niche markets. A majority of farmers is interested in adopting organic farming practices if the government is willing to provide subsidies in farming, processing and certification. Similarly, the number of farmers willing to adopt organic farming has increased in rural as well as urban settings.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Consumers have a belief that organic food is healthier, less polluted and more natural than their conventional counterparts. Many consumers are of the view that the quality of organic products is good and that’s why these products are expensive. Most of them are willing to pay 10-15 per cent more for organic products while they are also ready to pay 20-30 per cent more if the organic products are branded. Organic products are usually sold directly by the farmers themselves or at select shops and outlets. Due to the lack of financial support, organic farmers rely solely on the consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices which compensate for lower yields and higher production costs associated with the organic practice. Though a very small scale operation, the organic industry holds much promise and has a long way to go in Nepal.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Devkota is an Agriculturist and Organic Inspector. He can be contacted via email at rajendra_certi@yahoo.com</span></span></p>',
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<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">India’s Airline Brands Connecting Kathmandu <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic from airline companies of India connecting India to Nepal.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa7" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">I</span><span style="color: black;">t was in the early 20th century when countries embraced air transport as a means to travel from one part of the world to another. India was one of the first countries in Asia and in the world to opt for civil aviation. Tata Airlines, which started its services in 1932, became a public limited company in 1946 under the name Air India. After acquiring 49 percent shares of the airline, the Government of India granted it the permission to operate international services as the designated national flag carrier. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepal’s civil aviation industry started after the national flag carrier, the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) was established in 1958. The RNAC, which was renamed as the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) a few years ago, began its services by flying to a few domestic destinations. Later, its services were extended to such Indian cities as Patna, Calcutta and Delhi. Hence nationals of both India and Nepal have had an opportunity to fly to each other’s country for a few decades now. Over the past decade, however, the Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic of Indian Airlines connecting India to Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">At present, there are four Indian airline brands connecting India to Kathmandu. They are: Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet and Jet Airways. All of them are Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Air India is India’s national flag carrier and a part the Air India Limited (AIL), a company owned by the Government of India. Air India Express is the airline’s international low-cost subsidiary established in 2005. At present, Air India flies to and from 27 international destinations in 19 countries including Nepal. It operates 18 scheduled flights to Kathmandu per week, including two flights from New Delhi daily, and four flights from Kolkata per week. It also operates scheduled passenger services, mainly to the Persian Gulf and South East Asia. At present, Air India Express (AIE) has a fleet of 21 aircraft. These aircraft have around 180 seats each and offer budget travel. AIE gives its passengers all essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight. Passengers can also avail themselves of free standardised meals and limited on-board entertainment. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGo is a popular, private, and low-cost airline established in August 2006. IndiGo has grown faster than any other LCCs in South Asia because of its efficient operations and low fares. In order to maintain the fares low, IndiGo’s flights offer only economy class seating, a complimentary mineral water, and no in-flight entertainment and allow only one free check-in baggage. On IndiGo flights, snacks, meals and drinks are available as buy-on-board options. IndiGo operates flights to five international destinations - Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat and Singapore. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGO started flying to Nepal in October 2012. At present, it operates seven flights connecting Delhi to Kathmandu per week. Its fares start from NPR 8,420. The company plans to increase the number of flights to its existing destinations and start flying to new destinations in Nepal. IndiGo flights have an average occupancy of 99 percent. Schemes are not an attraction for this airline because, according to the company, passengers prefer low-cost fares to schemes as the latter often come with a string of terms and conditions attached to them. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">SpiceJet is a low-cost airline which began its services in May 2005. It has a share of 19 percent in the Indian market at present. SpiceJet flies to 32 domestic destinations and makes two international flights -- to Colombo and Kathmandu. SpiceJet sent its first flight to Nepal in October 2010. The airline currently operates 11 flights connecting Kathmandu per week. In the peak season, however, it has two flights a day. With starting fares of NPR 3,400 (one way) and NPR 8,000 (round trip), it offers only the economy class travel. This airline has average flight occupancy of 85 percent. SpiceJet provides sandwiches, cookies, flavored nuts, soft drinks and juices as buy-on-board options. The passengers also get complimentary mineral water. </span></span><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="Jet airways" border="1" height="165" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/airplane001.jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, which include 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 11 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 60 Next Generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft, and 18 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">With an average fleet age of 6.06 years, the airline has one of the youngest fleets in the world. Jet Airways flights to 73 destinations span in India and beyond. The company launched its first flight to Kathmandu on 14th May 2004. It operates 21 flights per week with two daily flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi and one daily flight from Kathmandu to Mumbai. Inclusive of all taxes, Jet Airways’ fare from Kathmandu to Delhi is USD 130 (one way) and from Kathmandu to Mumbai is USD 260 (one way). Jet Airways operates with two travel classes - Premiere and Economy - on the Kathmandu-India sector where it has average occupancy of 90 per cent. Jet Airways offers connectivity to its international and domestic network via Mumbai and Delhi. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Delhi seems to be the most popular destination for the Indian flights that fly out of Kathmandu, because of its close proximity to all the major Indian cities. However, other Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai and Varanasi are also on demand. Bangalore is mostly on demand because of the education opportunities it provides to Nepali students. Tourism continues to be a major factor behind the increasing air traffic between the two countries. However, Indian nationals also visit Nepal and vice versa for health, business, and religious purposes. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Market competition increases when more airlines start flying to the same destinations. This competition compels the airlines to lower their fares, causing a decrease in their revenue. This is why the airline brands flying to Kathmandu have a tough competition among themselves. “The competition is tough but it also has to be healthy,” says Joy Dewan, GSA, SpiceJet. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">There are a few problems that the Indian airlines also have to face in Nepal. “The increasing fuel costs add to the overall high cost of operation, which naturally impacts the airline’s bottom line,” points out Samir Chada, Country Manager, Jet Airways, as a major problem for Jet Airways and other airlines currently flying to Nepal. Similarly Dewan sees high ground handling charges for navigation and landing as the major problems. Airlines have requested the airport authorities to reduce the charges. The authorities are expected to consider the demand positively. Similarly, the lack of enough space at Nepal’s only international airport and the lack of opportunity for night flights are the other problems that the Indian airlines have been facing.</span></span></p>',
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<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Liquor Licensing</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The government has decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries.<br />
	<br />
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	<img alt="liquor" border="1" height="143" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/liquor(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa9" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A15">T</span><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">he decade-long ban on issuing licenses to new distilleries and breweries is finally lifted by the government. It has now decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries if they comply with a new 10-point standard set by the government. Ram Sharan Chimoria, Spokesperson at the Department of Industry (DoI), said that the Ministry of Industry (MoI) took the decision on October 7. Around 150 applications for registering new liquor industries are already received. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">“The government had stopped issuing licenses to new liquor manufacturers for more than a decade,” Chimoria said, “Licenses will now be issued but only to those who comply with the new standards.” He added that the move will help regularise the liquor industry. The government had stopped the registration of new liquor industries in 2001, citing environmental and health reasons. The Maoist campaign against liquor drinking habits during the decade-long armed movement was the major but undeclared reason for the ban. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Although the ban was imposed, the liquor market and the trend of drinking had not slowed down until the traffic police began a campaign against drunk driving. According to experts, the increasing trend of alcohol import had a hand in the resumption of issuing licenses for producing liquor within the country. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Rabi KC, President of Nepal Liquor Manufacturers’ Association (NLMA), said, “The government’s move is positive.” However, he suggested that the benchmark should have been set even higher. “The new requirement of Rs 500,000 as deposit is low. Even a small liquor industry has a huge annual turnover, so the deposit amount should have been higher,” he adds. He further said that it would be appropriate to ask for a bank guarantee of Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million while issuing excise duty license by the Inland Revenue Department. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC depicts a very bad picture existing in the industry and says that out of the 52 registered factories, only 42 are in operation. Most of the liquor producers have not used even 25 per cent of their installed capacity, he adds. “They are struggling for their existence. In such a situation, what would be the future of the existing ones if 40 to 50 new industries are added?” he asks. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">With home-made liquor enjoying a strong presence, the market to be shared by all the companies is small. “So, there is a possibility of the entire industry going through a slump when new industries come in,” he predicted. However, he conceded that issuing new licenses to liquor producers cannot be denied in an open economy. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">As per the new standards, industrialists have to deposit Rs 500,000 along with an application at the DoI to get the license. The investors’ deposits will be refunded if they either fail to get the license or present evidence of starting production. There is also a provision of seizing the deposit if an industry fails to comply with the new standards. On the other hand, the existing industries need to deposit Rs 300,000 to increase their production capacity. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">According to the new standards, if the license is issued in the name of an individual, s/he should register the company within 30 days of getting the license. Such individuals must hold at least 20 per cent shares of the liquor company to be registered. Similarly, investors are not allowed to sell these shares before the deposit is refunded. If any investor is found selling the shares before getting the deposit refund, the government can either seize the deposit or mete out other punishments as per the Industrial Enterprises Act (IEA) 1992. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">For breweries and distilleries, including the bottling plants, there is the provision of concluding the construction and starting production within three years of getting the license. The time limit for starting a blending and bottling plant is two years. However, the DoI can extend the period by six months after evaluating the progress made by a company. Such six-month extension can be made twice. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">If an industry is unable to start its operation within the given period, there is a provision to dissolve the industry according to Section 25 of the IEA 1992. It is also necessary to establish an appropriate lab for quality control as stated by the new standards. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Distilleries using local grains as raw material can use a maximum of 10 per cent local grains for their production. If they need more, they have to import. Likewise, foreign direct investment (FDI) will not be allowed in industries producing liquor of lower quality than 30 degree UP, according to the new provision. This means FDI is not allowed in 40 degree UP or 60 degree UP. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Similarly, such industries must be at least 500 metres away from cultural heritages of national importance, hospitals, schools and national parks. The breweries and distilleries must have a minimum area of three hectares. The area should be at least one hectare for bottling-only plants. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%; color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC said, “In Nepal, 80 per cent market share is held by Nepali products.” However, 50 per cent liquor consumed in Nepal is supplied from household production.</span></span></p>
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	<span class="A14"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
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<p>
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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59.0pt">T</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">here are many beautiful, interesting, and unusual things in Nepal. The obvious question of “what to buy?” is bound to come to your mind. One of the answers to this could be gems and jewelry. “Most of the tourists visiting Nepal are interested to buy precious and semi-precious stones available in Nepal,” said Ramesh Maharjan, President of Nepal Gems and Jewelry Association. Besides being a fashion trend, it is a financial investment for the future as well, added Maharjan.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="115" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems4.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="137" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Jewelry includes all attractive or appealing decorative objects that can be made with gems along with other precious metals. Mostly, every form of material may be added to make an attractive piece of jewelry. Some common forms of jewelry include anklets, armlets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings (engagement rings, wedding rings, class rings), toe rings and nose-jewels. Brooches, belly chains, head ornaments fit in the category of more uncommon kinds of jewelry. People can express their love by presenting jewelry to their dear ones. Common metals that are utilized in jewelry include gold, platinum and silver.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Both younger and elder generations are fond of jewelry collection. “Gone are the days of heavy jewelry trends. These days, people look forward to light and unique designs that are different from other pieces of jewelry,” said Maharjan who is also the owner of R B Diamond House. It caters to a diverse range of customers who look forward to gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds in designer jewelry. Turquoise and coral are the most common stones used in Nepali jewelry that it also deals in. Other precious stones common in Nepal include lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, garnet, and agate.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="295" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems1.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Diamond is the most important precious stone in terms of value that generates a larger volume of revenue and business internationally,” said Mahesh Man Shrestha, owner of Gahana Griha. Even in Nepal, diamond jewelry is more popular and in demand than other gemstones, added Shrestha. Generally, diamonds are the most expensive stones but there are high quality natural color gemstones that command high price per carat like diamonds do. <br />
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to Maharjan, in today’s market the price per carat for precious gemstones like ruby, emerald and sapphire range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 while price per carat for semi-precious gemstones cost about the same. There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market. “Most of the gems in Nepal are used for silver jewelries that are exported to Europe and America,” said Maharjan. The handcrafted jewelries are very famous and liked by the Europeans and Americans. They are exported in different designs like earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooch, bangles, and different articles embedded with precious stones, he added. Some stones like quartz crystal, black tourmaline, moonstone, kyanite and garnet are also used as healing stones. Gemstones are also prescribed by astrologers and are adorned in the belief that they have magical and mystical powers. It is believed that these powers bring happiness, prosperity and overall betterment in a person and his activities.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="249" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems2.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="239" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">There are many stones in the market these days that even the suppliers are unaware of. Apart from it, there are synthetic gemstones aplenty. Riken Maharjan, a Graduate Gemologist revealed that even today many people do not know that ruby and sapphire are the same stone. The only factor that makes it different is its color where red corundum are called ruby and blue corundum are called sapphire. “Identifying gemstones is a challenge, however, the bigger challenge is to ascertain value associated with different stones,” he said. The value of the stone depends on numerous factors, he added, it is the 4c – color, cut, clarity, and carat for diamonds while for other precious stones it’s the demand, rarity, treatments, imitation etc that count.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Understanding precious stones has come a long way. Earlier, it was difficult for the clients to understand if any red stone would be called ruby and any blue stone would be called sapphire and a colorless stone that dazzled and produced a colorful flash of light was a diamond. However, today with all the technology, research and improvement in science there is a better understanding of stones. According to Maharjan, Nepal has the technology and good professional gem cutters but the sector is suffering because the stones have not been explored well and opened for business.</span> </p>
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	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="233" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems3.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="227" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Hari Bhakta Adhikari, a senior gems expert shared that Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Manang and Dhading figure among the major gem locations of Nepal. He added that Nepal is a Paradise for gemologists and collectors. “This can boost tourism as well as help in export business. But, it is a pity that despite having huge semi-precious stone mines, Nepal has to import 80 per cent of the stones from India, China, Thailand, Burma and Pakistan,” he said. Entrepreneurs involved with the business shared that they need better facilities from the government and to review the existing import and export policies. Adhikari opined that in India, the government has waived off import fee on gemstones, one of the reasons which has made it very difficult for Nepal to compete with India.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Nepal has failed to showcase its potential in the international market. Much of it is due to the lack of skilled manpower that has hit the gems and precious stones sector in the country despite it being rich in mineral resources,” said Adhikari. He opined that the government should develop adequate work force and create mechanism to extract mineral resources to propel growth. From export of 200,000 kg raw gemstone, some 5,000 small gems industries could provide around 25,000 people direct employment and another 100,000 indirect employment, he added. <br />
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mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to the Department of Geology, the country has imported around Rs 130.37 billion worth of mines and mineral related goods in fiscal year 2009-10. However, due to lack of well-equipped laboratory that can certify purity of gems and other precious stones, the country has not been able to take advantage from its huge natural resources. According to Riken Maharjan, there are two things the industry keeps in mind – gemstone identification and gemstone grading. The first part is to identify the stone correctly as it makes a huge difference in price depending on the type of gemstone. The market is flooded with precious and semi precious gemstones and it is hard even for experienced eyes to tell the difference without gemological tools.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Gemstone and jewelry certification plays a vital role in the business. There are gem labs all over the world that identifies and grades gemstones, however, it’s not an established trend in Nepal yet. R B Diamond Jewelers is taking an initiative to change this by introducing GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certification for gems and jewelries in the near future. These certificates are internationally recognized and honored and known for its grading precision, technology, research and other important factors.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“The gems and jewelry industry is an industry of trust. Therefore, it is very important for people in this industry to understand their product, to know what they are selling,” said Maharjan who has been in this business for more than 15 years now. People put their names and huge amount of money on the line. There is a lot to learn about the industry, the stones itself, treatments, grading, imitation, synthetic stones and many other aspects, he added.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
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<p class="Default">
	<span class="A8"><span style="font-size:24.0pt"><img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_11.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	‘Real Growth Opportunity Lies in Agriculture and Small Scale Industries’</span></span> </p>
<p class="Default">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="realgrow" border="1" height="236" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/P-K-Mohapatra.jpg" vspace="10" width="217" /></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">P K Mohapatra </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Bank Limited (EBL). </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">With an aim to promote the agriculture sector, the EBL established a specialised branch called Krishi Udhyam Bikash Shakha at Rijbiraj, Saptari on August 17. In an interview with New Business Age, Mohapatra talked about reasons behind the newly opened branch and bank’s expansion plans in the agriculture sector. Excerpts:<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why did you come up with a dedicated branch for agricultural services? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The branch will not only concentrate on agricultural services, however, the thrust will be on agriculture and agro based industries. The country’s main focus area should now be agriculture because the new industries are not taking off due to many reasons. Around 66 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture and this sector’s contribution in the GDP is about 39 per cent. Therefore, if some priority is given to agriculture, it will be a contribution to the national economy too. <br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E"><br />
	<br />
	Why did you choose this particular location Rajbiraj among so many other places? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We found Rajbiraj suitable because the land is irrigated, people have money to spend on land and the area receives good amount of remittance. When we were planning to start this branch, we looked for different localities where agriculture is of prime focus including Chitwan where we already had a presence. We did not have a presence in Rajbiraj though which is an area with high growth potential. As a banker, we will also be interested to mobilise deposits as Rajbiraj has a high potential for deposit growth. So, that is a service for dual purpose – mobilising deposit and at the same time, helping the farmers by financing agriculture. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">How do you see the scope of formal lending to Nepal’s agriculture sector? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">It is one of the best virgin areas. So far, microfinance companies and Rural Development Bank have been doing agro based lending. All these sectors lend at a high rate of interest that makes the total investment and works literally non-viable. The moment commercial banks enter, we can lend at a much lower rate than present. This will encourage the farmers to borrow money from banks and go for high yielding crop varieties, improved seeds and better livestock. The entire economy will be supported by low interest funding by the commercial banks. For example, in districts like Chitwan, Ilam and Jhapa, a lot of migrant workers have returned from abroad with experience and money. All they need is a little support from the banking system so that they can thrive here, invest and use the experience and money they have gained. At the same time, they can give employment to some other people also. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why are commercial banks hesitant to lend to this sector? <br />
	</span></strong><br />
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Banking in Nepal has been excessively based on urban areas. However, activities based in the urban areas are getting saturated. Therefore, the real growth opportunity lies in agriculture and small scale industries. Till now, the concentration was in cities and industrial towns like Birgunj, Biratnagar, Butwal and some other areas. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made a mandatory provision to invest at least 10 per cent in agriculture and hydropower out of the total investments made by banks. It is a really appreciable measure adopted by the central bank. Agriculture and small scale industries are two sectors which are going to support the country in the long run. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">To what extent does Everest Bank wants to invest in the agriculture sector? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">The minimum investment will be what the NRB has already stipulated. Our small effort is to encourage the field people – branch managers and field staff – to look at agriculture from a totally different angle. Many think that agriculture lending is not a good lending. However, it is not true. If a thousand rupees is lent in the agriculture sector, it goes straight to the economy. As socially responsible corporate entities, all banks should target the rural people, particularly those involved in agriculture. We will be coming up with two to three branches having thrust on the agriculture sector within this fiscal year. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We are also preparing setting up a farmer training institute in Nepal. Being from Punjab National Bank, India, we have a huge experience in running farmer training institutes in India and so, we have proposed to begin with at least one institute and replicate that all over Nepal. We are trying to open the training institute that will provide trainings free-of-cost in collaboration with the private sector and IFC (International Finance Corporation) or IOM (International Organisation for Migration). <br />
	<br />
	Such institutes will have basic facilities like soil testing will a simple laboratory. We will also teach farmers to repair agriculture machineries so that they can save money and time. Besides, we will train returnee migrants through these institutes so that they can use their experience and money. It is a long term plan and we should be able to start the first training institute before the close of financial year 2069/70. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A3"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Impact">Sectoral</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">By Sushila Budhathoki</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:32.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Demanding Business of Herbal Products</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A35">&nbsp;<br />
	<span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing.jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span class="A13"><span style="font-size:59.0pt">C</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">onsumption of herbal products in Nepal, according to an estimate, is registering an annual increment of 20 per cent. According to Pradip Maharjan, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Enterprise Center (AEC) at Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FNCCI), Nepali herbal products also account for three per cent of the total exports. He further says, “Nepali herbal products meet around 60 per cent of the domestic market demand. The remaining 40 per cent demand is still fulfilled by imports.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The yearly production of ‘Sancho’, a product of Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited (HPPCL), has reached five million units. Last year, the company produced around 3.4 million units of Sancho. According to Chandra Bahadur Shahi, General Manager of HPPCL, the company is now aggressively marketing the product in villages after having found a tremendous market in urban areas already. <br />
	<br />
	“Due to its popularity, we have been marketing Sancho and other herbal products through our distributors in each development region,” says Shahi. The company has estimated the total turnover of its herbal products at around Rs 100 million last year of which Sancho alone contributes around Rs 70 million. Sancho is a widely popular cure for cold, cough, rheumatism, stuffy nose, fatigue, body ache, muscular ache, headache, neuralgia, sprain and itching. It is marketed by the HPPCL since 2057 BS. <br />
	<br />
	<img alt="demaing" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	<br />
	Nepal is basically exporting essential oils, Chyawanprash and Shilajit among other herbal products. According to the Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC), oil worth Rs 82 million was exported to third countries in 2010-2011. Govind Adhikari, President of Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA), says the herbal industries can get optimum benefit by exporting finished herbal products rather than only exporting crude herbs. He adds, “We are exporting a huge amount of raw materials to India, which in turn, is earning from making the finished products. If we were able to export final products ourselves, we would have earned a tremendous market internationally.” He adds, “Since herbal products are unique, they usually do not face stiff competition.” <br />
	<br />
	The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. Today, the people around the world are inclined towards ‘back to nature’ and demanding natural products ranging from medicines and food items to cosmetics. Germany and France, among other countries, have been considered as major herbal markets in Europe and the popularity of herbal products has a great impact on its development. It is not surprising when many consider Nepal as a country with huge potentiality for herbal trade. <br />
	<br />
	Maharjan recommends exploring the need for investment in herbal industries due to the increasing demand of Nepali products internationally. He says, “There is a huge demand for herbal products internationally because people are lured towards products that are free from side effects. And our products have established a reputation of being natural and chemical-free products.” Nepali Industries are advertising their products through the internet as well and soliciting business online. Most of the Nepali herbal industries maintain websites and use them as a marketing tool for promoting their products. <br />
	<br />
	There are herbal products being sold everywhere and more people are inquiring about natural products such as cream, lip balm, oils and other cosmetics. According to Rina Gongaju, Production Manager at Wild Earth, the company has launched a basic range of products owing to local demand. She shares, “We are wealthy in herbs but it costs dearly to produce a final product because of the technical lapses in the collection and refinement of the herbs.” Wild Earth produces a range of handmade herbal goods such as soaps, massage oils, pillows, smudge sticks and aromatic amulets and sells them in over 30 countries. The company also caters its products to different Nepali hotels, resorts and spa centers. <br />
	<br />
	There are many brands for each range of products like Yak Milk Soaps and Mongolian Mare’s Milk Soap in Wild Wares category. There are other ranges of aromatic pillows namely Passion, Dream, Tranquility, Hangover, Calm, Balance, Soothe and Energy as well as pillows for each zodiac sign. Single products at Wild Earth are priced from Rs 55 to Rs 1,500 while for the herbal set, the prices range from Rs 350 to Rs 3,500.</span> </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Adhikari says that Nepali products only acquire Food Phyto Sanitary Certificate and Plant Phyto Sanitary Certificate while buyers in Western countries have increasingly been asking for GMP certificates for aryurvedic remedies, as these products were relatively vulnerable to contamination and unwanted substances. He adds, “Lack of certification is troubling us on exporting herbal products even though there are no complaints about our products.” There are some Nepali companies too who do not apply proper production measures in their production process. Hari Dhital, Administrator at Gorkha Ayurved Company Pvt Ltd, says, “Our products compete with other ‘me too’ products of low quality which have confused the consumers. It has also troubled us in marketing the products.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Industrialists say that the government provisions are discouraging newer industries, especially the small entrepreneurs. Although Herbs and NTFPs (Non Timber Forest Products) Policy 2004-05 has been endorsed, entrepreneurs are facing a lot of hurdles in its implementation. Adhikari shares his bitter experience in the promotion and development of herbal products in Nepal. “The latest policy has been prepared for the benefit of the industries, however, the government is turning a deaf ear to its implementation,” he complains. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">There is a list of 119 NTFPs that are in trade or have the potential to trade. These herbs are used to produce crude herbs, essential oils, extraction items and lokta/argeli papers. They are the raw materials for different ayurvedic products/para pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and vegetable oils too. Different parts like leaf stem extract, pod, root, rhizome, flower, fruit, seed, wood, tendril, bark etc of herbal and aromatic plants are used to produce these items. <br />
	<br />
	According to NEHHPA, there are around 40 companies involved in the production of finished herbal products and 2,000 traders and around 5,000 to 6,000 wild collectors, especially the farmers from different villages, involved in the herbal business. With around 7,000 types of herbs and a kind of bio-diversity rarely found in other corners of the world, Nepal seems the first priority for the investors venturing into herbal business. Maharjan says, “Since the market of herbal products is growing, many western countries are attracted towards production of herbal products. There are a few Nepali companies having joint ventures with foreign companies and are producing herbal products.”</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Having seen the potential for herbs and herbal products, many projects have started focusing on the production, processing and marketing of herbal products. AEC reports that High Mountain livelihood Improvement (HIMALI), Raising Income for small and Medium Farmers (RISME), High Value Agricultural Products (HVAP) and One Village One Product (OVOP) are some of the current programs that focus on cultivation, production and marketing of herbal products along with other agricultural products. <br />
	<br />
	The 350 hectares of land owned by HPPCL, if used properly, would also benefit herbal business in Nepal and encourage newer herbal industries for research and development. From a marketing perspective, traditional ayurvedic medicines enjoy good brand value in the west. However, with the demand of quality and harmless herbal products, ‘Trademark Herbal’ is not enough for the aggressive growth of Nepali herbal industries.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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			'title' => 'CEOs Exit: Nepali Banking Sector Faces New Problem',
			'sub_title' => '',
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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The once lucrative Nepali banking industry is now being deserted by long serving CEOs as they head on to start their own business or shift to other areas. The latest bank CEO who left is Suman Joshi of Laxmi Bank. Nearly a month ago, Grand Bank CEO Sudhir Khatri had resigned from his post. While some insiders claim that Joshi left the job as the main promoter of the bank stopped liking him and Khatri laid his papers to avoid actions from the central bank, banking sectors analysts have also started wondering if a new trend of CEOs leaving the banking sector has set in. This concern is based on the fact that some bank CEOs who resigned from their post have left banking career altogether. One such prominent example is Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri, who resigned when Bank of Asia that he was leading went to merge with NIC Bank to form NIC Asia Bank. One prominent exception to this is Kumar Lamsal who left Sanima Bank and joined Kist Bank as the CEO. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This trend has triggered other concerns as well in the sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the Nepali banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence? Will the departure of experienced hands affect the overall stability of the country&#39;s financial sector? With long serving CEOs leaving the institutions, are BFIs losing opportunities to hire good executives? &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It&#39;s been more than two-and-half years since the Nepali banking authority issued directive and guidelines on the executive compensation system for BFIs. This 2011 policy mandates that the annual salary and perks of a bank&rsquo;s CEOs cannot exceed more than five percent of the average staff expenditure of the respective institution over the period of three years or 0.025 percent of the total assets registered during the previous year, whichever is lower. This provision comes into action only while appointing new CEOs and spares the existing ones. With such a provision in place, the bank CEOs are left with three choices - work with present bank, join another bank on lower perks and salary or abandon the sector and look out for new avenues.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Defending this cap, the central bank argued that it was aimed at discouraging banks from getting involved into unnecessary risk taking activities. &quot;The executive compensation structure was widely regarded as one of the causes of the global financial crisis as it encouraged banks and financial institutions to get involved into high risk taking manoeuvres to increase short-term profit, eventually inviting long-term systematic risks,&quot; the NRB directive and guidelines states. The policy was introduced in the wake of rising fears of real estate bubble that followed the liquidity crunch of 2011. After the commencement of peace process in 2006, house and land prices soared to record high levels in major cities across the country forcing the NRB to tighten the provisions of bank lending into the real estate sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, merger of BFIs is also seen as another reason to reduce the number of CEOs in the banking sector. Since only one CEO leads a bank, the CEO of one of the merging BFI is required to leave the institution during or after the merger process completes. NRB issued Merger Bylaws on May 2011, stating that it would strengthen the financial system and raise trust of public towards the banking sector. The main aim of the merger policy is to expand the capital base of BFIs and thereby strengthen their financial position to withstand various risks in the future. Following the policy rollout, 43 BFIs went for merger and resulted in the formation of 18 BFIs, official NRB data as of mid-March says. Of them two were &#39;A&#39; class banks and 41 were &#39;B&#39;, &#39;C&#39; and &#39;D&#39; class institutions. NIC Bank and Bank of Asia were the first commercial banks to go for merger that resulted in the formation of NIC Asia. Recently the Global IME Bank and the Commerz and Trust Bank have also submitted their merger proposal to the central bank for final approval. Remaining 25 BFIs of all classes have received Letter of Intent (LoI) from the NRB to merge and form 10 BFIs. These mergers have resulted in 25 CEOs resigning from their posts as of March 2014. Commerz and Trust Bank CEO Anal Raj Bhattarai is said to be leaving his post following the the merger process. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB stands quite firm to its decision to put cap on perks and salaries of bank CEOs. &quot;It is wrong to say that supply of experienced chief executives have declined due to our directive and guidelines. We made the decision after evaluating various factors,&quot; says NRB Spokesperson, Bhaskar Mani Gyawali. &quot;The factors include per capita income of the country and average pay scale in various sectors,&quot; he elaborated while claiming that introduction of the policy is making the Nepali banking sector more efficient as chief executives receive compensations according to the income of their respective institutions. &quot;Bankers are now required to perform in more effective manner. &nbsp;This ensures stability of the financial sector,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="CEO" src="/userfiles/images/sect1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 350px; height: 100px;" />The departure of long serving CEOs has provided opportunity to second-layer bank officials to rise to the top spot. The second-tier officials can now groom themselves to grasp the chair of chief executive. Nevertheless, this has raised concerns regarding the risk taking appetite and the overall performance of banks as less experienced people come to the lead role.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB&#39;s argument has generated mixed views from experts. &quot;CEOs who hold long experience in the sector are the essential part of the banking system. The sector as we know is all about experience. Long serving chief executives know the core of banking which gives the institutions edge to get ahead with proficient business strategies,&quot; says a former CEO of a commercial bank under the condition of anonymity. &quot;They also have risk taking appetite to expand the bank&rsquo;s business areas further.&quot;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sanjeev Subba, the CEO of National Banking Training Institute (NBTI) shared different view. &quot;I think the departure of long serving CEOs won&#39;t affect adversely after all. The second and third tier officers are capable as they have come up with experience in different layers,&quot; he said. &quot;This has provided them with significant experience over the years.&quot; Subba mentioned that Nepali commercial banking sector, which has been running for the past three decades has produced sufficient number of experienced manpower. For the perks and salaries part he opines, &quot;Salary cap won&#39;t affect bank CEOs to renew employment contract within the same institutions. This will only affect those who are willing to join other organizations.&quot;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Suman Joshi, Laxmi Bank&#39;s former CEO expressed his perspective close to Subba. &quot;Departure of experienced chief executives is unlikely to have overall adverse impact on the banking sector. Exit of the old and entry of new should be taken as two sides of a coin,&quot; he said. Joshi, however, cautioned that banks might see performance related issues as less experienced people take over the executive post. He also mentioned that Nepali banking sector has started to follow international trend. &quot;If we look the international scenario, CEOs don&#39;t stay in the same responsibility for long time,&quot; he opines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lack of motivational factor seems to be another reason for the CEOs to leave their jobs. &quot;Bank CEOs get more salary compared to other sectors. However, working regularly for a long time without increment in salary creates an environment of de-motivation,&quot; says Bank of Asia&rsquo;s former chief executive, Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri. According to him, many chief executives are facing the problem of stagnant salary levels and have to work under pressures of media, investors, shareholders and rising day-by-day business risks. &quot;Nevertheless, financial institutions are run and governed by particular system, so a significant negative impact is unlikely in an event of a CEO leaving his post,&quot; Chhetri said. &nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-04-11',
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			'description' => 'The departure of long serving CEOs has raised concern in the Nepali banking sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence?',
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			'id' => '2494',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Alternative Energy Replacing Traditional Ones',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal&rsquo;s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	More than half of the country&rsquo;s households - almost all in urban and semi-urban areas - are connected to the national electricity grid. But 80 percent of the population is rural, and in these areas, less than one-third has electricity. With grid extension to the country&rsquo;s hilly and mountainous areas prohibitively expensive, officials are looking to off-grid renewable energy alternatives.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Govinda Raj Pokharel, Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) said, &ldquo;We are using alternative energy mainly for rural electrification that provides an easy access of clean energy to rural area. But now we are moving to urban areas with the use of solar and utilization of bio degradable waste.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Talking about the consumption of renewable energy in Nepal he said, &ldquo;Quantity-wise, renewable energy is covering 1 per cent of total population of the country. Our energy comes from bio-mass which is consumed by around 87 per cent of the total household.&rdquo; But in terms of number of population around 14 percent of total population is using renewable energy to get light, Pokharel added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative Energy Promotion Center is a national focal government organization for promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nepal. AEPC is acting as an intermediary institution between the operational level i.e. NGOs/private promoters of renewable energy and the policy decision levels in relevant ministries. &nbsp;AEPC&#39;s activities include renewable energy policy formulation, planning and facilitating the implementation of the policies/plans, standardization, quality control and monitoring.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pokharel further added the role of alternative energy promotion sector is mainly to promote the use of renewable energy and our approach is public private partnership. &ldquo;We work jointly with private organizations that are responsible to deliver and supply energy to the people and we work to fulfill demands by creating awareness and other activities, &rdquo;he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Resource Potential</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There are abundantly available sources for mini and micro hydro power, enough solar radiation, good potential of wind in selected areas and other biomass based resources to meet the energy need of our country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mini-Micro and Pico-hydro up to 100kW can be developed in a short period of time to electrify the villages. &nbsp;The existing total installed capacity of micro hydro projects is about 20 MW. However, altogether mini micro-hydro can generate about 10,000 MW of power in Nepal. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal receives ample solar radiation as it is located in favorable latitude. With National average sunshine hours of 6.8/day and solar insolation intensity of about 4.7 kWh/m2/day, there is a huge potential for large-scale development of solar energy technologies in the country. Presently solar water heater systems have been fully commercialized and have been widely installed in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	About 1.5 million households can install domestic biogas plants based on animal dung. &nbsp;Another potential application of biogas technology in Nepal is to manage household solid waste in urban and peri-urban areas. There is also a significant potential of medium sized biogas plants suitable for SMEs, mainly in the dairy farms, poultry farms where biogas can be used directly for heat or for electricity generation that can replace diesel or other forms of fossil fuels. &nbsp;The other biomass waste having energy potential includes municipal solid waste. Over 1,350 tons of solid waste is generated across the 58 municipalities in Nepal. About 70% of municipal (solid) waste is biodegradable, and this waste can be used to generate energy. It is estimated that 50 million kWh can be generated per year from the total waste generated in these municipalities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Why Alternative Energy in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Focusing on the importance of alternative energy Pokharel said that alternative energy is important in Nepal mainly to address and reduce development disparity considering the people in rural areas also should have clean light as the people enjoy in urban areas.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly Nepal has diversified land structure from plain to high Himalayas and also settlement pattern is scattered and sparse. National grid extension in some places is not economically feasible. Big hydro projects need a huge investment and all the petroleum products consumed in Nepal are imported from India or overseas in the refined form for direct consumption, which is causing the economic burden for the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The high potentiality of the renewable energy resources available in the country is the most appropriate option for Nepal. It also helps to reduce the dependency on the traditional biomass energy resources and fossil fuels and to manage the energy crisis of the nation. This ultimately helps to minimize the degradation of the environment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative energy helps in enhancing energy security and promoting energy mix in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cost Effective</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The experts of alternative energy claim that the alternative energy use costs cheaperthan traditional sources. Though initial investment cost of alternative energy technologies are expensive compared to the other traditional sources of energy. In the long-run alternative energy is mostly cheaper than the traditional sources because alternative source is almost free but you have to pay always for traditional source. Hence, if the financial mechanism can be developed in such a way that users can pay in installment basis by mortgaging house, vehicle, etc., than users will not feel initial financial burden.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Popularity of Alternative Energy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	In Nepal, depending upon the geographical and type of energy required, solar is popular for &nbsp;lighting purpose, mini micro hydro is popular in hilly areas, biogas for cooking purpose. Around 700,000 households use biogas, 500,000 use solar and various other forms of alternative energy.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is no doubt regarding the fact that solar energy based technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic or Solar Thermal systems are the best substitutes. Right now, in the urban sector, individual households are opting for small-scale Solar PV solutions for domestic use. Even institutions like banks, corporate offices, and hospitals have adopted larger size system to meet their immediate energy needs. Besides Solar PV, which generates direct electricity; Solar Thermal systems also play a crucial role in minimizing use of electricity from national grid as well as reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Solar can now compete with hydropower,&rdquo; Pokharel added. We are targeting to provide cooking stoves to 2 million and lighting to one million, he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Issues in this sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though alternative energy sources are focused on electrifying rural areas, Pokhrel says that the efforts made are not sufficient. There is still lack of alternative energy usage in the rural areas, which needs to be fulfilled.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not able to provide full financing for the installation of the alternative energy systems and this affects poor and rural people,&rdquo; he added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the effort of AEPC in producing energy from sugarcane extracts, Pokharel said, &ldquo;We are also trying to produce energy blending ethanol in petrol but lack of mandatory policy from government has restrained this effort. &nbsp;At least 5 per cent of Nepal petrol consumption can be replaced with this.&rdquo;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-01-24',
			'modified' => '2014-01-26',
