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NEPSE

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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013',
			'sub_title' => '',
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	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'id' => '1861',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Problems And Challenges Of BFIs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme &lsquo;BFIs: Problems and Challenges&rsquo; was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>&lsquo;Financial Sector is Completely Secured&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="bhaskar" src="/userfiles/images/Bhaskar.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 177px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhaskar Mani Gnawali</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Spokesperson, Nepal Rastra Bank</strong></p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was an influx of financial institutions after the implementation of the Liberal License Policy which created unhealthy competition between the institutions. This resulted in maximum investment in the real estate sector, and thereby created problems in the financial sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; After that, the central bank decided to control loans in the real estate sector and a deposit insurance policy was also introduced. There is now a system of deposit insurance up to Rs 200,000 for all&nbsp; deposits of natural persons, so that there is no fear to deposit money in any bank and financial institution.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Influx of banks and financial institutions with the Liberal License Policy brought problems in the financial system. To control these problems, the central bank came up with a merger policy which has been successful thus far. We have brought this policy for the qualitative development of financial institutions and their sustainability. The merger is not a compulsion &ndash; it is a demand of the times.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The merger policy has not only increased the investment capacity of financial institutions but also performed as the check and balance mechanism. It has also discouraged financial crime.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are altogether 175 financial institutions, including all types and classes of banks. This is still an excess number in the context of Nepal.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rural access is increasing with the help of microfinance companies. Until now, 35 microfinance institutions have been permitted to operate and there are more coming in.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medium level development banks have also helped a lot to raise the rural economy and alleviate poverty in Nepal. Model banking can be the best example for development in the country.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total deposit in the financial system of Nepal amounts to Rs 1300 billion. Out of this, only about Rs 700 billion has been invested in real estate. This shows that investment in real estate won&rsquo;t be affecting the banking system of Nepal in the upcoming days.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank and financial institutions have to invest at least 12 per cent in the agriculture and hydro sectors. We have also planned to invest 20 per cent in the productive sector.<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Failure to implement&nbsp; Secured Transaction Act as a Problem</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(3).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajan Singh Bhandari</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President, Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the Secured Transaction Act is promulgated, it has not been implemented till date. This is seen as a problem.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The task of registering collaterals should be given to the credit Information Bureau. This reduces the possibility of double investment in working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lately, because of unhealthy competition among some banks, there have been possibilities of double exposure in a single borrower through working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The capital fund of banks is very strong. So, investment in real estate is a small amount. This will no longer create long term problems in the banking sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though there are a lot of opportunities, there is no favourable environment for investment. Deposits and loan investment have doubled in four years but there is no change in the growth rate of the banking sector which is still around 4 per cent.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no technical risk in the banking sector. They are expanding technical services and facilities which have benefited this sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Banks are capable of securing themselves from probable operational risks. The check and balance system of the banking sector is effective.</p>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Need Classification of Development Banks</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="krishna" src="/userfiles/images/krishna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Krishna Raj Lamichhane</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President,<br />
	Development Bankers Association, Nepal</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main problem of development banks is its classification. There are some such banks with higher amount of paid-up capital as well as small paid-up capital. So, the issues of these banks are different. The small development banks have competition with cooperatives whereas big ones have competition with commercial banks. Thus, classification has been a major issue of development banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The central bank has been providing various facilities to development banks expanding branches in rural areas, but not to those which have the main office in rural areas. In fact, those banks with head office in rural areas need support and assistance. They are working with low capital and in spite of lack of skilled man power. The government should help them in risk minimization.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; People in rural areas are less aware about banking habits compared to urban people. Along with this, lack of skilled man power, weak collateral, lack of security and infrastructure have increased risk of banking in those areas.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the number of development banks have decreased to 86 from 88, their branches have increased to 77 which is a remarkable number.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The working area of financial institutions should be divided during the classification of banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>&lsquo;We are not able to regain&nbsp;the trust of customers&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(4).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajendra Man Shakya</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Finance Companies Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finance companies are diminishing rapidly and have reached 55 from a total of 88. We simplified the procedures of financial transaction for easy access among common people and high return in the financial system, but the misuse of these systems by some of our finance company holders and operators created problems. Besides this exception, the condition of finance companies is not that bad but we are still not being able to regain the trust of people.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The largest share of investment of finance companies is in real estate. More problems were created after the Nepal Rastra Bank introduced Dynamic Provisioning.