			'keywords' => 'new business age sectoral news & articles, sectoral news & articles from new business age nepal, sectoral headlines from nepal,  current and latest sectoral news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali sectoral economic news and events,  ongoing  sectoral news of nepal',
			'description' => 'A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal’s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.',
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			'id' => '1964',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Health Is Wealth:  The Rise Of Private Hospitals In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is a strong presence of private sector in the domestic healthcare service industry with medical institutions like Om Hospital, B&amp;B Hospital, Medicare Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College and Manipal Medical College. However, the latest wave of investments from the private sector shows that healthcare is now turning into an attractive area of investment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Chaudhary Group was perhaps the first old business house in Nepal to foray into the healthcare sector in an institutional way. The group established Norvic International Hospital (then known as Norvic Health Care and Research Centre) in 1994. Two leading private hospitals, Om Hospital and Medicare Hospital, were upgraded from nursing homes. &nbsp;Adding to the list, Vayodha hospital, Grande hospital, Neuro hospital, Welcare hospital and others have been established with commitment to provide high standard healthcare service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The expansion and success of private hospitals in Nepal, the ever growing need of quality healthcare service and the poor performance of public health outlets have provided immense opportunities for the private sector. As there is a huge gap between the demand and supply in domestic healthcare services, the domestic market is large enough for private players to survive and make profits.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Private Sector in Hospital Business</div>
<div>
	Private investment in hospitals has seen a significant increase in recent years. Even big corporate houses are keen to invest in these sectors. Norvic, Vayodha and Grande International are some visible examples to show that the private sector has seen potential in healthcare business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Of late, foreign joint ventures are slowly making inroads into the Nepali healthcare sector. Norvic Hospital has recently entered into an agreement with India&rsquo;s Medanta Medicity, one of the leading hospitals in India, for technology transfer and expertise in the medical field.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Very soon, Norvic Hospital will be importing machines worth approximately Rs one billion. The machines include CT scan, MRI, and Mamogram machines, world&rsquo;s latest endoscopy machines and other latest imaging equipments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Grande International Hospital has entered Nepal with an investment of Rs 3.5 billion. The project has been promoted and managed by the CE Group in Nepal and will be under the professional supervision of an expert team from Samitivej Hospital, Thailand. The 15-storey hospital has 10 operation theatres and many added features including a wellness center, internet lounge, coffee shop, restaurants and so on. There are 18 ICUs, 12 CCUs and 4 NICs with separate medical gas supply for isolation rooms. The infrastructure in the hospitals include helipad services, wheelchair accessibility, fire fighting systems, earthquake resistance systems, complete waste management and disposal systems among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vayodha Hospitals Pvt Ltd has also poured a sizable amount of money in the Nepal&rsquo;s health care sector to serve the community. One of the unique features of this hospital includes the TURP Rooftop helipad for patients to be airlifted from any corner of the country within 30 minutes after getting reliable information. It also has a Physiotherapy Department with complete physiotherapy services, ICU with 11 beds, post-operative wards, an endoscopy centre, and a Eurology department including Mini PCNL, Pathology Department, in-house pharmacy and ambulance that is available 24 hours for normal and critical patients. Vayodha has signed an exclusive agreement with Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi for an Excellent Cardiac Care in the hospital. Fortis Escorts will appoint a full time Invasive Cardiologist at Vayodha along with a trained medical team.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, many other private hospitals are being established in Nepalgunj, Dang, Biratnagar and other parts of Nepal. Gopi Neupane, General Secretary of the Association of Private Health Institution of Nepal (APHIN) said that there are 366 private hospitals in the country with an investment of approximately Rs 30 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hospitals in Nepal: Private hospitals and Government hospitals</div>
<div>
	According to data from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), there are 366 private hospitals in Nepal among which 99 hospitals are located in the Kathmandu Valley. In comparison, 123 government hospitals are under the MoHP which proves the vast gap between private and government hospitals in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Challenges in the business</div>
<div>
	With public health service still not being effective despite the government pumping in billions of rupees, the private sector&rsquo;s entry is believed to make healthcare services better, professional and more reliable. However, there is also the question of affordability. Will the common people have access to these high-end medical facilities? Will they be able to access services? These are some pertinent questions. Private hospitals are also facing various hurdles in government regulation. &nbsp;The government has been imposing heavy taxes upon these hospitals. &ldquo;Being service-providing institutions, private hospitals should not be imposed various taxes but the government neither removes tax from us nor facilitates us as an industry sector,&rdquo; says an official at Norvic Hospital. The government also does not help these hospitals in importing equipments and technologies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Besides this, private hospitals established some years ago are also facing problems with the parameters that the government has set up recently. Parameters such as environment assessment tests, earthquake resistant building, etc are some which hospitals cannot comply with. As the buildings have been constructed a long time ago, it would be next to impossible to impose these parameters on them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With these complications, private hospitals are still making their way towards a progressive future with their promptness, efficiency and quality services in the healthcare sector which is the ultimate desire of all citizens. Following the slogan &ldquo;Health is Wealth&rdquo;, they have been able to attract a large size of the population with their reliable services.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
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			'description' => 'Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.',
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			'id' => '1682',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Hotel: Rediscovery Of A Lucrative Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Multinational hotel brands Sheraton (the largest and second oldest brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) and Marriott International (a leading hotel chain based in Maryland, US) recently announced the decision to enter Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shesh Ghale, the Australia-based Nepali millionaire businessman, has entered into joint venture with Sheraton to operate a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. His MIT Group Holding Nepal recently signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide Inc and set the project rolling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Slated to open in February 2018, the 225-room Sheraton Kathmandu Hotel will be managed by Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts. This project will bring around Aus $ 75-80 million in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similalry, Maliram Shivakumar (MS) Group has signed an agreement with Marriot International, a globally renowned chain of hotels, to open a four-star hotel in Nepal. Named &ldquo;Fairfield Marriott Kathmandu&rdquo;, the hotel will be located in Thamel which will start its commercial service in the beginning of 2016 with around Rs 650 million investment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Various other 5- star hotels like Sambala Holdings at Maharajgunj, Chhaya Devi Complex at Thamel and Shree G Hotel are also planning to start soon. Similarly, luxurious hotels have also been established outside Kathmandu valley mainly in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Lumbini and Nepalgunj.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With the tourism industry&rsquo;s growth in Nepal, it is certainly no surprise that the hotels have mushroomed in recent years. As the number of tourists and foreign business travelers in Nepal are growing, Nepal&rsquo;s rapidly maturing hotel industry is one of the key beneficiaries. The country is booming the world of five-star hotels offering best services.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from 5 stars hotels, the hotels labeled as 4- star, 3- star, 2- star, other informal hotels and even home stay system have been witnessing rise in the investment with the increasing number of tourists in Nepal. Though selected number of tourists emphasize on their living standards also during their visit, most of the tourists entertain themselves on spending money on recreational activities rather than their lodging which is the main cause of flourishing the business of non star hotels and home stays.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Number of Hotels in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/no%20of%20hotels(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 159px;" />Rising Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the statistics provided by Nepal Rastra Bank, the total investment in hotel sector in Nepal till the date is Rs 16.91 billion. About 75 per cent of the entire investment in tourism sector is being done in hotel sector. The data shows that yearly investment in hotel sector only in 18 per cent while only 18 per cent of investment can be seen in other sectors of tourism.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a positive impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the investment in hotel industry have started to boom. Stars hotels in Kathmandu are investing over Rs1 billion to build up their capacity and upgrade the facilities. Most of four stars hotels in the country are working hard upgrading themselves by adding new rooms and uplifting their amenities. It was crucial for such investments in hotel industry to cope up with the increasing numbers of tourist entering into Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the information from Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the hotels in Nepal have the capacity to accommodate around one million tourists at present. Similarly hotels are boosting up their occupancy level to accommodate the expected number of tourist.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The existing five star property Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza has renovated 130 rooms. It is replacing the TVs in all its rooms with 42 inch-LCD TVs. Similarly Radisson has already added 100 rooms. According to the hotel, the new rooms will be spacious and have contemporary looks, lighting and furniture. Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti is giving a new look to 150 rooms in the Durbar Wing while the Everest has renovated 40 of its 160 rooms. Hotel Annapurna is now working to refurbish its 150 rooms. The record number of tourist in year 2010 has made hoteliers optimistic to pick up the pace.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Home Stay in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/hotel1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 319px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Home Stay System&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The concept of home stay program is considered to be the best alternative to hotel accommodation in the hospitality industry. Basically home stay systems are planned to increase the flow of tourists in the villages or the remote areas where the hotels are not established. But these days the home stay systems are also being urban centered. Around 60 per cent of investments of home stay system are being done around the city in the areas like Kavre, Sitapaila, Dhulikhel etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Tourist Inflow in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/tourist%20inflow(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 209px;" />Tourists&rsquo; inflow&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the data provided by economic survey FY 2012, Ministry of Finance, the rate of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 9.08 per cent by 2011 to 2012. A total of 7,36,215 tourist entered to Nepal in the year 2011 which increased to 8,03,092 in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the number of tourist visiting to Nepal has been increasing, their average stay in Nepal has been decreased by 0.25 percent this year.</div>
<div>
	With the increment of tourist in the country, the hotel industry doesn&rsquo;t have to see backward. Experts in the hospitality industry opine that the establishment of hotel in the area becomes the major root for the urbanization. Prasidha Bahadur Panday, former president of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) said that the hotel business will flourish more in upcoming days as the tourist offer first priority to lodging. The government of Nepal has prioritized tourism sector and started implementation its announcement to provide the same facilities to this sector as provided to any industry</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '888',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Banks In CAMELS And EAGLES',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>By Rashesh Vaidya</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Standard Charted Bank Nepal Limited is seen at number one position under the CAMELS Rating. The bank stood at the number one position as per the evaluation done on its second quarter financial report of the fiscal year 2012-13. The bank has been capable to maintain good total expenses to total assets ratio during the period among the 32 commercial banks. Similarly, the bank has also maintained good return on assets as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The newly established commercial banks stood at the top rank under the EAGLES Rating. The low level of non-performing loan to total loan and advance ratio was the main reason behind these banks to stand at the top rank. Similarly, the high growth ratio of the loan and advances also boosted them to get top rank.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As per the EAGLES rating, Commerze and Trust Bank Limited stood at the first position. Similarly, Sanima Bank Limited which was upgraded from the development bank to commercial bank came at second. &nbsp;The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio of the newly opened bank has helped them to gain the top position.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The CAMELS system evaluates banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Capital Adequacy: </strong>Capital adequacy has been the main pillar of existence of any bank. Banks have to maintain a proper mix of different types of capitals to avoid pressure on their dividend policies and inadequacy of total capital funds against the risk exposure. Capital adequacy is measured by the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). A sound capital base strengthens the confidence of depositors.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> One of the indicators for asset quality is the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (Gross Non-Performing Assets - GNPA). The gross non-performing loans to gross advances ratio is more indicative of the quality of credit decisions made by bankers. A higher GNPA is indicative of poor credit decision-making.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Management: </strong>The ratio of non-interest expenditures to total assets can be one of the measures to assess the working of the management. This variable, which includes a variety of expenses, such as payroll, workers’ compensation and training investment, reflects the management policy stance.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earnings:</strong> It can be measured as the return on asset, ratio.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> The ratio of cash maintained by a bank and balances with the central bank to the total asset, is an indicator of the bank’s liquidity.&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Sensitivity to Market Risks/Systems and Control:</strong> Risks associated with adverse movements in the exchange rates (including gold positions), interest rates, liquidity and investment in equity are covered under market risk management. A bank faces market risks either from its investments in government securities and bonds or from the exchange rate risk that persist in matching position. The market risk is managed by the banks’ Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) which assesses policies and levels of risk appetite. &nbsp;Similarly, the central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank has made a provision of additional 2 percent of the total Risk Weighted Exposures by Supervisory Review.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Top Ten Banks as per CAMELS and EAGLES" height="292" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_per_camels_and_eagles.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the CAMELS rating system, each bank is assigned two sets of ratings:</p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		Performance Ratings, which comprise six individual ratings that address each of the CAMELS components; and</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		An overall Composite Rating, which is a single rating based on a comprehensive assessment of the bank’s overall condition.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Both the ratings are scored on a numerical scale of 1 to 5 in the ascending order of supervisory concern where “1” represents the best rating and “5” the worst.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Here is a description of the rating scores for each of the five components:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 1 (A) indicates very strong performance</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 2 (B) indicates above-average performance that adequately provides for a safe and sound operation of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 3 (C) indicates performance that is flawed to some degree.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 4 (D) indicates unsatisfactory performance which, if left unchecked, could threaten the solvency of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 5 (E) indicates very unsatisfactory performance and calls for immediate remedial attention for the survival of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The rating of banks can be further developed by giving a score to each component of the CAMELS, known as the Composite CAMELS Rating Score. The Composite CAMELS Rating can be calculated as:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Composite CAMELS Rating= C (0.25) + A (0.25) + M (0.25) + E (0.10) + L (0.10) + S (0.05)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Each of the above six parameters can be weighted on a scale of 1 to 100 and contains a number of sub-parameters with individual weightage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The EAGLES system is able to measure and compare banks’ performance in a more determinate, objective and consistent manner. The name is derived from the key success factors confronting banks today, i.e. Earning Ability, Asset quality, Growth, Liquidity, Equity and Strategy. This approach has gained credibility among the banking community and fund management industry in Asia, for competition analysis and investment planning, respectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sectoral, march 2013" height="514" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_ratios.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>EAGLES evaluate banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earning Ability:</strong> Earning ability is shown by three noteworthy indicators – Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Shareholders’ Fund (ROSF) and Income/Overheads Ratio (IOR). The importance of IOR is usually not well understood. The main point lies in that income depends on external market forces, while overheads are highly influenced by internal staffing. So, the banks must know how to adjust the staffing according to the market demand for its products and services. This is shown by three indicators - ROA, Return on Net worth (RONW) and IOR.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> Asset quality is best assessed by on-site inspection of the bank’s loan portfolio. If this is not possible, asset quality can be measured by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts (BDD) as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision to err on the high side is rather low. This is best judged by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision is on the high side is rather low.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Growth: </strong>Growth rates of loans and core deposits are the most important indicators of how a bank wants to position itself in the market.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> Liquidity can be described as the ability of a bank to have sufficient funds to meet cash demands for loans, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. For this reason, a balance should be made between the amount of deposits garnered and the quantum of loans extended. The indicator is the deposit-to-loan ratio or credit-deposit ratio (CD Ratio).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Equity:</strong> Equity level and capital adequacy have a profound impact on the bank. International guideline (Basel II) stipulates that a bank must have a minimum capital equivalent to 8 per cent of the risk adjusted assets. Even the central bank of Nepal, the NRB, has mentioned a comfort zone of 6 and 10 per cent of core capital and total capital funds, respectively, based on the risk-weight assets (percent).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Strategy:</strong> The effective management of a bank’s strategy is indicated by the strategic response quotient (SRQ). It assesses the management’s ability to lend, garner deposits, generate fee-based income and manage the operating cost. An appropriate balance of the three core banking activities depends on the bank’s strategy. The SRQ is obtained by dividing the interest margin by net operating cost (that is, total operating cost minus fee income).</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Seventeen banks could not feature on the top-ten list under both ratings. The banks with negative capital adequacy ratio and very low return on assets were seen behind in ranking under CAMELS rating. &nbsp;Similarly, the banks with huge amount of non-performing loan and negative return on assets were seen at the lowest rank under EAGLES rating.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio 
of the newly opened bank has helped them to put at top position.',
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			'id' => '878',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Days Of Pure Portland Cement Gone Forever Time For PPC/PSP (Blended Cement)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Rajendra Prakash Manandhar</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1984, I had just returned to Kathmandu after studying Cement Technology (1st batch) at CRI/NCB India. One of my friends asked me about the best type of cement which would last long and resist the polluted environment. We have seen in many toilets, drainpipes, roofs of buildings and other different places the cement plaster being deteriorated by urine, domestic waste, heat, polluted environment etc. I was once in a paper factory in Nepal. The factory had two concrete tanks, plastered with OPC cement. One tank was used for cold water and the other for warm water. The plaster in the warm water tank was cracked &amp; falling, but nothing had happened to the cold tank. At our homes, we notice water leaking and its spot spreading on the concrete ceiling. At many other places, we see hair cracks on the plastered wall. These are some of the common problems with OPC. The best way to minimize such problems is to use PPC/PSC instead of OPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	During the 9th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, New Delhi, India in 1992, one of the delegates had presented some video clips showing the difference between OPC &amp; PPC. The clips showed that two cement bars - one made of OPC and the other with PPC were kept immersed in water for 15 years. Both the bars had a steel rod inside. After 15 yrs, when the bars were opened, it was found that the steel rod in the PPC bar was fresh and Shinning like &nbsp;before, but the steel rod inside the OPC bar was found corroded and damaged. Thus the clips demonstrated the quality of PPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	AM Neville, an expert from world authority on cement &amp; concrete puts his view on PPC use: “The various cementitious materials- fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, are here to stay. In their various ways and under various circumstances, they all have an important role to play in concrete, the days of Pure Portland Cement, once upon a time lauded by cement manufacturers have gone forever. Portland is vital ingredient, but the other cementitious materials are highly valuable”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	A Pozzolanic cement consisting of ground clay and portland cement was described in 1909 by Potter, who stated that over 5000 tons of it were used in fresh water and seawater construction about that time. Later, this cement was known as Potter Cement. For many years up to about 1915, the Lafarge Company in France used burnt clay in to manufacture ‘undecomposable’ cement. A cement composed of 70 per cent Portland cement &amp; 30 percent burnt clay was used to build the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile from 1919 to 1925. The same material (Oil-well Cements manufactured in Great Britain) was used in construction of the Bonneville Dam in the USA. Burnt clay, an excellent artificial Pozzolana, is produced by burning suitable clay or shale at a temperature of 600° to 900° and above. Artifical pozzolanas &nbsp;are burnt clays and shales, spent oil shales, burnt maize/ rice husks, burnt moler and pulverized fuel ‘fly ash’ whereas volcanic deposits are natural Pozzolana.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Effect of pozzolana addition on hydration and performance of PSC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Pozzolana was added (5-25% by weight) to the binary blends (OPC + Slag) and the resulting ternary blends were subjected to hydration and the performance was studied. The results indicated that addition of Pozzolana up to 10 per cent does not affect the properties of the binary system significations. It has also been observed that the ternary blends show better sulphate resistance compared to the binary blends.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The production and use of blended cement, especially PPC, has gradually increased worldwide in recent years. Its larger use in different countries is an indicator of its acceptability as well as suitability for various types of construction. Industrial wastes or the by–product ‘fly ash’ from thermal power stations and slag from steel plants are used for making blended cements such as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portlant Slag Cement (PSC). More than 50 per cent of the blended cements produced is PPC today. Blended cements such as PPC and PSC offer unique advantages to the concrete. In other words, PPC is better than OPC in terms of quality, and strength, and has &nbsp;a longer life than OPC. We could compare these unique characters of PPC with the antibodies in the human body that protect from different diseases.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>OPC is made by grinding Clinker and Gypsum&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	One ton of clinker requires approx 1.5 tons of limestone whose reserves are limited. PPC/PSC is manufactured by grinding clinker with fly ash/slag and gypsum or blending OPC with fly ash and slag. Thus, limestone consumption can be reduced by producing PPC/PSC.</p>
<p>
	OPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clinker 95%+ Gypsum 5%</p>
<p>
	PPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 70% + Gypsum 5% + Fly ash 25%</p>
<p>
	PSC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 45% + Gypsum 5% + Slag 50%, (depending upon quality of Slag)&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal Bureau of Standard has formulated the standard for PPC and PSC. PPC/PSC produced has to meet the quality parameters laid down for specific cement type. Generally engineers/ consultant/ and builders contractors decide on the type of cement to be used in the construction of houses, building roads, water tanks etc. Design parameter, types of construction, ground condition, durability requirement and environmental conditions are important factors while selecting the appropriate type of cement for any application.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Extra Qualities Benefit of PPC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC provides numerous environmental benefits such as conservation of limestone, reduction in green house gases in cement manufacturing and utilization of industrial wastes/ by-products &nbsp;- fly ash. It thus increases production of cement in the country. The government can take more benefit by collecting more tax on technical grounds and economics. There is a sound case for use of PPC in concrete due to:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Water resistance due to high density concrete</li>
	<li>
		Improves workability of concrete&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces bleeding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces heat of hydration preventing cracks</li>
	<li>
		No need to add any plasticizer like cement silica.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Higher bang ultimate strength</li>
	<li>
		Reduces permeability of concrete enhanced&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Gives strength, has higher durability than OPC</li>
	<li>
		Higher resistance to sulphate and chloride&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Better resistance to alkali – aggregate reaction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces leaching calcium hydroxide&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Low volume (shrinkage) change preventing cracks.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Hydration of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Hydration is the chemical process by which slilicates and aluminates of the cement clinker, when mixed with water, form hydrated compounds and during the course of reaction produce Calcium Hydroxide and Calcium Silicate Hydrate as shown in the following chemical equation:</p>
<p>
	<strong>Cement + Water→C-S-H + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The compound Ca (OH) 2 being easily soluble in water leaches out of the concrete surface. This leached Ca (OH)2 deposits on the surface as a coating layer cause deterioration of the concrete.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hydration of Portland Pozzolana Cement /Portland Slag Cement: &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When water is added to PPC/PSC, hydration of OPC constituents occurs first. This is known as primary hydration. During this process, the calcium silicates of OPC reacts with water to produce Calcium Silicate Hydrate gel and Calcium Hydroxide. Subsequently, fly-ash / slag present in cement hydrate in presence of Ca (OH) 2 produced during OPC hydration, produces further Calcium Silicate Hydrates. This process is known as secondary hydration. This makes the hydrated silicate gel structure of PPC/PSC more denser and contributes to higher durability of the concrete. But in OPC hydration, the liberated Ca(OH)2 forms a coating layer on the concrete, which is weak and is therefore removed by external pollutants/environment causing deterioration of the concrete. But this Ca(OH)2 is utilized in PPC/PSC in formation of C-S-H (II) which is &nbsp;stronger than C-S-H(I) thus reinforcing the original silicate gel (I) to produce a much denser gel structure which contributes to a higher degree of strength and durability. More and more Ca (OH) 2 is &nbsp;absorbed preventing formation of coating as shown in the following chemical equations: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clinker + Water → C-S-H (I) + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Ca (OH)2 + Fly Ash/ Slag → C-S-H (II)</strong></p>
<p>
	Concrete is not a structural material by itself but it slowly evolves into a structural material in four &nbsp;stages which are: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>1-Plastic, 2- Stiffening (setting), 3- Hardening, 4- Enduring</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Cement, Sectoral February 2013" height="276" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the plastic stage of concrete, the fineness and initial setting time is important. In the stiffening stage, final setting time is important. Tri–Calcium aluminate (C3A) of cement helps in this. In the hardening stage, C3S, C2S, strength and fineness are of vital importance. But the most important stage for durability of the concrete structure is the enduring stage. In this stage, the high quality cement parameters balanced physical and chemical parameters, high strength, low impurities, high soundness, optimum fineness etc can only contribute to the durability and high performance of the concrete structure. Today’s needs are not only high 28-day strength of cement but also high quality cement with (TOTAL QUALITY ATTRIBUTS) EXTRA QUALITY BENEFITS other than strength. These benefits are the resultant products of best clinker &amp; fly ash/ slag of high quality and gypsum in desired proportion to achieve high ultimate physical/ chemical properties. There are a number of parameters to be controlled as inputs during clinker production. Among them, correct proportioning of oxides CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 which is termed as raw mix design and proportioning raw materials is most important. The proportioning C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF are fixed after raw mix design. The preferable ranges of these compounds are 45-55, 20-30, 5-8, 8-12 etc. Strict quality control of raw materials, cement, process control are to be carried out. In the same way, the blending material fly ash should be according to the parameter given by Nepal Standard NS285.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Application of PPC&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC can be used in almost all kinds of construction where OPC is used. For example, general building construction (residential, commercial, and industrial), bridges, flyovers, culverts, dams, irrigation projects, water retaining structures, ports &amp; harbours’ etc - except where high early strength is critical. Taking into account the special properties of concrete made from PPC, there are specific types of job where the use of PPC would be particularly advantageous. These are:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Mass concrete used for dams, bridges, piers etc where low heat of hydration is desirable</li>
	<li>
		In hydraulic structures where water tightness is desired</li>
	<li>
		Concrete in saline environment such as pole foundation works etc</li>
	<li>
		In marine structure where impermeability and resistance to attack by sea water are important</li>
	<li>
		In sewers and other structure subject to acidic or sulphate attack</li>
	<li>
		In construction of swimming pools</li>
	<li>
		In construction of stadia where durability and ultimate &nbsp;high strength is &nbsp;required</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Some construction engineers believe that the concrete made with PPC needs longer curing than OPC concrete. Actually, however, curing is required for all types of cement as long as possible. Some paints the concrete with oil, others cover it. Anyway the water mixed during casting the concrete is to preserve/save from evaporation due to atmospheric temperature.</p>
<div>
	<img alt="Sectoral February 2013" height="189" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013(2).jpg" width="580" /></div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In major constructions, consumers/users hesitate to use Nepali cement except for a few brands. In order to substitute the import of cement, cement manufacturers have to be honest in qualities, attributes or extra quality benefits. Also, the Cement Association of Nepal has to commit fully to manufacture high quality and healthy cement which may have a long life and may also compete with the imported cement. Hence, the Association has to play a significant role in promoting PPC and highlight its usefulness. It can create awareness in the government, builders, users, contractors, construction engineers etc. That will also help to dispel the apprehension with regards to using PPC for construction works.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages. The concerned government authorities, designers etc are required to make a conscious choice between OPC and PPC according to the application and requirement and recommend using PPC in all construction works. Construction needs are durability against increased pollution level and environment effects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In some plants in Nepal, the clinker produced from a vertical shaft kiln (VSK) is mixed with rotary kiln clinker to produce cement. In one clinker plant in Nepal, imported cement is mixed during cement production. Also we have seen/heard that imported or other cements are mixed with Nepali (local) cement in construction. A cement plant owner in western Nepal has used imported cement to build his own building. A proper raw mix design and proportioning raw materials produces the best cement clinker, and there is no need to mix other clinker/cement to increase the so-called “SHAKTI” (strength) of cement.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		Finally, for manufacturing PPC, clinker quality is of primary importance. To avoid illusion over VSK clinker Quality and to boost the morale of VSK owner and interested potential parties, here are some compressive strength data which are being received from the trial production of a modern VSK 500 ton per day plant of Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd. It is indeed a surprising data, not easily believable. A right “Raw Mix Design” (For VSK/ rotary kiln) is a manufacturing prescription to produce the best clinker which contributes in durability of PPC concrete after mixing with Pozzolana (fly ash). It is also a fact that 60 per cent of cement in China is produced from VSK. Productivity is a state of mind whereas making a Megh Quality Clinker is an art.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size:11px;">The author has worked at Himal Cement, Jagadamba Cement, Siddhartha Cement, Cosmos Cement. At present, he is associated with Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd as Senior QC/Production Manager and can be contacted at rajendramdr@yahoo.com.&nbsp;</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages.',
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			'id' => '877',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Responsible Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="text-align: justify;">By Rajendra Desai</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal is bestowed with diversity in nature, religion, culture and people. This beautiful Himalayan country has witnessed a constantly changing social and economic dynamics over the years. In the last two decades, Nepal has made significant achievements in the national economy and the people’s standard of living.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Statistics show that the poverty in Nepal has decreased from 42 per cent in 1995 to 26 per cent in 2011. Similarly, 12 per cent of the GDP is contributed by remittance. The country’s half population comprises of youth, that is energetic and young. Youth is the group which is considered the most productive among all age groups. These youths not only contribute to the society and the economy but also act as the decider of consuming new and trendy products and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It’s a pleasure for a company, to be a partner in a country like Nepal and work with the people here. So, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL), a subsidiary of Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, commenced its operations in Nepal under the brand name Kansai Paints Nepal Pvt Ltd. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) acquired 68 per cent stake in Nepal Shalimar last year. KNPL has decided to utilise the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar to manufacture Nerolac range of products which are imported currently in Nepal itself.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The enhanced economic capabilities of the Nepali people have opened up tremendous market opportunities not only for paints but also for any other FMCG. Similarly, the young population makes a market with prospects for deeper penetration, and demand for new age products and services. The Nepali market has come up with scope for higher consumption along with increased attraction towards health-friendly products such as low or zero VOC paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	KNPL feels proud to have a presence in Nepal. Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, having presence in about 17 countries, believes in transferring the expertise and superior range of products to the consumers in Nepal. This entry promises to provide products that are not only best in performance, but also safe and have minimum environmental impacts. Kansai Paints is the market leader in Japan and the eighth largest paint company of the world. Similarly, Kansai Nerolac in India is the second largest paint company of India.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As of now, Nerolac in India has achieved a noteworthy success in the market. Statistics show that out of every 10 passenger cars, six are painted with products from Nerolac. Similarly, seven out of 10 premium cars, seven out of 10 utility vehicles, eight out of 10 auto rickshaws, eight out of 10 tractors, seven out of 10 scooters and seven out of 10 motorcycles in India are made beautiful with Kansai Nerolac paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The company manufactures a diverse range of products &nbsp;- from decorative coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings. The company believes in the concept of healthy homes. Kansai Nerolac paints are top notch products that do not have adverse impacts on health. They have antifungal traits, contain zero VOC, and are lead free and odourless. The company’s low VOC range of paints conforms to the strictest of International standards and has the NTH certification which compiles to a Green Seal -11 approval. Green Seal is an independent international agency which certifies green and environment-friendly products.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nerolac Impressions 24 Carat is one such Premium Luxury Emulsion that ensures a smooth velvety finish with sheen, excellent flow and brushability, washability and is stain-resistant. Along with it, the company produces award winning products to cater to every segment in the market.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In today’s’ challenging marketing space, it is beyond imagination to succeed in the market without using the new media and the latest technologies to reach out to the targeted consumers. Our exclusive outlets and showrooms offer the customers an easy opportunity to choose and select the paints and colours of their choice. Likewise, the company has focused on 360 degree marketing by using various media such as hoardings, TV, Radio, Vehicles, Movie Theatres and Print Media.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a belief in inclusive growth, the company has always kept the contributions that can be made to the society at the centre while working anywhere in the world. Any business or economic growth should fuel the betterment of the society and people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:11px;">The writer is the Country Head of Kansai Paints Nepal Limited.</span></p>',
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			'id' => '876',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Oil And Gas In Nepal: Foreign Investors’ Dilemma',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Abhimanyu Chhetri</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Oil and Gas, Sectoral February 2013" height="386" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013.jpg" width="570" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">In the time it takes most people to read this sentence, the world will have used up about 8,000 barrels of oil (1 million liters); at 1000 barrels per second. The price of oil and gas is ever rising. International Oil companies are making huge investments around the world in search of new reservoirs. It might be surprising for some to know that Nepal has reserves of both oil and gas and foreign companies are eyeing those reserves. As of July 2012, the 10 blocks designated by the Department of Mines and Geology(DMG) for oil and gas exploration have been leased out to 4 different Oil giants. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the summer of 2012, there was a huge outcry about two international oil giants – Texana Resources Company of Houston, USA and Cairn Energy of UK leaving Nepal citing a “force majeure”. Force Majeure can free both parties from liability or obligation in case of an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.). However, this allows the parties to only suspend their work but not cancel the contract.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In most countries oil companies are being forced out. However, in Nepal the two companies packed up and left. The two companies said they were abandoning exploration work in Nepal due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of cooperation from the government. Both have already spent millions of dollars in Nepal on preliminary surveys and were all set for a ‘seismic operation,’ which determines whether the surveyed areas contain commercially viable quantities of oil. To date, Texana has spent US$3 million and Cairn US$2 - 10 million in the country. &nbsp;The two companies were required to pay an annual fee of US$ 50,000 per ‘block’ to the Nepal government. They also have to provide bank guarantees before starting the geological survey works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rajendra Prasad Khanal, Head of the Petroleum Exploration Promotion Project (PEPP) under DMG, says that these companies entered Nepal during Maoist Insurgency. Texana won the bid in 1998 for 2 blocks and Cairn Energy got the license for 5 out of remaining 8 blocks in 2004. He says, “It is understandable that the companies could not work before due to the insurgency going on during those years, but now the situation has changed. Nepal is a peaceful developing country and there is no obstacle for them to carry out their investigations.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In fact, the team at PEPP is repeatedly requesting them to complete their work in time as per the agreement. Texana has 13 months left and Cairn energy has 7 months left of their contract period. Mr. Khanal and his team are creating a momentum to complete the necessary pre investigations and hopefully extract the crude oil in near future. &nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;margin-bottom:10px;">
	<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
		<strong>Sharing the country’s prospective product with the foreign companies&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		The Petroleum Regulation 2041 (1985) has made a provision of “Model Petroleum Agreement” which includes all the items to be covered in the petroleum operations. This model agreement is in the form of Production Sharing Contract with provision of Royalty and Income Tax. This is also influenced by the amount of crude reserves that can be extracted. The companies will have to pay a royalty of 12.5% to the Government of Nepal and a 30% income tax after sales of the optimal amount of extraction. An obligation to drill a well is not mandatory in the initial exploration period of 4 years.</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Recently, Nepal has accorded high priority to encourage foreign investment in the country. With economic liberalization policy of the government and attractive fiscal terms available, Nepal is committed for full cooperation to international companies in facilitating petroleum exploration in Nepal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The DOMG and PEPP have divided the Tarai and the Siwalik hills into 10 ‘exploration blocks’ of 5,000 sq km each and is trying to sell the exploration license to the International oil exploration companies . Texana won the bid for Blocks 3 (Banke) and 5 (Chitwan) and entered into an agreement with the government in December 1998. In 2004, the British company Cairn Energy received a license to explore five other blocks—Block 1 (Dhangadhi), Block 2 (Karnali), Block 4 (Lumbini), Block 6 (Birgunj) and Block 7 (Malangawa).&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	&nbsp;As of July 2012, when the two companies left the country citing “Force Majeure”, the DMG put the remaining blocks up for bid. Currently, the Block 8(Janakpur), Block 9(Rajbiraj) is owned by Emirates Associated Business Group (EABG) of UAE and the Block 10(Biratnagar) is owned by BBB Champions, which is another Houston based Oil Company. Both have bought a 4 year license to carry out exploration activities in these areas.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Mr. Khanal thinks that this is only the first step and a considerable amount of work is still to be done. The team of geologists at the DMG and PEPP are constantly providing the geological data to the foreign companies that can be indicators to the presence of oil in the region. Along with this, oil and gas have been found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in similar geological setting as that of the exploration blocks in Nepal. This has also further encouraged Mr. Khanal’s team to find the hidden reserves. According to Khanal, more companies are showing interest to bid for the license. The PEPP and DMG are involved in collecting more geological data as to attract more companies and facilitate the process of oil extraction for commercial use.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Oil and Gas in Nepal, Sectoral February 2013" height="402" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />
	<div style="">
		There is an urgency to extract these non renewable resources. Geologically, oil is formed when the dead burials mature under high temperature and pressure. After a certain period, the oil moves from the oil window to the gas window. This indicates that the reserves underground have matured for extraction a long time ago and the reserves might be lost if not extracted in time. A number of oil and natural gas seeps have been recoded in a stretch of 14km in Padukasthan, Sirsethan and Navisthan area in Dailekh and only gas seeps in Muktinath in Mustang. Methane gas deposit in Kathmandu Valley is known since long time. Feasibility study has confirmed that this gas can be used for industrial and household purpose and the reserve is sufficient to supply gas to 21,000 families for about 30 years. During preliminary study, 23 geothermal hot springs have been identified nationwide. Most of them are found to be associated with Main Central Thrust (MCT) and confined to the river banks. The temperature of the hot spring water ranges from 40o to 115oC. It can be utilized for heating, drying fruits, hot water bath to heal skin disease. According to Krishna Prasad Kafle, a Geologist retired from DMG, considerable amount of investments should be made in exploring these resources.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		The only exploration of theses precious natural resources is done in Kathmandu Valley, where Peat and Lignite is mined and used mainly in firing brick kilns. Only one well, the Shell er al Biratnagar 1, with a total depth of 3,520 m has been drilled in Nepal. In 1986, Shell and Triton bought Block no. 10 in Eastern Nepal for exploration but abandoned its project soon when it didn’t strike any oil. People associated with the project argue that Shell just didn’t drill deep enough. The situation was such that the drilling machines had to be imported from India and, due to certain trade restrictions, daily operation charges went as high as Rs 35,000 per day in the then price situation. Today, the daily operation cost is in the range of thousands of dollars. But, if considerable amount of oil is found in Nepal, it will be a boon for the Nepalese economy.</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
</div>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<strong>A case of Norway&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div style="padding:0 10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Before 1960, though an independent country Norway was constantly exploited by the rich and powerful UK and Denmark. During World War I, Norway was a neutral country. In reality, however, Norway had been pressured by the United Kingdom to hand over increasingly large parts of its massive merchant fleet to the UK at low rates, as well as to join the trade blockade against Germany. At the end of the 1950s, very few people believed that the Norwegian continental shelf concealed a wealth of oil and gas. Then, Ekofisk was discovered in 1969 and the Norwegian oil adventure started in earnest. Production from the field started on 15 June 1971 and during the following years, several large discoveries were made. In the 1970s, the exploration activity was concentrated in the North Sea, but the shelf was also gradually opened northwards. This led to world-class discoveries and the production from the Norwegian continental shelf has been dominated by these large fields that were given names such as Ekofisk, Statfjord, Oseberg, Gullfaks and Troll. These fields have been and still are very important for the economic development of Norway. In the last 40 years, Norway has developed an oil and gas industry and this in-turn has resulted in unique national economic growth and welfare improvements. Today, Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world. It used up its oil and gas reserves to gain this status.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<img align="left" alt="" height="207" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_norway_feb2013(3)(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="300" /></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Petroleum exploration activities carried out on the continental shelves of Norway.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<span style="font-size:11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230);">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: upstreamonline.com</span></div>
</div>
<p>
	 </p>',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '811',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Warehousing Problems: Insufficient Pre-requisites',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	By Chittaranjan Pandey</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">Commodities exchanges in Nepal are handicapped by the lack of a warehouse receipt system to help the country’s agricultural development. The Nepali media recently launched a tirade of criticisms against the commodity exchanges in Nepal. One of the main points of that criticism was that the exchanges have not included the local agro-products, or any local product for that matter, in the list of commodities traded on their systems and that they are just making the investors trade in foreign commodities. The media also questioned the process of deriving the prices of the foreign commodities quoted in these exchanges. But unfortunately not even once did anybody try to know why the local products have not &nbsp;been introduced to the trading systems of these exchanges.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The answer is simple. These exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same. Yes, the Secured Transaction Act 2063 BS does list “Warehouse Receipts” as one of the tradable instruments. But just listing the name “Warehouse Receipt” in the law is not enough to hope that such receipts will be actually traded in the market.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The flowchart given here presents an ideal system required to make warehouse receipts tradable. There are many infrastructural shortcomings we face in this regard. A commodity exchange is essential for this system but not sufficient. &nbsp;Like in any other market, the primary requirements here are the buyers and sellers. Then we need financial institutions like commercial banks. And we need a policy from the central bank that allows the banks to treat warehouse receipts as tradable (negotiable) instruments.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The issue with the commercial banks now is that they want to know who will take the responsibility if the products in the warehouse are not sold. So, we need the Insurance Board to come up with a policy that makes the insurance companies insure the agro-products stored in the warehouse. But as the situation is today, the insurance companies do not want to insure agro-products stored in the warehouse because of the higher risks.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Next, we need a public authority assigned with the task of licensing and regulating the warehouses that store agro-products and issue the warehouse receipts. We also need a proper market channel; a proper Supply Chain Management System. This requires competent transport companies that can deliver the goods to the buyers. Also required is a strong rule of law so that the transport companies are not obstructed anywhere on the roads while they are carrying the goods to their destinations. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Thus, for the local agro-products to be traded on the systems of these commodities exchanges, the basic pre-requisites are: a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt issuance and a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt financing. Agriculture, a less valued occupation at present, will be valued higher only when these systems are in place. A culture of commercial farming has actually started in the country but we still need a proper supply chain for this trend of commercial farming to thrive. A commodity exchange can help in this and eliminate the current system in which the number of intermediaries in the supply chain is unnecessarily high. Reduction in the number of intermediaries will bring the prices of agro-commodities up for the farmers and &nbsp;down for the consumers to a reasonable level. And this is possible once the general public and the policy makers think about it seriously.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="458" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/regulated_warehouse_receipt_system.jpg" width="512" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Mr. Pandey is Asst. Manager, Research &amp; Development Department in Mercantile Exchange Nepal Limited. He can be contacted at r&amp;d@mexnepal.com.</strong></span></p>',
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			'description' => 'Commodity exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '812',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Secured Business Of Nepali Paper',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="left" alt="" height="391" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="200" />The Nepali paper industry is one such industry in the country that has withstood the ongoing political turbulence to run in profit. &nbsp;This is also reflected in the fact that handmade Nepali paper products produced by this industry contribute around 10 per cent to Nepal’s total export and this contribution is growing &nbsp;by 7 to 8 per cent annually. Bikash Ratna Dhakhwa, President of the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) is quite happy with the growth of the Nepali paper business even during such harsh times. He says, “Had there been a good environment for industries, politically as well as economically, this sector would have seen a massive growth.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The ever-growing market demand of the Nepali paper or Lokta Kagaj, as it is locally known, is the main reason behind the steady performance of the Nepali paper industry. Lokta has been successful in attracting many craft lovers nationally and internationally. Products made of Lokta are a major attraction at every handicraft trade fair. Dhakhwa says, “We have been organizing numerous handicraft fairs to promote the business of these products. We are now organizing the 10th handicraft fair which would definitely be fruitful to the Nepali paper business among other handicraft businesses.” According to FHAN, the export of paper products increased by 32 per cent to Rs 410 million in FY 2011/12 from Rs 310 million &nbsp;in &nbsp;2010/11.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Once replaced by the massive import of cheap papers from China, the Lokta has regained its lost sheen because of its quality and uniqueness. Having seen the prospects, industrialist like Bishnu Das Dangol, former Managing Director of Bhaktapur Craft Paper Ltd- the first business enterprise to produce and export Nepali handmade paper - are being lured into the business again. Dangol has joined the company back after a long gap as its Executive Director. “I have entered this business again because it involves people from the grass-roots to those at the high level. The paper industry can become the major industry to eradicate poverty in our country,” he says. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Kiran Kumar Dangol, President of HANDPASS (Nepal Handmade Paper Association) there are around 300 companies involved in the Lokta business and together they have employed around 50,000 people. He says, “Lokta is a big business today. We export Lokta products worth around Rs 40 to 50 million yearly. Europe accounts for 60 per cent of our export while the USA for around the remaining 40 per cent.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Benu Das Shrestha who is originally from Sindupalchok district has been making and selling &nbsp;the Lokta paper for the past two decades and is inspiration to many. He says, “Many of my friends have followed in my footsteps. Lokta is a low-cost business that we can afford to run and can start it with the help of just around 10 people.” It was more than 20 years ago that he started his Lokta factory, &nbsp;Jugal Nepali Haate Kagaj Udhyog, at Jalbire, his birthplace in Sindhupalchok. Today, Shrestha earns around Rs 60,000 a month and is also hopeful about expanding his business in the coming years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For industrialists like Satyalal Shrestha, who has spent 25 years in the Lokta business and is the owner of Bagmati Paper Company, it is a business of creativity. In the beginning, he used to produce the plain Lokta paper. But he soon found new ways to diversify his business and today he produces several creative paper products. “We design various items according to the needs of the customers and we often consult with them before making new products,” he shares.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Shrestha produces a range of products from wall hangings, photo-frames, albums, mirrors, and paper vases to the extra-ordinarily made paper jewelries. His creativity is seen in the marvelous set of paper tables which are perfect even for dining. However, he has no showroom in Nepal and anyone &nbsp;wanting to buy his products has to visit his factory and give an order in advance. The average annual turnover of his company is around Rs. 20 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta paper has a long history in Nepali paper usage. Although Lokta is being produced in Nepal from as early as the twelfth century, it got international recognition when the UNICEF started to buy and use it for important documents. Known for its long lasting quality, the handmade Lokta has been traditionally used for official purpose for ages. But today it is used for many purposes. The Nepali paper used for the legal and government documents is produced with a Japanese technology in A4 size. This paper is made from not only the bark of the Lokta tree but also other plants like Argeli (Edgeworthia gardeneri), babiyo (Eulaliopsis binata), hay, leaf of cardamoms etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Many farmers have contributed to run the Lokta business and most of them are working at the community level enterprises in association with different groups of collectors. They produce the Lokta paper according to the demand of the buyers from different paper industries. The paper can be used directly after buying from them. However, processes like shorting, coloring, processing, etc at the paper factories further enhances the quality of the Lokta paper. Dangol says, “Unlike other products, the Lokta paper is 100 per cent handmade. All the raw materials are produced locally.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta products are of two categories- pure and mixed ones. In the market, one sheet of pure Lokta paper weighing five gram costs around Rs 6 while the other paper with same weight made with mixed products cost around Rs 5. Similarly, a Lokta sheet &nbsp;weighing 20 gms costs Rs 18 while the mixed paper in the same category costs Rs 16. Lokta products are available as sheets, note-books, photo albums and picture frames, writing sets, and gift- boxes, among other products such as carry bags, calendars, file-folders, lampshades, greeting cards, wall papers, photo frames, art paper, picture albums, gift sets, postcards, paper jewelry, jewelry boxes, telephone diaries, etc. The price for these products differs with the size, weight and quality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta plant is found in 56 districts of the country. According to the FNCCI’s document ‘Business Promotion Strategy (2012 – 2016)’, Lokta is listed among the 20 species of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) including some exotic species like Mentha, chamomile, lemongrass, Dalchini, etc. The Western Mid Hilly regions and the hilly district of Gandaki and Dhaulagiri Zones - Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, and Tanahu - are the main locations of the Lokta plant. Usually, the Lokta plant is harvested when it is mature enough.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Brand Nepal&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta paper has been identified among the 19 major exportable goods of the country. It has become a brand name in itself and is known as a quality paper all over the world. Today, Lokta paper’s international market is far bigger than its local market. According to the traders, Lokta products have a huge market in countries like the USA, Canada &nbsp;and many European countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Denmark and lately, Japan in Asia.“Due to the unique feature and quality, there is a high demand for the Nepali paper in the international market,” Shares Bisnu Das Dangol. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With its attractive texture, durability, strength and resistance to insects, Lokta products are popular even in the digital age and this is an amazing truth for the people involved in this business. Unlike the previous Lokta papers, the Lokta papers today are well-finished products available in a &nbsp;range of colors, textures, patterns and prints. They can be customized for different logos, graphics, colors, designs and paper weight. The success of Nepali industrialists in developing a variety of Lokta products has been a plus point for this business. Satyalal says, “The customers are demanding more and more varieties of Lokta products.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Bisnu Das Shares, “If we can market our products aggressively, all national and international organizations will start using the Nepali paper for their important documents in no time.” The paper is among the costly papers available in the international market. The demand for Lokta-made gift items like cards for different occasions such as weddings, birthdays etc is high in the Nepali market while Lokta-made notebooks, boxes, wrapping- papers, different kinds of printed papers are sought after internationally. Recently, Lokta has found popularity in the making of fashion accessories as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Future in paper</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="" height="339" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="454" />Due to the growing demand, the need for conserving and promoting Lokta and producing high quality papers has emerged at the same time. However, the lack of sustainable harvesting and cultivation process has put the raw materials used for producing the Lokta paper at the risk of extinction. Saraswati Rai, Operation Manager at Himalayan Bio-Trade (HBTL) - a community-based enterprise - is concerned about the negligence in the preservation of the Lokta plant. According to her, it would be difficult to keep up the quality of the Lokta paper in the long run in the absence of &nbsp;concerted efforts to preserve the Lokta plant. &nbsp;“The Lokta products are not being produced in a sustainable way.” The Lokta plant has a unique ability to regenerate and reach maturity within four to five years after the first cutting. But it demands skilled manpower for its harvesting. This ability should also make the preservation of the Lokta plant comparatively easy. Lokta can generate much more employment at the grassroots even if the farmers take Lokta growing as a seasonal business. Rai says, “If we have trained collectors for harvesting Lokta and if we can maintain the quality, the business has a very bright future ahead.” HBTL buys papers made from Lokta or argeli from the farmers. Though Rai shares that the company’s overall production has declined in comparison to the previous years, she is confident of the everlasting market of the Nepali Paper. HBTL’s average annual turnover is around Rs 30 million of which its paper business constitutes Rs 20 million.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	If given due importance, the Lokta paper stands fairly high chances getting much bigger and better national and international markets. “International buyers are looking for unique and valuable products like the Nepali paper which is basically exported as handicraft products,” shares Bisnu Das.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to the traders, though the existing Lokta products are good enough and doing very well, there is an urgent need to develop even better and advanced products. Many organizations are facilitating the designers who could design Lokta products to meet the international demand. They are also providing training to the new generation people who are attracted to paper production, designing and marketing. Some of the organizations and Lokta collectors have even started conserving the Lokta plants. The traders involved in the Lokta business have started getting cash incentives, four and a half per cent re-financing and also export incentives. So, if you are planning to venture into a long-term business in Nepal that has withstood the tests of time, then the Lokta business could be the right place to invest in.&nbsp;</p>',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A1"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><img alt="sectorl 2012" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/december.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	</span></span></span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><br />
	By Rajendra Prasad Devkota</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Organic Agriculture in Nepal</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice, but it enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector.</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Default">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;<img align="left" alt="organic" border="1" height="220" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/organic.jpg" vspace="10" width="171" /></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">T</span><span style="color: black;">he ever-increasing demand for food, fodder, fuel and fiber as consequences of the rapidly increasing population of the world is one of the most important global issues today. Most vulnerable among the rural poor in Nepal are those with small landholdings and landless farm workers living in ecologically fragile areas, such as high hills, mountains and low lands. Most of these areas lack basic transport, communication and social infrastructure. Households in such areas have limited assets and livelihood opportunities. They tend to have low levels of education, large families and strong traditional and cultural values.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepali farmers depend on predominantly traditional and subsistence agriculture where cereals dominate the cropping pattern and cultivation practices depend on monsoon rain. The use of improved seed and compost/farm yard manure is still very low while the use of chemical fertilizers is high but lower than neighbouring countries. Mechanization in agriculture is at a very low level and only 21 per cent of the total area is under cultivation. Almost 64 per cent of agricultural households that have land own a plough that is used to cultivate the land using bullocks. The existing number of livestock is one of the highest per capita and per unit area of cultivated land in Asia. However, livestock productivity is very low due to poor grazing land, crop bio by-products, forest biomass, secondary plant resides and shortage of feed. </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="vegetables" border="1" height="193" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral1245.jpg" vspace="10" width="310" /> <br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Natural resources such as soil, water and forests are considered as sources of livelihood in Nepal. Declining fertile land due to town planning, mass deforestation, soil erosion and problem of food security etc boosts migration to the cities. Increased requirement of agricultural land due to continuous population growth has led to increase in land use intensity and cultivation of marginal land, very often on steep slopes and soils of low fertility. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Intensive synthetic chemical based farming started since the 1980s and chemical fertilizers were imported to the field with the increasing interest of the commercial farmers and pro-production government policy. Similarly, the use of chemical pesticides was accelerated during 1983 with the introduction of Metacid. In the beginning, bags of chemical fertilizers were distributed free to the farmers. However, many farmers had buried the bags in their fields to avoid the use of forcefully distributed fertilizers. With time, farmers were motivated to use fertilizers and other related agro-chemicals in their fields after observing good yield of the crops. This practice eventually gave birth to chemical farming and set a new era in production.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<img alt="orgrainic" border="1" height="301" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral2012.jpg" vspace="10" width="500" /></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice but enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector. Institutionally, the history of organic agriculture in Nepal can be said to have begun with the establishment of the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture Nepal (INSAN) in 1986. This organization was involved in promoting permaculture, a system similar to organic production. Another milestone in organic agriculture in Nepal was the establishment of Appropriate Agricultural Alternatives (AAA) farm in the Kathmandu Valley in 1987 by an American national, Judith Chase. Chase came to Nepal in 1976 and she along with her husband Jim moved to the farm to escape city life. After she started producing organic vegetables, Chase soon realized that she could sell all of her produce to the expatriate community at a premium prices compared to the non-organic fruits and vegetables. For a short while, this remained an isolated effort with no sign of proliferation. However, a niche market for organic products soon witnessed a new wave of development for organic production in the surrounding areas. After 2000, the number of cooperatives and private initiatives for organic farming increased substantially. The Government of Nepal was reluctant to accept the concept of organic agriculture in the beginning. But, after observing the negative impact of agrochemicals on farming, the government decided to take initiatives for the promotion of organic farming. The 10th Plan (NPC, 2002) and Agricultural Policy (MOAC, 2004), for the first time, had spelt out policy statements regarding the promotion of organic agriculture in the country.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Certification of organic products was initiated in 1996 in Nepal. However, the national norms and standards required for production, inspection and certification of organic products have not yet been materialized at the government level. Some internationally recognized certifying agencies and locally authorized organic inspectors have made their presence felt in Nepal to work on organic product certification. At present, Onecert–Asia, Lacon Quality, NASAA-Australia, Eco-cert France, IMO and Indocert provide organic certificates as per NOP, EEC, NPOP and JAS-based standards in tea, coffee, medicinal and aromatic plants, fertilizers and natural crude herbs etc for the export market. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Recently, the government sanctioned a National Technical Standards for Organic Agriculture System 2064 BS which is expected to bring about changes in the production and marketing of organic products. In comparison, other recognized standards have made unseen mistakes in Nepali organic standards due to the lack of knowledge of proper rules and regulations and systems such as Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Geographical Indication of the Product (GIP) and Internal Control System (ICS) etc. Similarly, organic farmers depend on large quantities of farmyard manure and compost but organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers, manure and organic pesticides are not easily available. The lack of appropriate and adaptive technologies such as consistency, incentives for farmers to turn to organic methods, efficient agronomic alternatives for managing soil, nutrient and pest are some of the input related problems faced by the organic growers.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">The marketing of organic vegetables, fruits and other products is a daunting task for the organic growers. Although some supermarkets have started selling organic vegetables, there is a lack of pricing mechanism. Prices are generally fixed by the traders/collectors who procure vegetables from the growers and supply them to the available niche markets. A majority of farmers is interested in adopting organic farming practices if the government is willing to provide subsidies in farming, processing and certification. Similarly, the number of farmers willing to adopt organic farming has increased in rural as well as urban settings.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Consumers have a belief that organic food is healthier, less polluted and more natural than their conventional counterparts. Many consumers are of the view that the quality of organic products is good and that’s why these products are expensive. Most of them are willing to pay 10-15 per cent more for organic products while they are also ready to pay 20-30 per cent more if the organic products are branded. Organic products are usually sold directly by the farmers themselves or at select shops and outlets. Due to the lack of financial support, organic farmers rely solely on the consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices which compensate for lower yields and higher production costs associated with the organic practice. Though a very small scale operation, the organic industry holds much promise and has a long way to go in Nepal.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Devkota is an Agriculturist and Organic Inspector. He can be contacted via email at rajendra_certi@yahoo.com</span></span></p>',
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<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">India’s Airline Brands Connecting Kathmandu <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic from airline companies of India connecting India to Nepal.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa7" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">I</span><span style="color: black;">t was in the early 20th century when countries embraced air transport as a means to travel from one part of the world to another. India was one of the first countries in Asia and in the world to opt for civil aviation. Tata Airlines, which started its services in 1932, became a public limited company in 1946 under the name Air India. After acquiring 49 percent shares of the airline, the Government of India granted it the permission to operate international services as the designated national flag carrier. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepal’s civil aviation industry started after the national flag carrier, the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) was established in 1958. The RNAC, which was renamed as the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) a few years ago, began its services by flying to a few domestic destinations. Later, its services were extended to such Indian cities as Patna, Calcutta and Delhi. Hence nationals of both India and Nepal have had an opportunity to fly to each other’s country for a few decades now. Over the past decade, however, the Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic of Indian Airlines connecting India to Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">At present, there are four Indian airline brands connecting India to Kathmandu. They are: Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet and Jet Airways. All of them are Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Air India is India’s national flag carrier and a part the Air India Limited (AIL), a company owned by the Government of India. Air India Express is the airline’s international low-cost subsidiary established in 2005. At present, Air India flies to and from 27 international destinations in 19 countries including Nepal. It operates 18 scheduled flights to Kathmandu per week, including two flights from New Delhi daily, and four flights from Kolkata per week. It also operates scheduled passenger services, mainly to the Persian Gulf and South East Asia. At present, Air India Express (AIE) has a fleet of 21 aircraft. These aircraft have around 180 seats each and offer budget travel. AIE gives its passengers all essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight. Passengers can also avail themselves of free standardised meals and limited on-board entertainment. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGo is a popular, private, and low-cost airline established in August 2006. IndiGo has grown faster than any other LCCs in South Asia because of its efficient operations and low fares. In order to maintain the fares low, IndiGo’s flights offer only economy class seating, a complimentary mineral water, and no in-flight entertainment and allow only one free check-in baggage. On IndiGo flights, snacks, meals and drinks are available as buy-on-board options. IndiGo operates flights to five international destinations - Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat and Singapore. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGO started flying to Nepal in October 2012. At present, it operates seven flights connecting Delhi to Kathmandu per week. Its fares start from NPR 8,420. The company plans to increase the number of flights to its existing destinations and start flying to new destinations in Nepal. IndiGo flights have an average occupancy of 99 percent. Schemes are not an attraction for this airline because, according to the company, passengers prefer low-cost fares to schemes as the latter often come with a string of terms and conditions attached to them. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">SpiceJet is a low-cost airline which began its services in May 2005. It has a share of 19 percent in the Indian market at present. SpiceJet flies to 32 domestic destinations and makes two international flights -- to Colombo and Kathmandu. SpiceJet sent its first flight to Nepal in October 2010. The airline currently operates 11 flights connecting Kathmandu per week. In the peak season, however, it has two flights a day. With starting fares of NPR 3,400 (one way) and NPR 8,000 (round trip), it offers only the economy class travel. This airline has average flight occupancy of 85 percent. SpiceJet provides sandwiches, cookies, flavored nuts, soft drinks and juices as buy-on-board options. The passengers also get complimentary mineral water. </span></span><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="Jet airways" border="1" height="165" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/airplane001.jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, which include 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 11 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 60 Next Generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft, and 18 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">With an average fleet age of 6.06 years, the airline has one of the youngest fleets in the world. Jet Airways flights to 73 destinations span in India and beyond. The company launched its first flight to Kathmandu on 14th May 2004. It operates 21 flights per week with two daily flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi and one daily flight from Kathmandu to Mumbai. Inclusive of all taxes, Jet Airways’ fare from Kathmandu to Delhi is USD 130 (one way) and from Kathmandu to Mumbai is USD 260 (one way). Jet Airways operates with two travel classes - Premiere and Economy - on the Kathmandu-India sector where it has average occupancy of 90 per cent. Jet Airways offers connectivity to its international and domestic network via Mumbai and Delhi. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Delhi seems to be the most popular destination for the Indian flights that fly out of Kathmandu, because of its close proximity to all the major Indian cities. However, other Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai and Varanasi are also on demand. Bangalore is mostly on demand because of the education opportunities it provides to Nepali students. Tourism continues to be a major factor behind the increasing air traffic between the two countries. However, Indian nationals also visit Nepal and vice versa for health, business, and religious purposes. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Market competition increases when more airlines start flying to the same destinations. This competition compels the airlines to lower their fares, causing a decrease in their revenue. This is why the airline brands flying to Kathmandu have a tough competition among themselves. “The competition is tough but it also has to be healthy,” says Joy Dewan, GSA, SpiceJet. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">There are a few problems that the Indian airlines also have to face in Nepal. “The increasing fuel costs add to the overall high cost of operation, which naturally impacts the airline’s bottom line,” points out Samir Chada, Country Manager, Jet Airways, as a major problem for Jet Airways and other airlines currently flying to Nepal. Similarly Dewan sees high ground handling charges for navigation and landing as the major problems. Airlines have requested the airport authorities to reduce the charges. The authorities are expected to consider the demand positively. Similarly, the lack of enough space at Nepal’s only international airport and the lack of opportunity for night flights are the other problems that the Indian airlines have been facing.</span></span></p>',
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<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Liquor Licensing</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The government has decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries.<br />
	<br />
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	<img alt="liquor" border="1" height="143" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/liquor(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa9" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A15">T</span><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">he decade-long ban on issuing licenses to new distilleries and breweries is finally lifted by the government. It has now decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries if they comply with a new 10-point standard set by the government. Ram Sharan Chimoria, Spokesperson at the Department of Industry (DoI), said that the Ministry of Industry (MoI) took the decision on October 7. Around 150 applications for registering new liquor industries are already received. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">“The government had stopped issuing licenses to new liquor manufacturers for more than a decade,” Chimoria said, “Licenses will now be issued but only to those who comply with the new standards.” He added that the move will help regularise the liquor industry. The government had stopped the registration of new liquor industries in 2001, citing environmental and health reasons. The Maoist campaign against liquor drinking habits during the decade-long armed movement was the major but undeclared reason for the ban. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Although the ban was imposed, the liquor market and the trend of drinking had not slowed down until the traffic police began a campaign against drunk driving. According to experts, the increasing trend of alcohol import had a hand in the resumption of issuing licenses for producing liquor within the country. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Rabi KC, President of Nepal Liquor Manufacturers’ Association (NLMA), said, “The government’s move is positive.” However, he suggested that the benchmark should have been set even higher. “The new requirement of Rs 500,000 as deposit is low. Even a small liquor industry has a huge annual turnover, so the deposit amount should have been higher,” he adds. He further said that it would be appropriate to ask for a bank guarantee of Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million while issuing excise duty license by the Inland Revenue Department. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC depicts a very bad picture existing in the industry and says that out of the 52 registered factories, only 42 are in operation. Most of the liquor producers have not used even 25 per cent of their installed capacity, he adds. “They are struggling for their existence. In such a situation, what would be the future of the existing ones if 40 to 50 new industries are added?” he asks. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">With home-made liquor enjoying a strong presence, the market to be shared by all the companies is small. “So, there is a possibility of the entire industry going through a slump when new industries come in,” he predicted. However, he conceded that issuing new licenses to liquor producers cannot be denied in an open economy. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">As per the new standards, industrialists have to deposit Rs 500,000 along with an application at the DoI to get the license. The investors’ deposits will be refunded if they either fail to get the license or present evidence of starting production. There is also a provision of seizing the deposit if an industry fails to comply with the new standards. On the other hand, the existing industries need to deposit Rs 300,000 to increase their production capacity. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">According to the new standards, if the license is issued in the name of an individual, s/he should register the company within 30 days of getting the license. Such individuals must hold at least 20 per cent shares of the liquor company to be registered. Similarly, investors are not allowed to sell these shares before the deposit is refunded. If any investor is found selling the shares before getting the deposit refund, the government can either seize the deposit or mete out other punishments as per the Industrial Enterprises Act (IEA) 1992. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">For breweries and distilleries, including the bottling plants, there is the provision of concluding the construction and starting production within three years of getting the license. The time limit for starting a blending and bottling plant is two years. However, the DoI can extend the period by six months after evaluating the progress made by a company. Such six-month extension can be made twice. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">If an industry is unable to start its operation within the given period, there is a provision to dissolve the industry according to Section 25 of the IEA 1992. It is also necessary to establish an appropriate lab for quality control as stated by the new standards. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Distilleries using local grains as raw material can use a maximum of 10 per cent local grains for their production. If they need more, they have to import. Likewise, foreign direct investment (FDI) will not be allowed in industries producing liquor of lower quality than 30 degree UP, according to the new provision. This means FDI is not allowed in 40 degree UP or 60 degree UP. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Similarly, such industries must be at least 500 metres away from cultural heritages of national importance, hospitals, schools and national parks. The breweries and distilleries must have a minimum area of three hectares. The area should be at least one hectare for bottling-only plants. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%; color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC said, “In Nepal, 80 per cent market share is held by Nepali products.” However, 50 per cent liquor consumed in Nepal is supplied from household production.</span></span></p>
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	<span class="A14"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
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<p>
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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59.0pt">T</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">here are many beautiful, interesting, and unusual things in Nepal. The obvious question of “what to buy?” is bound to come to your mind. One of the answers to this could be gems and jewelry. “Most of the tourists visiting Nepal are interested to buy precious and semi-precious stones available in Nepal,” said Ramesh Maharjan, President of Nepal Gems and Jewelry Association. Besides being a fashion trend, it is a financial investment for the future as well, added Maharjan.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="115" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems4.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="137" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Jewelry includes all attractive or appealing decorative objects that can be made with gems along with other precious metals. Mostly, every form of material may be added to make an attractive piece of jewelry. Some common forms of jewelry include anklets, armlets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings (engagement rings, wedding rings, class rings), toe rings and nose-jewels. Brooches, belly chains, head ornaments fit in the category of more uncommon kinds of jewelry. People can express their love by presenting jewelry to their dear ones. Common metals that are utilized in jewelry include gold, platinum and silver.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Both younger and elder generations are fond of jewelry collection. “Gone are the days of heavy jewelry trends. These days, people look forward to light and unique designs that are different from other pieces of jewelry,” said Maharjan who is also the owner of R B Diamond House. It caters to a diverse range of customers who look forward to gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds in designer jewelry. Turquoise and coral are the most common stones used in Nepali jewelry that it also deals in. Other precious stones common in Nepal include lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, garnet, and agate.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="295" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems1.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Diamond is the most important precious stone in terms of value that generates a larger volume of revenue and business internationally,” said Mahesh Man Shrestha, owner of Gahana Griha. Even in Nepal, diamond jewelry is more popular and in demand than other gemstones, added Shrestha. Generally, diamonds are the most expensive stones but there are high quality natural color gemstones that command high price per carat like diamonds do. <br />
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to Maharjan, in today’s market the price per carat for precious gemstones like ruby, emerald and sapphire range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 while price per carat for semi-precious gemstones cost about the same. There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market. “Most of the gems in Nepal are used for silver jewelries that are exported to Europe and America,” said Maharjan. The handcrafted jewelries are very famous and liked by the Europeans and Americans. They are exported in different designs like earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooch, bangles, and different articles embedded with precious stones, he added. Some stones like quartz crystal, black tourmaline, moonstone, kyanite and garnet are also used as healing stones. Gemstones are also prescribed by astrologers and are adorned in the belief that they have magical and mystical powers. It is believed that these powers bring happiness, prosperity and overall betterment in a person and his activities.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="249" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems2.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="239" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">There are many stones in the market these days that even the suppliers are unaware of. Apart from it, there are synthetic gemstones aplenty. Riken Maharjan, a Graduate Gemologist revealed that even today many people do not know that ruby and sapphire are the same stone. The only factor that makes it different is its color where red corundum are called ruby and blue corundum are called sapphire. “Identifying gemstones is a challenge, however, the bigger challenge is to ascertain value associated with different stones,” he said. The value of the stone depends on numerous factors, he added, it is the 4c – color, cut, clarity, and carat for diamonds while for other precious stones it’s the demand, rarity, treatments, imitation etc that count.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Understanding precious stones has come a long way. Earlier, it was difficult for the clients to understand if any red stone would be called ruby and any blue stone would be called sapphire and a colorless stone that dazzled and produced a colorful flash of light was a diamond. However, today with all the technology, research and improvement in science there is a better understanding of stones. According to Maharjan, Nepal has the technology and good professional gem cutters but the sector is suffering because the stones have not been explored well and opened for business.</span> </p>
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	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="233" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems3.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="227" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Hari Bhakta Adhikari, a senior gems expert shared that Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Manang and Dhading figure among the major gem locations of Nepal. He added that Nepal is a Paradise for gemologists and collectors. “This can boost tourism as well as help in export business. But, it is a pity that despite having huge semi-precious stone mines, Nepal has to import 80 per cent of the stones from India, China, Thailand, Burma and Pakistan,” he said. Entrepreneurs involved with the business shared that they need better facilities from the government and to review the existing import and export policies. Adhikari opined that in India, the government has waived off import fee on gemstones, one of the reasons which has made it very difficult for Nepal to compete with India.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Nepal has failed to showcase its potential in the international market. Much of it is due to the lack of skilled manpower that has hit the gems and precious stones sector in the country despite it being rich in mineral resources,” said Adhikari. He opined that the government should develop adequate work force and create mechanism to extract mineral resources to propel growth. From export of 200,000 kg raw gemstone, some 5,000 small gems industries could provide around 25,000 people direct employment and another 100,000 indirect employment, he added. <br />
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mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to the Department of Geology, the country has imported around Rs 130.37 billion worth of mines and mineral related goods in fiscal year 2009-10. However, due to lack of well-equipped laboratory that can certify purity of gems and other precious stones, the country has not been able to take advantage from its huge natural resources. According to Riken Maharjan, there are two things the industry keeps in mind – gemstone identification and gemstone grading. The first part is to identify the stone correctly as it makes a huge difference in price depending on the type of gemstone. The market is flooded with precious and semi precious gemstones and it is hard even for experienced eyes to tell the difference without gemological tools.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Gemstone and jewelry certification plays a vital role in the business. There are gem labs all over the world that identifies and grades gemstones, however, it’s not an established trend in Nepal yet. R B Diamond Jewelers is taking an initiative to change this by introducing GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certification for gems and jewelries in the near future. These certificates are internationally recognized and honored and known for its grading precision, technology, research and other important factors.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“The gems and jewelry industry is an industry of trust. Therefore, it is very important for people in this industry to understand their product, to know what they are selling,” said Maharjan who has been in this business for more than 15 years now. People put their names and huge amount of money on the line. There is a lot to learn about the industry, the stones itself, treatments, grading, imitation, synthetic stones and many other aspects, he added.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
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<p class="Default">
	<span class="A8"><span style="font-size:24.0pt"><img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_11.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	‘Real Growth Opportunity Lies in Agriculture and Small Scale Industries’</span></span> </p>
<p class="Default">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="realgrow" border="1" height="236" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/P-K-Mohapatra.jpg" vspace="10" width="217" /></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">P K Mohapatra </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Bank Limited (EBL). </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">With an aim to promote the agriculture sector, the EBL established a specialised branch called Krishi Udhyam Bikash Shakha at Rijbiraj, Saptari on August 17. In an interview with New Business Age, Mohapatra talked about reasons behind the newly opened branch and bank’s expansion plans in the agriculture sector. Excerpts:<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why did you come up with a dedicated branch for agricultural services? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The branch will not only concentrate on agricultural services, however, the thrust will be on agriculture and agro based industries. The country’s main focus area should now be agriculture because the new industries are not taking off due to many reasons. Around 66 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture and this sector’s contribution in the GDP is about 39 per cent. Therefore, if some priority is given to agriculture, it will be a contribution to the national economy too. <br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E"><br />
	<br />
	Why did you choose this particular location Rajbiraj among so many other places? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We found Rajbiraj suitable because the land is irrigated, people have money to spend on land and the area receives good amount of remittance. When we were planning to start this branch, we looked for different localities where agriculture is of prime focus including Chitwan where we already had a presence. We did not have a presence in Rajbiraj though which is an area with high growth potential. As a banker, we will also be interested to mobilise deposits as Rajbiraj has a high potential for deposit growth. So, that is a service for dual purpose – mobilising deposit and at the same time, helping the farmers by financing agriculture. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">How do you see the scope of formal lending to Nepal’s agriculture sector? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">It is one of the best virgin areas. So far, microfinance companies and Rural Development Bank have been doing agro based lending. All these sectors lend at a high rate of interest that makes the total investment and works literally non-viable. The moment commercial banks enter, we can lend at a much lower rate than present. This will encourage the farmers to borrow money from banks and go for high yielding crop varieties, improved seeds and better livestock. The entire economy will be supported by low interest funding by the commercial banks. For example, in districts like Chitwan, Ilam and Jhapa, a lot of migrant workers have returned from abroad with experience and money. All they need is a little support from the banking system so that they can thrive here, invest and use the experience and money they have gained. At the same time, they can give employment to some other people also. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why are commercial banks hesitant to lend to this sector? <br />
	</span></strong><br />
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Banking in Nepal has been excessively based on urban areas. However, activities based in the urban areas are getting saturated. Therefore, the real growth opportunity lies in agriculture and small scale industries. Till now, the concentration was in cities and industrial towns like Birgunj, Biratnagar, Butwal and some other areas. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made a mandatory provision to invest at least 10 per cent in agriculture and hydropower out of the total investments made by banks. It is a really appreciable measure adopted by the central bank. Agriculture and small scale industries are two sectors which are going to support the country in the long run. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">To what extent does Everest Bank wants to invest in the agriculture sector? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">The minimum investment will be what the NRB has already stipulated. Our small effort is to encourage the field people – branch managers and field staff – to look at agriculture from a totally different angle. Many think that agriculture lending is not a good lending. However, it is not true. If a thousand rupees is lent in the agriculture sector, it goes straight to the economy. As socially responsible corporate entities, all banks should target the rural people, particularly those involved in agriculture. We will be coming up with two to three branches having thrust on the agriculture sector within this fiscal year. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We are also preparing setting up a farmer training institute in Nepal. Being from Punjab National Bank, India, we have a huge experience in running farmer training institutes in India and so, we have proposed to begin with at least one institute and replicate that all over Nepal. We are trying to open the training institute that will provide trainings free-of-cost in collaboration with the private sector and IFC (International Finance Corporation) or IOM (International Organisation for Migration). <br />
	<br />
	Such institutes will have basic facilities like soil testing will a simple laboratory. We will also teach farmers to repair agriculture machineries so that they can save money and time. Besides, we will train returnee migrants through these institutes so that they can use their experience and money. It is a long term plan and we should be able to start the first training institute before the close of financial year 2069/70. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A3"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Impact">Sectoral</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">By Sushila Budhathoki</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:32.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Demanding Business of Herbal Products</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A35">&nbsp;<br />
	<span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing.jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span class="A13"><span style="font-size:59.0pt">C</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">onsumption of herbal products in Nepal, according to an estimate, is registering an annual increment of 20 per cent. According to Pradip Maharjan, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Enterprise Center (AEC) at Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FNCCI), Nepali herbal products also account for three per cent of the total exports. He further says, “Nepali herbal products meet around 60 per cent of the domestic market demand. The remaining 40 per cent demand is still fulfilled by imports.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The yearly production of ‘Sancho’, a product of Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited (HPPCL), has reached five million units. Last year, the company produced around 3.4 million units of Sancho. According to Chandra Bahadur Shahi, General Manager of HPPCL, the company is now aggressively marketing the product in villages after having found a tremendous market in urban areas already. <br />
	<br />
	“Due to its popularity, we have been marketing Sancho and other herbal products through our distributors in each development region,” says Shahi. The company has estimated the total turnover of its herbal products at around Rs 100 million last year of which Sancho alone contributes around Rs 70 million. Sancho is a widely popular cure for cold, cough, rheumatism, stuffy nose, fatigue, body ache, muscular ache, headache, neuralgia, sprain and itching. It is marketed by the HPPCL since 2057 BS. <br />
	<br />
	<img alt="demaing" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	<br />
	Nepal is basically exporting essential oils, Chyawanprash and Shilajit among other herbal products. According to the Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC), oil worth Rs 82 million was exported to third countries in 2010-2011. Govind Adhikari, President of Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA), says the herbal industries can get optimum benefit by exporting finished herbal products rather than only exporting crude herbs. He adds, “We are exporting a huge amount of raw materials to India, which in turn, is earning from making the finished products. If we were able to export final products ourselves, we would have earned a tremendous market internationally.” He adds, “Since herbal products are unique, they usually do not face stiff competition.” <br />
	<br />