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment stuck in real estate has not been recovered because of high investment and lack of new sectors for investment. Interest rate is high because of high investment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing problems as the regulatory body has included all financial companies under the same umbrella.There are some issues which only &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing, and which should be addressed by separate regulations.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loan recovery is also seen as a problem these days. Most finance companies invest large amounts of money on land, houses and businesses knowingly or unknowingly. Loans taken in the name of business and commerce is also being used for investing on land and houses.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have no right of prompt decisions as commercial banks. They can increase or decrease the interest rate according to their convenience but we are not allowed a make difference on loan amount. So, customers who don&rsquo;t have access to commercial and other banks come to us. But the problem of investment is interest rate. The depositors seek higher interest rate because of high risk, and so finance companies have to collect deposits by providing high interest than that of commercial banks. Therefore, we should be giving priority to invest in sectors where the return of investment is secure.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Problems in Expanding Microfinance Services</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="dharma" src="/userfiles/images/dharma.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dharma Raj Pandey</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Micro finance basically deals with poverty alleviation, providing loans without collateral in rural areas, collecting small savings and providing micro insurance services. So, it has high cost and cost reduction has been a major challenge.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding services in rural areas is our responsibility. But we are facing difficulty in expansion because of limited capital and high cost. Access to rural areas, management of skilled manpower and information system has also been major problems for us.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Microfinance has to be better understood. They conduct programmes for poverty alleviation which is unlike conventional financial institutions. Beyond loans and deposits, we also focus on other activities like generating skilled manpower, helping them to make plans. We inspect during implementation of the business plan or help in accessing people and their products in the market. It heightens our cost and risk so the central bank has to support us further through monetary policy.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are not able to expand our services throughout the country. There are still 10 or 11 districts where micro finance services are not available. Within three to five years, we aim to reach each and every district of the country.&nbsp; For this, the government has to support us in organizational development.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The government has not been able to make proper evaluation of the financial services that support sustainable development objectives. Services helping the rural people access finances should be acknowledged by the government.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The size of loan is increasing these days which has increased the risk. We have been planning to formulate self regulation.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like any other organizations, microfinance also needs some profit as it has to satisfy its customers with return of investment, risk bearing and expansion of its services. Therefore, the interest rate is high and we are trying our level best to reduce it.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull; Another challenge of this sector is lack of skilled manpower and poor information technology system.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme ‘BFIs: Problems and Challenges’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1860',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Price Surges To Rs 1500 Overnight',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&rsquo; Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.',
			'sortorder' => '1721',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1859',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Gold Import Quota Hiked',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.</p>
<p>
	Though the NRB has decided to increase the import quota, dealers and traders of gold have complained that the central bank was late to take the decision. &ldquo;It would have benefitted the government, dealers and customers if the quota was hiked while the gold price was high (August 28) and there was shortage of gold,&rdquo; said Tej Ratna Shakya, former president of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association (NEGOSIDA).</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.',
			'sortorder' => '1720',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1858',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Keep Currency Notes Clean, Urges NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB&rsquo;s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.</p>
<p>
	Speaking at an interaction programme organised at the office of New Business Age Pvt Ltd last Sunday, NRB spokesperson Bhaskar Mani Gnawali made such a request. &ldquo;We are distributing new banknotes this year too, so I would like to request one and all to help us in keeping the notes clean,&rdquo; he said, adding that the citizens are also responsible to keep the notes that are national property, clean.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The NRB has started distributing new and crisp notes worth Rs 30 billion aiming to meet high demand during the festivals. The designs of banknotes of Rs 100, 50 and 20 have been changed in the new lot to make it visually-impaired friendly.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB’s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.',
			'sortorder' => '1719',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1857',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'IME Launches Edupay Service',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service. According to the Chief Executive Officer of IME, Suman Pokhrel, school or college fees could be paid through the banking system by filling up forms at all branches and agents of the IME. &ldquo;We have brought about a service of paying school/ college fees through the banking system for the first time in Nepal,&rdquo; he said, adding that it will be time-saving for many guardians and students.</p>
<p>
	For receiving this service, the name of the student along with college/school, level, faculty, class and roll number details should be registered at the IME. &ldquo;Guardians can now pay fees from their home,&rdquo; Pokhrel said.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service.',
			'sortorder' => '1718',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1856',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Index Down Amid ‘Low’ Dividend Announcements',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sagar Ghimire</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index declined 1.02 point last week with closing at 548.98. It had closed at 550 on September 15.</p>
<p>
	Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.</p>
<p>
	Despite banking and financial institutions&rsquo; rush to announce dividend, the failure to meet the expectation by some big banks has created a psychological effect in the share market. Share investors lament that the major banks like Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Everest Bank&rsquo;s decision to distribute lower dividends than they expected have discouraged them to make investment on those banks, whose share prices, transactions and scrips are relatively higher in the capital market. Standard Chartered Bank has announced that it will distribute 10 per cent bonus share and 40 per cent cash dividend. This led to the decline of the share price of the Standard Chartered by Rs 35 on a single day at the end of the trading week (September 19) with closing at Rs 1795.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Our hopes have been dashed by the decisions. We had expected that the bank would provide at least 25 per cent bonus and 25 per cent cash dividend,&rdquo; commented an investor Purshottam Raj Chimoriya.</p>