	The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. Today, the people around the world are inclined towards ‘back to nature’ and demanding natural products ranging from medicines and food items to cosmetics. Germany and France, among other countries, have been considered as major herbal markets in Europe and the popularity of herbal products has a great impact on its development. It is not surprising when many consider Nepal as a country with huge potentiality for herbal trade. <br />
	<br />
	Maharjan recommends exploring the need for investment in herbal industries due to the increasing demand of Nepali products internationally. He says, “There is a huge demand for herbal products internationally because people are lured towards products that are free from side effects. And our products have established a reputation of being natural and chemical-free products.” Nepali Industries are advertising their products through the internet as well and soliciting business online. Most of the Nepali herbal industries maintain websites and use them as a marketing tool for promoting their products. <br />
	<br />
	There are herbal products being sold everywhere and more people are inquiring about natural products such as cream, lip balm, oils and other cosmetics. According to Rina Gongaju, Production Manager at Wild Earth, the company has launched a basic range of products owing to local demand. She shares, “We are wealthy in herbs but it costs dearly to produce a final product because of the technical lapses in the collection and refinement of the herbs.” Wild Earth produces a range of handmade herbal goods such as soaps, massage oils, pillows, smudge sticks and aromatic amulets and sells them in over 30 countries. The company also caters its products to different Nepali hotels, resorts and spa centers. <br />
	<br />
	There are many brands for each range of products like Yak Milk Soaps and Mongolian Mare’s Milk Soap in Wild Wares category. There are other ranges of aromatic pillows namely Passion, Dream, Tranquility, Hangover, Calm, Balance, Soothe and Energy as well as pillows for each zodiac sign. Single products at Wild Earth are priced from Rs 55 to Rs 1,500 while for the herbal set, the prices range from Rs 350 to Rs 3,500.</span> </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Adhikari says that Nepali products only acquire Food Phyto Sanitary Certificate and Plant Phyto Sanitary Certificate while buyers in Western countries have increasingly been asking for GMP certificates for aryurvedic remedies, as these products were relatively vulnerable to contamination and unwanted substances. He adds, “Lack of certification is troubling us on exporting herbal products even though there are no complaints about our products.” There are some Nepali companies too who do not apply proper production measures in their production process. Hari Dhital, Administrator at Gorkha Ayurved Company Pvt Ltd, says, “Our products compete with other ‘me too’ products of low quality which have confused the consumers. It has also troubled us in marketing the products.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Industrialists say that the government provisions are discouraging newer industries, especially the small entrepreneurs. Although Herbs and NTFPs (Non Timber Forest Products) Policy 2004-05 has been endorsed, entrepreneurs are facing a lot of hurdles in its implementation. Adhikari shares his bitter experience in the promotion and development of herbal products in Nepal. “The latest policy has been prepared for the benefit of the industries, however, the government is turning a deaf ear to its implementation,” he complains. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">There is a list of 119 NTFPs that are in trade or have the potential to trade. These herbs are used to produce crude herbs, essential oils, extraction items and lokta/argeli papers. They are the raw materials for different ayurvedic products/para pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and vegetable oils too. Different parts like leaf stem extract, pod, root, rhizome, flower, fruit, seed, wood, tendril, bark etc of herbal and aromatic plants are used to produce these items. <br />
	<br />
	According to NEHHPA, there are around 40 companies involved in the production of finished herbal products and 2,000 traders and around 5,000 to 6,000 wild collectors, especially the farmers from different villages, involved in the herbal business. With around 7,000 types of herbs and a kind of bio-diversity rarely found in other corners of the world, Nepal seems the first priority for the investors venturing into herbal business. Maharjan says, “Since the market of herbal products is growing, many western countries are attracted towards production of herbal products. There are a few Nepali companies having joint ventures with foreign companies and are producing herbal products.”</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Having seen the potential for herbs and herbal products, many projects have started focusing on the production, processing and marketing of herbal products. AEC reports that High Mountain livelihood Improvement (HIMALI), Raising Income for small and Medium Farmers (RISME), High Value Agricultural Products (HVAP) and One Village One Product (OVOP) are some of the current programs that focus on cultivation, production and marketing of herbal products along with other agricultural products. <br />
	<br />
	The 350 hectares of land owned by HPPCL, if used properly, would also benefit herbal business in Nepal and encourage newer herbal industries for research and development. From a marketing perspective, traditional ayurvedic medicines enjoy good brand value in the west. However, with the demand of quality and harmless herbal products, ‘Trademark Herbal’ is not enough for the aggressive growth of Nepali herbal industries.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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			'title' => 'CEOs Exit: Nepali Banking Sector Faces New Problem',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The once lucrative Nepali banking industry is now being deserted by long serving CEOs as they head on to start their own business or shift to other areas. The latest bank CEO who left is Suman Joshi of Laxmi Bank. Nearly a month ago, Grand Bank CEO Sudhir Khatri had resigned from his post. While some insiders claim that Joshi left the job as the main promoter of the bank stopped liking him and Khatri laid his papers to avoid actions from the central bank, banking sectors analysts have also started wondering if a new trend of CEOs leaving the banking sector has set in. This concern is based on the fact that some bank CEOs who resigned from their post have left banking career altogether. One such prominent example is Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri, who resigned when Bank of Asia that he was leading went to merge with NIC Bank to form NIC Asia Bank. One prominent exception to this is Kumar Lamsal who left Sanima Bank and joined Kist Bank as the CEO. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This trend has triggered other concerns as well in the sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the Nepali banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence? Will the departure of experienced hands affect the overall stability of the country&#39;s financial sector? With long serving CEOs leaving the institutions, are BFIs losing opportunities to hire good executives? &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It&#39;s been more than two-and-half years since the Nepali banking authority issued directive and guidelines on the executive compensation system for BFIs. This 2011 policy mandates that the annual salary and perks of a bank&rsquo;s CEOs cannot exceed more than five percent of the average staff expenditure of the respective institution over the period of three years or 0.025 percent of the total assets registered during the previous year, whichever is lower. This provision comes into action only while appointing new CEOs and spares the existing ones. With such a provision in place, the bank CEOs are left with three choices - work with present bank, join another bank on lower perks and salary or abandon the sector and look out for new avenues.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Defending this cap, the central bank argued that it was aimed at discouraging banks from getting involved into unnecessary risk taking activities. &quot;The executive compensation structure was widely regarded as one of the causes of the global financial crisis as it encouraged banks and financial institutions to get involved into high risk taking manoeuvres to increase short-term profit, eventually inviting long-term systematic risks,&quot; the NRB directive and guidelines states. The policy was introduced in the wake of rising fears of real estate bubble that followed the liquidity crunch of 2011. After the commencement of peace process in 2006, house and land prices soared to record high levels in major cities across the country forcing the NRB to tighten the provisions of bank lending into the real estate sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, merger of BFIs is also seen as another reason to reduce the number of CEOs in the banking sector. Since only one CEO leads a bank, the CEO of one of the merging BFI is required to leave the institution during or after the merger process completes. NRB issued Merger Bylaws on May 2011, stating that it would strengthen the financial system and raise trust of public towards the banking sector. The main aim of the merger policy is to expand the capital base of BFIs and thereby strengthen their financial position to withstand various risks in the future. Following the policy rollout, 43 BFIs went for merger and resulted in the formation of 18 BFIs, official NRB data as of mid-March says. Of them two were &#39;A&#39; class banks and 41 were &#39;B&#39;, &#39;C&#39; and &#39;D&#39; class institutions. NIC Bank and Bank of Asia were the first commercial banks to go for merger that resulted in the formation of NIC Asia. Recently the Global IME Bank and the Commerz and Trust Bank have also submitted their merger proposal to the central bank for final approval. Remaining 25 BFIs of all classes have received Letter of Intent (LoI) from the NRB to merge and form 10 BFIs. These mergers have resulted in 25 CEOs resigning from their posts as of March 2014. Commerz and Trust Bank CEO Anal Raj Bhattarai is said to be leaving his post following the the merger process. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB stands quite firm to its decision to put cap on perks and salaries of bank CEOs. &quot;It is wrong to say that supply of experienced chief executives have declined due to our directive and guidelines. We made the decision after evaluating various factors,&quot; says NRB Spokesperson, Bhaskar Mani Gyawali. &quot;The factors include per capita income of the country and average pay scale in various sectors,&quot; he elaborated while claiming that introduction of the policy is making the Nepali banking sector more efficient as chief executives receive compensations according to the income of their respective institutions. &quot;Bankers are now required to perform in more effective manner. &nbsp;This ensures stability of the financial sector,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="CEO" src="/userfiles/images/sect1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 350px; height: 100px;" />The departure of long serving CEOs has provided opportunity to second-layer bank officials to rise to the top spot. The second-tier officials can now groom themselves to grasp the chair of chief executive. Nevertheless, this has raised concerns regarding the risk taking appetite and the overall performance of banks as less experienced people come to the lead role.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB&#39;s argument has generated mixed views from experts. &quot;CEOs who hold long experience in the sector are the essential part of the banking system. The sector as we know is all about experience. Long serving chief executives know the core of banking which gives the institutions edge to get ahead with proficient business strategies,&quot; says a former CEO of a commercial bank under the condition of anonymity. &quot;They also have risk taking appetite to expand the bank&rsquo;s business areas further.&quot;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sanjeev Subba, the CEO of National Banking Training Institute (NBTI) shared different view. &quot;I think the departure of long serving CEOs won&#39;t affect adversely after all. The second and third tier officers are capable as they have come up with experience in different layers,&quot; he said. &quot;This has provided them with significant experience over the years.&quot; Subba mentioned that Nepali commercial banking sector, which has been running for the past three decades has produced sufficient number of experienced manpower. For the perks and salaries part he opines, &quot;Salary cap won&#39;t affect bank CEOs to renew employment contract within the same institutions. This will only affect those who are willing to join other organizations.&quot;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Suman Joshi, Laxmi Bank&#39;s former CEO expressed his perspective close to Subba. &quot;Departure of experienced chief executives is unlikely to have overall adverse impact on the banking sector. Exit of the old and entry of new should be taken as two sides of a coin,&quot; he said. Joshi, however, cautioned that banks might see performance related issues as less experienced people take over the executive post. He also mentioned that Nepali banking sector has started to follow international trend. &quot;If we look the international scenario, CEOs don&#39;t stay in the same responsibility for long time,&quot; he opines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lack of motivational factor seems to be another reason for the CEOs to leave their jobs. &quot;Bank CEOs get more salary compared to other sectors. However, working regularly for a long time without increment in salary creates an environment of de-motivation,&quot; says Bank of Asia&rsquo;s former chief executive, Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri. According to him, many chief executives are facing the problem of stagnant salary levels and have to work under pressures of media, investors, shareholders and rising day-by-day business risks. &quot;Nevertheless, financial institutions are run and governed by particular system, so a significant negative impact is unlikely in an event of a CEO leaving his post,&quot; Chhetri said. &nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-04-11',
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			'description' => 'The departure of long serving CEOs has raised concern in the Nepali banking sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence?',
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			'id' => '2494',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Alternative Energy Replacing Traditional Ones',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal&rsquo;s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	More than half of the country&rsquo;s households - almost all in urban and semi-urban areas - are connected to the national electricity grid. But 80 percent of the population is rural, and in these areas, less than one-third has electricity. With grid extension to the country&rsquo;s hilly and mountainous areas prohibitively expensive, officials are looking to off-grid renewable energy alternatives.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Govinda Raj Pokharel, Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) said, &ldquo;We are using alternative energy mainly for rural electrification that provides an easy access of clean energy to rural area. But now we are moving to urban areas with the use of solar and utilization of bio degradable waste.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Talking about the consumption of renewable energy in Nepal he said, &ldquo;Quantity-wise, renewable energy is covering 1 per cent of total population of the country. Our energy comes from bio-mass which is consumed by around 87 per cent of the total household.&rdquo; But in terms of number of population around 14 percent of total population is using renewable energy to get light, Pokharel added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative Energy Promotion Center is a national focal government organization for promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nepal. AEPC is acting as an intermediary institution between the operational level i.e. NGOs/private promoters of renewable energy and the policy decision levels in relevant ministries. &nbsp;AEPC&#39;s activities include renewable energy policy formulation, planning and facilitating the implementation of the policies/plans, standardization, quality control and monitoring.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pokharel further added the role of alternative energy promotion sector is mainly to promote the use of renewable energy and our approach is public private partnership. &ldquo;We work jointly with private organizations that are responsible to deliver and supply energy to the people and we work to fulfill demands by creating awareness and other activities, &rdquo;he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Resource Potential</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There are abundantly available sources for mini and micro hydro power, enough solar radiation, good potential of wind in selected areas and other biomass based resources to meet the energy need of our country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mini-Micro and Pico-hydro up to 100kW can be developed in a short period of time to electrify the villages. &nbsp;The existing total installed capacity of micro hydro projects is about 20 MW. However, altogether mini micro-hydro can generate about 10,000 MW of power in Nepal. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal receives ample solar radiation as it is located in favorable latitude. With National average sunshine hours of 6.8/day and solar insolation intensity of about 4.7 kWh/m2/day, there is a huge potential for large-scale development of solar energy technologies in the country. Presently solar water heater systems have been fully commercialized and have been widely installed in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	About 1.5 million households can install domestic biogas plants based on animal dung. &nbsp;Another potential application of biogas technology in Nepal is to manage household solid waste in urban and peri-urban areas. There is also a significant potential of medium sized biogas plants suitable for SMEs, mainly in the dairy farms, poultry farms where biogas can be used directly for heat or for electricity generation that can replace diesel or other forms of fossil fuels. &nbsp;The other biomass waste having energy potential includes municipal solid waste. Over 1,350 tons of solid waste is generated across the 58 municipalities in Nepal. About 70% of municipal (solid) waste is biodegradable, and this waste can be used to generate energy. It is estimated that 50 million kWh can be generated per year from the total waste generated in these municipalities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Why Alternative Energy in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Focusing on the importance of alternative energy Pokharel said that alternative energy is important in Nepal mainly to address and reduce development disparity considering the people in rural areas also should have clean light as the people enjoy in urban areas.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly Nepal has diversified land structure from plain to high Himalayas and also settlement pattern is scattered and sparse. National grid extension in some places is not economically feasible. Big hydro projects need a huge investment and all the petroleum products consumed in Nepal are imported from India or overseas in the refined form for direct consumption, which is causing the economic burden for the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The high potentiality of the renewable energy resources available in the country is the most appropriate option for Nepal. It also helps to reduce the dependency on the traditional biomass energy resources and fossil fuels and to manage the energy crisis of the nation. This ultimately helps to minimize the degradation of the environment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative energy helps in enhancing energy security and promoting energy mix in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cost Effective</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The experts of alternative energy claim that the alternative energy use costs cheaperthan traditional sources. Though initial investment cost of alternative energy technologies are expensive compared to the other traditional sources of energy. In the long-run alternative energy is mostly cheaper than the traditional sources because alternative source is almost free but you have to pay always for traditional source. Hence, if the financial mechanism can be developed in such a way that users can pay in installment basis by mortgaging house, vehicle, etc., than users will not feel initial financial burden.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Popularity of Alternative Energy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	In Nepal, depending upon the geographical and type of energy required, solar is popular for &nbsp;lighting purpose, mini micro hydro is popular in hilly areas, biogas for cooking purpose. Around 700,000 households use biogas, 500,000 use solar and various other forms of alternative energy.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is no doubt regarding the fact that solar energy based technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic or Solar Thermal systems are the best substitutes. Right now, in the urban sector, individual households are opting for small-scale Solar PV solutions for domestic use. Even institutions like banks, corporate offices, and hospitals have adopted larger size system to meet their immediate energy needs. Besides Solar PV, which generates direct electricity; Solar Thermal systems also play a crucial role in minimizing use of electricity from national grid as well as reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Solar can now compete with hydropower,&rdquo; Pokharel added. We are targeting to provide cooking stoves to 2 million and lighting to one million, he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Issues in this sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though alternative energy sources are focused on electrifying rural areas, Pokhrel says that the efforts made are not sufficient. There is still lack of alternative energy usage in the rural areas, which needs to be fulfilled.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not able to provide full financing for the installation of the alternative energy systems and this affects poor and rural people,&rdquo; he added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the effort of AEPC in producing energy from sugarcane extracts, Pokharel said, &ldquo;We are also trying to produce energy blending ethanol in petrol but lack of mandatory policy from government has restrained this effort. &nbsp;At least 5 per cent of Nepal petrol consumption can be replaced with this.&rdquo;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-01-24',
			'modified' => '2014-01-26',
			'keywords' => 'new business age sectoral news & articles, sectoral news & articles from new business age nepal, sectoral headlines from nepal,  current and latest sectoral news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali sectoral economic news and events,  ongoing  sectoral news of nepal',
			'description' => 'A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal’s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
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			'id' => '1964',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Health Is Wealth:  The Rise Of Private Hospitals In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is a strong presence of private sector in the domestic healthcare service industry with medical institutions like Om Hospital, B&amp;B Hospital, Medicare Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College and Manipal Medical College. However, the latest wave of investments from the private sector shows that healthcare is now turning into an attractive area of investment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Chaudhary Group was perhaps the first old business house in Nepal to foray into the healthcare sector in an institutional way. The group established Norvic International Hospital (then known as Norvic Health Care and Research Centre) in 1994. Two leading private hospitals, Om Hospital and Medicare Hospital, were upgraded from nursing homes. &nbsp;Adding to the list, Vayodha hospital, Grande hospital, Neuro hospital, Welcare hospital and others have been established with commitment to provide high standard healthcare service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The expansion and success of private hospitals in Nepal, the ever growing need of quality healthcare service and the poor performance of public health outlets have provided immense opportunities for the private sector. As there is a huge gap between the demand and supply in domestic healthcare services, the domestic market is large enough for private players to survive and make profits.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Private Sector in Hospital Business</div>
<div>
	Private investment in hospitals has seen a significant increase in recent years. Even big corporate houses are keen to invest in these sectors. Norvic, Vayodha and Grande International are some visible examples to show that the private sector has seen potential in healthcare business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Of late, foreign joint ventures are slowly making inroads into the Nepali healthcare sector. Norvic Hospital has recently entered into an agreement with India&rsquo;s Medanta Medicity, one of the leading hospitals in India, for technology transfer and expertise in the medical field.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Very soon, Norvic Hospital will be importing machines worth approximately Rs one billion. The machines include CT scan, MRI, and Mamogram machines, world&rsquo;s latest endoscopy machines and other latest imaging equipments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Grande International Hospital has entered Nepal with an investment of Rs 3.5 billion. The project has been promoted and managed by the CE Group in Nepal and will be under the professional supervision of an expert team from Samitivej Hospital, Thailand. The 15-storey hospital has 10 operation theatres and many added features including a wellness center, internet lounge, coffee shop, restaurants and so on. There are 18 ICUs, 12 CCUs and 4 NICs with separate medical gas supply for isolation rooms. The infrastructure in the hospitals include helipad services, wheelchair accessibility, fire fighting systems, earthquake resistance systems, complete waste management and disposal systems among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vayodha Hospitals Pvt Ltd has also poured a sizable amount of money in the Nepal&rsquo;s health care sector to serve the community. One of the unique features of this hospital includes the TURP Rooftop helipad for patients to be airlifted from any corner of the country within 30 minutes after getting reliable information. It also has a Physiotherapy Department with complete physiotherapy services, ICU with 11 beds, post-operative wards, an endoscopy centre, and a Eurology department including Mini PCNL, Pathology Department, in-house pharmacy and ambulance that is available 24 hours for normal and critical patients. Vayodha has signed an exclusive agreement with Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi for an Excellent Cardiac Care in the hospital. Fortis Escorts will appoint a full time Invasive Cardiologist at Vayodha along with a trained medical team.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, many other private hospitals are being established in Nepalgunj, Dang, Biratnagar and other parts of Nepal. Gopi Neupane, General Secretary of the Association of Private Health Institution of Nepal (APHIN) said that there are 366 private hospitals in the country with an investment of approximately Rs 30 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hospitals in Nepal: Private hospitals and Government hospitals</div>
<div>
	According to data from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), there are 366 private hospitals in Nepal among which 99 hospitals are located in the Kathmandu Valley. In comparison, 123 government hospitals are under the MoHP which proves the vast gap between private and government hospitals in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Challenges in the business</div>
<div>
	With public health service still not being effective despite the government pumping in billions of rupees, the private sector&rsquo;s entry is believed to make healthcare services better, professional and more reliable. However, there is also the question of affordability. Will the common people have access to these high-end medical facilities? Will they be able to access services? These are some pertinent questions. Private hospitals are also facing various hurdles in government regulation. &nbsp;The government has been imposing heavy taxes upon these hospitals. &ldquo;Being service-providing institutions, private hospitals should not be imposed various taxes but the government neither removes tax from us nor facilitates us as an industry sector,&rdquo; says an official at Norvic Hospital. The government also does not help these hospitals in importing equipments and technologies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Besides this, private hospitals established some years ago are also facing problems with the parameters that the government has set up recently. Parameters such as environment assessment tests, earthquake resistant building, etc are some which hospitals cannot comply with. As the buildings have been constructed a long time ago, it would be next to impossible to impose these parameters on them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With these complications, private hospitals are still making their way towards a progressive future with their promptness, efficiency and quality services in the healthcare sector which is the ultimate desire of all citizens. Following the slogan &ldquo;Health is Wealth&rdquo;, they have been able to attract a large size of the population with their reliable services.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
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			'description' => 'Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1682',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Hotel: Rediscovery Of A Lucrative Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Multinational hotel brands Sheraton (the largest and second oldest brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) and Marriott International (a leading hotel chain based in Maryland, US) recently announced the decision to enter Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shesh Ghale, the Australia-based Nepali millionaire businessman, has entered into joint venture with Sheraton to operate a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. His MIT Group Holding Nepal recently signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide Inc and set the project rolling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Slated to open in February 2018, the 225-room Sheraton Kathmandu Hotel will be managed by Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts. This project will bring around Aus $ 75-80 million in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similalry, Maliram Shivakumar (MS) Group has signed an agreement with Marriot International, a globally renowned chain of hotels, to open a four-star hotel in Nepal. Named &ldquo;Fairfield Marriott Kathmandu&rdquo;, the hotel will be located in Thamel which will start its commercial service in the beginning of 2016 with around Rs 650 million investment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Various other 5- star hotels like Sambala Holdings at Maharajgunj, Chhaya Devi Complex at Thamel and Shree G Hotel are also planning to start soon. Similarly, luxurious hotels have also been established outside Kathmandu valley mainly in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Lumbini and Nepalgunj.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With the tourism industry&rsquo;s growth in Nepal, it is certainly no surprise that the hotels have mushroomed in recent years. As the number of tourists and foreign business travelers in Nepal are growing, Nepal&rsquo;s rapidly maturing hotel industry is one of the key beneficiaries. The country is booming the world of five-star hotels offering best services.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from 5 stars hotels, the hotels labeled as 4- star, 3- star, 2- star, other informal hotels and even home stay system have been witnessing rise in the investment with the increasing number of tourists in Nepal. Though selected number of tourists emphasize on their living standards also during their visit, most of the tourists entertain themselves on spending money on recreational activities rather than their lodging which is the main cause of flourishing the business of non star hotels and home stays.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Number of Hotels in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/no%20of%20hotels(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 159px;" />Rising Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the statistics provided by Nepal Rastra Bank, the total investment in hotel sector in Nepal till the date is Rs 16.91 billion. About 75 per cent of the entire investment in tourism sector is being done in hotel sector. The data shows that yearly investment in hotel sector only in 18 per cent while only 18 per cent of investment can be seen in other sectors of tourism.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a positive impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the investment in hotel industry have started to boom. Stars hotels in Kathmandu are investing over Rs1 billion to build up their capacity and upgrade the facilities. Most of four stars hotels in the country are working hard upgrading themselves by adding new rooms and uplifting their amenities. It was crucial for such investments in hotel industry to cope up with the increasing numbers of tourist entering into Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the information from Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the hotels in Nepal have the capacity to accommodate around one million tourists at present. Similarly hotels are boosting up their occupancy level to accommodate the expected number of tourist.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The existing five star property Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza has renovated 130 rooms. It is replacing the TVs in all its rooms with 42 inch-LCD TVs. Similarly Radisson has already added 100 rooms. According to the hotel, the new rooms will be spacious and have contemporary looks, lighting and furniture. Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti is giving a new look to 150 rooms in the Durbar Wing while the Everest has renovated 40 of its 160 rooms. Hotel Annapurna is now working to refurbish its 150 rooms. The record number of tourist in year 2010 has made hoteliers optimistic to pick up the pace.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Home Stay in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/hotel1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 319px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Home Stay System&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The concept of home stay program is considered to be the best alternative to hotel accommodation in the hospitality industry. Basically home stay systems are planned to increase the flow of tourists in the villages or the remote areas where the hotels are not established. But these days the home stay systems are also being urban centered. Around 60 per cent of investments of home stay system are being done around the city in the areas like Kavre, Sitapaila, Dhulikhel etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Tourist Inflow in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/tourist%20inflow(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 209px;" />Tourists&rsquo; inflow&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the data provided by economic survey FY 2012, Ministry of Finance, the rate of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 9.08 per cent by 2011 to 2012. A total of 7,36,215 tourist entered to Nepal in the year 2011 which increased to 8,03,092 in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the number of tourist visiting to Nepal has been increasing, their average stay in Nepal has been decreased by 0.25 percent this year.</div>
<div>
	With the increment of tourist in the country, the hotel industry doesn&rsquo;t have to see backward. Experts in the hospitality industry opine that the establishment of hotel in the area becomes the major root for the urbanization. Prasidha Bahadur Panday, former president of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) said that the hotel business will flourish more in upcoming days as the tourist offer first priority to lodging. The government of Nepal has prioritized tourism sector and started implementation its announcement to provide the same facilities to this sector as provided to any industry</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '888',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Banks In CAMELS And EAGLES',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>By Rashesh Vaidya</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Standard Charted Bank Nepal Limited is seen at number one position under the CAMELS Rating. The bank stood at the number one position as per the evaluation done on its second quarter financial report of the fiscal year 2012-13. The bank has been capable to maintain good total expenses to total assets ratio during the period among the 32 commercial banks. Similarly, the bank has also maintained good return on assets as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The newly established commercial banks stood at the top rank under the EAGLES Rating. The low level of non-performing loan to total loan and advance ratio was the main reason behind these banks to stand at the top rank. Similarly, the high growth ratio of the loan and advances also boosted them to get top rank.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As per the EAGLES rating, Commerze and Trust Bank Limited stood at the first position. Similarly, Sanima Bank Limited which was upgraded from the development bank to commercial bank came at second. &nbsp;The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio of the newly opened bank has helped them to gain the top position.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The CAMELS system evaluates banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Capital Adequacy: </strong>Capital adequacy has been the main pillar of existence of any bank. Banks have to maintain a proper mix of different types of capitals to avoid pressure on their dividend policies and inadequacy of total capital funds against the risk exposure. Capital adequacy is measured by the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). A sound capital base strengthens the confidence of depositors.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> One of the indicators for asset quality is the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (Gross Non-Performing Assets - GNPA). The gross non-performing loans to gross advances ratio is more indicative of the quality of credit decisions made by bankers. A higher GNPA is indicative of poor credit decision-making.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Management: </strong>The ratio of non-interest expenditures to total assets can be one of the measures to assess the working of the management. This variable, which includes a variety of expenses, such as payroll, workers’ compensation and training investment, reflects the management policy stance.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earnings:</strong> It can be measured as the return on asset, ratio.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> The ratio of cash maintained by a bank and balances with the central bank to the total asset, is an indicator of the bank’s liquidity.&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Sensitivity to Market Risks/Systems and Control:</strong> Risks associated with adverse movements in the exchange rates (including gold positions), interest rates, liquidity and investment in equity are covered under market risk management. A bank faces market risks either from its investments in government securities and bonds or from the exchange rate risk that persist in matching position. The market risk is managed by the banks’ Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) which assesses policies and levels of risk appetite. &nbsp;Similarly, the central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank has made a provision of additional 2 percent of the total Risk Weighted Exposures by Supervisory Review.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Top Ten Banks as per CAMELS and EAGLES" height="292" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_per_camels_and_eagles.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the CAMELS rating system, each bank is assigned two sets of ratings:</p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		Performance Ratings, which comprise six individual ratings that address each of the CAMELS components; and</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		An overall Composite Rating, which is a single rating based on a comprehensive assessment of the bank’s overall condition.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Both the ratings are scored on a numerical scale of 1 to 5 in the ascending order of supervisory concern where “1” represents the best rating and “5” the worst.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Here is a description of the rating scores for each of the five components:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 1 (A) indicates very strong performance</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 2 (B) indicates above-average performance that adequately provides for a safe and sound operation of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 3 (C) indicates performance that is flawed to some degree.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 4 (D) indicates unsatisfactory performance which, if left unchecked, could threaten the solvency of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 5 (E) indicates very unsatisfactory performance and calls for immediate remedial attention for the survival of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The rating of banks can be further developed by giving a score to each component of the CAMELS, known as the Composite CAMELS Rating Score. The Composite CAMELS Rating can be calculated as:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Composite CAMELS Rating= C (0.25) + A (0.25) + M (0.25) + E (0.10) + L (0.10) + S (0.05)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Each of the above six parameters can be weighted on a scale of 1 to 100 and contains a number of sub-parameters with individual weightage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The EAGLES system is able to measure and compare banks’ performance in a more determinate, objective and consistent manner. The name is derived from the key success factors confronting banks today, i.e. Earning Ability, Asset quality, Growth, Liquidity, Equity and Strategy. This approach has gained credibility among the banking community and fund management industry in Asia, for competition analysis and investment planning, respectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sectoral, march 2013" height="514" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_ratios.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>EAGLES evaluate banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earning Ability:</strong> Earning ability is shown by three noteworthy indicators – Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Shareholders’ Fund (ROSF) and Income/Overheads Ratio (IOR). The importance of IOR is usually not well understood. The main point lies in that income depends on external market forces, while overheads are highly influenced by internal staffing. So, the banks must know how to adjust the staffing according to the market demand for its products and services. This is shown by three indicators - ROA, Return on Net worth (RONW) and IOR.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> Asset quality is best assessed by on-site inspection of the bank’s loan portfolio. If this is not possible, asset quality can be measured by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts (BDD) as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision to err on the high side is rather low. This is best judged by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision is on the high side is rather low.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Growth: </strong>Growth rates of loans and core deposits are the most important indicators of how a bank wants to position itself in the market.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> Liquidity can be described as the ability of a bank to have sufficient funds to meet cash demands for loans, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. For this reason, a balance should be made between the amount of deposits garnered and the quantum of loans extended. The indicator is the deposit-to-loan ratio or credit-deposit ratio (CD Ratio).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Equity:</strong> Equity level and capital adequacy have a profound impact on the bank. International guideline (Basel II) stipulates that a bank must have a minimum capital equivalent to 8 per cent of the risk adjusted assets. Even the central bank of Nepal, the NRB, has mentioned a comfort zone of 6 and 10 per cent of core capital and total capital funds, respectively, based on the risk-weight assets (percent).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Strategy:</strong> The effective management of a bank’s strategy is indicated by the strategic response quotient (SRQ). It assesses the management’s ability to lend, garner deposits, generate fee-based income and manage the operating cost. An appropriate balance of the three core banking activities depends on the bank’s strategy. The SRQ is obtained by dividing the interest margin by net operating cost (that is, total operating cost minus fee income).</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Seventeen banks could not feature on the top-ten list under both ratings. The banks with negative capital adequacy ratio and very low return on assets were seen behind in ranking under CAMELS rating. &nbsp;Similarly, the banks with huge amount of non-performing loan and negative return on assets were seen at the lowest rank under EAGLES rating.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio 
of the newly opened bank has helped them to put at top position.',
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			'id' => '878',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Days Of Pure Portland Cement Gone Forever Time For PPC/PSP (Blended Cement)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Rajendra Prakash Manandhar</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1984, I had just returned to Kathmandu after studying Cement Technology (1st batch) at CRI/NCB India. One of my friends asked me about the best type of cement which would last long and resist the polluted environment. We have seen in many toilets, drainpipes, roofs of buildings and other different places the cement plaster being deteriorated by urine, domestic waste, heat, polluted environment etc. I was once in a paper factory in Nepal. The factory had two concrete tanks, plastered with OPC cement. One tank was used for cold water and the other for warm water. The plaster in the warm water tank was cracked &amp; falling, but nothing had happened to the cold tank. At our homes, we notice water leaking and its spot spreading on the concrete ceiling. At many other places, we see hair cracks on the plastered wall. These are some of the common problems with OPC. The best way to minimize such problems is to use PPC/PSC instead of OPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	During the 9th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, New Delhi, India in 1992, one of the delegates had presented some video clips showing the difference between OPC &amp; PPC. The clips showed that two cement bars - one made of OPC and the other with PPC were kept immersed in water for 15 years. Both the bars had a steel rod inside. After 15 yrs, when the bars were opened, it was found that the steel rod in the PPC bar was fresh and Shinning like &nbsp;before, but the steel rod inside the OPC bar was found corroded and damaged. Thus the clips demonstrated the quality of PPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	AM Neville, an expert from world authority on cement &amp; concrete puts his view on PPC use: “The various cementitious materials- fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, are here to stay. In their various ways and under various circumstances, they all have an important role to play in concrete, the days of Pure Portland Cement, once upon a time lauded by cement manufacturers have gone forever. Portland is vital ingredient, but the other cementitious materials are highly valuable”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	A Pozzolanic cement consisting of ground clay and portland cement was described in 1909 by Potter, who stated that over 5000 tons of it were used in fresh water and seawater construction about that time. Later, this cement was known as Potter Cement. For many years up to about 1915, the Lafarge Company in France used burnt clay in to manufacture ‘undecomposable’ cement. A cement composed of 70 per cent Portland cement &amp; 30 percent burnt clay was used to build the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile from 1919 to 1925. The same material (Oil-well Cements manufactured in Great Britain) was used in construction of the Bonneville Dam in the USA. Burnt clay, an excellent artificial Pozzolana, is produced by burning suitable clay or shale at a temperature of 600° to 900° and above. Artifical pozzolanas &nbsp;are burnt clays and shales, spent oil shales, burnt maize/ rice husks, burnt moler and pulverized fuel ‘fly ash’ whereas volcanic deposits are natural Pozzolana.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Effect of pozzolana addition on hydration and performance of PSC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Pozzolana was added (5-25% by weight) to the binary blends (OPC + Slag) and the resulting ternary blends were subjected to hydration and the performance was studied. The results indicated that addition of Pozzolana up to 10 per cent does not affect the properties of the binary system significations. It has also been observed that the ternary blends show better sulphate resistance compared to the binary blends.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The production and use of blended cement, especially PPC, has gradually increased worldwide in recent years. Its larger use in different countries is an indicator of its acceptability as well as suitability for various types of construction. Industrial wastes or the by–product ‘fly ash’ from thermal power stations and slag from steel plants are used for making blended cements such as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portlant Slag Cement (PSC). More than 50 per cent of the blended cements produced is PPC today. Blended cements such as PPC and PSC offer unique advantages to the concrete. In other words, PPC is better than OPC in terms of quality, and strength, and has &nbsp;a longer life than OPC. We could compare these unique characters of PPC with the antibodies in the human body that protect from different diseases.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>OPC is made by grinding Clinker and Gypsum&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	One ton of clinker requires approx 1.5 tons of limestone whose reserves are limited. PPC/PSC is manufactured by grinding clinker with fly ash/slag and gypsum or blending OPC with fly ash and slag. Thus, limestone consumption can be reduced by producing PPC/PSC.</p>
<p>
	OPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clinker 95%+ Gypsum 5%</p>
<p>
	PPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 70% + Gypsum 5% + Fly ash 25%</p>
<p>
	PSC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 45% + Gypsum 5% + Slag 50%, (depending upon quality of Slag)&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal Bureau of Standard has formulated the standard for PPC and PSC. PPC/PSC produced has to meet the quality parameters laid down for specific cement type. Generally engineers/ consultant/ and builders contractors decide on the type of cement to be used in the construction of houses, building roads, water tanks etc. Design parameter, types of construction, ground condition, durability requirement and environmental conditions are important factors while selecting the appropriate type of cement for any application.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Extra Qualities Benefit of PPC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC provides numerous environmental benefits such as conservation of limestone, reduction in green house gases in cement manufacturing and utilization of industrial wastes/ by-products &nbsp;- fly ash. It thus increases production of cement in the country. The government can take more benefit by collecting more tax on technical grounds and economics. There is a sound case for use of PPC in concrete due to:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Water resistance due to high density concrete</li>
	<li>
		Improves workability of concrete&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces bleeding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces heat of hydration preventing cracks</li>
	<li>
		No need to add any plasticizer like cement silica.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Higher bang ultimate strength</li>
	<li>
		Reduces permeability of concrete enhanced&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Gives strength, has higher durability than OPC</li>
	<li>
		Higher resistance to sulphate and chloride&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Better resistance to alkali – aggregate reaction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces leaching calcium hydroxide&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Low volume (shrinkage) change preventing cracks.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Hydration of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Hydration is the chemical process by which slilicates and aluminates of the cement clinker, when mixed with water, form hydrated compounds and during the course of reaction produce Calcium Hydroxide and Calcium Silicate Hydrate as shown in the following chemical equation:</p>
<p>
	<strong>Cement + Water→C-S-H + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The compound Ca (OH) 2 being easily soluble in water leaches out of the concrete surface. This leached Ca (OH)2 deposits on the surface as a coating layer cause deterioration of the concrete.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hydration of Portland Pozzolana Cement /Portland Slag Cement: &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When water is added to PPC/PSC, hydration of OPC constituents occurs first. This is known as primary hydration. During this process, the calcium silicates of OPC reacts with water to produce Calcium Silicate Hydrate gel and Calcium Hydroxide. Subsequently, fly-ash / slag present in cement hydrate in presence of Ca (OH) 2 produced during OPC hydration, produces further Calcium Silicate Hydrates. This process is known as secondary hydration. This makes the hydrated silicate gel structure of PPC/PSC more denser and contributes to higher durability of the concrete. But in OPC hydration, the liberated Ca(OH)2 forms a coating layer on the concrete, which is weak and is therefore removed by external pollutants/environment causing deterioration of the concrete. But this Ca(OH)2 is utilized in PPC/PSC in formation of C-S-H (II) which is &nbsp;stronger than C-S-H(I) thus reinforcing the original silicate gel (I) to produce a much denser gel structure which contributes to a higher degree of strength and durability. More and more Ca (OH) 2 is &nbsp;absorbed preventing formation of coating as shown in the following chemical equations: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clinker + Water → C-S-H (I) + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Ca (OH)2 + Fly Ash/ Slag → C-S-H (II)</strong></p>
<p>
	Concrete is not a structural material by itself but it slowly evolves into a structural material in four &nbsp;stages which are: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>1-Plastic, 2- Stiffening (setting), 3- Hardening, 4- Enduring</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Cement, Sectoral February 2013" height="276" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the plastic stage of concrete, the fineness and initial setting time is important. In the stiffening stage, final setting time is important. Tri–Calcium aluminate (C3A) of cement helps in this. In the hardening stage, C3S, C2S, strength and fineness are of vital importance. But the most important stage for durability of the concrete structure is the enduring stage. In this stage, the high quality cement parameters balanced physical and chemical parameters, high strength, low impurities, high soundness, optimum fineness etc can only contribute to the durability and high performance of the concrete structure. Today’s needs are not only high 28-day strength of cement but also high quality cement with (TOTAL QUALITY ATTRIBUTS) EXTRA QUALITY BENEFITS other than strength. These benefits are the resultant products of best clinker &amp; fly ash/ slag of high quality and gypsum in desired proportion to achieve high ultimate physical/ chemical properties. There are a number of parameters to be controlled as inputs during clinker production. Among them, correct proportioning of oxides CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 which is termed as raw mix design and proportioning raw materials is most important. The proportioning C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF are fixed after raw mix design. The preferable ranges of these compounds are 45-55, 20-30, 5-8, 8-12 etc. Strict quality control of raw materials, cement, process control are to be carried out. In the same way, the blending material fly ash should be according to the parameter given by Nepal Standard NS285.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Application of PPC&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC can be used in almost all kinds of construction where OPC is used. For example, general building construction (residential, commercial, and industrial), bridges, flyovers, culverts, dams, irrigation projects, water retaining structures, ports &amp; harbours’ etc - except where high early strength is critical. Taking into account the special properties of concrete made from PPC, there are specific types of job where the use of PPC would be particularly advantageous. These are:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Mass concrete used for dams, bridges, piers etc where low heat of hydration is desirable</li>
	<li>
		In hydraulic structures where water tightness is desired</li>
	<li>
		Concrete in saline environment such as pole foundation works etc</li>
	<li>
		In marine structure where impermeability and resistance to attack by sea water are important</li>
	<li>
		In sewers and other structure subject to acidic or sulphate attack</li>
	<li>
		In construction of swimming pools</li>
	<li>
		In construction of stadia where durability and ultimate &nbsp;high strength is &nbsp;required</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Some construction engineers believe that the concrete made with PPC needs longer curing than OPC concrete. Actually, however, curing is required for all types of cement as long as possible. Some paints the concrete with oil, others cover it. Anyway the water mixed during casting the concrete is to preserve/save from evaporation due to atmospheric temperature.</p>
<div>
	<img alt="Sectoral February 2013" height="189" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013(2).jpg" width="580" /></div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In major constructions, consumers/users hesitate to use Nepali cement except for a few brands. In order to substitute the import of cement, cement manufacturers have to be honest in qualities, attributes or extra quality benefits. Also, the Cement Association of Nepal has to commit fully to manufacture high quality and healthy cement which may have a long life and may also compete with the imported cement. Hence, the Association has to play a significant role in promoting PPC and highlight its usefulness. It can create awareness in the government, builders, users, contractors, construction engineers etc. That will also help to dispel the apprehension with regards to using PPC for construction works.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages. The concerned government authorities, designers etc are required to make a conscious choice between OPC and PPC according to the application and requirement and recommend using PPC in all construction works. Construction needs are durability against increased pollution level and environment effects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In some plants in Nepal, the clinker produced from a vertical shaft kiln (VSK) is mixed with rotary kiln clinker to produce cement. In one clinker plant in Nepal, imported cement is mixed during cement production. Also we have seen/heard that imported or other cements are mixed with Nepali (local) cement in construction. A cement plant owner in western Nepal has used imported cement to build his own building. A proper raw mix design and proportioning raw materials produces the best cement clinker, and there is no need to mix other clinker/cement to increase the so-called “SHAKTI” (strength) of cement.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		Finally, for manufacturing PPC, clinker quality is of primary importance. To avoid illusion over VSK clinker Quality and to boost the morale of VSK owner and interested potential parties, here are some compressive strength data which are being received from the trial production of a modern VSK 500 ton per day plant of Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd. It is indeed a surprising data, not easily believable. A right “Raw Mix Design” (For VSK/ rotary kiln) is a manufacturing prescription to produce the best clinker which contributes in durability of PPC concrete after mixing with Pozzolana (fly ash). It is also a fact that 60 per cent of cement in China is produced from VSK. Productivity is a state of mind whereas making a Megh Quality Clinker is an art.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size:11px;">The author has worked at Himal Cement, Jagadamba Cement, Siddhartha Cement, Cosmos Cement. At present, he is associated with Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd as Senior QC/Production Manager and can be contacted at rajendramdr@yahoo.com.&nbsp;</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages.',
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			'id' => '877',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Responsible Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="text-align: justify;">By Rajendra Desai</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal is bestowed with diversity in nature, religion, culture and people. This beautiful Himalayan country has witnessed a constantly changing social and economic dynamics over the years. In the last two decades, Nepal has made significant achievements in the national economy and the people’s standard of living.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Statistics show that the poverty in Nepal has decreased from 42 per cent in 1995 to 26 per cent in 2011. Similarly, 12 per cent of the GDP is contributed by remittance. The country’s half population comprises of youth, that is energetic and young. Youth is the group which is considered the most productive among all age groups. These youths not only contribute to the society and the economy but also act as the decider of consuming new and trendy products and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It’s a pleasure for a company, to be a partner in a country like Nepal and work with the people here. So, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL), a subsidiary of Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, commenced its operations in Nepal under the brand name Kansai Paints Nepal Pvt Ltd. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) acquired 68 per cent stake in Nepal Shalimar last year. KNPL has decided to utilise the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar to manufacture Nerolac range of products which are imported currently in Nepal itself.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The enhanced economic capabilities of the Nepali people have opened up tremendous market opportunities not only for paints but also for any other FMCG. Similarly, the young population makes a market with prospects for deeper penetration, and demand for new age products and services. The Nepali market has come up with scope for higher consumption along with increased attraction towards health-friendly products such as low or zero VOC paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	KNPL feels proud to have a presence in Nepal. Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, having presence in about 17 countries, believes in transferring the expertise and superior range of products to the consumers in Nepal. This entry promises to provide products that are not only best in performance, but also safe and have minimum environmental impacts. Kansai Paints is the market leader in Japan and the eighth largest paint company of the world. Similarly, Kansai Nerolac in India is the second largest paint company of India.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As of now, Nerolac in India has achieved a noteworthy success in the market. Statistics show that out of every 10 passenger cars, six are painted with products from Nerolac. Similarly, seven out of 10 premium cars, seven out of 10 utility vehicles, eight out of 10 auto rickshaws, eight out of 10 tractors, seven out of 10 scooters and seven out of 10 motorcycles in India are made beautiful with Kansai Nerolac paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The company manufactures a diverse range of products &nbsp;- from decorative coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings. The company believes in the concept of healthy homes. Kansai Nerolac paints are top notch products that do not have adverse impacts on health. They have antifungal traits, contain zero VOC, and are lead free and odourless. The company’s low VOC range of paints conforms to the strictest of International standards and has the NTH certification which compiles to a Green Seal -11 approval. Green Seal is an independent international agency which certifies green and environment-friendly products.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nerolac Impressions 24 Carat is one such Premium Luxury Emulsion that ensures a smooth velvety finish with sheen, excellent flow and brushability, washability and is stain-resistant. Along with it, the company produces award winning products to cater to every segment in the market.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In today’s’ challenging marketing space, it is beyond imagination to succeed in the market without using the new media and the latest technologies to reach out to the targeted consumers. Our exclusive outlets and showrooms offer the customers an easy opportunity to choose and select the paints and colours of their choice. Likewise, the company has focused on 360 degree marketing by using various media such as hoardings, TV, Radio, Vehicles, Movie Theatres and Print Media.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a belief in inclusive growth, the company has always kept the contributions that can be made to the society at the centre while working anywhere in the world. Any business or economic growth should fuel the betterment of the society and people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:11px;">The writer is the Country Head of Kansai Paints Nepal Limited.</span></p>',
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			'id' => '876',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Oil And Gas In Nepal: Foreign Investors’ Dilemma',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Abhimanyu Chhetri</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Oil and Gas, Sectoral February 2013" height="386" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013.jpg" width="570" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">In the time it takes most people to read this sentence, the world will have used up about 8,000 barrels of oil (1 million liters); at 1000 barrels per second. The price of oil and gas is ever rising. International Oil companies are making huge investments around the world in search of new reservoirs. It might be surprising for some to know that Nepal has reserves of both oil and gas and foreign companies are eyeing those reserves. As of July 2012, the 10 blocks designated by the Department of Mines and Geology(DMG) for oil and gas exploration have been leased out to 4 different Oil giants. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the summer of 2012, there was a huge outcry about two international oil giants – Texana Resources Company of Houston, USA and Cairn Energy of UK leaving Nepal citing a “force majeure”. Force Majeure can free both parties from liability or obligation in case of an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.). However, this allows the parties to only suspend their work but not cancel the contract.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In most countries oil companies are being forced out. However, in Nepal the two companies packed up and left. The two companies said they were abandoning exploration work in Nepal due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of cooperation from the government. Both have already spent millions of dollars in Nepal on preliminary surveys and were all set for a ‘seismic operation,’ which determines whether the surveyed areas contain commercially viable quantities of oil. To date, Texana has spent US$3 million and Cairn US$2 - 10 million in the country. &nbsp;The two companies were required to pay an annual fee of US$ 50,000 per ‘block’ to the Nepal government. They also have to provide bank guarantees before starting the geological survey works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rajendra Prasad Khanal, Head of the Petroleum Exploration Promotion Project (PEPP) under DMG, says that these companies entered Nepal during Maoist Insurgency. Texana won the bid in 1998 for 2 blocks and Cairn Energy got the license for 5 out of remaining 8 blocks in 2004. He says, “It is understandable that the companies could not work before due to the insurgency going on during those years, but now the situation has changed. Nepal is a peaceful developing country and there is no obstacle for them to carry out their investigations.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In fact, the team at PEPP is repeatedly requesting them to complete their work in time as per the agreement. Texana has 13 months left and Cairn energy has 7 months left of their contract period. Mr. Khanal and his team are creating a momentum to complete the necessary pre investigations and hopefully extract the crude oil in near future. &nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;margin-bottom:10px;">
	<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
		<strong>Sharing the country’s prospective product with the foreign companies&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		The Petroleum Regulation 2041 (1985) has made a provision of “Model Petroleum Agreement” which includes all the items to be covered in the petroleum operations. This model agreement is in the form of Production Sharing Contract with provision of Royalty and Income Tax. This is also influenced by the amount of crude reserves that can be extracted. The companies will have to pay a royalty of 12.5% to the Government of Nepal and a 30% income tax after sales of the optimal amount of extraction. An obligation to drill a well is not mandatory in the initial exploration period of 4 years.</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Recently, Nepal has accorded high priority to encourage foreign investment in the country. With economic liberalization policy of the government and attractive fiscal terms available, Nepal is committed for full cooperation to international companies in facilitating petroleum exploration in Nepal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The DOMG and PEPP have divided the Tarai and the Siwalik hills into 10 ‘exploration blocks’ of 5,000 sq km each and is trying to sell the exploration license to the International oil exploration companies . Texana won the bid for Blocks 3 (Banke) and 5 (Chitwan) and entered into an agreement with the government in December 1998. In 2004, the British company Cairn Energy received a license to explore five other blocks—Block 1 (Dhangadhi), Block 2 (Karnali), Block 4 (Lumbini), Block 6 (Birgunj) and Block 7 (Malangawa).&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	&nbsp;As of July 2012, when the two companies left the country citing “Force Majeure”, the DMG put the remaining blocks up for bid. Currently, the Block 8(Janakpur), Block 9(Rajbiraj) is owned by Emirates Associated Business Group (EABG) of UAE and the Block 10(Biratnagar) is owned by BBB Champions, which is another Houston based Oil Company. Both have bought a 4 year license to carry out exploration activities in these areas.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Mr. Khanal thinks that this is only the first step and a considerable amount of work is still to be done. The team of geologists at the DMG and PEPP are constantly providing the geological data to the foreign companies that can be indicators to the presence of oil in the region. Along with this, oil and gas have been found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in similar geological setting as that of the exploration blocks in Nepal. This has also further encouraged Mr. Khanal’s team to find the hidden reserves. According to Khanal, more companies are showing interest to bid for the license. The PEPP and DMG are involved in collecting more geological data as to attract more companies and facilitate the process of oil extraction for commercial use.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Oil and Gas in Nepal, Sectoral February 2013" height="402" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />
	<div style="">
		There is an urgency to extract these non renewable resources. Geologically, oil is formed when the dead burials mature under high temperature and pressure. After a certain period, the oil moves from the oil window to the gas window. This indicates that the reserves underground have matured for extraction a long time ago and the reserves might be lost if not extracted in time. A number of oil and natural gas seeps have been recoded in a stretch of 14km in Padukasthan, Sirsethan and Navisthan area in Dailekh and only gas seeps in Muktinath in Mustang. Methane gas deposit in Kathmandu Valley is known since long time. Feasibility study has confirmed that this gas can be used for industrial and household purpose and the reserve is sufficient to supply gas to 21,000 families for about 30 years. During preliminary study, 23 geothermal hot springs have been identified nationwide. Most of them are found to be associated with Main Central Thrust (MCT) and confined to the river banks. The temperature of the hot spring water ranges from 40o to 115oC. It can be utilized for heating, drying fruits, hot water bath to heal skin disease. According to Krishna Prasad Kafle, a Geologist retired from DMG, considerable amount of investments should be made in exploring these resources.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		The only exploration of theses precious natural resources is done in Kathmandu Valley, where Peat and Lignite is mined and used mainly in firing brick kilns. Only one well, the Shell er al Biratnagar 1, with a total depth of 3,520 m has been drilled in Nepal. In 1986, Shell and Triton bought Block no. 10 in Eastern Nepal for exploration but abandoned its project soon when it didn’t strike any oil. People associated with the project argue that Shell just didn’t drill deep enough. The situation was such that the drilling machines had to be imported from India and, due to certain trade restrictions, daily operation charges went as high as Rs 35,000 per day in the then price situation. Today, the daily operation cost is in the range of thousands of dollars. But, if considerable amount of oil is found in Nepal, it will be a boon for the Nepalese economy.</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
</div>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<strong>A case of Norway&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div style="padding:0 10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Before 1960, though an independent country Norway was constantly exploited by the rich and powerful UK and Denmark. During World War I, Norway was a neutral country. In reality, however, Norway had been pressured by the United Kingdom to hand over increasingly large parts of its massive merchant fleet to the UK at low rates, as well as to join the trade blockade against Germany. At the end of the 1950s, very few people believed that the Norwegian continental shelf concealed a wealth of oil and gas. Then, Ekofisk was discovered in 1969 and the Norwegian oil adventure started in earnest. Production from the field started on 15 June 1971 and during the following years, several large discoveries were made. In the 1970s, the exploration activity was concentrated in the North Sea, but the shelf was also gradually opened northwards. This led to world-class discoveries and the production from the Norwegian continental shelf has been dominated by these large fields that were given names such as Ekofisk, Statfjord, Oseberg, Gullfaks and Troll. These fields have been and still are very important for the economic development of Norway. In the last 40 years, Norway has developed an oil and gas industry and this in-turn has resulted in unique national economic growth and welfare improvements. Today, Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world. It used up its oil and gas reserves to gain this status.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<img align="left" alt="" height="207" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_norway_feb2013(3)(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="300" /></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Petroleum exploration activities carried out on the continental shelves of Norway.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<span style="font-size:11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230);">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: upstreamonline.com</span></div>
</div>
<p>
	 </p>',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '811',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Warehousing Problems: Insufficient Pre-requisites',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	By Chittaranjan Pandey</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">Commodities exchanges in Nepal are handicapped by the lack of a warehouse receipt system to help the country’s agricultural development. The Nepali media recently launched a tirade of criticisms against the commodity exchanges in Nepal. One of the main points of that criticism was that the exchanges have not included the local agro-products, or any local product for that matter, in the list of commodities traded on their systems and that they are just making the investors trade in foreign commodities. The media also questioned the process of deriving the prices of the foreign commodities quoted in these exchanges. But unfortunately not even once did anybody try to know why the local products have not &nbsp;been introduced to the trading systems of these exchanges.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The answer is simple. These exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same. Yes, the Secured Transaction Act 2063 BS does list “Warehouse Receipts” as one of the tradable instruments. But just listing the name “Warehouse Receipt” in the law is not enough to hope that such receipts will be actually traded in the market.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The flowchart given here presents an ideal system required to make warehouse receipts tradable. There are many infrastructural shortcomings we face in this regard. A commodity exchange is essential for this system but not sufficient. &nbsp;Like in any other market, the primary requirements here are the buyers and sellers. Then we need financial institutions like commercial banks. And we need a policy from the central bank that allows the banks to treat warehouse receipts as tradable (negotiable) instruments.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The issue with the commercial banks now is that they want to know who will take the responsibility if the products in the warehouse are not sold. So, we need the Insurance Board to come up with a policy that makes the insurance companies insure the agro-products stored in the warehouse. But as the situation is today, the insurance companies do not want to insure agro-products stored in the warehouse because of the higher risks.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Next, we need a public authority assigned with the task of licensing and regulating the warehouses that store agro-products and issue the warehouse receipts. We also need a proper market channel; a proper Supply Chain Management System. This requires competent transport companies that can deliver the goods to the buyers. Also required is a strong rule of law so that the transport companies are not obstructed anywhere on the roads while they are carrying the goods to their destinations. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Thus, for the local agro-products to be traded on the systems of these commodities exchanges, the basic pre-requisites are: a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt issuance and a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt financing. Agriculture, a less valued occupation at present, will be valued higher only when these systems are in place. A culture of commercial farming has actually started in the country but we still need a proper supply chain for this trend of commercial farming to thrive. A commodity exchange can help in this and eliminate the current system in which the number of intermediaries in the supply chain is unnecessarily high. Reduction in the number of intermediaries will bring the prices of agro-commodities up for the farmers and &nbsp;down for the consumers to a reasonable level. And this is possible once the general public and the policy makers think about it seriously.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="458" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/regulated_warehouse_receipt_system.jpg" width="512" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Mr. Pandey is Asst. Manager, Research &amp; Development Department in Mercantile Exchange Nepal Limited. He can be contacted at r&amp;d@mexnepal.com.</strong></span></p>',
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			'description' => 'Commodity exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '812',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Secured Business Of Nepali Paper',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="left" alt="" height="391" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="200" />The Nepali paper industry is one such industry in the country that has withstood the ongoing political turbulence to run in profit. &nbsp;This is also reflected in the fact that handmade Nepali paper products produced by this industry contribute around 10 per cent to Nepal’s total export and this contribution is growing &nbsp;by 7 to 8 per cent annually. Bikash Ratna Dhakhwa, President of the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) is quite happy with the growth of the Nepali paper business even during such harsh times. He says, “Had there been a good environment for industries, politically as well as economically, this sector would have seen a massive growth.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The ever-growing market demand of the Nepali paper or Lokta Kagaj, as it is locally known, is the main reason behind the steady performance of the Nepali paper industry. Lokta has been successful in attracting many craft lovers nationally and internationally. Products made of Lokta are a major attraction at every handicraft trade fair. Dhakhwa says, “We have been organizing numerous handicraft fairs to promote the business of these products. We are now organizing the 10th handicraft fair which would definitely be fruitful to the Nepali paper business among other handicraft businesses.” According to FHAN, the export of paper products increased by 32 per cent to Rs 410 million in FY 2011/12 from Rs 310 million &nbsp;in &nbsp;2010/11.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Once replaced by the massive import of cheap papers from China, the Lokta has regained its lost sheen because of its quality and uniqueness. Having seen the prospects, industrialist like Bishnu Das Dangol, former Managing Director of Bhaktapur Craft Paper Ltd- the first business enterprise to produce and export Nepali handmade paper - are being lured into the business again. Dangol has joined the company back after a long gap as its Executive Director. “I have entered this business again because it involves people from the grass-roots to those at the high level. The paper industry can become the major industry to eradicate poverty in our country,” he says. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Kiran Kumar Dangol, President of HANDPASS (Nepal Handmade Paper Association) there are around 300 companies involved in the Lokta business and together they have employed around 50,000 people. He says, “Lokta is a big business today. We export Lokta products worth around Rs 40 to 50 million yearly. Europe accounts for 60 per cent of our export while the USA for around the remaining 40 per cent.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Benu Das Shrestha who is originally from Sindupalchok district has been making and selling &nbsp;the Lokta paper for the past two decades and is inspiration to many. He says, “Many of my friends have followed in my footsteps. Lokta is a low-cost business that we can afford to run and can start it with the help of just around 10 people.” It was more than 20 years ago that he started his Lokta factory, &nbsp;Jugal Nepali Haate Kagaj Udhyog, at Jalbire, his birthplace in Sindhupalchok. Today, Shrestha earns around Rs 60,000 a month and is also hopeful about expanding his business in the coming years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For industrialists like Satyalal Shrestha, who has spent 25 years in the Lokta business and is the owner of Bagmati Paper Company, it is a business of creativity. In the beginning, he used to produce the plain Lokta paper. But he soon found new ways to diversify his business and today he produces several creative paper products. “We design various items according to the needs of the customers and we often consult with them before making new products,” he shares.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Shrestha produces a range of products from wall hangings, photo-frames, albums, mirrors, and paper vases to the extra-ordinarily made paper jewelries. His creativity is seen in the marvelous set of paper tables which are perfect even for dining. However, he has no showroom in Nepal and anyone &nbsp;wanting to buy his products has to visit his factory and give an order in advance. The average annual turnover of his company is around Rs. 20 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta paper has a long history in Nepali paper usage. Although Lokta is being produced in Nepal from as early as the twelfth century, it got international recognition when the UNICEF started to buy and use it for important documents. Known for its long lasting quality, the handmade Lokta has been traditionally used for official purpose for ages. But today it is used for many purposes. The Nepali paper used for the legal and government documents is produced with a Japanese technology in A4 size. This paper is made from not only the bark of the Lokta tree but also other plants like Argeli (Edgeworthia gardeneri), babiyo (Eulaliopsis binata), hay, leaf of cardamoms etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Many farmers have contributed to run the Lokta business and most of them are working at the community level enterprises in association with different groups of collectors. They produce the Lokta paper according to the demand of the buyers from different paper industries. The paper can be used directly after buying from them. However, processes like shorting, coloring, processing, etc at the paper factories further enhances the quality of the Lokta paper. Dangol says, “Unlike other products, the Lokta paper is 100 per cent handmade. All the raw materials are produced locally.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta products are of two categories- pure and mixed ones. In the market, one sheet of pure Lokta paper weighing five gram costs around Rs 6 while the other paper with same weight made with mixed products cost around Rs 5. Similarly, a Lokta sheet &nbsp;weighing 20 gms costs Rs 18 while the mixed paper in the same category costs Rs 16. Lokta products are available as sheets, note-books, photo albums and picture frames, writing sets, and gift- boxes, among other products such as carry bags, calendars, file-folders, lampshades, greeting cards, wall papers, photo frames, art paper, picture albums, gift sets, postcards, paper jewelry, jewelry boxes, telephone diaries, etc. The price for these products differs with the size, weight and quality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta plant is found in 56 districts of the country. According to the FNCCI’s document ‘Business Promotion Strategy (2012 – 2016)’, Lokta is listed among the 20 species of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) including some exotic species like Mentha, chamomile, lemongrass, Dalchini, etc. The Western Mid Hilly regions and the hilly district of Gandaki and Dhaulagiri Zones - Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, and Tanahu - are the main locations of the Lokta plant. Usually, the Lokta plant is harvested when it is mature enough.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Brand Nepal&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta paper has been identified among the 19 major exportable goods of the country. It has become a brand name in itself and is known as a quality paper all over the world. Today, Lokta paper’s international market is far bigger than its local market. According to the traders, Lokta products have a huge market in countries like the USA, Canada &nbsp;and many European countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Denmark and lately, Japan in Asia.“Due to the unique feature and quality, there is a high demand for the Nepali paper in the international market,” Shares Bisnu Das Dangol. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With its attractive texture, durability, strength and resistance to insects, Lokta products are popular even in the digital age and this is an amazing truth for the people involved in this business. Unlike the previous Lokta papers, the Lokta papers today are well-finished products available in a &nbsp;range of colors, textures, patterns and prints. They can be customized for different logos, graphics, colors, designs and paper weight. The success of Nepali industrialists in developing a variety of Lokta products has been a plus point for this business. Satyalal says, “The customers are demanding more and more varieties of Lokta products.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Bisnu Das Shares, “If we can market our products aggressively, all national and international organizations will start using the Nepali paper for their important documents in no time.” The paper is among the costly papers available in the international market. The demand for Lokta-made gift items like cards for different occasions such as weddings, birthdays etc is high in the Nepali market while Lokta-made notebooks, boxes, wrapping- papers, different kinds of printed papers are sought after internationally. Recently, Lokta has found popularity in the making of fashion accessories as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Future in paper</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="" height="339" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="454" />Due to the growing demand, the need for conserving and promoting Lokta and producing high quality papers has emerged at the same time. However, the lack of sustainable harvesting and cultivation process has put the raw materials used for producing the Lokta paper at the risk of extinction. Saraswati Rai, Operation Manager at Himalayan Bio-Trade (HBTL) - a community-based enterprise - is concerned about the negligence in the preservation of the Lokta plant. According to her, it would be difficult to keep up the quality of the Lokta paper in the long run in the absence of &nbsp;concerted efforts to preserve the Lokta plant. &nbsp;“The Lokta products are not being produced in a sustainable way.” The Lokta plant has a unique ability to regenerate and reach maturity within four to five years after the first cutting. But it demands skilled manpower for its harvesting. This ability should also make the preservation of the Lokta plant comparatively easy. Lokta can generate much more employment at the grassroots even if the farmers take Lokta growing as a seasonal business. Rai says, “If we have trained collectors for harvesting Lokta and if we can maintain the quality, the business has a very bright future ahead.” HBTL buys papers made from Lokta or argeli from the farmers. Though Rai shares that the company’s overall production has declined in comparison to the previous years, she is confident of the everlasting market of the Nepali Paper. HBTL’s average annual turnover is around Rs 30 million of which its paper business constitutes Rs 20 million.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	If given due importance, the Lokta paper stands fairly high chances getting much bigger and better national and international markets. “International buyers are looking for unique and valuable products like the Nepali paper which is basically exported as handicraft products,” shares Bisnu Das.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to the traders, though the existing Lokta products are good enough and doing very well, there is an urgent need to develop even better and advanced products. Many organizations are facilitating the designers who could design Lokta products to meet the international demand. They are also providing training to the new generation people who are attracted to paper production, designing and marketing. Some of the organizations and Lokta collectors have even started conserving the Lokta plants. The traders involved in the Lokta business have started getting cash incentives, four and a half per cent re-financing and also export incentives. So, if you are planning to venture into a long-term business in Nepal that has withstood the tests of time, then the Lokta business could be the right place to invest in.&nbsp;</p>',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A1"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><img alt="sectorl 2012" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/december.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	</span></span></span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><br />
	By Rajendra Prasad Devkota</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Organic Agriculture in Nepal</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice, but it enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector.</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Default">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;<img align="left" alt="organic" border="1" height="220" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/organic.jpg" vspace="10" width="171" /></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">T</span><span style="color: black;">he ever-increasing demand for food, fodder, fuel and fiber as consequences of the rapidly increasing population of the world is one of the most important global issues today. Most vulnerable among the rural poor in Nepal are those with small landholdings and landless farm workers living in ecologically fragile areas, such as high hills, mountains and low lands. Most of these areas lack basic transport, communication and social infrastructure. Households in such areas have limited assets and livelihood opportunities. They tend to have low levels of education, large families and strong traditional and cultural values.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepali farmers depend on predominantly traditional and subsistence agriculture where cereals dominate the cropping pattern and cultivation practices depend on monsoon rain. The use of improved seed and compost/farm yard manure is still very low while the use of chemical fertilizers is high but lower than neighbouring countries. Mechanization in agriculture is at a very low level and only 21 per cent of the total area is under cultivation. Almost 64 per cent of agricultural households that have land own a plough that is used to cultivate the land using bullocks. The existing number of livestock is one of the highest per capita and per unit area of cultivated land in Asia. However, livestock productivity is very low due to poor grazing land, crop bio by-products, forest biomass, secondary plant resides and shortage of feed. </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="vegetables" border="1" height="193" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral1245.jpg" vspace="10" width="310" /> <br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Natural resources such as soil, water and forests are considered as sources of livelihood in Nepal. Declining fertile land due to town planning, mass deforestation, soil erosion and problem of food security etc boosts migration to the cities. Increased requirement of agricultural land due to continuous population growth has led to increase in land use intensity and cultivation of marginal land, very often on steep slopes and soils of low fertility. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Intensive synthetic chemical based farming started since the 1980s and chemical fertilizers were imported to the field with the increasing interest of the commercial farmers and pro-production government policy. Similarly, the use of chemical pesticides was accelerated during 1983 with the introduction of Metacid. In the beginning, bags of chemical fertilizers were distributed free to the farmers. However, many farmers had buried the bags in their fields to avoid the use of forcefully distributed fertilizers. With time, farmers were motivated to use fertilizers and other related agro-chemicals in their fields after observing good yield of the crops. This practice eventually gave birth to chemical farming and set a new era in production.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<img alt="orgrainic" border="1" height="301" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral2012.jpg" vspace="10" width="500" /></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice but enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector. Institutionally, the history of organic agriculture in Nepal can be said to have begun with the establishment of the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture Nepal (INSAN) in 1986. This organization was involved in promoting permaculture, a system similar to organic production. Another milestone in organic agriculture in Nepal was the establishment of Appropriate Agricultural Alternatives (AAA) farm in the Kathmandu Valley in 1987 by an American national, Judith Chase. Chase came to Nepal in 1976 and she along with her husband Jim moved to the farm to escape city life. After she started producing organic vegetables, Chase soon realized that she could sell all of her produce to the expatriate community at a premium prices compared to the non-organic fruits and vegetables. For a short while, this remained an isolated effort with no sign of proliferation. However, a niche market for organic products soon witnessed a new wave of development for organic production in the surrounding areas. After 2000, the number of cooperatives and private initiatives for organic farming increased substantially. The Government of Nepal was reluctant to accept the concept of organic agriculture in the beginning. But, after observing the negative impact of agrochemicals on farming, the government decided to take initiatives for the promotion of organic farming. The 10th Plan (NPC, 2002) and Agricultural Policy (MOAC, 2004), for the first time, had spelt out policy statements regarding the promotion of organic agriculture in the country.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Certification of organic products was initiated in 1996 in Nepal. However, the national norms and standards required for production, inspection and certification of organic products have not yet been materialized at the government level. Some internationally recognized certifying agencies and locally authorized organic inspectors have made their presence felt in Nepal to work on organic product certification. At present, Onecert–Asia, Lacon Quality, NASAA-Australia, Eco-cert France, IMO and Indocert provide organic certificates as per NOP, EEC, NPOP and JAS-based standards in tea, coffee, medicinal and aromatic plants, fertilizers and natural crude herbs etc for the export market. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Recently, the government sanctioned a National Technical Standards for Organic Agriculture System 2064 BS which is expected to bring about changes in the production and marketing of organic products. In comparison, other recognized standards have made unseen mistakes in Nepali organic standards due to the lack of knowledge of proper rules and regulations and systems such as Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Geographical Indication of the Product (GIP) and Internal Control System (ICS) etc. Similarly, organic farmers depend on large quantities of farmyard manure and compost but organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers, manure and organic pesticides are not easily available. The lack of appropriate and adaptive technologies such as consistency, incentives for farmers to turn to organic methods, efficient agronomic alternatives for managing soil, nutrient and pest are some of the input related problems faced by the organic growers.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">The marketing of organic vegetables, fruits and other products is a daunting task for the organic growers. Although some supermarkets have started selling organic vegetables, there is a lack of pricing mechanism. Prices are generally fixed by the traders/collectors who procure vegetables from the growers and supply them to the available niche markets. A majority of farmers is interested in adopting organic farming practices if the government is willing to provide subsidies in farming, processing and certification. Similarly, the number of farmers willing to adopt organic farming has increased in rural as well as urban settings.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Consumers have a belief that organic food is healthier, less polluted and more natural than their conventional counterparts. Many consumers are of the view that the quality of organic products is good and that’s why these products are expensive. Most of them are willing to pay 10-15 per cent more for organic products while they are also ready to pay 20-30 per cent more if the organic products are branded. Organic products are usually sold directly by the farmers themselves or at select shops and outlets. Due to the lack of financial support, organic farmers rely solely on the consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices which compensate for lower yields and higher production costs associated with the organic practice. Though a very small scale operation, the organic industry holds much promise and has a long way to go in Nepal.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Devkota is an Agriculturist and Organic Inspector. He can be contacted via email at rajendra_certi@yahoo.com</span></span></p>',
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<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">India’s Airline Brands Connecting Kathmandu <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic from airline companies of India connecting India to Nepal.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa7" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">I</span><span style="color: black;">t was in the early 20th century when countries embraced air transport as a means to travel from one part of the world to another. India was one of the first countries in Asia and in the world to opt for civil aviation. Tata Airlines, which started its services in 1932, became a public limited company in 1946 under the name Air India. After acquiring 49 percent shares of the airline, the Government of India granted it the permission to operate international services as the designated national flag carrier. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepal’s civil aviation industry started after the national flag carrier, the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) was established in 1958. The RNAC, which was renamed as the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) a few years ago, began its services by flying to a few domestic destinations. Later, its services were extended to such Indian cities as Patna, Calcutta and Delhi. Hence nationals of both India and Nepal have had an opportunity to fly to each other’s country for a few decades now. Over the past decade, however, the Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic of Indian Airlines connecting India to Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">At present, there are four Indian airline brands connecting India to Kathmandu. They are: Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet and Jet Airways. All of them are Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Air India is India’s national flag carrier and a part the Air India Limited (AIL), a company owned by the Government of India. Air India Express is the airline’s international low-cost subsidiary established in 2005. At present, Air India flies to and from 27 international destinations in 19 countries including Nepal. It operates 18 scheduled flights to Kathmandu per week, including two flights from New Delhi daily, and four flights from Kolkata per week. It also operates scheduled passenger services, mainly to the Persian Gulf and South East Asia. At present, Air India Express (AIE) has a fleet of 21 aircraft. These aircraft have around 180 seats each and offer budget travel. AIE gives its passengers all essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight. Passengers can also avail themselves of free standardised meals and limited on-board entertainment. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGo is a popular, private, and low-cost airline established in August 2006. IndiGo has grown faster than any other LCCs in South Asia because of its efficient operations and low fares. In order to maintain the fares low, IndiGo’s flights offer only economy class seating, a complimentary mineral water, and no in-flight entertainment and allow only one free check-in baggage. On IndiGo flights, snacks, meals and drinks are available as buy-on-board options. IndiGo operates flights to five international destinations - Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat and Singapore. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGO started flying to Nepal in October 2012. At present, it operates seven flights connecting Delhi to Kathmandu per week. Its fares start from NPR 8,420. The company plans to increase the number of flights to its existing destinations and start flying to new destinations in Nepal. IndiGo flights have an average occupancy of 99 percent. Schemes are not an attraction for this airline because, according to the company, passengers prefer low-cost fares to schemes as the latter often come with a string of terms and conditions attached to them. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">SpiceJet is a low-cost airline which began its services in May 2005. It has a share of 19 percent in the Indian market at present. SpiceJet flies to 32 domestic destinations and makes two international flights -- to Colombo and Kathmandu. SpiceJet sent its first flight to Nepal in October 2010. The airline currently operates 11 flights connecting Kathmandu per week. In the peak season, however, it has two flights a day. With starting fares of NPR 3,400 (one way) and NPR 8,000 (round trip), it offers only the economy class travel. This airline has average flight occupancy of 85 percent. SpiceJet provides sandwiches, cookies, flavored nuts, soft drinks and juices as buy-on-board options. The passengers also get complimentary mineral water. </span></span><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="Jet airways" border="1" height="165" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/airplane001.jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, which include 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 11 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 60 Next Generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft, and 18 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">With an average fleet age of 6.06 years, the airline has one of the youngest fleets in the world. Jet Airways flights to 73 destinations span in India and beyond. The company launched its first flight to Kathmandu on 14th May 2004. It operates 21 flights per week with two daily flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi and one daily flight from Kathmandu to Mumbai. Inclusive of all taxes, Jet Airways’ fare from Kathmandu to Delhi is USD 130 (one way) and from Kathmandu to Mumbai is USD 260 (one way). Jet Airways operates with two travel classes - Premiere and Economy - on the Kathmandu-India sector where it has average occupancy of 90 per cent. Jet Airways offers connectivity to its international and domestic network via Mumbai and Delhi. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Delhi seems to be the most popular destination for the Indian flights that fly out of Kathmandu, because of its close proximity to all the major Indian cities. However, other Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai and Varanasi are also on demand. Bangalore is mostly on demand because of the education opportunities it provides to Nepali students. Tourism continues to be a major factor behind the increasing air traffic between the two countries. However, Indian nationals also visit Nepal and vice versa for health, business, and religious purposes. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Market competition increases when more airlines start flying to the same destinations. This competition compels the airlines to lower their fares, causing a decrease in their revenue. This is why the airline brands flying to Kathmandu have a tough competition among themselves. “The competition is tough but it also has to be healthy,” says Joy Dewan, GSA, SpiceJet. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">There are a few problems that the Indian airlines also have to face in Nepal. “The increasing fuel costs add to the overall high cost of operation, which naturally impacts the airline’s bottom line,” points out Samir Chada, Country Manager, Jet Airways, as a major problem for Jet Airways and other airlines currently flying to Nepal. Similarly Dewan sees high ground handling charges for navigation and landing as the major problems. Airlines have requested the airport authorities to reduce the charges. The authorities are expected to consider the demand positively. Similarly, the lack of enough space at Nepal’s only international airport and the lack of opportunity for night flights are the other problems that the Indian airlines have been facing.</span></span></p>',
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<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Liquor Licensing</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The government has decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries.<br />
	<br />