<p>
	During the week, a total of 2,111,643 scrips were traded through 8182 transactions worth Rs 587.98 million of 134 companies. The share market remained open for four days during the week. The total tradeed amount was 39.52 per cent less than the previous week.&nbsp;Everest Bank remained at the top of the market in terms of transaction amount, while the highest number of scrips were of Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme 1 (262,600).</p>
<p>
	Among the sub-indices, the Insurance sector surged the highest by 60.11 points closing at 1346.57, while the Hydropower sector declined the most by 16.54 points closing at 1298.23. Similarly, Hotel sector index also increased 27.64 points. The other sub-indices which observed decline during the week are Development Bank (3.52), Bank (3.91), and Finance (0.72). However, there was not any change in the Manufacturing and Processing sector, Trading sector and Other sectors. The share prices of 40 companies increased during the week while that of 62 price decreased.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepse Fall Continues</strong></p>
<p>
	Following the declining trend of last week, the Nepse index fell further by 7.07 points on Sunday, September 22, closing at 541.51. The secondary market plunged heavily as all sub-indices except the Others sector observed a decline. The Hydropower sector had the biggest loss with a decline of 31.25 points closing at 1266.98, while the Others sector rose by 1.17 points, closing at 662.63. There was no change observed in the Finance sector. The Banking sector which impacts the capital market the most also fell by 9.7 points closing at 516.59. Shares of 110 companies were traded at the secondary market on the opening day of the week through 1797 transactions, amounting to Rs 114,008,016.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.',
			'sortorder' => '1717',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1855',
			'article_category_id' => '154',
			'title' => 'News In Brief (23-29 September 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>First National Science Day</strong></p>
<p>
	Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of &lsquo;Science and Technology for Country&rsquo;s prosperity&rsquo;, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="tu" src="/userfiles/images/tv.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 135px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>TU Publishes MA Sociology Results</strong></p>
<p>
	The Tribhuvan University (TU) Office of the Controller of Examinations published the results of the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 on September 15. The exam of Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 was held in Magh-Poush-2068.The results can be accessed at www.tu.ntc. net.np, www.educationsansar.com, and www.edusanjal.com according to the Office.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="global" src="/userfiles/images/global(2).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 61px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>GATE Graduation</strong></p>
<p>
	Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE) affiliated to the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) organised its graduation ceremony 2013 in the capital on Sunday. Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Urs Herren conferred 72 graduates with their certificates. Addressing the function, Herren said Nepal has great potential in the tourism sector and it was the responsibility of the graduates to take the tourism and hospitality industry to new heights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Eureka Bags &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; Shield</strong></p>
<p>
	Eureka Residential Higher Secondary School was conferred with the &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; shield at the Prize Ball Room of Distribution and Gala Event organized by Dabur Nepal at the Everest Hotel on Tuesday. The school also won a Rs 100,000 cash prize and scholarships. Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute, Balaju and Jaya Bageshwari Higher Secondary School, Nepalgunj followed as first and second runners-up winning trophies and cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and 25,000, respectively, along with scholarships. The &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; competition was launched on August 12 in the Eastern, Western, Mid-Western and Central Regions of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Franchising &amp; International Business Workshop at DAV</strong></p>
<p>
	DAV Business School organised a training workshop on &lsquo;Franchising and International Business Opportunities&rsquo; on September 19 in the premises of DAV school, Kathmandu. With the slogan &lsquo;Go Forth and Multiply, Be your own Boss&rsquo;, the event was managed by Global Event Management and Media Solution (GEMS) with technical support from H2F India and franchise.co.uk. According to the organizers, the event gave an opportunity to learn about approaches to acquire franchises and achieve financial success. Experts from the UK offered guidance in international business and franchise consulting fields. The main goal of the event was to impart the basic concept of international business &amp; franchising, its scope, and the process of acquiring franchises, the selling approach of franchises, and scopes and challenges in the programme.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of ‘Science and Technology for Country’s prosperity’, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.',
			'sortorder' => '1716',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1854',
			'article_category_id' => '118',
			'title' => 'Company Picnic Survival Tips',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Lindsay Gellman</strong></p>
<p>
	Dreading your annual company picnic? You&rsquo;re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.</p>
<p>
	But experts say a summer outing can lead to prime networking opportunities unlikely to occur in the office.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Here are some survival tips:</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attitude</strong></p>
<p>
	It is important to broadcast enthusiasm and positivity while still &ldquo;being yourself,&rdquo; says Hallie Crawford, owner of career-consulting firm Create Your Career Path in Atlanta. Colleagues, including your boss, are watching, she says, and your behavior will make an impression&mdash;positive or negative&mdash;that could affect your reputation.</p>
<p>
	When it comes to sports or games, get off the sidelines, says Tom Gimbel, CEO and founder of LaSalle Network, a recruiting, staffing and human-resource consulting firm in Chicago. (If you&rsquo;re not able to participate, cheer, offer to take photos or hand out food.)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>Alcohol</strong></p>
<p>
	If others are drinking, feel free to partake, says Dan Schawbel, author of &ldquo;Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success.&rdquo; If you&rsquo;re unsure of how much consumption is appropriate, keep it to one drink, Schawbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attire</strong></p>
<p>
	Take your dress-code cues from the venue (is it a picnic in the park? a gathering at a co-worker&rsquo;s home?), as well as from your general office culture, Schawbel says. In most cases, keep it casual, but err on the conservative side, Crawford says. If you&rsquo;re new to the firm, ask a colleague what to wear, Gimbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Guests</strong></p>
<p>
	If the event allows for a plus-one, reserve the invitation for your spouse, or a significant other you&rsquo;ve been dating for at least three to six months, Gimbel says. Give your partner a crash course on who&rsquo;s who in your workplace before you arrive, and a heads-up before you introduce him or her to your boss, Crawford says.&nbsp;If it is a family event and you have young children, set a time limit, Crawford suggests. If your children can only behave for an hour, only stay for an hour.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Networking</strong><br />