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	<img alt="liquor" border="1" height="143" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/liquor(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa9" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A15">T</span><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">he decade-long ban on issuing licenses to new distilleries and breweries is finally lifted by the government. It has now decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries if they comply with a new 10-point standard set by the government. Ram Sharan Chimoria, Spokesperson at the Department of Industry (DoI), said that the Ministry of Industry (MoI) took the decision on October 7. Around 150 applications for registering new liquor industries are already received. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">“The government had stopped issuing licenses to new liquor manufacturers for more than a decade,” Chimoria said, “Licenses will now be issued but only to those who comply with the new standards.” He added that the move will help regularise the liquor industry. The government had stopped the registration of new liquor industries in 2001, citing environmental and health reasons. The Maoist campaign against liquor drinking habits during the decade-long armed movement was the major but undeclared reason for the ban. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Although the ban was imposed, the liquor market and the trend of drinking had not slowed down until the traffic police began a campaign against drunk driving. According to experts, the increasing trend of alcohol import had a hand in the resumption of issuing licenses for producing liquor within the country. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Rabi KC, President of Nepal Liquor Manufacturers’ Association (NLMA), said, “The government’s move is positive.” However, he suggested that the benchmark should have been set even higher. “The new requirement of Rs 500,000 as deposit is low. Even a small liquor industry has a huge annual turnover, so the deposit amount should have been higher,” he adds. He further said that it would be appropriate to ask for a bank guarantee of Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million while issuing excise duty license by the Inland Revenue Department. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC depicts a very bad picture existing in the industry and says that out of the 52 registered factories, only 42 are in operation. Most of the liquor producers have not used even 25 per cent of their installed capacity, he adds. “They are struggling for their existence. In such a situation, what would be the future of the existing ones if 40 to 50 new industries are added?” he asks. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">With home-made liquor enjoying a strong presence, the market to be shared by all the companies is small. “So, there is a possibility of the entire industry going through a slump when new industries come in,” he predicted. However, he conceded that issuing new licenses to liquor producers cannot be denied in an open economy. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">As per the new standards, industrialists have to deposit Rs 500,000 along with an application at the DoI to get the license. The investors’ deposits will be refunded if they either fail to get the license or present evidence of starting production. There is also a provision of seizing the deposit if an industry fails to comply with the new standards. On the other hand, the existing industries need to deposit Rs 300,000 to increase their production capacity. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">According to the new standards, if the license is issued in the name of an individual, s/he should register the company within 30 days of getting the license. Such individuals must hold at least 20 per cent shares of the liquor company to be registered. Similarly, investors are not allowed to sell these shares before the deposit is refunded. If any investor is found selling the shares before getting the deposit refund, the government can either seize the deposit or mete out other punishments as per the Industrial Enterprises Act (IEA) 1992. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">For breweries and distilleries, including the bottling plants, there is the provision of concluding the construction and starting production within three years of getting the license. The time limit for starting a blending and bottling plant is two years. However, the DoI can extend the period by six months after evaluating the progress made by a company. Such six-month extension can be made twice. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">If an industry is unable to start its operation within the given period, there is a provision to dissolve the industry according to Section 25 of the IEA 1992. It is also necessary to establish an appropriate lab for quality control as stated by the new standards. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Distilleries using local grains as raw material can use a maximum of 10 per cent local grains for their production. If they need more, they have to import. Likewise, foreign direct investment (FDI) will not be allowed in industries producing liquor of lower quality than 30 degree UP, according to the new provision. This means FDI is not allowed in 40 degree UP or 60 degree UP. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Similarly, such industries must be at least 500 metres away from cultural heritages of national importance, hospitals, schools and national parks. The breweries and distilleries must have a minimum area of three hectares. The area should be at least one hectare for bottling-only plants. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%; color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC said, “In Nepal, 80 per cent market share is held by Nepali products.” However, 50 per cent liquor consumed in Nepal is supplied from household production.</span></span></p>
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	<span class="A14"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
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<p>
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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59.0pt">T</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">here are many beautiful, interesting, and unusual things in Nepal. The obvious question of “what to buy?” is bound to come to your mind. One of the answers to this could be gems and jewelry. “Most of the tourists visiting Nepal are interested to buy precious and semi-precious stones available in Nepal,” said Ramesh Maharjan, President of Nepal Gems and Jewelry Association. Besides being a fashion trend, it is a financial investment for the future as well, added Maharjan.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="115" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems4.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="137" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Jewelry includes all attractive or appealing decorative objects that can be made with gems along with other precious metals. Mostly, every form of material may be added to make an attractive piece of jewelry. Some common forms of jewelry include anklets, armlets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings (engagement rings, wedding rings, class rings), toe rings and nose-jewels. Brooches, belly chains, head ornaments fit in the category of more uncommon kinds of jewelry. People can express their love by presenting jewelry to their dear ones. Common metals that are utilized in jewelry include gold, platinum and silver.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Both younger and elder generations are fond of jewelry collection. “Gone are the days of heavy jewelry trends. These days, people look forward to light and unique designs that are different from other pieces of jewelry,” said Maharjan who is also the owner of R B Diamond House. It caters to a diverse range of customers who look forward to gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds in designer jewelry. Turquoise and coral are the most common stones used in Nepali jewelry that it also deals in. Other precious stones common in Nepal include lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, garnet, and agate.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="295" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems1.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Diamond is the most important precious stone in terms of value that generates a larger volume of revenue and business internationally,” said Mahesh Man Shrestha, owner of Gahana Griha. Even in Nepal, diamond jewelry is more popular and in demand than other gemstones, added Shrestha. Generally, diamonds are the most expensive stones but there are high quality natural color gemstones that command high price per carat like diamonds do. <br />
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to Maharjan, in today’s market the price per carat for precious gemstones like ruby, emerald and sapphire range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 while price per carat for semi-precious gemstones cost about the same. There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market. “Most of the gems in Nepal are used for silver jewelries that are exported to Europe and America,” said Maharjan. The handcrafted jewelries are very famous and liked by the Europeans and Americans. They are exported in different designs like earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooch, bangles, and different articles embedded with precious stones, he added. Some stones like quartz crystal, black tourmaline, moonstone, kyanite and garnet are also used as healing stones. Gemstones are also prescribed by astrologers and are adorned in the belief that they have magical and mystical powers. It is believed that these powers bring happiness, prosperity and overall betterment in a person and his activities.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="249" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems2.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="239" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">There are many stones in the market these days that even the suppliers are unaware of. Apart from it, there are synthetic gemstones aplenty. Riken Maharjan, a Graduate Gemologist revealed that even today many people do not know that ruby and sapphire are the same stone. The only factor that makes it different is its color where red corundum are called ruby and blue corundum are called sapphire. “Identifying gemstones is a challenge, however, the bigger challenge is to ascertain value associated with different stones,” he said. The value of the stone depends on numerous factors, he added, it is the 4c – color, cut, clarity, and carat for diamonds while for other precious stones it’s the demand, rarity, treatments, imitation etc that count.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Understanding precious stones has come a long way. Earlier, it was difficult for the clients to understand if any red stone would be called ruby and any blue stone would be called sapphire and a colorless stone that dazzled and produced a colorful flash of light was a diamond. However, today with all the technology, research and improvement in science there is a better understanding of stones. According to Maharjan, Nepal has the technology and good professional gem cutters but the sector is suffering because the stones have not been explored well and opened for business.</span> </p>
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	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="233" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems3.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="227" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Hari Bhakta Adhikari, a senior gems expert shared that Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Manang and Dhading figure among the major gem locations of Nepal. He added that Nepal is a Paradise for gemologists and collectors. “This can boost tourism as well as help in export business. But, it is a pity that despite having huge semi-precious stone mines, Nepal has to import 80 per cent of the stones from India, China, Thailand, Burma and Pakistan,” he said. Entrepreneurs involved with the business shared that they need better facilities from the government and to review the existing import and export policies. Adhikari opined that in India, the government has waived off import fee on gemstones, one of the reasons which has made it very difficult for Nepal to compete with India.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Nepal has failed to showcase its potential in the international market. Much of it is due to the lack of skilled manpower that has hit the gems and precious stones sector in the country despite it being rich in mineral resources,” said Adhikari. He opined that the government should develop adequate work force and create mechanism to extract mineral resources to propel growth. From export of 200,000 kg raw gemstone, some 5,000 small gems industries could provide around 25,000 people direct employment and another 100,000 indirect employment, he added. <br />
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mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to the Department of Geology, the country has imported around Rs 130.37 billion worth of mines and mineral related goods in fiscal year 2009-10. However, due to lack of well-equipped laboratory that can certify purity of gems and other precious stones, the country has not been able to take advantage from its huge natural resources. According to Riken Maharjan, there are two things the industry keeps in mind – gemstone identification and gemstone grading. The first part is to identify the stone correctly as it makes a huge difference in price depending on the type of gemstone. The market is flooded with precious and semi precious gemstones and it is hard even for experienced eyes to tell the difference without gemological tools.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Gemstone and jewelry certification plays a vital role in the business. There are gem labs all over the world that identifies and grades gemstones, however, it’s not an established trend in Nepal yet. R B Diamond Jewelers is taking an initiative to change this by introducing GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certification for gems and jewelries in the near future. These certificates are internationally recognized and honored and known for its grading precision, technology, research and other important factors.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“The gems and jewelry industry is an industry of trust. Therefore, it is very important for people in this industry to understand their product, to know what they are selling,” said Maharjan who has been in this business for more than 15 years now. People put their names and huge amount of money on the line. There is a lot to learn about the industry, the stones itself, treatments, grading, imitation, synthetic stones and many other aspects, he added.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
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<p class="Default">
	<span class="A8"><span style="font-size:24.0pt"><img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_11.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	‘Real Growth Opportunity Lies in Agriculture and Small Scale Industries’</span></span> </p>
<p class="Default">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="realgrow" border="1" height="236" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/P-K-Mohapatra.jpg" vspace="10" width="217" /></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">P K Mohapatra </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Bank Limited (EBL). </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">With an aim to promote the agriculture sector, the EBL established a specialised branch called Krishi Udhyam Bikash Shakha at Rijbiraj, Saptari on August 17. In an interview with New Business Age, Mohapatra talked about reasons behind the newly opened branch and bank’s expansion plans in the agriculture sector. Excerpts:<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why did you come up with a dedicated branch for agricultural services? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The branch will not only concentrate on agricultural services, however, the thrust will be on agriculture and agro based industries. The country’s main focus area should now be agriculture because the new industries are not taking off due to many reasons. Around 66 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture and this sector’s contribution in the GDP is about 39 per cent. Therefore, if some priority is given to agriculture, it will be a contribution to the national economy too. <br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E"><br />
	<br />
	Why did you choose this particular location Rajbiraj among so many other places? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We found Rajbiraj suitable because the land is irrigated, people have money to spend on land and the area receives good amount of remittance. When we were planning to start this branch, we looked for different localities where agriculture is of prime focus including Chitwan where we already had a presence. We did not have a presence in Rajbiraj though which is an area with high growth potential. As a banker, we will also be interested to mobilise deposits as Rajbiraj has a high potential for deposit growth. So, that is a service for dual purpose – mobilising deposit and at the same time, helping the farmers by financing agriculture. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">How do you see the scope of formal lending to Nepal’s agriculture sector? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">It is one of the best virgin areas. So far, microfinance companies and Rural Development Bank have been doing agro based lending. All these sectors lend at a high rate of interest that makes the total investment and works literally non-viable. The moment commercial banks enter, we can lend at a much lower rate than present. This will encourage the farmers to borrow money from banks and go for high yielding crop varieties, improved seeds and better livestock. The entire economy will be supported by low interest funding by the commercial banks. For example, in districts like Chitwan, Ilam and Jhapa, a lot of migrant workers have returned from abroad with experience and money. All they need is a little support from the banking system so that they can thrive here, invest and use the experience and money they have gained. At the same time, they can give employment to some other people also. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why are commercial banks hesitant to lend to this sector? <br />
	</span></strong><br />
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Banking in Nepal has been excessively based on urban areas. However, activities based in the urban areas are getting saturated. Therefore, the real growth opportunity lies in agriculture and small scale industries. Till now, the concentration was in cities and industrial towns like Birgunj, Biratnagar, Butwal and some other areas. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made a mandatory provision to invest at least 10 per cent in agriculture and hydropower out of the total investments made by banks. It is a really appreciable measure adopted by the central bank. Agriculture and small scale industries are two sectors which are going to support the country in the long run. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">To what extent does Everest Bank wants to invest in the agriculture sector? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">The minimum investment will be what the NRB has already stipulated. Our small effort is to encourage the field people – branch managers and field staff – to look at agriculture from a totally different angle. Many think that agriculture lending is not a good lending. However, it is not true. If a thousand rupees is lent in the agriculture sector, it goes straight to the economy. As socially responsible corporate entities, all banks should target the rural people, particularly those involved in agriculture. We will be coming up with two to three branches having thrust on the agriculture sector within this fiscal year. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We are also preparing setting up a farmer training institute in Nepal. Being from Punjab National Bank, India, we have a huge experience in running farmer training institutes in India and so, we have proposed to begin with at least one institute and replicate that all over Nepal. We are trying to open the training institute that will provide trainings free-of-cost in collaboration with the private sector and IFC (International Finance Corporation) or IOM (International Organisation for Migration). <br />
	<br />
	Such institutes will have basic facilities like soil testing will a simple laboratory. We will also teach farmers to repair agriculture machineries so that they can save money and time. Besides, we will train returnee migrants through these institutes so that they can use their experience and money. It is a long term plan and we should be able to start the first training institute before the close of financial year 2069/70. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A3"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Impact">Sectoral</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">By Sushila Budhathoki</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:32.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Demanding Business of Herbal Products</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A35">&nbsp;<br />
	<span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing.jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span class="A13"><span style="font-size:59.0pt">C</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">onsumption of herbal products in Nepal, according to an estimate, is registering an annual increment of 20 per cent. According to Pradip Maharjan, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Enterprise Center (AEC) at Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FNCCI), Nepali herbal products also account for three per cent of the total exports. He further says, “Nepali herbal products meet around 60 per cent of the domestic market demand. The remaining 40 per cent demand is still fulfilled by imports.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The yearly production of ‘Sancho’, a product of Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited (HPPCL), has reached five million units. Last year, the company produced around 3.4 million units of Sancho. According to Chandra Bahadur Shahi, General Manager of HPPCL, the company is now aggressively marketing the product in villages after having found a tremendous market in urban areas already. <br />
	<br />
	“Due to its popularity, we have been marketing Sancho and other herbal products through our distributors in each development region,” says Shahi. The company has estimated the total turnover of its herbal products at around Rs 100 million last year of which Sancho alone contributes around Rs 70 million. Sancho is a widely popular cure for cold, cough, rheumatism, stuffy nose, fatigue, body ache, muscular ache, headache, neuralgia, sprain and itching. It is marketed by the HPPCL since 2057 BS. <br />
	<br />
	<img alt="demaing" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	<br />
	Nepal is basically exporting essential oils, Chyawanprash and Shilajit among other herbal products. According to the Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC), oil worth Rs 82 million was exported to third countries in 2010-2011. Govind Adhikari, President of Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA), says the herbal industries can get optimum benefit by exporting finished herbal products rather than only exporting crude herbs. He adds, “We are exporting a huge amount of raw materials to India, which in turn, is earning from making the finished products. If we were able to export final products ourselves, we would have earned a tremendous market internationally.” He adds, “Since herbal products are unique, they usually do not face stiff competition.” <br />
	<br />
	The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. Today, the people around the world are inclined towards ‘back to nature’ and demanding natural products ranging from medicines and food items to cosmetics. Germany and France, among other countries, have been considered as major herbal markets in Europe and the popularity of herbal products has a great impact on its development. It is not surprising when many consider Nepal as a country with huge potentiality for herbal trade. <br />
	<br />
	Maharjan recommends exploring the need for investment in herbal industries due to the increasing demand of Nepali products internationally. He says, “There is a huge demand for herbal products internationally because people are lured towards products that are free from side effects. And our products have established a reputation of being natural and chemical-free products.” Nepali Industries are advertising their products through the internet as well and soliciting business online. Most of the Nepali herbal industries maintain websites and use them as a marketing tool for promoting their products. <br />
	<br />
	There are herbal products being sold everywhere and more people are inquiring about natural products such as cream, lip balm, oils and other cosmetics. According to Rina Gongaju, Production Manager at Wild Earth, the company has launched a basic range of products owing to local demand. She shares, “We are wealthy in herbs but it costs dearly to produce a final product because of the technical lapses in the collection and refinement of the herbs.” Wild Earth produces a range of handmade herbal goods such as soaps, massage oils, pillows, smudge sticks and aromatic amulets and sells them in over 30 countries. The company also caters its products to different Nepali hotels, resorts and spa centers. <br />
	<br />
	There are many brands for each range of products like Yak Milk Soaps and Mongolian Mare’s Milk Soap in Wild Wares category. There are other ranges of aromatic pillows namely Passion, Dream, Tranquility, Hangover, Calm, Balance, Soothe and Energy as well as pillows for each zodiac sign. Single products at Wild Earth are priced from Rs 55 to Rs 1,500 while for the herbal set, the prices range from Rs 350 to Rs 3,500.</span> </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Adhikari says that Nepali products only acquire Food Phyto Sanitary Certificate and Plant Phyto Sanitary Certificate while buyers in Western countries have increasingly been asking for GMP certificates for aryurvedic remedies, as these products were relatively vulnerable to contamination and unwanted substances. He adds, “Lack of certification is troubling us on exporting herbal products even though there are no complaints about our products.” There are some Nepali companies too who do not apply proper production measures in their production process. Hari Dhital, Administrator at Gorkha Ayurved Company Pvt Ltd, says, “Our products compete with other ‘me too’ products of low quality which have confused the consumers. It has also troubled us in marketing the products.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Industrialists say that the government provisions are discouraging newer industries, especially the small entrepreneurs. Although Herbs and NTFPs (Non Timber Forest Products) Policy 2004-05 has been endorsed, entrepreneurs are facing a lot of hurdles in its implementation. Adhikari shares his bitter experience in the promotion and development of herbal products in Nepal. “The latest policy has been prepared for the benefit of the industries, however, the government is turning a deaf ear to its implementation,” he complains. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">There is a list of 119 NTFPs that are in trade or have the potential to trade. These herbs are used to produce crude herbs, essential oils, extraction items and lokta/argeli papers. They are the raw materials for different ayurvedic products/para pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and vegetable oils too. Different parts like leaf stem extract, pod, root, rhizome, flower, fruit, seed, wood, tendril, bark etc of herbal and aromatic plants are used to produce these items. <br />
	<br />
	According to NEHHPA, there are around 40 companies involved in the production of finished herbal products and 2,000 traders and around 5,000 to 6,000 wild collectors, especially the farmers from different villages, involved in the herbal business. With around 7,000 types of herbs and a kind of bio-diversity rarely found in other corners of the world, Nepal seems the first priority for the investors venturing into herbal business. Maharjan says, “Since the market of herbal products is growing, many western countries are attracted towards production of herbal products. There are a few Nepali companies having joint ventures with foreign companies and are producing herbal products.”</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Having seen the potential for herbs and herbal products, many projects have started focusing on the production, processing and marketing of herbal products. AEC reports that High Mountain livelihood Improvement (HIMALI), Raising Income for small and Medium Farmers (RISME), High Value Agricultural Products (HVAP) and One Village One Product (OVOP) are some of the current programs that focus on cultivation, production and marketing of herbal products along with other agricultural products. <br />
	<br />
	The 350 hectares of land owned by HPPCL, if used properly, would also benefit herbal business in Nepal and encourage newer herbal industries for research and development. From a marketing perspective, traditional ayurvedic medicines enjoy good brand value in the west. However, with the demand of quality and harmless herbal products, ‘Trademark Herbal’ is not enough for the aggressive growth of Nepali herbal industries.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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			'title' => 'CEOs Exit: Nepali Banking Sector Faces New Problem',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sanjeev Sharma</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The once lucrative Nepali banking industry is now being deserted by long serving CEOs as they head on to start their own business or shift to other areas. The latest bank CEO who left is Suman Joshi of Laxmi Bank. Nearly a month ago, Grand Bank CEO Sudhir Khatri had resigned from his post. While some insiders claim that Joshi left the job as the main promoter of the bank stopped liking him and Khatri laid his papers to avoid actions from the central bank, banking sectors analysts have also started wondering if a new trend of CEOs leaving the banking sector has set in. This concern is based on the fact that some bank CEOs who resigned from their post have left banking career altogether. One such prominent example is Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri, who resigned when Bank of Asia that he was leading went to merge with NIC Bank to form NIC Asia Bank. One prominent exception to this is Kumar Lamsal who left Sanima Bank and joined Kist Bank as the CEO. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	This trend has triggered other concerns as well in the sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the Nepali banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence? Will the departure of experienced hands affect the overall stability of the country&#39;s financial sector? With long serving CEOs leaving the institutions, are BFIs losing opportunities to hire good executives? &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It&#39;s been more than two-and-half years since the Nepali banking authority issued directive and guidelines on the executive compensation system for BFIs. This 2011 policy mandates that the annual salary and perks of a bank&rsquo;s CEOs cannot exceed more than five percent of the average staff expenditure of the respective institution over the period of three years or 0.025 percent of the total assets registered during the previous year, whichever is lower. This provision comes into action only while appointing new CEOs and spares the existing ones. With such a provision in place, the bank CEOs are left with three choices - work with present bank, join another bank on lower perks and salary or abandon the sector and look out for new avenues.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Defending this cap, the central bank argued that it was aimed at discouraging banks from getting involved into unnecessary risk taking activities. &quot;The executive compensation structure was widely regarded as one of the causes of the global financial crisis as it encouraged banks and financial institutions to get involved into high risk taking manoeuvres to increase short-term profit, eventually inviting long-term systematic risks,&quot; the NRB directive and guidelines states. The policy was introduced in the wake of rising fears of real estate bubble that followed the liquidity crunch of 2011. After the commencement of peace process in 2006, house and land prices soared to record high levels in major cities across the country forcing the NRB to tighten the provisions of bank lending into the real estate sector.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly, merger of BFIs is also seen as another reason to reduce the number of CEOs in the banking sector. Since only one CEO leads a bank, the CEO of one of the merging BFI is required to leave the institution during or after the merger process completes. NRB issued Merger Bylaws on May 2011, stating that it would strengthen the financial system and raise trust of public towards the banking sector. The main aim of the merger policy is to expand the capital base of BFIs and thereby strengthen their financial position to withstand various risks in the future. Following the policy rollout, 43 BFIs went for merger and resulted in the formation of 18 BFIs, official NRB data as of mid-March says. Of them two were &#39;A&#39; class banks and 41 were &#39;B&#39;, &#39;C&#39; and &#39;D&#39; class institutions. NIC Bank and Bank of Asia were the first commercial banks to go for merger that resulted in the formation of NIC Asia. Recently the Global IME Bank and the Commerz and Trust Bank have also submitted their merger proposal to the central bank for final approval. Remaining 25 BFIs of all classes have received Letter of Intent (LoI) from the NRB to merge and form 10 BFIs. These mergers have resulted in 25 CEOs resigning from their posts as of March 2014. Commerz and Trust Bank CEO Anal Raj Bhattarai is said to be leaving his post following the the merger process. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB stands quite firm to its decision to put cap on perks and salaries of bank CEOs. &quot;It is wrong to say that supply of experienced chief executives have declined due to our directive and guidelines. We made the decision after evaluating various factors,&quot; says NRB Spokesperson, Bhaskar Mani Gyawali. &quot;The factors include per capita income of the country and average pay scale in various sectors,&quot; he elaborated while claiming that introduction of the policy is making the Nepali banking sector more efficient as chief executives receive compensations according to the income of their respective institutions. &quot;Bankers are now required to perform in more effective manner. &nbsp;This ensures stability of the financial sector,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="CEO" src="/userfiles/images/sect1.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 350px; height: 100px;" />The departure of long serving CEOs has provided opportunity to second-layer bank officials to rise to the top spot. The second-tier officials can now groom themselves to grasp the chair of chief executive. Nevertheless, this has raised concerns regarding the risk taking appetite and the overall performance of banks as less experienced people come to the lead role.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	NRB&#39;s argument has generated mixed views from experts. &quot;CEOs who hold long experience in the sector are the essential part of the banking system. The sector as we know is all about experience. Long serving chief executives know the core of banking which gives the institutions edge to get ahead with proficient business strategies,&quot; says a former CEO of a commercial bank under the condition of anonymity. &quot;They also have risk taking appetite to expand the bank&rsquo;s business areas further.&quot;&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Sanjeev Subba, the CEO of National Banking Training Institute (NBTI) shared different view. &quot;I think the departure of long serving CEOs won&#39;t affect adversely after all. The second and third tier officers are capable as they have come up with experience in different layers,&quot; he said. &quot;This has provided them with significant experience over the years.&quot; Subba mentioned that Nepali commercial banking sector, which has been running for the past three decades has produced sufficient number of experienced manpower. For the perks and salaries part he opines, &quot;Salary cap won&#39;t affect bank CEOs to renew employment contract within the same institutions. This will only affect those who are willing to join other organizations.&quot;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Suman Joshi, Laxmi Bank&#39;s former CEO expressed his perspective close to Subba. &quot;Departure of experienced chief executives is unlikely to have overall adverse impact on the banking sector. Exit of the old and entry of new should be taken as two sides of a coin,&quot; he said. Joshi, however, cautioned that banks might see performance related issues as less experienced people take over the executive post. He also mentioned that Nepali banking sector has started to follow international trend. &quot;If we look the international scenario, CEOs don&#39;t stay in the same responsibility for long time,&quot; he opines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lack of motivational factor seems to be another reason for the CEOs to leave their jobs. &quot;Bank CEOs get more salary compared to other sectors. However, working regularly for a long time without increment in salary creates an environment of de-motivation,&quot; says Bank of Asia&rsquo;s former chief executive, Parshuram Kunwar Chhetri. According to him, many chief executives are facing the problem of stagnant salary levels and have to work under pressures of media, investors, shareholders and rising day-by-day business risks. &quot;Nevertheless, financial institutions are run and governed by particular system, so a significant negative impact is unlikely in an event of a CEO leaving his post,&quot; Chhetri said. &nbsp;</div>',
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			'created' => '2014-04-11',
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			'description' => 'The departure of long serving CEOs has raised concern in the Nepali banking sector. Does this indicate the start of a new trend in the banking sector or is it just a momentary occurrence?',
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			'id' => '2494',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Alternative Energy Replacing Traditional Ones',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal&rsquo;s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	More than half of the country&rsquo;s households - almost all in urban and semi-urban areas - are connected to the national electricity grid. But 80 percent of the population is rural, and in these areas, less than one-third has electricity. With grid extension to the country&rsquo;s hilly and mountainous areas prohibitively expensive, officials are looking to off-grid renewable energy alternatives.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Govinda Raj Pokharel, Executive Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) said, &ldquo;We are using alternative energy mainly for rural electrification that provides an easy access of clean energy to rural area. But now we are moving to urban areas with the use of solar and utilization of bio degradable waste.&rdquo;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Talking about the consumption of renewable energy in Nepal he said, &ldquo;Quantity-wise, renewable energy is covering 1 per cent of total population of the country. Our energy comes from bio-mass which is consumed by around 87 per cent of the total household.&rdquo; But in terms of number of population around 14 percent of total population is using renewable energy to get light, Pokharel added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative Energy Promotion Center is a national focal government organization for promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies in Nepal. AEPC is acting as an intermediary institution between the operational level i.e. NGOs/private promoters of renewable energy and the policy decision levels in relevant ministries. &nbsp;AEPC&#39;s activities include renewable energy policy formulation, planning and facilitating the implementation of the policies/plans, standardization, quality control and monitoring.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Pokharel further added the role of alternative energy promotion sector is mainly to promote the use of renewable energy and our approach is public private partnership. &ldquo;We work jointly with private organizations that are responsible to deliver and supply energy to the people and we work to fulfill demands by creating awareness and other activities, &rdquo;he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Resource Potential</strong></span></div>
<div>
	There are abundantly available sources for mini and micro hydro power, enough solar radiation, good potential of wind in selected areas and other biomass based resources to meet the energy need of our country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Mini-Micro and Pico-hydro up to 100kW can be developed in a short period of time to electrify the villages. &nbsp;The existing total installed capacity of micro hydro projects is about 20 MW. However, altogether mini micro-hydro can generate about 10,000 MW of power in Nepal. &nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal receives ample solar radiation as it is located in favorable latitude. With National average sunshine hours of 6.8/day and solar insolation intensity of about 4.7 kWh/m2/day, there is a huge potential for large-scale development of solar energy technologies in the country. Presently solar water heater systems have been fully commercialized and have been widely installed in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	About 1.5 million households can install domestic biogas plants based on animal dung. &nbsp;Another potential application of biogas technology in Nepal is to manage household solid waste in urban and peri-urban areas. There is also a significant potential of medium sized biogas plants suitable for SMEs, mainly in the dairy farms, poultry farms where biogas can be used directly for heat or for electricity generation that can replace diesel or other forms of fossil fuels. &nbsp;The other biomass waste having energy potential includes municipal solid waste. Over 1,350 tons of solid waste is generated across the 58 municipalities in Nepal. About 70% of municipal (solid) waste is biodegradable, and this waste can be used to generate energy. It is estimated that 50 million kWh can be generated per year from the total waste generated in these municipalities.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Why Alternative Energy in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Focusing on the importance of alternative energy Pokharel said that alternative energy is important in Nepal mainly to address and reduce development disparity considering the people in rural areas also should have clean light as the people enjoy in urban areas.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similarly Nepal has diversified land structure from plain to high Himalayas and also settlement pattern is scattered and sparse. National grid extension in some places is not economically feasible. Big hydro projects need a huge investment and all the petroleum products consumed in Nepal are imported from India or overseas in the refined form for direct consumption, which is causing the economic burden for the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The high potentiality of the renewable energy resources available in the country is the most appropriate option for Nepal. It also helps to reduce the dependency on the traditional biomass energy resources and fossil fuels and to manage the energy crisis of the nation. This ultimately helps to minimize the degradation of the environment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Alternative energy helps in enhancing energy security and promoting energy mix in the country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cost Effective</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The experts of alternative energy claim that the alternative energy use costs cheaperthan traditional sources. Though initial investment cost of alternative energy technologies are expensive compared to the other traditional sources of energy. In the long-run alternative energy is mostly cheaper than the traditional sources because alternative source is almost free but you have to pay always for traditional source. Hence, if the financial mechanism can be developed in such a way that users can pay in installment basis by mortgaging house, vehicle, etc., than users will not feel initial financial burden.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Popularity of Alternative Energy</strong></span></div>
<div>
	In Nepal, depending upon the geographical and type of energy required, solar is popular for &nbsp;lighting purpose, mini micro hydro is popular in hilly areas, biogas for cooking purpose. Around 700,000 households use biogas, 500,000 use solar and various other forms of alternative energy.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is no doubt regarding the fact that solar energy based technologies such as Solar Photovoltaic or Solar Thermal systems are the best substitutes. Right now, in the urban sector, individual households are opting for small-scale Solar PV solutions for domestic use. Even institutions like banks, corporate offices, and hospitals have adopted larger size system to meet their immediate energy needs. Besides Solar PV, which generates direct electricity; Solar Thermal systems also play a crucial role in minimizing use of electricity from national grid as well as reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;Solar can now compete with hydropower,&rdquo; Pokharel added. We are targeting to provide cooking stoves to 2 million and lighting to one million, he said.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Issues in this sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though alternative energy sources are focused on electrifying rural areas, Pokhrel says that the efforts made are not sufficient. There is still lack of alternative energy usage in the rural areas, which needs to be fulfilled.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&ldquo;We are not able to provide full financing for the installation of the alternative energy systems and this affects poor and rural people,&rdquo; he added.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Elaborating on the effort of AEPC in producing energy from sugarcane extracts, Pokharel said, &ldquo;We are also trying to produce energy blending ethanol in petrol but lack of mandatory policy from government has restrained this effort. &nbsp;At least 5 per cent of Nepal petrol consumption can be replaced with this.&rdquo;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2014-01-24',
			'modified' => '2014-01-26',
			'keywords' => 'new business age sectoral news & articles, sectoral news & articles from new business age nepal, sectoral headlines from nepal,  current and latest sectoral news from nepal, economic news from nepal, nepali sectoral economic news and events,  ongoing  sectoral news of nepal',
			'description' => 'A country endowed with immense hydropower potential has been facing an acute energy crisis. Despite Nepal’s potential wealth in solar energy and hydropower the development of these energies has not kept pace with population growth. The little renewable energy that has been harnessed is poorly distributed due to crumbling infrastructure that is incapable of delivering, for example, parts for wind turbines.',
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			'id' => '1964',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Health Is Wealth:  The Rise Of Private Hospitals In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There is a strong presence of private sector in the domestic healthcare service industry with medical institutions like Om Hospital, B&amp;B Hospital, Medicare Hospital, Kathmandu Medical College and Manipal Medical College. However, the latest wave of investments from the private sector shows that healthcare is now turning into an attractive area of investment.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Chaudhary Group was perhaps the first old business house in Nepal to foray into the healthcare sector in an institutional way. The group established Norvic International Hospital (then known as Norvic Health Care and Research Centre) in 1994. Two leading private hospitals, Om Hospital and Medicare Hospital, were upgraded from nursing homes. &nbsp;Adding to the list, Vayodha hospital, Grande hospital, Neuro hospital, Welcare hospital and others have been established with commitment to provide high standard healthcare service.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The expansion and success of private hospitals in Nepal, the ever growing need of quality healthcare service and the poor performance of public health outlets have provided immense opportunities for the private sector. As there is a huge gap between the demand and supply in domestic healthcare services, the domestic market is large enough for private players to survive and make profits.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Private Sector in Hospital Business</div>
<div>
	Private investment in hospitals has seen a significant increase in recent years. Even big corporate houses are keen to invest in these sectors. Norvic, Vayodha and Grande International are some visible examples to show that the private sector has seen potential in healthcare business.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Of late, foreign joint ventures are slowly making inroads into the Nepali healthcare sector. Norvic Hospital has recently entered into an agreement with India&rsquo;s Medanta Medicity, one of the leading hospitals in India, for technology transfer and expertise in the medical field.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Very soon, Norvic Hospital will be importing machines worth approximately Rs one billion. The machines include CT scan, MRI, and Mamogram machines, world&rsquo;s latest endoscopy machines and other latest imaging equipments.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Grande International Hospital has entered Nepal with an investment of Rs 3.5 billion. The project has been promoted and managed by the CE Group in Nepal and will be under the professional supervision of an expert team from Samitivej Hospital, Thailand. The 15-storey hospital has 10 operation theatres and many added features including a wellness center, internet lounge, coffee shop, restaurants and so on. There are 18 ICUs, 12 CCUs and 4 NICs with separate medical gas supply for isolation rooms. The infrastructure in the hospitals include helipad services, wheelchair accessibility, fire fighting systems, earthquake resistance systems, complete waste management and disposal systems among others.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Vayodha Hospitals Pvt Ltd has also poured a sizable amount of money in the Nepal&rsquo;s health care sector to serve the community. One of the unique features of this hospital includes the TURP Rooftop helipad for patients to be airlifted from any corner of the country within 30 minutes after getting reliable information. It also has a Physiotherapy Department with complete physiotherapy services, ICU with 11 beds, post-operative wards, an endoscopy centre, and a Eurology department including Mini PCNL, Pathology Department, in-house pharmacy and ambulance that is available 24 hours for normal and critical patients. Vayodha has signed an exclusive agreement with Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi for an Excellent Cardiac Care in the hospital. Fortis Escorts will appoint a full time Invasive Cardiologist at Vayodha along with a trained medical team.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Along with these, many other private hospitals are being established in Nepalgunj, Dang, Biratnagar and other parts of Nepal. Gopi Neupane, General Secretary of the Association of Private Health Institution of Nepal (APHIN) said that there are 366 private hospitals in the country with an investment of approximately Rs 30 million.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Hospitals in Nepal: Private hospitals and Government hospitals</div>
<div>
	According to data from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), there are 366 private hospitals in Nepal among which 99 hospitals are located in the Kathmandu Valley. In comparison, 123 government hospitals are under the MoHP which proves the vast gap between private and government hospitals in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Challenges in the business</div>
<div>
	With public health service still not being effective despite the government pumping in billions of rupees, the private sector&rsquo;s entry is believed to make healthcare services better, professional and more reliable. However, there is also the question of affordability. Will the common people have access to these high-end medical facilities? Will they be able to access services? These are some pertinent questions. Private hospitals are also facing various hurdles in government regulation. &nbsp;The government has been imposing heavy taxes upon these hospitals. &ldquo;Being service-providing institutions, private hospitals should not be imposed various taxes but the government neither removes tax from us nor facilitates us as an industry sector,&rdquo; says an official at Norvic Hospital. The government also does not help these hospitals in importing equipments and technologies.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Besides this, private hospitals established some years ago are also facing problems with the parameters that the government has set up recently. Parameters such as environment assessment tests, earthquake resistant building, etc are some which hospitals cannot comply with. As the buildings have been constructed a long time ago, it would be next to impossible to impose these parameters on them.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With these complications, private hospitals are still making their way towards a progressive future with their promptness, efficiency and quality services in the healthcare sector which is the ultimate desire of all citizens. Following the slogan &ldquo;Health is Wealth&rdquo;, they have been able to attract a large size of the population with their reliable services.&nbsp;</div>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-10-08',
			'modified' => '2013-10-09',
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			'description' => 'Lately, the country has seen a lot of investment in the healthcare sector. A number of private companies have invested in the construction of hospitals among which most private hospitals have already started operation.',
			'sortorder' => '1815',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1682',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Hotel: Rediscovery Of A Lucrative Sector',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Multinational hotel brands Sheraton (the largest and second oldest brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide) and Marriott International (a leading hotel chain based in Maryland, US) recently announced the decision to enter Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Shesh Ghale, the Australia-based Nepali millionaire businessman, has entered into joint venture with Sheraton to operate a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. His MIT Group Holding Nepal recently signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide Inc and set the project rolling.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Slated to open in February 2018, the 225-room Sheraton Kathmandu Hotel will be managed by Starwood Hotels &amp; Resorts. This project will bring around Aus $ 75-80 million in Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Similalry, Maliram Shivakumar (MS) Group has signed an agreement with Marriot International, a globally renowned chain of hotels, to open a four-star hotel in Nepal. Named &ldquo;Fairfield Marriott Kathmandu&rdquo;, the hotel will be located in Thamel which will start its commercial service in the beginning of 2016 with around Rs 650 million investment.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Various other 5- star hotels like Sambala Holdings at Maharajgunj, Chhaya Devi Complex at Thamel and Shree G Hotel are also planning to start soon. Similarly, luxurious hotels have also been established outside Kathmandu valley mainly in Pokhara, Bhairahawa, Lumbini and Nepalgunj.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	With the tourism industry&rsquo;s growth in Nepal, it is certainly no surprise that the hotels have mushroomed in recent years. As the number of tourists and foreign business travelers in Nepal are growing, Nepal&rsquo;s rapidly maturing hotel industry is one of the key beneficiaries. The country is booming the world of five-star hotels offering best services.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Apart from 5 stars hotels, the hotels labeled as 4- star, 3- star, 2- star, other informal hotels and even home stay system have been witnessing rise in the investment with the increasing number of tourists in Nepal. Though selected number of tourists emphasize on their living standards also during their visit, most of the tourists entertain themselves on spending money on recreational activities rather than their lodging which is the main cause of flourishing the business of non star hotels and home stays.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Number of Hotels in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/no%20of%20hotels(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 159px;" />Rising Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the statistics provided by Nepal Rastra Bank, the total investment in hotel sector in Nepal till the date is Rs 16.91 billion. About 75 per cent of the entire investment in tourism sector is being done in hotel sector. The data shows that yearly investment in hotel sector only in 18 per cent while only 18 per cent of investment can be seen in other sectors of tourism.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	As a positive impact of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, the investment in hotel industry have started to boom. Stars hotels in Kathmandu are investing over Rs1 billion to build up their capacity and upgrade the facilities. Most of four stars hotels in the country are working hard upgrading themselves by adding new rooms and uplifting their amenities. It was crucial for such investments in hotel industry to cope up with the increasing numbers of tourist entering into Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the information from Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the hotels in Nepal have the capacity to accommodate around one million tourists at present. Similarly hotels are boosting up their occupancy level to accommodate the expected number of tourist.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The existing five star property Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza has renovated 130 rooms. It is replacing the TVs in all its rooms with 42 inch-LCD TVs. Similarly Radisson has already added 100 rooms. According to the hotel, the new rooms will be spacious and have contemporary looks, lighting and furniture. Hotel Yak &amp; Yeti is giving a new look to 150 rooms in the Durbar Wing while the Everest has renovated 40 of its 160 rooms. Hotel Annapurna is now working to refurbish its 150 rooms. The record number of tourist in year 2010 has made hoteliers optimistic to pick up the pace.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Home Stay in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/hotel1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 319px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Home Stay System&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The concept of home stay program is considered to be the best alternative to hotel accommodation in the hospitality industry. Basically home stay systems are planned to increase the flow of tourists in the villages or the remote areas where the hotels are not established. But these days the home stay systems are also being urban centered. Around 60 per cent of investments of home stay system are being done around the city in the areas like Kavre, Sitapaila, Dhulikhel etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Tourist Inflow in Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/tourist%20inflow(1).jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 300px; height: 209px;" />Tourists&rsquo; inflow&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	According to the data provided by economic survey FY 2012, Ministry of Finance, the rate of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased by 9.08 per cent by 2011 to 2012. A total of 7,36,215 tourist entered to Nepal in the year 2011 which increased to 8,03,092 in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Though the number of tourist visiting to Nepal has been increasing, their average stay in Nepal has been decreased by 0.25 percent this year.</div>
<div>
	With the increment of tourist in the country, the hotel industry doesn&rsquo;t have to see backward. Experts in the hospitality industry opine that the establishment of hotel in the area becomes the major root for the urbanization. Prasidha Bahadur Panday, former president of Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) said that the hotel business will flourish more in upcoming days as the tourist offer first priority to lodging. The government of Nepal has prioritized tourism sector and started implementation its announcement to provide the same facilities to this sector as provided to any industry</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Nepal has again become a very lucrative country for hotel business. A number of leading global hotel chains have already declared to expand their presence in Nepal while many others are planning to enter in this small Himalaya country.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '888',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Banks In CAMELS And EAGLES',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	 </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>By Rashesh Vaidya</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Standard Charted Bank Nepal Limited is seen at number one position under the CAMELS Rating. The bank stood at the number one position as per the evaluation done on its second quarter financial report of the fiscal year 2012-13. The bank has been capable to maintain good total expenses to total assets ratio during the period among the 32 commercial banks. Similarly, the bank has also maintained good return on assets as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The newly established commercial banks stood at the top rank under the EAGLES Rating. The low level of non-performing loan to total loan and advance ratio was the main reason behind these banks to stand at the top rank. Similarly, the high growth ratio of the loan and advances also boosted them to get top rank.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As per the EAGLES rating, Commerze and Trust Bank Limited stood at the first position. Similarly, Sanima Bank Limited which was upgraded from the development bank to commercial bank came at second. &nbsp;The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio of the newly opened bank has helped them to gain the top position.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>The CAMELS system evaluates banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Capital Adequacy: </strong>Capital adequacy has been the main pillar of existence of any bank. Banks have to maintain a proper mix of different types of capitals to avoid pressure on their dividend policies and inadequacy of total capital funds against the risk exposure. Capital adequacy is measured by the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). A sound capital base strengthens the confidence of depositors.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> One of the indicators for asset quality is the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (Gross Non-Performing Assets - GNPA). The gross non-performing loans to gross advances ratio is more indicative of the quality of credit decisions made by bankers. A higher GNPA is indicative of poor credit decision-making.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Management: </strong>The ratio of non-interest expenditures to total assets can be one of the measures to assess the working of the management. This variable, which includes a variety of expenses, such as payroll, workers’ compensation and training investment, reflects the management policy stance.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earnings:</strong> It can be measured as the return on asset, ratio.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> The ratio of cash maintained by a bank and balances with the central bank to the total asset, is an indicator of the bank’s liquidity.&nbsp;</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Sensitivity to Market Risks/Systems and Control:</strong> Risks associated with adverse movements in the exchange rates (including gold positions), interest rates, liquidity and investment in equity are covered under market risk management. A bank faces market risks either from its investments in government securities and bonds or from the exchange rate risk that persist in matching position. The market risk is managed by the banks’ Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) which assesses policies and levels of risk appetite. &nbsp;Similarly, the central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank has made a provision of additional 2 percent of the total Risk Weighted Exposures by Supervisory Review.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Top Ten Banks as per CAMELS and EAGLES" height="292" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_per_camels_and_eagles.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the CAMELS rating system, each bank is assigned two sets of ratings:</p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		Performance Ratings, which comprise six individual ratings that address each of the CAMELS components; and</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		An overall Composite Rating, which is a single rating based on a comprehensive assessment of the bank’s overall condition.</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Both the ratings are scored on a numerical scale of 1 to 5 in the ascending order of supervisory concern where “1” represents the best rating and “5” the worst.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Here is a description of the rating scores for each of the five components:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 1 (A) indicates very strong performance</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 2 (B) indicates above-average performance that adequately provides for a safe and sound operation of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 3 (C) indicates performance that is flawed to some degree.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 4 (D) indicates unsatisfactory performance which, if left unchecked, could threaten the solvency of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rating 5 (E) indicates very unsatisfactory performance and calls for immediate remedial attention for the survival of the BFIs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The rating of banks can be further developed by giving a score to each component of the CAMELS, known as the Composite CAMELS Rating Score. The Composite CAMELS Rating can be calculated as:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Composite CAMELS Rating= C (0.25) + A (0.25) + M (0.25) + E (0.10) + L (0.10) + S (0.05)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Each of the above six parameters can be weighted on a scale of 1 to 100 and contains a number of sub-parameters with individual weightage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The EAGLES system is able to measure and compare banks’ performance in a more determinate, objective and consistent manner. The name is derived from the key success factors confronting banks today, i.e. Earning Ability, Asset quality, Growth, Liquidity, Equity and Strategy. This approach has gained credibility among the banking community and fund management industry in Asia, for competition analysis and investment planning, respectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Sectoral, march 2013" height="514" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/march2013_sectoral_banks_ratios.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>EAGLES evaluate banks on the following six parameters:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Earning Ability:</strong> Earning ability is shown by three noteworthy indicators – Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Shareholders’ Fund (ROSF) and Income/Overheads Ratio (IOR). The importance of IOR is usually not well understood. The main point lies in that income depends on external market forces, while overheads are highly influenced by internal staffing. So, the banks must know how to adjust the staffing according to the market demand for its products and services. This is shown by three indicators - ROA, Return on Net worth (RONW) and IOR.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Asset Quality:</strong> Asset quality is best assessed by on-site inspection of the bank’s loan portfolio. If this is not possible, asset quality can be measured by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts (BDD) as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision to err on the high side is rather low. This is best judged by the level of bad debt provisions, that is, bad and doubtful debts as a percentage of total loans. A conservative approach will dictate that the quantum of provision is on the high side is rather low.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Growth: </strong>Growth rates of loans and core deposits are the most important indicators of how a bank wants to position itself in the market.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Liquidity:</strong> Liquidity can be described as the ability of a bank to have sufficient funds to meet cash demands for loans, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses. For this reason, a balance should be made between the amount of deposits garnered and the quantum of loans extended. The indicator is the deposit-to-loan ratio or credit-deposit ratio (CD Ratio).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Equity:</strong> Equity level and capital adequacy have a profound impact on the bank. International guideline (Basel II) stipulates that a bank must have a minimum capital equivalent to 8 per cent of the risk adjusted assets. Even the central bank of Nepal, the NRB, has mentioned a comfort zone of 6 and 10 per cent of core capital and total capital funds, respectively, based on the risk-weight assets (percent).</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">
		<strong>Strategy:</strong> The effective management of a bank’s strategy is indicated by the strategic response quotient (SRQ). It assesses the management’s ability to lend, garner deposits, generate fee-based income and manage the operating cost. An appropriate balance of the three core banking activities depends on the bank’s strategy. The SRQ is obtained by dividing the interest margin by net operating cost (that is, total operating cost minus fee income).</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Seventeen banks could not feature on the top-ten list under both ratings. The banks with negative capital adequacy ratio and very low return on assets were seen behind in ranking under CAMELS rating. &nbsp;Similarly, the banks with huge amount of non-performing loan and negative return on assets were seen at the lowest rank under EAGLES rating.</p>',
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			'description' => 'The good position of the credit-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio 
of the newly opened bank has helped them to put at top position.',
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			'id' => '878',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Days Of Pure Portland Cement Gone Forever Time For PPC/PSP (Blended Cement)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Rajendra Prakash Manandhar</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In 1984, I had just returned to Kathmandu after studying Cement Technology (1st batch) at CRI/NCB India. One of my friends asked me about the best type of cement which would last long and resist the polluted environment. We have seen in many toilets, drainpipes, roofs of buildings and other different places the cement plaster being deteriorated by urine, domestic waste, heat, polluted environment etc. I was once in a paper factory in Nepal. The factory had two concrete tanks, plastered with OPC cement. One tank was used for cold water and the other for warm water. The plaster in the warm water tank was cracked &amp; falling, but nothing had happened to the cold tank. At our homes, we notice water leaking and its spot spreading on the concrete ceiling. At many other places, we see hair cracks on the plastered wall. These are some of the common problems with OPC. The best way to minimize such problems is to use PPC/PSC instead of OPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	During the 9th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement, New Delhi, India in 1992, one of the delegates had presented some video clips showing the difference between OPC &amp; PPC. The clips showed that two cement bars - one made of OPC and the other with PPC were kept immersed in water for 15 years. Both the bars had a steel rod inside. After 15 yrs, when the bars were opened, it was found that the steel rod in the PPC bar was fresh and Shinning like &nbsp;before, but the steel rod inside the OPC bar was found corroded and damaged. Thus the clips demonstrated the quality of PPC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	AM Neville, an expert from world authority on cement &amp; concrete puts his view on PPC use: “The various cementitious materials- fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, are here to stay. In their various ways and under various circumstances, they all have an important role to play in concrete, the days of Pure Portland Cement, once upon a time lauded by cement manufacturers have gone forever. Portland is vital ingredient, but the other cementitious materials are highly valuable”.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	A Pozzolanic cement consisting of ground clay and portland cement was described in 1909 by Potter, who stated that over 5000 tons of it were used in fresh water and seawater construction about that time. Later, this cement was known as Potter Cement. For many years up to about 1915, the Lafarge Company in France used burnt clay in to manufacture ‘undecomposable’ cement. A cement composed of 70 per cent Portland cement &amp; 30 percent burnt clay was used to build the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile from 1919 to 1925. The same material (Oil-well Cements manufactured in Great Britain) was used in construction of the Bonneville Dam in the USA. Burnt clay, an excellent artificial Pozzolana, is produced by burning suitable clay or shale at a temperature of 600° to 900° and above. Artifical pozzolanas &nbsp;are burnt clays and shales, spent oil shales, burnt maize/ rice husks, burnt moler and pulverized fuel ‘fly ash’ whereas volcanic deposits are natural Pozzolana.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Effect of pozzolana addition on hydration and performance of PSC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Pozzolana was added (5-25% by weight) to the binary blends (OPC + Slag) and the resulting ternary blends were subjected to hydration and the performance was studied. The results indicated that addition of Pozzolana up to 10 per cent does not affect the properties of the binary system significations. It has also been observed that the ternary blends show better sulphate resistance compared to the binary blends.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The production and use of blended cement, especially PPC, has gradually increased worldwide in recent years. Its larger use in different countries is an indicator of its acceptability as well as suitability for various types of construction. Industrial wastes or the by–product ‘fly ash’ from thermal power stations and slag from steel plants are used for making blended cements such as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portlant Slag Cement (PSC). More than 50 per cent of the blended cements produced is PPC today. Blended cements such as PPC and PSC offer unique advantages to the concrete. In other words, PPC is better than OPC in terms of quality, and strength, and has &nbsp;a longer life than OPC. We could compare these unique characters of PPC with the antibodies in the human body that protect from different diseases.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>OPC is made by grinding Clinker and Gypsum&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	One ton of clinker requires approx 1.5 tons of limestone whose reserves are limited. PPC/PSC is manufactured by grinding clinker with fly ash/slag and gypsum or blending OPC with fly ash and slag. Thus, limestone consumption can be reduced by producing PPC/PSC.</p>
<p>
	OPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clinker 95%+ Gypsum 5%</p>
<p>
	PPC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 70% + Gypsum 5% + Fly ash 25%</p>
<p>
	PSC:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Clinker 45% + Gypsum 5% + Slag 50%, (depending upon quality of Slag)&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal Bureau of Standard has formulated the standard for PPC and PSC. PPC/PSC produced has to meet the quality parameters laid down for specific cement type. Generally engineers/ consultant/ and builders contractors decide on the type of cement to be used in the construction of houses, building roads, water tanks etc. Design parameter, types of construction, ground condition, durability requirement and environmental conditions are important factors while selecting the appropriate type of cement for any application.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Extra Qualities Benefit of PPC</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC provides numerous environmental benefits such as conservation of limestone, reduction in green house gases in cement manufacturing and utilization of industrial wastes/ by-products &nbsp;- fly ash. It thus increases production of cement in the country. The government can take more benefit by collecting more tax on technical grounds and economics. There is a sound case for use of PPC in concrete due to:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Water resistance due to high density concrete</li>
	<li>
		Improves workability of concrete&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces bleeding&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces heat of hydration preventing cracks</li>
	<li>
		No need to add any plasticizer like cement silica.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Higher bang ultimate strength</li>
	<li>
		Reduces permeability of concrete enhanced&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Gives strength, has higher durability than OPC</li>
	<li>
		Higher resistance to sulphate and chloride&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Better resistance to alkali – aggregate reaction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Reduces leaching calcium hydroxide&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
		Low volume (shrinkage) change preventing cracks.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Hydration of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Hydration is the chemical process by which slilicates and aluminates of the cement clinker, when mixed with water, form hydrated compounds and during the course of reaction produce Calcium Hydroxide and Calcium Silicate Hydrate as shown in the following chemical equation:</p>
<p>
	<strong>Cement + Water→C-S-H + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The compound Ca (OH) 2 being easily soluble in water leaches out of the concrete surface. This leached Ca (OH)2 deposits on the surface as a coating layer cause deterioration of the concrete.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Hydration of Portland Pozzolana Cement /Portland Slag Cement: &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	When water is added to PPC/PSC, hydration of OPC constituents occurs first. This is known as primary hydration. During this process, the calcium silicates of OPC reacts with water to produce Calcium Silicate Hydrate gel and Calcium Hydroxide. Subsequently, fly-ash / slag present in cement hydrate in presence of Ca (OH) 2 produced during OPC hydration, produces further Calcium Silicate Hydrates. This process is known as secondary hydration. This makes the hydrated silicate gel structure of PPC/PSC more denser and contributes to higher durability of the concrete. But in OPC hydration, the liberated Ca(OH)2 forms a coating layer on the concrete, which is weak and is therefore removed by external pollutants/environment causing deterioration of the concrete. But this Ca(OH)2 is utilized in PPC/PSC in formation of C-S-H (II) which is &nbsp;stronger than C-S-H(I) thus reinforcing the original silicate gel (I) to produce a much denser gel structure which contributes to a higher degree of strength and durability. More and more Ca (OH) 2 is &nbsp;absorbed preventing formation of coating as shown in the following chemical equations: &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Clinker + Water → C-S-H (I) + Ca (OH) 2</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Ca (OH)2 + Fly Ash/ Slag → C-S-H (II)</strong></p>
<p>
	Concrete is not a structural material by itself but it slowly evolves into a structural material in four &nbsp;stages which are: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>1-Plastic, 2- Stiffening (setting), 3- Hardening, 4- Enduring</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="Cement, Sectoral February 2013" height="276" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013.jpg" width="580" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the plastic stage of concrete, the fineness and initial setting time is important. In the stiffening stage, final setting time is important. Tri–Calcium aluminate (C3A) of cement helps in this. In the hardening stage, C3S, C2S, strength and fineness are of vital importance. But the most important stage for durability of the concrete structure is the enduring stage. In this stage, the high quality cement parameters balanced physical and chemical parameters, high strength, low impurities, high soundness, optimum fineness etc can only contribute to the durability and high performance of the concrete structure. Today’s needs are not only high 28-day strength of cement but also high quality cement with (TOTAL QUALITY ATTRIBUTS) EXTRA QUALITY BENEFITS other than strength. These benefits are the resultant products of best clinker &amp; fly ash/ slag of high quality and gypsum in desired proportion to achieve high ultimate physical/ chemical properties. There are a number of parameters to be controlled as inputs during clinker production. Among them, correct proportioning of oxides CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 which is termed as raw mix design and proportioning raw materials is most important. The proportioning C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF are fixed after raw mix design. The preferable ranges of these compounds are 45-55, 20-30, 5-8, 8-12 etc. Strict quality control of raw materials, cement, process control are to be carried out. In the same way, the blending material fly ash should be according to the parameter given by Nepal Standard NS285.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Application of PPC&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	PPC can be used in almost all kinds of construction where OPC is used. For example, general building construction (residential, commercial, and industrial), bridges, flyovers, culverts, dams, irrigation projects, water retaining structures, ports &amp; harbours’ etc - except where high early strength is critical. Taking into account the special properties of concrete made from PPC, there are specific types of job where the use of PPC would be particularly advantageous. These are:</p>
<ul>
	<li>
		Mass concrete used for dams, bridges, piers etc where low heat of hydration is desirable</li>
	<li>
		In hydraulic structures where water tightness is desired</li>
	<li>
		Concrete in saline environment such as pole foundation works etc</li>
	<li>
		In marine structure where impermeability and resistance to attack by sea water are important</li>
	<li>
		In sewers and other structure subject to acidic or sulphate attack</li>
	<li>
		In construction of swimming pools</li>
	<li>
		In construction of stadia where durability and ultimate &nbsp;high strength is &nbsp;required</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Some construction engineers believe that the concrete made with PPC needs longer curing than OPC concrete. Actually, however, curing is required for all types of cement as long as possible. Some paints the concrete with oil, others cover it. Anyway the water mixed during casting the concrete is to preserve/save from evaporation due to atmospheric temperature.</p>
<div>
	<img alt="Sectoral February 2013" height="189" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_rajendra_prakash_feb2013(2).jpg" width="580" /></div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In major constructions, consumers/users hesitate to use Nepali cement except for a few brands. In order to substitute the import of cement, cement manufacturers have to be honest in qualities, attributes or extra quality benefits. Also, the Cement Association of Nepal has to commit fully to manufacture high quality and healthy cement which may have a long life and may also compete with the imported cement. Hence, the Association has to play a significant role in promoting PPC and highlight its usefulness. It can create awareness in the government, builders, users, contractors, construction engineers etc. That will also help to dispel the apprehension with regards to using PPC for construction works.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages. The concerned government authorities, designers etc are required to make a conscious choice between OPC and PPC according to the application and requirement and recommend using PPC in all construction works. Construction needs are durability against increased pollution level and environment effects.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		In some plants in Nepal, the clinker produced from a vertical shaft kiln (VSK) is mixed with rotary kiln clinker to produce cement. In one clinker plant in Nepal, imported cement is mixed during cement production. Also we have seen/heard that imported or other cements are mixed with Nepali (local) cement in construction. A cement plant owner in western Nepal has used imported cement to build his own building. A proper raw mix design and proportioning raw materials produces the best cement clinker, and there is no need to mix other clinker/cement to increase the so-called “SHAKTI” (strength) of cement.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		Finally, for manufacturing PPC, clinker quality is of primary importance. To avoid illusion over VSK clinker Quality and to boost the morale of VSK owner and interested potential parties, here are some compressive strength data which are being received from the trial production of a modern VSK 500 ton per day plant of Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd. It is indeed a surprising data, not easily believable. A right “Raw Mix Design” (For VSK/ rotary kiln) is a manufacturing prescription to produce the best clinker which contributes in durability of PPC concrete after mixing with Pozzolana (fly ash). It is also a fact that 60 per cent of cement in China is produced from VSK. Productivity is a state of mind whereas making a Megh Quality Clinker is an art.</div>
	<div style="text-align: justify;">
		 </div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size:11px;">The author has worked at Himal Cement, Jagadamba Cement, Siddhartha Cement, Cosmos Cement. At present, he is associated with Rolpa Cement (P) Ltd as Senior QC/Production Manager and can be contacted at rajendramdr@yahoo.com.&nbsp;</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	 </div>',
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			'description' => 'PPC offers several unique advantages to the concrete and has gained universal acceptance. This article gives information on different aspects of PPC such as historical facts, its short chemistry, production, applications, and advantages.',
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			'id' => '877',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Responsible Business Endeavour',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong style="text-align: justify;">By Rajendra Desai</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nepal is bestowed with diversity in nature, religion, culture and people. This beautiful Himalayan country has witnessed a constantly changing social and economic dynamics over the years. In the last two decades, Nepal has made significant achievements in the national economy and the people’s standard of living.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Statistics show that the poverty in Nepal has decreased from 42 per cent in 1995 to 26 per cent in 2011. Similarly, 12 per cent of the GDP is contributed by remittance. The country’s half population comprises of youth, that is energetic and young. Youth is the group which is considered the most productive among all age groups. These youths not only contribute to the society and the economy but also act as the decider of consuming new and trendy products and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	It’s a pleasure for a company, to be a partner in a country like Nepal and work with the people here. So, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL), a subsidiary of Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, commenced its operations in Nepal under the brand name Kansai Paints Nepal Pvt Ltd. Owing to Nepal’s progressive economy, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) acquired 68 per cent stake in Nepal Shalimar last year. KNPL has decided to utilise the manufacturing set up of Nepal Shalimar to manufacture Nerolac range of products which are imported currently in Nepal itself.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The enhanced economic capabilities of the Nepali people have opened up tremendous market opportunities not only for paints but also for any other FMCG. Similarly, the young population makes a market with prospects for deeper penetration, and demand for new age products and services. The Nepali market has come up with scope for higher consumption along with increased attraction towards health-friendly products such as low or zero VOC paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	KNPL feels proud to have a presence in Nepal. Kansai Paints Company Ltd, Japan, having presence in about 17 countries, believes in transferring the expertise and superior range of products to the consumers in Nepal. This entry promises to provide products that are not only best in performance, but also safe and have minimum environmental impacts. Kansai Paints is the market leader in Japan and the eighth largest paint company of the world. Similarly, Kansai Nerolac in India is the second largest paint company of India.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	As of now, Nerolac in India has achieved a noteworthy success in the market. Statistics show that out of every 10 passenger cars, six are painted with products from Nerolac. Similarly, seven out of 10 premium cars, seven out of 10 utility vehicles, eight out of 10 auto rickshaws, eight out of 10 tractors, seven out of 10 scooters and seven out of 10 motorcycles in India are made beautiful with Kansai Nerolac paints.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The company manufactures a diverse range of products &nbsp;- from decorative coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings. The company believes in the concept of healthy homes. Kansai Nerolac paints are top notch products that do not have adverse impacts on health. They have antifungal traits, contain zero VOC, and are lead free and odourless. The company’s low VOC range of paints conforms to the strictest of International standards and has the NTH certification which compiles to a Green Seal -11 approval. Green Seal is an independent international agency which certifies green and environment-friendly products.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Nerolac Impressions 24 Carat is one such Premium Luxury Emulsion that ensures a smooth velvety finish with sheen, excellent flow and brushability, washability and is stain-resistant. Along with it, the company produces award winning products to cater to every segment in the market.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In today’s’ challenging marketing space, it is beyond imagination to succeed in the market without using the new media and the latest technologies to reach out to the targeted consumers. Our exclusive outlets and showrooms offer the customers an easy opportunity to choose and select the paints and colours of their choice. Likewise, the company has focused on 360 degree marketing by using various media such as hoardings, TV, Radio, Vehicles, Movie Theatres and Print Media.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With a belief in inclusive growth, the company has always kept the contributions that can be made to the society at the centre while working anywhere in the world. Any business or economic growth should fuel the betterment of the society and people.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:11px;">The writer is the Country Head of Kansai Paints Nepal Limited.</span></p>',
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			'id' => '876',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Oil And Gas In Nepal: Foreign Investors’ Dilemma',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Abhimanyu Chhetri</strong></p>
<p>
	<img alt="Oil and Gas, Sectoral February 2013" height="386" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013.jpg" width="570" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">In the time it takes most people to read this sentence, the world will have used up about 8,000 barrels of oil (1 million liters); at 1000 barrels per second. The price of oil and gas is ever rising. International Oil companies are making huge investments around the world in search of new reservoirs. It might be surprising for some to know that Nepal has reserves of both oil and gas and foreign companies are eyeing those reserves. As of July 2012, the 10 blocks designated by the Department of Mines and Geology(DMG) for oil and gas exploration have been leased out to 4 different Oil giants. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In the summer of 2012, there was a huge outcry about two international oil giants – Texana Resources Company of Houston, USA and Cairn Energy of UK leaving Nepal citing a “force majeure”. Force Majeure can free both parties from liability or obligation in case of an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, or an event described by the legal term act of God (such as hurricane, flooding, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.). However, this allows the parties to only suspend their work but not cancel the contract.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In most countries oil companies are being forced out. However, in Nepal the two companies packed up and left. The two companies said they were abandoning exploration work in Nepal due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of cooperation from the government. Both have already spent millions of dollars in Nepal on preliminary surveys and were all set for a ‘seismic operation,’ which determines whether the surveyed areas contain commercially viable quantities of oil. To date, Texana has spent US$3 million and Cairn US$2 - 10 million in the country. &nbsp;The two companies were required to pay an annual fee of US$ 50,000 per ‘block’ to the Nepal government. They also have to provide bank guarantees before starting the geological survey works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Rajendra Prasad Khanal, Head of the Petroleum Exploration Promotion Project (PEPP) under DMG, says that these companies entered Nepal during Maoist Insurgency. Texana won the bid in 1998 for 2 blocks and Cairn Energy got the license for 5 out of remaining 8 blocks in 2004. He says, “It is understandable that the companies could not work before due to the insurgency going on during those years, but now the situation has changed. Nepal is a peaceful developing country and there is no obstacle for them to carry out their investigations.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	In fact, the team at PEPP is repeatedly requesting them to complete their work in time as per the agreement. Texana has 13 months left and Cairn energy has 7 months left of their contract period. Mr. Khanal and his team are creating a momentum to complete the necessary pre investigations and hopefully extract the crude oil in near future. &nbsp;</p>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;margin-bottom:10px;">
	<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
		<strong>Sharing the country’s prospective product with the foreign companies&nbsp;</strong></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		The Petroleum Regulation 2041 (1985) has made a provision of “Model Petroleum Agreement” which includes all the items to be covered in the petroleum operations. This model agreement is in the form of Production Sharing Contract with provision of Royalty and Income Tax. This is also influenced by the amount of crude reserves that can be extracted. The companies will have to pay a royalty of 12.5% to the Government of Nepal and a 30% income tax after sales of the optimal amount of extraction. An obligation to drill a well is not mandatory in the initial exploration period of 4 years.</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Recently, Nepal has accorded high priority to encourage foreign investment in the country. With economic liberalization policy of the government and attractive fiscal terms available, Nepal is committed for full cooperation to international companies in facilitating petroleum exploration in Nepal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The DOMG and PEPP have divided the Tarai and the Siwalik hills into 10 ‘exploration blocks’ of 5,000 sq km each and is trying to sell the exploration license to the International oil exploration companies . Texana won the bid for Blocks 3 (Banke) and 5 (Chitwan) and entered into an agreement with the government in December 1998. In 2004, the British company Cairn Energy received a license to explore five other blocks—Block 1 (Dhangadhi), Block 2 (Karnali), Block 4 (Lumbini), Block 6 (Birgunj) and Block 7 (Malangawa).&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	&nbsp;As of July 2012, when the two companies left the country citing “Force Majeure”, the DMG put the remaining blocks up for bid. Currently, the Block 8(Janakpur), Block 9(Rajbiraj) is owned by Emirates Associated Business Group (EABG) of UAE and the Block 10(Biratnagar) is owned by BBB Champions, which is another Houston based Oil Company. Both have bought a 4 year license to carry out exploration activities in these areas.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Mr. Khanal thinks that this is only the first step and a considerable amount of work is still to be done. The team of geologists at the DMG and PEPP are constantly providing the geological data to the foreign companies that can be indicators to the presence of oil in the region. Along with this, oil and gas have been found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in similar geological setting as that of the exploration blocks in Nepal. This has also further encouraged Mr. Khanal’s team to find the hidden reserves. According to Khanal, more companies are showing interest to bid for the license. The PEPP and DMG are involved in collecting more geological data as to attract more companies and facilitate the process of oil extraction for commercial use.</p>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="Oil and Gas in Nepal, Sectoral February 2013" height="402" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_feb2013(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="300" />
	<div style="">
		There is an urgency to extract these non renewable resources. Geologically, oil is formed when the dead burials mature under high temperature and pressure. After a certain period, the oil moves from the oil window to the gas window. This indicates that the reserves underground have matured for extraction a long time ago and the reserves might be lost if not extracted in time. A number of oil and natural gas seeps have been recoded in a stretch of 14km in Padukasthan, Sirsethan and Navisthan area in Dailekh and only gas seeps in Muktinath in Mustang. Methane gas deposit in Kathmandu Valley is known since long time. Feasibility study has confirmed that this gas can be used for industrial and household purpose and the reserve is sufficient to supply gas to 21,000 families for about 30 years. During preliminary study, 23 geothermal hot springs have been identified nationwide. Most of them are found to be associated with Main Central Thrust (MCT) and confined to the river banks. The temperature of the hot spring water ranges from 40o to 115oC. It can be utilized for heating, drying fruits, hot water bath to heal skin disease. According to Krishna Prasad Kafle, a Geologist retired from DMG, considerable amount of investments should be made in exploring these resources.&nbsp;</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		The only exploration of theses precious natural resources is done in Kathmandu Valley, where Peat and Lignite is mined and used mainly in firing brick kilns. Only one well, the Shell er al Biratnagar 1, with a total depth of 3,520 m has been drilled in Nepal. In 1986, Shell and Triton bought Block no. 10 in Eastern Nepal for exploration but abandoned its project soon when it didn’t strike any oil. People associated with the project argue that Shell just didn’t drill deep enough. The situation was such that the drilling machines had to be imported from India and, due to certain trade restrictions, daily operation charges went as high as Rs 35,000 per day in the then price situation. Today, the daily operation cost is in the range of thousands of dollars. But, if considerable amount of oil is found in Nepal, it will be a boon for the Nepalese economy.</div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
	<div style="">
		 </div>
</div>
<div style="padding:10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<strong>A case of Norway&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div style="padding:0 10px; background:#f4f3e6;">
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Before 1960, though an independent country Norway was constantly exploited by the rich and powerful UK and Denmark. During World War I, Norway was a neutral country. In reality, however, Norway had been pressured by the United Kingdom to hand over increasingly large parts of its massive merchant fleet to the UK at low rates, as well as to join the trade blockade against Germany. At the end of the 1950s, very few people believed that the Norwegian continental shelf concealed a wealth of oil and gas. Then, Ekofisk was discovered in 1969 and the Norwegian oil adventure started in earnest. Production from the field started on 15 June 1971 and during the following years, several large discoveries were made. In the 1970s, the exploration activity was concentrated in the North Sea, but the shelf was also gradually opened northwards. This led to world-class discoveries and the production from the Norwegian continental shelf has been dominated by these large fields that were given names such as Ekofisk, Statfjord, Oseberg, Gullfaks and Troll. These fields have been and still are very important for the economic development of Norway. In the last 40 years, Norway has developed an oil and gas industry and this in-turn has resulted in unique national economic growth and welfare improvements. Today, Norway ranks as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value, with the largest capital reserve per capita of any nation. The standard of living in Norway is among the highest in the world. It used up its oil and gas reserves to gain this status.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<img align="left" alt="" height="207" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_norway_feb2013(3)(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="300" /></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		Petroleum exploration activities carried out on the continental shelves of Norway.</div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: justify; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
		<span style="font-size:11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230); text-align: right;">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
		</span></div>
	<div style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(244, 243, 230);">
		<span style="font-size: 11px;">Source: upstreamonline.com</span></div>
</div>
<p>
	 </p>',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '811',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Warehousing Problems: Insufficient Pre-requisites',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">
	By Chittaranjan Pandey</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="text-align: justify;">Commodities exchanges in Nepal are handicapped by the lack of a warehouse receipt system to help the country’s agricultural development. The Nepali media recently launched a tirade of criticisms against the commodity exchanges in Nepal. One of the main points of that criticism was that the exchanges have not included the local agro-products, or any local product for that matter, in the list of commodities traded on their systems and that they are just making the investors trade in foreign commodities. The media also questioned the process of deriving the prices of the foreign commodities quoted in these exchanges. But unfortunately not even once did anybody try to know why the local products have not &nbsp;been introduced to the trading systems of these exchanges.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The answer is simple. These exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same. Yes, the Secured Transaction Act 2063 BS does list “Warehouse Receipts” as one of the tradable instruments. But just listing the name “Warehouse Receipt” in the law is not enough to hope that such receipts will be actually traded in the market.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The flowchart given here presents an ideal system required to make warehouse receipts tradable. There are many infrastructural shortcomings we face in this regard. A commodity exchange is essential for this system but not sufficient. &nbsp;Like in any other market, the primary requirements here are the buyers and sellers. Then we need financial institutions like commercial banks. And we need a policy from the central bank that allows the banks to treat warehouse receipts as tradable (negotiable) instruments.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The issue with the commercial banks now is that they want to know who will take the responsibility if the products in the warehouse are not sold. So, we need the Insurance Board to come up with a policy that makes the insurance companies insure the agro-products stored in the warehouse. But as the situation is today, the insurance companies do not want to insure agro-products stored in the warehouse because of the higher risks.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Next, we need a public authority assigned with the task of licensing and regulating the warehouses that store agro-products and issue the warehouse receipts. We also need a proper market channel; a proper Supply Chain Management System. This requires competent transport companies that can deliver the goods to the buyers. Also required is a strong rule of law so that the transport companies are not obstructed anywhere on the roads while they are carrying the goods to their destinations. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Thus, for the local agro-products to be traded on the systems of these commodities exchanges, the basic pre-requisites are: a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt issuance and a proper mechanism for warehouse receipt financing. Agriculture, a less valued occupation at present, will be valued higher only when these systems are in place. A culture of commercial farming has actually started in the country but we still need a proper supply chain for this trend of commercial farming to thrive. A commodity exchange can help in this and eliminate the current system in which the number of intermediaries in the supply chain is unnecessarily high. Reduction in the number of intermediaries will bring the prices of agro-commodities up for the farmers and &nbsp;down for the consumers to a reasonable level. And this is possible once the general public and the policy makers think about it seriously.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img alt="" height="458" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/regulated_warehouse_receipt_system.jpg" width="512" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Mr. Pandey is Asst. Manager, Research &amp; Development Department in Mercantile Exchange Nepal Limited. He can be contacted at r&amp;d@mexnepal.com.</strong></span></p>',