	<br />
	Use the outing as an opportunity to get to know someone from another department, Gimbel says. Strike up a casual conversation with an eye toward forming a connection you could potentially tap down the line.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Exit</strong><br />
	<br />
	Before you make your escape, don&rsquo;t forget to thank the hosts or organizers, experts say. (blogs.wsj.com/atwork)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'Dreading your annual company picnic? You’re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.',
			'sortorder' => '1715',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1853',
			'article_category_id' => '151',
			'title' => 'The Land Down South',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Bhawani Timalsina</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	With UK and US tightening noose over the VISA regulations, Australia has emerged as one of the most desirable place to study in recent years due to its friendly educational policies. In Australia, education comes third in the priority list and taking advantage of the system, Nepali students are now willing to persue their higher or specialised studies in this Emerald city. There are several consultancies in Nepal, which are providing a complete counseling for those who want to study in Australia.</p>
<p>
	According to Mahesh Babu Timalsina, General Secretary of ECAN, the introduction of Streamline Visa Processing (SVP) system has encouraged Nepali students to apply for VISAs in Australia. &ldquo;The VISA success rate has increased after the Australian High Commission in Delhi has introduced the SVP system,&rdquo; says Timalsina. The SAV means these applicants are treated as though they are lower migration risk regardless of their country of origin.</p>
<p>
	On the context of whether it is easy to get VISA for deserving students, he says, this is not a difficult job as the High Commission looks for students who can easily clear the Genuine Temporary Entrance (GTE) process, which is a short interview required by the Australian Department of Immigration to ascertain students&rsquo; admission into the universities and their general plan of action in the country.</p>
<p>
	Australia provides a variety of courses ranging from technical subjects such as engineering to the subjects in liberal arts and management. Students can apply in 42 universities in the country, of which two are private. Besides, students can also apply to hundreds of colleges affiliated to the universities. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide are some of renowned ones, also listed as Group 8 universities.</p>
<p>
	Most Australian education institutions are considered as the best in the world, given their record of graduates with successful careers. The Australian education system promotes creative and practical education &ndash; a combination, which every student look for. They can get related information directly from the university representatives who frequently participates in the education seminars in various parts of the country.</p>
<p>
	The fee structure and the entry requirement depends on the courses and on the universities. &ldquo;We suggest students to search for suitable courses and be self aware of their eligibility to apply. It is necessary for students to know whether their qualifications enable them to apply for the education course or not,&rdquo; Timalsina claims.</p>
<p>
	On average, the cost of education in Australia is Rs 800,000 to Rs 1.3 million per semester, including tuition fee and room and board. Despite the huge fee, part-time job facilities for students and full-time work permits for dependents continue to be key features that attract students toward Australia. &ldquo;However, we would not encourage students to focus merely on their job; they should also give priority to their education rather than work to achieve their goals,&rdquo; Timalsina says.</p>
<p>
	Students can apply for Post Study Work (PSW) VISA to gain work experience in their field as soon as they graduate. Students who complete their bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees get two years of work permit while PhD graduates are granted four-year permits. &ldquo;Students urge to know more about the Permanent Residency (PR) system which I think is a vague term. However, students can get their PR permit after completing postgraduate studies. We advise students to get training in housekeeping, cooking or other hospitality skills so they can acquire part-time jobs easily,&rdquo; says Timalsina.</p>
<p>
	It is usually advisable that students have a proper plan of study and work to overcome difficulties. Applying for an educational degree in Australia requires huge investment and negligence towards study can easily ruin one&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;They should be careful about visa processing responsibilities even after getting a student visa,&rdquo; Timalsina warns. The application at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is conducted online and should be done at least three months prior to the expiry of the student&rsquo;s visa.</p>
<p>
	<strong>(More about studying in Australia can be learned from the websites www.studyinaustralia.gov. au and <a href="http://www.immi.gov.au">www.immi.gov.au</a>)</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Study in Australia Seminars</strong></p>
<p>
	University of Western Sydney (UWS), an Australian university, organised an education fair in Kathmandu last week for Nepali students interested in pursuing higher education in Australia. The programme provided an opportunity to Nepali students to interact with the representatives of the university. Students with genuine qualification and documents were encouraged to check for their eligibility for Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP). Students wanting to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were encouraged to lodge applications for the SVP after receiving a Confirmation of Enrollment letter from the Australian university.</p>
<p>
	Global Reach, an education consultancy, organized the Australian Education Exhibition at Hotel de l &rsquo;Annapurna in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu last week. Around 20 reputed universities from Australia participated in the event to inform students about courses and the enrollment process. Swinburne University, Murdoch University, University of Western Sydney and The University of Adelaide were some of the participating institutions.</p>
<p>
	Students are attracted towards an Australian education as the country has introduced the Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) scheme for international students, allowing them to work full time in Australia after the completion of their degree. &ldquo;Students got an opportunity to know about the enrollment process and courses thoroughly from the exhibition,&rsquo;&rsquo; said Julia Shelley, Senior Regional Manager of UWS.</p>',
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			'description' => 'Part-time job and full-time work permit for dependants continues to attract Nepali students to persue quality education in Australia',
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			'id' => '1852',
			'article_category_id' => '105',
			'title' => 'MBA Or Not',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Two bankers, Pandey and Shrestha were chatting over a drink before dinner at Little Itly, the famous Italian Restaurant in Durbarmarg.</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: Why don&rsquo;t you throw those two non-MBA&rsquo;s Out?</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: These two non-MBA are the only managers who are stable and run the whole bank. &ndash;ML</strong></p>',
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			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
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			'description' => 'Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.
Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.
Pandey: Why don’t you throw those two non-MBA’s Out?',
			'sortorder' => '1713',
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			'id' => '1851',
			'article_category_id' => '144',
			'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	The brightest aspect in Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p>
<p>
	We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world&rsquo;s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p>
<p>
	Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers&rsquo; tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p>
<p>
	The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 &ndash; a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country&rsquo;s tourism potential.</p>
<p>
	Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. &nbsp;Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector.&nbsp;As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>',
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			'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.',
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			'title' => 'Vision Tourism : Let’s Achieve: Naturally Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<strong>Amitabh Kant delivering his speech on &lsquo;Incredible India&rsquo; at Hotel de l&rsquo; Annapurna.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Call him a thinker, a visionary or simply a bureaucrat who gave India a new identity &mdash; Incredible India. Amitabh Kant is a name in India&rsquo;s tourism sector and he is the man who drove India towards the global tourism map. He shared his views on how to ptomote tourism and hospitality infra-structure in Nepal to generate more revenue and employment and also the story and challenges behind Incredible India. Branding India was not an easy task for him who was the joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When he took the challenge to change India&rsquo;s image portraying its vibrant colours, the world was reeling under serious crises. Starting from the World Trade Centre (WTC) terrorist attack, Afghanistan war and the attack on the Indian Parliament &mdash; tourism was down in the dumps in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It was at the peak of this crisis, the Incredible India campaign to position India as a tourist destination was launched. And, this was only happened due to his precise and well researched plan for several years.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Excerpts (below) from his speech and presentation at Hotel Annapurna in the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 event:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Tapping the Market&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Last year a billion people travelled across their borders i.e. one seventh of the world&rsquo;s population was crossing boundaries from one country to another. It&rsquo;s the world of tourism that contributes 6 % of global GDP. One of every 11 job across the world is created by tourism which makes it the biggest employment creator. And for country like Nepal and India, the critical challenge is how do we create the jobs for the youths? We are passing through the window of democratic transition and our population is young. And the challenge of job creation has to be done by tourism. The more tourists you have, more people you&rsquo;ll lift above poverty line as you&rsquo;ll create more jobs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Every Crisis is an Opportunity &amp; Campaign&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During the Incredible India campaigns, there were several crises going through country and worldwide. The WTC attack, Gujarat earthquake, coalition force attack on Afghanistan, attack on Indian Parliament and so on. And if we look at the index of travel and tourism competitive index of worldwide, India was very low in several aspects. And several international concerns were raised in India for cleanliness, hygiene, safety, security, transportation, promotional support and affordability.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At those times, destinations used to be seen through travel packages. There was no demand of India and the challenge was how to get the demand back? We didn&rsquo;t go the international market but decided to hit the consumer directly through exhaustive campaigns, communications, documentaries and it started giving results. Then the key international concern was transportation, affordability. In terms of tourist the image of the country was not really good. But every crisis is an opportunity.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Image perception of India however was tourist friendly and also the air connectivity was increased gradually. Innate perception of India in terms of its rich and vibrant culture was an added advantage in the campaign.&nbsp;Globally India was considered good in terms of its authenticity, history, art and culture. We positioned India as a global brand through some of the key marketing strategies and its challenges (see box 1 &amp; 2).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Communication Strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To achieve the goal, communication strategies was also required and in long term it gave a momentum to our campaign. After series of thoughts, consistency in communication strategy was finalised. Training for taxi drivers through documentaries to consider tourists as our guest and awareness to prevent people from scribing names on historic monuments started yielding results. We also focused on clear definition of value proposition, constant research and innovation and constant interaction with travelers, travel writers and editors.&nbsp;The most innovative part of the campaign was turning tourism officials into brand ambassadors and documentary on keeping the city clean.&nbsp;Tourism is a multi-sectoral activity and we have to look with whole range of people. You have to work with people in the home ministry, external ministry, art, culture, aviation etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Making of God&rsquo;s Own Country: Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our mission was to develop Kerala into a premier destination on the world tourism map for defined niche tourists. We wanted to make it a stand-alone destination, a global brand, with instant brand recognition and high brand equity. The government played role of facilitator and catalyst. We worked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We focused on up-market clientele with more focus on quality than quantity. We focused on conservation, preservation and sustainability. We promoted innovative products and projects and adopted transparent, competitive policy on privatisation.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	And the whole world of Kerala tourism has changed. We focused on traditional and unique aspects of Kerala. Like backwaters, Ayurveda, its Innovative products, Elephant pageants, boat races, Tiger trail, eco tourism, Kerala&rsquo;s traditional martial arts, cuisine. Basically we did everything which west did not do. We went back to roots of Kerala and build a &mdash; Gods Own Country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Way the World Sees Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 50 must see destinations of the world - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the ten exotic paradises on earth - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 100 great trips of the 21st century - Travel &amp; Leisure&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 hot spots of the millennium - Emirates In-flight&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Where smart travelers go &ndash; Financial Times, London&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 love nests in India &ndash; Cosmopolitan&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Best Performing State - Government of India Award&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Journey &amp; Results:&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our campaign and determination triggered and gave a mileage to the Indian tourism industry, supported by industries like aviation; hotels etc. Infrastructure grew in tandem and in 2008 India got 5.38 million visitors compared to 2.54 million in 2001 and the figure is increasing every year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>On Nepal Tourism&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It has always been pleasure to be in Nepal. I long admire Nepal as a unique destination. I have always believed that there are very few destinations in the world with such a diverse nature, adventure, culture and Himalayan peaks. But I believe the positioning and branding strategy of Nepal is not an ideal one. Nepal is exporting its product extremely cheap. This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy. Nepal in many ways is very unique and it has a great potential to deliver. But there is a huge challenge between potentials and performance and therefore it is very important to understand that world of tourism is very big. There is a need to raise Nepal&rsquo;s service standards, creating premium brand of experiential tourism, positioning of exotic Nepal, adding new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes, domestic and foreign investments in tourism services etc.&nbsp;(Amitabh Kant former joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 in India and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001.)</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key marketing strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position tourism as major engine of economic growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Harness the direct and multiplier effects of tourism for employment generation&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position India as a global brand&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Acknowledge the critical role of private sector&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Tapping the tourist directly&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Create and develop integrated tourism circuits based on India&rsquo;s unique civilization</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key Marketing Challenges&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Moving from low value marketing strategy to high value marketing strategy&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Defend and enhance India&rsquo;s share in traditional long-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop strong short-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Penetrate the key source market in Asia&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position and differentiate strongly vis-&agrave;-vis key competitors in the region&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop spending an avenues to capture higher value from each tourist</div>