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			'description' => 'Commodity exchanges are not able to introduce the local commodities in their trading systems because of the lack of the necessary legal provision for the same.',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '812',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'Secured Business Of Nepali Paper',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="left" alt="" height="391" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(1).jpg" style="margin:0 10px 0 0;" width="200" />The Nepali paper industry is one such industry in the country that has withstood the ongoing political turbulence to run in profit. &nbsp;This is also reflected in the fact that handmade Nepali paper products produced by this industry contribute around 10 per cent to Nepal’s total export and this contribution is growing &nbsp;by 7 to 8 per cent annually. Bikash Ratna Dhakhwa, President of the Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) is quite happy with the growth of the Nepali paper business even during such harsh times. He says, “Had there been a good environment for industries, politically as well as economically, this sector would have seen a massive growth.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The ever-growing market demand of the Nepali paper or Lokta Kagaj, as it is locally known, is the main reason behind the steady performance of the Nepali paper industry. Lokta has been successful in attracting many craft lovers nationally and internationally. Products made of Lokta are a major attraction at every handicraft trade fair. Dhakhwa says, “We have been organizing numerous handicraft fairs to promote the business of these products. We are now organizing the 10th handicraft fair which would definitely be fruitful to the Nepali paper business among other handicraft businesses.” According to FHAN, the export of paper products increased by 32 per cent to Rs 410 million in FY 2011/12 from Rs 310 million &nbsp;in &nbsp;2010/11.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Once replaced by the massive import of cheap papers from China, the Lokta has regained its lost sheen because of its quality and uniqueness. Having seen the prospects, industrialist like Bishnu Das Dangol, former Managing Director of Bhaktapur Craft Paper Ltd- the first business enterprise to produce and export Nepali handmade paper - are being lured into the business again. Dangol has joined the company back after a long gap as its Executive Director. “I have entered this business again because it involves people from the grass-roots to those at the high level. The paper industry can become the major industry to eradicate poverty in our country,” he says. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to Kiran Kumar Dangol, President of HANDPASS (Nepal Handmade Paper Association) there are around 300 companies involved in the Lokta business and together they have employed around 50,000 people. He says, “Lokta is a big business today. We export Lokta products worth around Rs 40 to 50 million yearly. Europe accounts for 60 per cent of our export while the USA for around the remaining 40 per cent.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Benu Das Shrestha who is originally from Sindupalchok district has been making and selling &nbsp;the Lokta paper for the past two decades and is inspiration to many. He says, “Many of my friends have followed in my footsteps. Lokta is a low-cost business that we can afford to run and can start it with the help of just around 10 people.” It was more than 20 years ago that he started his Lokta factory, &nbsp;Jugal Nepali Haate Kagaj Udhyog, at Jalbire, his birthplace in Sindhupalchok. Today, Shrestha earns around Rs 60,000 a month and is also hopeful about expanding his business in the coming years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	For industrialists like Satyalal Shrestha, who has spent 25 years in the Lokta business and is the owner of Bagmati Paper Company, it is a business of creativity. In the beginning, he used to produce the plain Lokta paper. But he soon found new ways to diversify his business and today he produces several creative paper products. “We design various items according to the needs of the customers and we often consult with them before making new products,” he shares.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Shrestha produces a range of products from wall hangings, photo-frames, albums, mirrors, and paper vases to the extra-ordinarily made paper jewelries. His creativity is seen in the marvelous set of paper tables which are perfect even for dining. However, he has no showroom in Nepal and anyone &nbsp;wanting to buy his products has to visit his factory and give an order in advance. The average annual turnover of his company is around Rs. 20 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta paper has a long history in Nepali paper usage. Although Lokta is being produced in Nepal from as early as the twelfth century, it got international recognition when the UNICEF started to buy and use it for important documents. Known for its long lasting quality, the handmade Lokta has been traditionally used for official purpose for ages. But today it is used for many purposes. The Nepali paper used for the legal and government documents is produced with a Japanese technology in A4 size. This paper is made from not only the bark of the Lokta tree but also other plants like Argeli (Edgeworthia gardeneri), babiyo (Eulaliopsis binata), hay, leaf of cardamoms etc. &nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Many farmers have contributed to run the Lokta business and most of them are working at the community level enterprises in association with different groups of collectors. They produce the Lokta paper according to the demand of the buyers from different paper industries. The paper can be used directly after buying from them. However, processes like shorting, coloring, processing, etc at the paper factories further enhances the quality of the Lokta paper. Dangol says, “Unlike other products, the Lokta paper is 100 per cent handmade. All the raw materials are produced locally.”&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta products are of two categories- pure and mixed ones. In the market, one sheet of pure Lokta paper weighing five gram costs around Rs 6 while the other paper with same weight made with mixed products cost around Rs 5. Similarly, a Lokta sheet &nbsp;weighing 20 gms costs Rs 18 while the mixed paper in the same category costs Rs 16. Lokta products are available as sheets, note-books, photo albums and picture frames, writing sets, and gift- boxes, among other products such as carry bags, calendars, file-folders, lampshades, greeting cards, wall papers, photo frames, art paper, picture albums, gift sets, postcards, paper jewelry, jewelry boxes, telephone diaries, etc. The price for these products differs with the size, weight and quality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	The Lokta plant is found in 56 districts of the country. According to the FNCCI’s document ‘Business Promotion Strategy (2012 – 2016)’, Lokta is listed among the 20 species of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) including some exotic species like Mentha, chamomile, lemongrass, Dalchini, etc. The Western Mid Hilly regions and the hilly district of Gandaki and Dhaulagiri Zones - Baglung, Myagdi, Parbat, Kaski, Lamjung, Syangja, and Tanahu - are the main locations of the Lokta plant. Usually, the Lokta plant is harvested when it is mature enough.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Brand Nepal&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Lokta paper has been identified among the 19 major exportable goods of the country. It has become a brand name in itself and is known as a quality paper all over the world. Today, Lokta paper’s international market is far bigger than its local market. According to the traders, Lokta products have a huge market in countries like the USA, Canada &nbsp;and many European countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Denmark and lately, Japan in Asia.“Due to the unique feature and quality, there is a high demand for the Nepali paper in the international market,” Shares Bisnu Das Dangol. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	With its attractive texture, durability, strength and resistance to insects, Lokta products are popular even in the digital age and this is an amazing truth for the people involved in this business. Unlike the previous Lokta papers, the Lokta papers today are well-finished products available in a &nbsp;range of colors, textures, patterns and prints. They can be customized for different logos, graphics, colors, designs and paper weight. The success of Nepali industrialists in developing a variety of Lokta products has been a plus point for this business. Satyalal says, “The customers are demanding more and more varieties of Lokta products.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	Bisnu Das Shares, “If we can market our products aggressively, all national and international organizations will start using the Nepali paper for their important documents in no time.” The paper is among the costly papers available in the international market. The demand for Lokta-made gift items like cards for different occasions such as weddings, birthdays etc is high in the Nepali market while Lokta-made notebooks, boxes, wrapping- papers, different kinds of printed papers are sought after internationally. Recently, Lokta has found popularity in the making of fashion accessories as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<strong>Future in paper</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	<img align="right" alt="" height="339" src="http://www.newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/lokta_product(2).jpg" style="margin:0 0 0 10px;" width="454" />Due to the growing demand, the need for conserving and promoting Lokta and producing high quality papers has emerged at the same time. However, the lack of sustainable harvesting and cultivation process has put the raw materials used for producing the Lokta paper at the risk of extinction. Saraswati Rai, Operation Manager at Himalayan Bio-Trade (HBTL) - a community-based enterprise - is concerned about the negligence in the preservation of the Lokta plant. According to her, it would be difficult to keep up the quality of the Lokta paper in the long run in the absence of &nbsp;concerted efforts to preserve the Lokta plant. &nbsp;“The Lokta products are not being produced in a sustainable way.” The Lokta plant has a unique ability to regenerate and reach maturity within four to five years after the first cutting. But it demands skilled manpower for its harvesting. This ability should also make the preservation of the Lokta plant comparatively easy. Lokta can generate much more employment at the grassroots even if the farmers take Lokta growing as a seasonal business. Rai says, “If we have trained collectors for harvesting Lokta and if we can maintain the quality, the business has a very bright future ahead.” HBTL buys papers made from Lokta or argeli from the farmers. Though Rai shares that the company’s overall production has declined in comparison to the previous years, she is confident of the everlasting market of the Nepali Paper. HBTL’s average annual turnover is around Rs 30 million of which its paper business constitutes Rs 20 million.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	If given due importance, the Lokta paper stands fairly high chances getting much bigger and better national and international markets. “International buyers are looking for unique and valuable products like the Nepali paper which is basically exported as handicraft products,” shares Bisnu Das.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
	According to the traders, though the existing Lokta products are good enough and doing very well, there is an urgent need to develop even better and advanced products. Many organizations are facilitating the designers who could design Lokta products to meet the international demand. They are also providing training to the new generation people who are attracted to paper production, designing and marketing. Some of the organizations and Lokta collectors have even started conserving the Lokta plants. The traders involved in the Lokta business have started getting cash incentives, four and a half per cent re-financing and also export incentives. So, if you are planning to venture into a long-term business in Nepal that has withstood the tests of time, then the Lokta business could be the right place to invest in.&nbsp;</p>',
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<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A1"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><img alt="sectorl 2012" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/december.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	</span></span></span></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;"><br />
	By Rajendra Prasad Devkota</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Organic Agriculture in Nepal</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice, but it enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector.</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Default">
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">&nbsp;<img align="left" alt="organic" border="1" height="220" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/organic.jpg" vspace="10" width="171" /></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">T</span><span style="color: black;">he ever-increasing demand for food, fodder, fuel and fiber as consequences of the rapidly increasing population of the world is one of the most important global issues today. Most vulnerable among the rural poor in Nepal are those with small landholdings and landless farm workers living in ecologically fragile areas, such as high hills, mountains and low lands. Most of these areas lack basic transport, communication and social infrastructure. Households in such areas have limited assets and livelihood opportunities. They tend to have low levels of education, large families and strong traditional and cultural values.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepali farmers depend on predominantly traditional and subsistence agriculture where cereals dominate the cropping pattern and cultivation practices depend on monsoon rain. The use of improved seed and compost/farm yard manure is still very low while the use of chemical fertilizers is high but lower than neighbouring countries. Mechanization in agriculture is at a very low level and only 21 per cent of the total area is under cultivation. Almost 64 per cent of agricultural households that have land own a plough that is used to cultivate the land using bullocks. The existing number of livestock is one of the highest per capita and per unit area of cultivated land in Asia. However, livestock productivity is very low due to poor grazing land, crop bio by-products, forest biomass, secondary plant resides and shortage of feed. </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><img align="left" alt="vegetables" border="1" height="193" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral1245.jpg" vspace="10" width="310" /> <br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Natural resources such as soil, water and forests are considered as sources of livelihood in Nepal. Declining fertile land due to town planning, mass deforestation, soil erosion and problem of food security etc boosts migration to the cities. Increased requirement of agricultural land due to continuous population growth has led to increase in land use intensity and cultivation of marginal land, very often on steep slopes and soils of low fertility. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Intensive synthetic chemical based farming started since the 1980s and chemical fertilizers were imported to the field with the increasing interest of the commercial farmers and pro-production government policy. Similarly, the use of chemical pesticides was accelerated during 1983 with the introduction of Metacid. In the beginning, bags of chemical fertilizers were distributed free to the farmers. However, many farmers had buried the bags in their fields to avoid the use of forcefully distributed fertilizers. With time, farmers were motivated to use fertilizers and other related agro-chemicals in their fields after observing good yield of the crops. This practice eventually gave birth to chemical farming and set a new era in production.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<img alt="orgrainic" border="1" height="301" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral2012.jpg" vspace="10" width="500" /></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Organic farming is a relatively new practice but enjoys familiarity in the Nepali agriculture sector. Institutionally, the history of organic agriculture in Nepal can be said to have begun with the establishment of the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture Nepal (INSAN) in 1986. This organization was involved in promoting permaculture, a system similar to organic production. Another milestone in organic agriculture in Nepal was the establishment of Appropriate Agricultural Alternatives (AAA) farm in the Kathmandu Valley in 1987 by an American national, Judith Chase. Chase came to Nepal in 1976 and she along with her husband Jim moved to the farm to escape city life. After she started producing organic vegetables, Chase soon realized that she could sell all of her produce to the expatriate community at a premium prices compared to the non-organic fruits and vegetables. For a short while, this remained an isolated effort with no sign of proliferation. However, a niche market for organic products soon witnessed a new wave of development for organic production in the surrounding areas. After 2000, the number of cooperatives and private initiatives for organic farming increased substantially. The Government of Nepal was reluctant to accept the concept of organic agriculture in the beginning. But, after observing the negative impact of agrochemicals on farming, the government decided to take initiatives for the promotion of organic farming. The 10th Plan (NPC, 2002) and Agricultural Policy (MOAC, 2004), for the first time, had spelt out policy statements regarding the promotion of organic agriculture in the country.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Certification of organic products was initiated in 1996 in Nepal. However, the national norms and standards required for production, inspection and certification of organic products have not yet been materialized at the government level. Some internationally recognized certifying agencies and locally authorized organic inspectors have made their presence felt in Nepal to work on organic product certification. At present, Onecert–Asia, Lacon Quality, NASAA-Australia, Eco-cert France, IMO and Indocert provide organic certificates as per NOP, EEC, NPOP and JAS-based standards in tea, coffee, medicinal and aromatic plants, fertilizers and natural crude herbs etc for the export market. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Recently, the government sanctioned a National Technical Standards for Organic Agriculture System 2064 BS which is expected to bring about changes in the production and marketing of organic products. In comparison, other recognized standards have made unseen mistakes in Nepali organic standards due to the lack of knowledge of proper rules and regulations and systems such as Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Geographical Indication of the Product (GIP) and Internal Control System (ICS) etc. Similarly, organic farmers depend on large quantities of farmyard manure and compost but organic inputs such as bio-fertilizers, manure and organic pesticides are not easily available. The lack of appropriate and adaptive technologies such as consistency, incentives for farmers to turn to organic methods, efficient agronomic alternatives for managing soil, nutrient and pest are some of the input related problems faced by the organic growers.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">The marketing of organic vegetables, fruits and other products is a daunting task for the organic growers. Although some supermarkets have started selling organic vegetables, there is a lack of pricing mechanism. Prices are generally fixed by the traders/collectors who procure vegetables from the growers and supply them to the available niche markets. A majority of farmers is interested in adopting organic farming practices if the government is willing to provide subsidies in farming, processing and certification. Similarly, the number of farmers willing to adopt organic farming has increased in rural as well as urban settings.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Consumers have a belief that organic food is healthier, less polluted and more natural than their conventional counterparts. Many consumers are of the view that the quality of organic products is good and that’s why these products are expensive. Most of them are willing to pay 10-15 per cent more for organic products while they are also ready to pay 20-30 per cent more if the organic products are branded. Organic products are usually sold directly by the farmers themselves or at select shops and outlets. Due to the lack of financial support, organic farmers rely solely on the consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices which compensate for lower yields and higher production costs associated with the organic practice. Though a very small scale operation, the organic industry holds much promise and has a long way to go in Nepal.</span> <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">Devkota is an Agriculturist and Organic Inspector. He can be contacted via email at rajendra_certi@yahoo.com</span></span></p>',
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<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">India’s Airline Brands Connecting Kathmandu <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">The Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic from airline companies of India connecting India to Nepal.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A28"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: ">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="Pa7" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A4">I</span><span style="color: black;">t was in the early 20th century when countries embraced air transport as a means to travel from one part of the world to another. India was one of the first countries in Asia and in the world to opt for civil aviation. Tata Airlines, which started its services in 1932, became a public limited company in 1946 under the name Air India. After acquiring 49 percent shares of the airline, the Government of India granted it the permission to operate international services as the designated national flag carrier. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Nepal’s civil aviation industry started after the national flag carrier, the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) was established in 1958. The RNAC, which was renamed as the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) a few years ago, began its services by flying to a few domestic destinations. Later, its services were extended to such Indian cities as Patna, Calcutta and Delhi. Hence nationals of both India and Nepal have had an opportunity to fly to each other’s country for a few decades now. Over the past decade, however, the Nepali sky has witnessed an increasing traffic of Indian Airlines connecting India to Nepal. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">At present, there are four Indian airline brands connecting India to Kathmandu. They are: Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet and Jet Airways. All of them are Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Air India is India’s national flag carrier and a part the Air India Limited (AIL), a company owned by the Government of India. Air India Express is the airline’s international low-cost subsidiary established in 2005. At present, Air India flies to and from 27 international destinations in 19 countries including Nepal. It operates 18 scheduled flights to Kathmandu per week, including two flights from New Delhi daily, and four flights from Kolkata per week. It also operates scheduled passenger services, mainly to the Persian Gulf and South East Asia. At present, Air India Express (AIE) has a fleet of 21 aircraft. These aircraft have around 180 seats each and offer budget travel. AIE gives its passengers all essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight. Passengers can also avail themselves of free standardised meals and limited on-board entertainment. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGo is a popular, private, and low-cost airline established in August 2006. IndiGo has grown faster than any other LCCs in South Asia because of its efficient operations and low fares. In order to maintain the fares low, IndiGo’s flights offer only economy class seating, a complimentary mineral water, and no in-flight entertainment and allow only one free check-in baggage. On IndiGo flights, snacks, meals and drinks are available as buy-on-board options. IndiGo operates flights to five international destinations - Bangkok, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat and Singapore. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">IndiGO started flying to Nepal in October 2012. At present, it operates seven flights connecting Delhi to Kathmandu per week. Its fares start from NPR 8,420. The company plans to increase the number of flights to its existing destinations and start flying to new destinations in Nepal. IndiGo flights have an average occupancy of 99 percent. Schemes are not an attraction for this airline because, according to the company, passengers prefer low-cost fares to schemes as the latter often come with a string of terms and conditions attached to them. </span></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">SpiceJet is a low-cost airline which began its services in May 2005. It has a share of 19 percent in the Indian market at present. SpiceJet flies to 32 domestic destinations and makes two international flights -- to Colombo and Kathmandu. SpiceJet sent its first flight to Nepal in October 2010. The airline currently operates 11 flights connecting Kathmandu per week. In the peak season, however, it has two flights a day. With starting fares of NPR 3,400 (one way) and NPR 8,000 (round trip), it offers only the economy class travel. This airline has average flight occupancy of 85 percent. SpiceJet provides sandwiches, cookies, flavored nuts, soft drinks and juices as buy-on-board options. The passengers also get complimentary mineral water. </span></span><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="Jet airways" border="1" height="165" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/airplane001.jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, which include 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 11 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 60 Next Generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft, and 18 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. </span></span><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">With an average fleet age of 6.06 years, the airline has one of the youngest fleets in the world. Jet Airways flights to 73 destinations span in India and beyond. The company launched its first flight to Kathmandu on 14th May 2004. It operates 21 flights per week with two daily flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi and one daily flight from Kathmandu to Mumbai. Inclusive of all taxes, Jet Airways’ fare from Kathmandu to Delhi is USD 130 (one way) and from Kathmandu to Mumbai is USD 260 (one way). Jet Airways operates with two travel classes - Premiere and Economy - on the Kathmandu-India sector where it has average occupancy of 90 per cent. Jet Airways offers connectivity to its international and domestic network via Mumbai and Delhi. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Delhi seems to be the most popular destination for the Indian flights that fly out of Kathmandu, because of its close proximity to all the major Indian cities. However, other Indian cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai and Varanasi are also on demand. Bangalore is mostly on demand because of the education opportunities it provides to Nepali students. Tourism continues to be a major factor behind the increasing air traffic between the two countries. However, Indian nationals also visit Nepal and vice versa for health, business, and religious purposes. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa8" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: black;">Market competition increases when more airlines start flying to the same destinations. This competition compels the airlines to lower their fares, causing a decrease in their revenue. This is why the airline brands flying to Kathmandu have a tough competition among themselves. “The competition is tough but it also has to be healthy,” says Joy Dewan, GSA, SpiceJet. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; color: black;">There are a few problems that the Indian airlines also have to face in Nepal. “The increasing fuel costs add to the overall high cost of operation, which naturally impacts the airline’s bottom line,” points out Samir Chada, Country Manager, Jet Airways, as a major problem for Jet Airways and other airlines currently flying to Nepal. Similarly Dewan sees high ground handling charges for navigation and landing as the major problems. Airlines have requested the airport authorities to reduce the charges. The authorities are expected to consider the demand positively. Similarly, the lack of enough space at Nepal’s only international airport and the lack of opportunity for night flights are the other problems that the Indian airlines have been facing.</span></span></p>',
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<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Liquor Licensing</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &quot;Myriad Pro&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">The government has decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries.<br />
	<br />
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	<img alt="liquor" border="1" height="143" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/liquor(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="400" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="Pa9" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span class="A15">T</span><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">he decade-long ban on issuing licenses to new distilleries and breweries is finally lifted by the government. It has now decided to allow establishment of new distilleries and breweries if they comply with a new 10-point standard set by the government. Ram Sharan Chimoria, Spokesperson at the Department of Industry (DoI), said that the Ministry of Industry (MoI) took the decision on October 7. Around 150 applications for registering new liquor industries are already received. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">“The government had stopped issuing licenses to new liquor manufacturers for more than a decade,” Chimoria said, “Licenses will now be issued but only to those who comply with the new standards.” He added that the move will help regularise the liquor industry. The government had stopped the registration of new liquor industries in 2001, citing environmental and health reasons. The Maoist campaign against liquor drinking habits during the decade-long armed movement was the major but undeclared reason for the ban. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Although the ban was imposed, the liquor market and the trend of drinking had not slowed down until the traffic police began a campaign against drunk driving. According to experts, the increasing trend of alcohol import had a hand in the resumption of issuing licenses for producing liquor within the country. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify;text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Rabi KC, President of Nepal Liquor Manufacturers’ Association (NLMA), said, “The government’s move is positive.” However, he suggested that the benchmark should have been set even higher. “The new requirement of Rs 500,000 as deposit is low. Even a small liquor industry has a huge annual turnover, so the deposit amount should have been higher,” he adds. He further said that it would be appropriate to ask for a bank guarantee of Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million while issuing excise duty license by the Inland Revenue Department. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC depicts a very bad picture existing in the industry and says that out of the 52 registered factories, only 42 are in operation. Most of the liquor producers have not used even 25 per cent of their installed capacity, he adds. “They are struggling for their existence. In such a situation, what would be the future of the existing ones if 40 to 50 new industries are added?” he asks. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">With home-made liquor enjoying a strong presence, the market to be shared by all the companies is small. “So, there is a possibility of the entire industry going through a slump when new industries come in,” he predicted. However, he conceded that issuing new licenses to liquor producers cannot be denied in an open economy. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">As per the new standards, industrialists have to deposit Rs 500,000 along with an application at the DoI to get the license. The investors’ deposits will be refunded if they either fail to get the license or present evidence of starting production. There is also a provision of seizing the deposit if an industry fails to comply with the new standards. On the other hand, the existing industries need to deposit Rs 300,000 to increase their production capacity. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">According to the new standards, if the license is issued in the name of an individual, s/he should register the company within 30 days of getting the license. Such individuals must hold at least 20 per cent shares of the liquor company to be registered. Similarly, investors are not allowed to sell these shares before the deposit is refunded. If any investor is found selling the shares before getting the deposit refund, the government can either seize the deposit or mete out other punishments as per the Industrial Enterprises Act (IEA) 1992. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">For breweries and distilleries, including the bottling plants, there is the provision of concluding the construction and starting production within three years of getting the license. The time limit for starting a blending and bottling plant is two years. However, the DoI can extend the period by six months after evaluating the progress made by a company. Such six-month extension can be made twice. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">If an industry is unable to start its operation within the given period, there is a provision to dissolve the industry according to Section 25 of the IEA 1992. It is also necessary to establish an appropriate lab for quality control as stated by the new standards. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Distilleries using local grains as raw material can use a maximum of 10 per cent local grains for their production. If they need more, they have to import. Likewise, foreign direct investment (FDI) will not be allowed in industries producing liquor of lower quality than 30 degree UP, according to the new provision. This means FDI is not allowed in 40 degree UP or 60 degree UP. </span></span></p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-align:justify">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">Similarly, such industries must be at least 500 metres away from cultural heritages of national importance, hospitals, schools and national parks. The breweries and distilleries must have a minimum area of three hectares. The area should be at least one hectare for bottling-only plants. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 115%; color: rgb(34, 30, 31);">KC said, “In Nepal, 80 per cent market share is held by Nepali products.” However, 50 per cent liquor consumed in Nepal is supplied from household production.</span></span></p>
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	<span class="A14"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
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<p>
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A29"><span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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59.0pt">T</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">here are many beautiful, interesting, and unusual things in Nepal. The obvious question of “what to buy?” is bound to come to your mind. One of the answers to this could be gems and jewelry. “Most of the tourists visiting Nepal are interested to buy precious and semi-precious stones available in Nepal,” said Ramesh Maharjan, President of Nepal Gems and Jewelry Association. Besides being a fashion trend, it is a financial investment for the future as well, added Maharjan.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="115" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems4.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="137" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Jewelry includes all attractive or appealing decorative objects that can be made with gems along with other precious metals. Mostly, every form of material may be added to make an attractive piece of jewelry. Some common forms of jewelry include anklets, armlets, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings (engagement rings, wedding rings, class rings), toe rings and nose-jewels. Brooches, belly chains, head ornaments fit in the category of more uncommon kinds of jewelry. People can express their love by presenting jewelry to their dear ones. Common metals that are utilized in jewelry include gold, platinum and silver.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Both younger and elder generations are fond of jewelry collection. “Gone are the days of heavy jewelry trends. These days, people look forward to light and unique designs that are different from other pieces of jewelry,” said Maharjan who is also the owner of R B Diamond House. It caters to a diverse range of customers who look forward to gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires or emeralds in designer jewelry. Turquoise and coral are the most common stones used in Nepali jewelry that it also deals in. Other precious stones common in Nepal include lapis lazuli, tiger-eye, garnet, and agate.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="295" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems1.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Diamond is the most important precious stone in terms of value that generates a larger volume of revenue and business internationally,” said Mahesh Man Shrestha, owner of Gahana Griha. Even in Nepal, diamond jewelry is more popular and in demand than other gemstones, added Shrestha. Generally, diamonds are the most expensive stones but there are high quality natural color gemstones that command high price per carat like diamonds do. <br />
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to Maharjan, in today’s market the price per carat for precious gemstones like ruby, emerald and sapphire range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 while price per carat for semi-precious gemstones cost about the same. There is high demand for Nepalis’ handcrafted jewelries in the international market. “Most of the gems in Nepal are used for silver jewelries that are exported to Europe and America,” said Maharjan. The handcrafted jewelries are very famous and liked by the Europeans and Americans. They are exported in different designs like earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooch, bangles, and different articles embedded with precious stones, he added. Some stones like quartz crystal, black tourmaline, moonstone, kyanite and garnet are also used as healing stones. Gemstones are also prescribed by astrologers and are adorned in the belief that they have magical and mystical powers. It is believed that these powers bring happiness, prosperity and overall betterment in a person and his activities.</span> <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="249" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems2.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="239" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">There are many stones in the market these days that even the suppliers are unaware of. Apart from it, there are synthetic gemstones aplenty. Riken Maharjan, a Graduate Gemologist revealed that even today many people do not know that ruby and sapphire are the same stone. The only factor that makes it different is its color where red corundum are called ruby and blue corundum are called sapphire. “Identifying gemstones is a challenge, however, the bigger challenge is to ascertain value associated with different stones,” he said. The value of the stone depends on numerous factors, he added, it is the 4c – color, cut, clarity, and carat for diamonds while for other precious stones it’s the demand, rarity, treatments, imitation etc that count.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Understanding precious stones has come a long way. Earlier, it was difficult for the clients to understand if any red stone would be called ruby and any blue stone would be called sapphire and a colorless stone that dazzled and produced a colorful flash of light was a diamond. However, today with all the technology, research and improvement in science there is a better understanding of stones. According to Maharjan, Nepal has the technology and good professional gem cutters but the sector is suffering because the stones have not been explored well and opened for business.</span> </p>
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	<br />
	<img align="left" alt="" border="1" height="233" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/gems3.gif" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="227" /><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Hari Bhakta Adhikari, a senior gems expert shared that Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Manang and Dhading figure among the major gem locations of Nepal. He added that Nepal is a Paradise for gemologists and collectors. “This can boost tourism as well as help in export business. But, it is a pity that despite having huge semi-precious stone mines, Nepal has to import 80 per cent of the stones from India, China, Thailand, Burma and Pakistan,” he said. Entrepreneurs involved with the business shared that they need better facilities from the government and to review the existing import and export policies. Adhikari opined that in India, the government has waived off import fee on gemstones, one of the reasons which has made it very difficult for Nepal to compete with India.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“Nepal has failed to showcase its potential in the international market. Much of it is due to the lack of skilled manpower that has hit the gems and precious stones sector in the country despite it being rich in mineral resources,” said Adhikari. He opined that the government should develop adequate work force and create mechanism to extract mineral resources to propel growth. From export of 200,000 kg raw gemstone, some 5,000 small gems industries could provide around 25,000 people direct employment and another 100,000 indirect employment, he added. <br />
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mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">According to the Department of Geology, the country has imported around Rs 130.37 billion worth of mines and mineral related goods in fiscal year 2009-10. However, due to lack of well-equipped laboratory that can certify purity of gems and other precious stones, the country has not been able to take advantage from its huge natural resources. According to Riken Maharjan, there are two things the industry keeps in mind – gemstone identification and gemstone grading. The first part is to identify the stone correctly as it makes a huge difference in price depending on the type of gemstone. The market is flooded with precious and semi precious gemstones and it is hard even for experienced eyes to tell the difference without gemological tools.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Gemstone and jewelry certification plays a vital role in the business. There are gem labs all over the world that identifies and grades gemstones, however, it’s not an established trend in Nepal yet. R B Diamond Jewelers is taking an initiative to change this by introducing GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Certification for gems and jewelries in the near future. These certificates are internationally recognized and honored and known for its grading precision, technology, research and other important factors.</span> </p>
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	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">“The gems and jewelry industry is an industry of trust. Therefore, it is very important for people in this industry to understand their product, to know what they are selling,” said Maharjan who has been in this business for more than 15 years now. People put their names and huge amount of money on the line. There is a lot to learn about the industry, the stones itself, treatments, grading, imitation, synthetic stones and many other aspects, he added.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
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<p class="Default">
	<span class="A8"><span style="font-size:24.0pt"><img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectoral_11.jpg" vspace="10" width="338" /><br />
	<br />
	<br />
	‘Real Growth Opportunity Lies in Agriculture and Small Scale Industries’</span></span> </p>
<p class="Default">
	&nbsp;<br />
	<img alt="realgrow" border="1" height="236" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/P-K-Mohapatra.jpg" vspace="10" width="217" /></p>
<p class="Pa1">
	<span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">P K Mohapatra </span></span><span class="A24"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:#211D1E">is the Chief Executive Officer at Everest Bank Limited (EBL). </span></span></p>
<p class="Default">
	 </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:11.5pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">With an aim to promote the agriculture sector, the EBL established a specialised branch called Krishi Udhyam Bikash Shakha at Rijbiraj, Saptari on August 17. In an interview with New Business Age, Mohapatra talked about reasons behind the newly opened branch and bank’s expansion plans in the agriculture sector. Excerpts:<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why did you come up with a dedicated branch for agricultural services? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The branch will not only concentrate on agricultural services, however, the thrust will be on agriculture and agro based industries. The country’s main focus area should now be agriculture because the new industries are not taking off due to many reasons. Around 66 per cent of the total population depends on agriculture and this sector’s contribution in the GDP is about 39 per cent. Therefore, if some priority is given to agriculture, it will be a contribution to the national economy too. <br />
	<br />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E"><br />
	<br />
	Why did you choose this particular location Rajbiraj among so many other places? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We found Rajbiraj suitable because the land is irrigated, people have money to spend on land and the area receives good amount of remittance. When we were planning to start this branch, we looked for different localities where agriculture is of prime focus including Chitwan where we already had a presence. We did not have a presence in Rajbiraj though which is an area with high growth potential. As a banker, we will also be interested to mobilise deposits as Rajbiraj has a high potential for deposit growth. So, that is a service for dual purpose – mobilising deposit and at the same time, helping the farmers by financing agriculture. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">How do you see the scope of formal lending to Nepal’s agriculture sector? <br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">It is one of the best virgin areas. So far, microfinance companies and Rural Development Bank have been doing agro based lending. All these sectors lend at a high rate of interest that makes the total investment and works literally non-viable. The moment commercial banks enter, we can lend at a much lower rate than present. This will encourage the farmers to borrow money from banks and go for high yielding crop varieties, improved seeds and better livestock. The entire economy will be supported by low interest funding by the commercial banks. For example, in districts like Chitwan, Ilam and Jhapa, a lot of migrant workers have returned from abroad with experience and money. All they need is a little support from the banking system so that they can thrive here, invest and use the experience and money they have gained. At the same time, they can give employment to some other people also. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Why are commercial banks hesitant to lend to this sector? <br />
	</span></strong><br />
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Banking in Nepal has been excessively based on urban areas. However, activities based in the urban areas are getting saturated. Therefore, the real growth opportunity lies in agriculture and small scale industries. Till now, the concentration was in cities and industrial towns like Birgunj, Biratnagar, Butwal and some other areas. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made a mandatory provision to invest at least 10 per cent in agriculture and hydropower out of the total investments made by banks. It is a really appreciable measure adopted by the central bank. Agriculture and small scale industries are two sectors which are going to support the country in the long run. <br />
	<br />
	<br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">To what extent does Everest Bank wants to invest in the agriculture sector? <br />
	<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">The minimum investment will be what the NRB has already stipulated. Our small effort is to encourage the field people – branch managers and field staff – to look at agriculture from a totally different angle. Many think that agriculture lending is not a good lending. However, it is not true. If a thousand rupees is lent in the agriculture sector, it goes straight to the economy. As socially responsible corporate entities, all banks should target the rural people, particularly those involved in agriculture. We will be coming up with two to three branches having thrust on the agriculture sector within this fiscal year. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">We are also preparing setting up a farmer training institute in Nepal. Being from Punjab National Bank, India, we have a huge experience in running farmer training institutes in India and so, we have proposed to begin with at least one institute and replicate that all over Nepal. We are trying to open the training institute that will provide trainings free-of-cost in collaboration with the private sector and IFC (International Finance Corporation) or IOM (International Organisation for Migration). <br />
	<br />
	Such institutes will have basic facilities like soil testing will a simple laboratory. We will also teach farmers to repair agriculture machineries so that they can save money and time. Besides, we will train returnee migrants through these institutes so that they can use their experience and money. It is a long term plan and we should be able to start the first training institute before the close of financial year 2069/70. <br />
	</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A3"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:Impact">Sectoral</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">By Sushila Budhathoki</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A2"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:32.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Demanding Business of Herbal Products</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span class="A35">&nbsp;<br />
	<span style="font-size:15.0pt;line-height:
115%;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;">The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. <br />
	<br />
	<br />
	<img alt="sectorl" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing.jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	</span></span></p>
<p class="Pa9">
	<span class="A13"><span style="font-size:59.0pt">C</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">onsumption of herbal products in Nepal, according to an estimate, is registering an annual increment of 20 per cent. According to Pradip Maharjan, Chief Executive Officer of Agro Enterprise Center (AEC) at Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FNCCI), Nepali herbal products also account for three per cent of the total exports. He further says, “Nepali herbal products meet around 60 per cent of the domestic market demand. The remaining 40 per cent demand is still fulfilled by imports.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">The yearly production of ‘Sancho’, a product of Herbs Production and Processing Company Limited (HPPCL), has reached five million units. Last year, the company produced around 3.4 million units of Sancho. According to Chandra Bahadur Shahi, General Manager of HPPCL, the company is now aggressively marketing the product in villages after having found a tremendous market in urban areas already. <br />
	<br />
	“Due to its popularity, we have been marketing Sancho and other herbal products through our distributors in each development region,” says Shahi. The company has estimated the total turnover of its herbal products at around Rs 100 million last year of which Sancho alone contributes around Rs 70 million. Sancho is a widely popular cure for cold, cough, rheumatism, stuffy nose, fatigue, body ache, muscular ache, headache, neuralgia, sprain and itching. It is marketed by the HPPCL since 2057 BS. <br />
	<br />
	<img alt="demaing" border="1" height="260" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/demaing(1).jpg" vspace="10" width="219" /><br />
	<br />
	Nepal is basically exporting essential oils, Chyawanprash and Shilajit among other herbal products. According to the Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC), oil worth Rs 82 million was exported to third countries in 2010-2011. Govind Adhikari, President of Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA), says the herbal industries can get optimum benefit by exporting finished herbal products rather than only exporting crude herbs. He adds, “We are exporting a huge amount of raw materials to India, which in turn, is earning from making the finished products. If we were able to export final products ourselves, we would have earned a tremendous market internationally.” He adds, “Since herbal products are unique, they usually do not face stiff competition.” <br />
	<br />
	The same products which people have been using since a long time for bathing, worshipping or for makeup, are being used by the modern-age people now. Today, the people around the world are inclined towards ‘back to nature’ and demanding natural products ranging from medicines and food items to cosmetics. Germany and France, among other countries, have been considered as major herbal markets in Europe and the popularity of herbal products has a great impact on its development. It is not surprising when many consider Nepal as a country with huge potentiality for herbal trade. <br />
	<br />
	Maharjan recommends exploring the need for investment in herbal industries due to the increasing demand of Nepali products internationally. He says, “There is a huge demand for herbal products internationally because people are lured towards products that are free from side effects. And our products have established a reputation of being natural and chemical-free products.” Nepali Industries are advertising their products through the internet as well and soliciting business online. Most of the Nepali herbal industries maintain websites and use them as a marketing tool for promoting their products. <br />
	<br />
	There are herbal products being sold everywhere and more people are inquiring about natural products such as cream, lip balm, oils and other cosmetics. According to Rina Gongaju, Production Manager at Wild Earth, the company has launched a basic range of products owing to local demand. She shares, “We are wealthy in herbs but it costs dearly to produce a final product because of the technical lapses in the collection and refinement of the herbs.” Wild Earth produces a range of handmade herbal goods such as soaps, massage oils, pillows, smudge sticks and aromatic amulets and sells them in over 30 countries. The company also caters its products to different Nepali hotels, resorts and spa centers. <br />
	<br />
	There are many brands for each range of products like Yak Milk Soaps and Mongolian Mare’s Milk Soap in Wild Wares category. There are other ranges of aromatic pillows namely Passion, Dream, Tranquility, Hangover, Calm, Balance, Soothe and Energy as well as pillows for each zodiac sign. Single products at Wild Earth are priced from Rs 55 to Rs 1,500 while for the herbal set, the prices range from Rs 350 to Rs 3,500.</span> </p>
<p class="Pa10" style="text-indent:14.0pt">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Adhikari says that Nepali products only acquire Food Phyto Sanitary Certificate and Plant Phyto Sanitary Certificate while buyers in Western countries have increasingly been asking for GMP certificates for aryurvedic remedies, as these products were relatively vulnerable to contamination and unwanted substances. He adds, “Lack of certification is troubling us on exporting herbal products even though there are no complaints about our products.” There are some Nepali companies too who do not apply proper production measures in their production process. Hari Dhital, Administrator at Gorkha Ayurved Company Pvt Ltd, says, “Our products compete with other ‘me too’ products of low quality which have confused the consumers. It has also troubled us in marketing the products.” <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Pa10">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">Industrialists say that the government provisions are discouraging newer industries, especially the small entrepreneurs. Although Herbs and NTFPs (Non Timber Forest Products) Policy 2004-05 has been endorsed, entrepreneurs are facing a lot of hurdles in its implementation. Adhikari shares his bitter experience in the promotion and development of herbal products in Nepal. “The latest policy has been prepared for the benefit of the industries, however, the government is turning a deaf ear to its implementation,” he complains. <br style="mso-special-character:line-break" />
	</span></p>
<p class="Default">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;
color:#211D1E">There is a list of 119 NTFPs that are in trade or have the potential to trade. These herbs are used to produce crude herbs, essential oils, extraction items and lokta/argeli papers. They are the raw materials for different ayurvedic products/para pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and vegetable oils too. Different parts like leaf stem extract, pod, root, rhizome, flower, fruit, seed, wood, tendril, bark etc of herbal and aromatic plants are used to produce these items. <br />
	<br />
	According to NEHHPA, there are around 40 companies involved in the production of finished herbal products and 2,000 traders and around 5,000 to 6,000 wild collectors, especially the farmers from different villages, involved in the herbal business. With around 7,000 types of herbs and a kind of bio-diversity rarely found in other corners of the world, Nepal seems the first priority for the investors venturing into herbal business. Maharjan says, “Since the market of herbal products is growing, many western countries are attracted towards production of herbal products. There are a few Nepali companies having joint ventures with foreign companies and are producing herbal products.”</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
	<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:
&quot;Myriad Pro&quot;;color:#211D1E">Having seen the potential for herbs and herbal products, many projects have started focusing on the production, processing and marketing of herbal products. AEC reports that High Mountain livelihood Improvement (HIMALI), Raising Income for small and Medium Farmers (RISME), High Value Agricultural Products (HVAP) and One Village One Product (OVOP) are some of the current programs that focus on cultivation, production and marketing of herbal products along with other agricultural products. <br />
	<br />
	The 350 hectares of land owned by HPPCL, if used properly, would also benefit herbal business in Nepal and encourage newer herbal industries for research and development. From a marketing perspective, traditional ayurvedic medicines enjoy good brand value in the west. However, with the demand of quality and harmless herbal products, ‘Trademark Herbal’ is not enough for the aggressive growth of Nepali herbal industries.<br />
	<br />
	<br />
	</span></p>',
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