<div>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</div>',
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	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'Third ‘Money Expo 2013’ is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1863',
			'article_category_id' => '122',
			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1862',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Third ‘Money Expo 2013’ is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.  Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation',
			'sortorder' => '1723',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1861',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Problems And Challenges Of BFIs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme &lsquo;BFIs: Problems and Challenges&rsquo; was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>&lsquo;Financial Sector is Completely Secured&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="bhaskar" src="/userfiles/images/Bhaskar.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 177px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhaskar Mani Gnawali</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Spokesperson, Nepal Rastra Bank</strong></p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was an influx of financial institutions after the implementation of the Liberal License Policy which created unhealthy competition between the institutions. This resulted in maximum investment in the real estate sector, and thereby created problems in the financial sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; After that, the central bank decided to control loans in the real estate sector and a deposit insurance policy was also introduced. There is now a system of deposit insurance up to Rs 200,000 for all&nbsp; deposits of natural persons, so that there is no fear to deposit money in any bank and financial institution.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Influx of banks and financial institutions with the Liberal License Policy brought problems in the financial system. To control these problems, the central bank came up with a merger policy which has been successful thus far. We have brought this policy for the qualitative development of financial institutions and their sustainability. The merger is not a compulsion &ndash; it is a demand of the times.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The merger policy has not only increased the investment capacity of financial institutions but also performed as the check and balance mechanism. It has also discouraged financial crime.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are altogether 175 financial institutions, including all types and classes of banks. This is still an excess number in the context of Nepal.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rural access is increasing with the help of microfinance companies. Until now, 35 microfinance institutions have been permitted to operate and there are more coming in.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medium level development banks have also helped a lot to raise the rural economy and alleviate poverty in Nepal. Model banking can be the best example for development in the country.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total deposit in the financial system of Nepal amounts to Rs 1300 billion. Out of this, only about Rs 700 billion has been invested in real estate. This shows that investment in real estate won&rsquo;t be affecting the banking system of Nepal in the upcoming days.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank and financial institutions have to invest at least 12 per cent in the agriculture and hydro sectors. We have also planned to invest 20 per cent in the productive sector.<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Failure to implement&nbsp; Secured Transaction Act as a Problem</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(3).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajan Singh Bhandari</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President, Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the Secured Transaction Act is promulgated, it has not been implemented till date. This is seen as a problem.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The task of registering collaterals should be given to the credit Information Bureau. This reduces the possibility of double investment in working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lately, because of unhealthy competition among some banks, there have been possibilities of double exposure in a single borrower through working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The capital fund of banks is very strong. So, investment in real estate is a small amount. This will no longer create long term problems in the banking sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though there are a lot of opportunities, there is no favourable environment for investment. Deposits and loan investment have doubled in four years but there is no change in the growth rate of the banking sector which is still around 4 per cent.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no technical risk in the banking sector. They are expanding technical services and facilities which have benefited this sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Banks are capable of securing themselves from probable operational risks. The check and balance system of the banking sector is effective.</p>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Need Classification of Development Banks</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="krishna" src="/userfiles/images/krishna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Krishna Raj Lamichhane</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President,<br />
	Development Bankers Association, Nepal</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main problem of development banks is its classification. There are some such banks with higher amount of paid-up capital as well as small paid-up capital. So, the issues of these banks are different. The small development banks have competition with cooperatives whereas big ones have competition with commercial banks. Thus, classification has been a major issue of development banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The central bank has been providing various facilities to development banks expanding branches in rural areas, but not to those which have the main office in rural areas. In fact, those banks with head office in rural areas need support and assistance. They are working with low capital and in spite of lack of skilled man power. The government should help them in risk minimization.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; People in rural areas are less aware about banking habits compared to urban people. Along with this, lack of skilled man power, weak collateral, lack of security and infrastructure have increased risk of banking in those areas.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the number of development banks have decreased to 86 from 88, their branches have increased to 77 which is a remarkable number.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The working area of financial institutions should be divided during the classification of banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>&lsquo;We are not able to regain&nbsp;the trust of customers&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(4).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajendra Man Shakya</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Finance Companies Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finance companies are diminishing rapidly and have reached 55 from a total of 88. We simplified the procedures of financial transaction for easy access among common people and high return in the financial system, but the misuse of these systems by some of our finance company holders and operators created problems. Besides this exception, the condition of finance companies is not that bad but we are still not being able to regain the trust of people.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The largest share of investment of finance companies is in real estate. More problems were created after the Nepal Rastra Bank introduced Dynamic Provisioning.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment stuck in real estate has not been recovered because of high investment and lack of new sectors for investment. Interest rate is high because of high investment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing problems as the regulatory body has included all financial companies under the same umbrella.There are some issues which only &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing, and which should be addressed by separate regulations.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loan recovery is also seen as a problem these days. Most finance companies invest large amounts of money on land, houses and businesses knowingly or unknowingly. Loans taken in the name of business and commerce is also being used for investing on land and houses.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have no right of prompt decisions as commercial banks. They can increase or decrease the interest rate according to their convenience but we are not allowed a make difference on loan amount. So, customers who don&rsquo;t have access to commercial and other banks come to us. But the problem of investment is interest rate. The depositors seek higher interest rate because of high risk, and so finance companies have to collect deposits by providing high interest than that of commercial banks. Therefore, we should be giving priority to invest in sectors where the return of investment is secure.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Problems in Expanding Microfinance Services</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="dharma" src="/userfiles/images/dharma.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dharma Raj Pandey</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Micro finance basically deals with poverty alleviation, providing loans without collateral in rural areas, collecting small savings and providing micro insurance services. So, it has high cost and cost reduction has been a major challenge.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding services in rural areas is our responsibility. But we are facing difficulty in expansion because of limited capital and high cost. Access to rural areas, management of skilled manpower and information system has also been major problems for us.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Microfinance has to be better understood. They conduct programmes for poverty alleviation which is unlike conventional financial institutions. Beyond loans and deposits, we also focus on other activities like generating skilled manpower, helping them to make plans. We inspect during implementation of the business plan or help in accessing people and their products in the market. It heightens our cost and risk so the central bank has to support us further through monetary policy.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are not able to expand our services throughout the country. There are still 10 or 11 districts where micro finance services are not available. Within three to five years, we aim to reach each and every district of the country.&nbsp; For this, the government has to support us in organizational development.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The government has not been able to make proper evaluation of the financial services that support sustainable development objectives. Services helping the rural people access finances should be acknowledged by the government.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The size of loan is increasing these days which has increased the risk. We have been planning to formulate self regulation.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like any other organizations, microfinance also needs some profit as it has to satisfy its customers with return of investment, risk bearing and expansion of its services. Therefore, the interest rate is high and we are trying our level best to reduce it.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull; Another challenge of this sector is lack of skilled manpower and poor information technology system.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
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			'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme ‘BFIs: Problems and Challenges’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1860',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Price Surges To Rs 1500 Overnight',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&rsquo; Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.',
			'sortorder' => '1721',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1859',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Gold Import Quota Hiked',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.</p>
<p>
	Though the NRB has decided to increase the import quota, dealers and traders of gold have complained that the central bank was late to take the decision. &ldquo;It would have benefitted the government, dealers and customers if the quota was hiked while the gold price was high (August 28) and there was shortage of gold,&rdquo; said Tej Ratna Shakya, former president of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association (NEGOSIDA).</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.',
			'sortorder' => '1720',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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	),
	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1858',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Keep Currency Notes Clean, Urges NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB&rsquo;s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.</p>
<p>
	Speaking at an interaction programme organised at the office of New Business Age Pvt Ltd last Sunday, NRB spokesperson Bhaskar Mani Gnawali made such a request. &ldquo;We are distributing new banknotes this year too, so I would like to request one and all to help us in keeping the notes clean,&rdquo; he said, adding that the citizens are also responsible to keep the notes that are national property, clean.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The NRB has started distributing new and crisp notes worth Rs 30 billion aiming to meet high demand during the festivals. The designs of banknotes of Rs 100, 50 and 20 have been changed in the new lot to make it visually-impaired friendly.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB’s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.',
			'sortorder' => '1719',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	),
	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1857',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'IME Launches Edupay Service',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service. According to the Chief Executive Officer of IME, Suman Pokhrel, school or college fees could be paid through the banking system by filling up forms at all branches and agents of the IME. &ldquo;We have brought about a service of paying school/ college fees through the banking system for the first time in Nepal,&rdquo; he said, adding that it will be time-saving for many guardians and students.</p>
<p>
	For receiving this service, the name of the student along with college/school, level, faculty, class and roll number details should be registered at the IME. &ldquo;Guardians can now pay fees from their home,&rdquo; Pokhrel said.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service.',
			'sortorder' => '1718',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
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		)
	),
	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1856',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Index Down Amid ‘Low’ Dividend Announcements',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sagar Ghimire</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index declined 1.02 point last week with closing at 548.98. It had closed at 550 on September 15.</p>
<p>
	Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.</p>
<p>
	Despite banking and financial institutions&rsquo; rush to announce dividend, the failure to meet the expectation by some big banks has created a psychological effect in the share market. Share investors lament that the major banks like Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Everest Bank&rsquo;s decision to distribute lower dividends than they expected have discouraged them to make investment on those banks, whose share prices, transactions and scrips are relatively higher in the capital market. Standard Chartered Bank has announced that it will distribute 10 per cent bonus share and 40 per cent cash dividend. This led to the decline of the share price of the Standard Chartered by Rs 35 on a single day at the end of the trading week (September 19) with closing at Rs 1795.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Our hopes have been dashed by the decisions. We had expected that the bank would provide at least 25 per cent bonus and 25 per cent cash dividend,&rdquo; commented an investor Purshottam Raj Chimoriya.</p>
<p>
	During the week, a total of 2,111,643 scrips were traded through 8182 transactions worth Rs 587.98 million of 134 companies. The share market remained open for four days during the week. The total tradeed amount was 39.52 per cent less than the previous week.&nbsp;Everest Bank remained at the top of the market in terms of transaction amount, while the highest number of scrips were of Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme 1 (262,600).</p>
<p>
	Among the sub-indices, the Insurance sector surged the highest by 60.11 points closing at 1346.57, while the Hydropower sector declined the most by 16.54 points closing at 1298.23. Similarly, Hotel sector index also increased 27.64 points. The other sub-indices which observed decline during the week are Development Bank (3.52), Bank (3.91), and Finance (0.72). However, there was not any change in the Manufacturing and Processing sector, Trading sector and Other sectors. The share prices of 40 companies increased during the week while that of 62 price decreased.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepse Fall Continues</strong></p>
<p>
	Following the declining trend of last week, the Nepse index fell further by 7.07 points on Sunday, September 22, closing at 541.51. The secondary market plunged heavily as all sub-indices except the Others sector observed a decline. The Hydropower sector had the biggest loss with a decline of 31.25 points closing at 1266.98, while the Others sector rose by 1.17 points, closing at 662.63. There was no change observed in the Finance sector. The Banking sector which impacts the capital market the most also fell by 9.7 points closing at 516.59. Shares of 110 companies were traded at the secondary market on the opening day of the week through 1797 transactions, amounting to Rs 114,008,016.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.',
			'sortorder' => '1717',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	),
	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1855',
			'article_category_id' => '154',
			'title' => 'News In Brief (23-29 September 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>First National Science Day</strong></p>
<p>
	Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of &lsquo;Science and Technology for Country&rsquo;s prosperity&rsquo;, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="tu" src="/userfiles/images/tv.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 135px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>TU Publishes MA Sociology Results</strong></p>
<p>
	The Tribhuvan University (TU) Office of the Controller of Examinations published the results of the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 on September 15. The exam of Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 was held in Magh-Poush-2068.The results can be accessed at www.tu.ntc. net.np, www.educationsansar.com, and www.edusanjal.com according to the Office.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="global" src="/userfiles/images/global(2).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 61px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>GATE Graduation</strong></p>
<p>
	Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE) affiliated to the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) organised its graduation ceremony 2013 in the capital on Sunday. Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Urs Herren conferred 72 graduates with their certificates. Addressing the function, Herren said Nepal has great potential in the tourism sector and it was the responsibility of the graduates to take the tourism and hospitality industry to new heights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Eureka Bags &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; Shield</strong></p>
<p>
	Eureka Residential Higher Secondary School was conferred with the &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; shield at the Prize Ball Room of Distribution and Gala Event organized by Dabur Nepal at the Everest Hotel on Tuesday. The school also won a Rs 100,000 cash prize and scholarships. Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute, Balaju and Jaya Bageshwari Higher Secondary School, Nepalgunj followed as first and second runners-up winning trophies and cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and 25,000, respectively, along with scholarships. The &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; competition was launched on August 12 in the Eastern, Western, Mid-Western and Central Regions of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Franchising &amp; International Business Workshop at DAV</strong></p>
<p>
	DAV Business School organised a training workshop on &lsquo;Franchising and International Business Opportunities&rsquo; on September 19 in the premises of DAV school, Kathmandu. With the slogan &lsquo;Go Forth and Multiply, Be your own Boss&rsquo;, the event was managed by Global Event Management and Media Solution (GEMS) with technical support from H2F India and franchise.co.uk. According to the organizers, the event gave an opportunity to learn about approaches to acquire franchises and achieve financial success. Experts from the UK offered guidance in international business and franchise consulting fields. The main goal of the event was to impart the basic concept of international business &amp; franchising, its scope, and the process of acquiring franchises, the selling approach of franchises, and scopes and challenges in the programme.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of ‘Science and Technology for Country’s prosperity’, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.',
			'sortorder' => '1716',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1854',
			'article_category_id' => '118',
			'title' => 'Company Picnic Survival Tips',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Lindsay Gellman</strong></p>
<p>
	Dreading your annual company picnic? You&rsquo;re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.</p>
<p>
	But experts say a summer outing can lead to prime networking opportunities unlikely to occur in the office.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Here are some survival tips:</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attitude</strong></p>
<p>
	It is important to broadcast enthusiasm and positivity while still &ldquo;being yourself,&rdquo; says Hallie Crawford, owner of career-consulting firm Create Your Career Path in Atlanta. Colleagues, including your boss, are watching, she says, and your behavior will make an impression&mdash;positive or negative&mdash;that could affect your reputation.</p>
<p>
	When it comes to sports or games, get off the sidelines, says Tom Gimbel, CEO and founder of LaSalle Network, a recruiting, staffing and human-resource consulting firm in Chicago. (If you&rsquo;re not able to participate, cheer, offer to take photos or hand out food.)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>Alcohol</strong></p>
<p>
	If others are drinking, feel free to partake, says Dan Schawbel, author of &ldquo;Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success.&rdquo; If you&rsquo;re unsure of how much consumption is appropriate, keep it to one drink, Schawbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attire</strong></p>
<p>
	Take your dress-code cues from the venue (is it a picnic in the park? a gathering at a co-worker&rsquo;s home?), as well as from your general office culture, Schawbel says. In most cases, keep it casual, but err on the conservative side, Crawford says. If you&rsquo;re new to the firm, ask a colleague what to wear, Gimbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Guests</strong></p>
<p>
	If the event allows for a plus-one, reserve the invitation for your spouse, or a significant other you&rsquo;ve been dating for at least three to six months, Gimbel says. Give your partner a crash course on who&rsquo;s who in your workplace before you arrive, and a heads-up before you introduce him or her to your boss, Crawford says.&nbsp;If it is a family event and you have young children, set a time limit, Crawford suggests. If your children can only behave for an hour, only stay for an hour.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Networking</strong><br />
	<br />
	Use the outing as an opportunity to get to know someone from another department, Gimbel says. Strike up a casual conversation with an eye toward forming a connection you could potentially tap down the line.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Exit</strong><br />
	<br />
	Before you make your escape, don&rsquo;t forget to thank the hosts or organizers, experts say. (blogs.wsj.com/atwork)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Dreading your annual company picnic? You’re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.',
			'sortorder' => '1715',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1853',
			'article_category_id' => '151',
			'title' => 'The Land Down South',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Bhawani Timalsina</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	With UK and US tightening noose over the VISA regulations, Australia has emerged as one of the most desirable place to study in recent years due to its friendly educational policies. In Australia, education comes third in the priority list and taking advantage of the system, Nepali students are now willing to persue their higher or specialised studies in this Emerald city. There are several consultancies in Nepal, which are providing a complete counseling for those who want to study in Australia.</p>
<p>
	According to Mahesh Babu Timalsina, General Secretary of ECAN, the introduction of Streamline Visa Processing (SVP) system has encouraged Nepali students to apply for VISAs in Australia. &ldquo;The VISA success rate has increased after the Australian High Commission in Delhi has introduced the SVP system,&rdquo; says Timalsina. The SAV means these applicants are treated as though they are lower migration risk regardless of their country of origin.</p>
<p>
	On the context of whether it is easy to get VISA for deserving students, he says, this is not a difficult job as the High Commission looks for students who can easily clear the Genuine Temporary Entrance (GTE) process, which is a short interview required by the Australian Department of Immigration to ascertain students&rsquo; admission into the universities and their general plan of action in the country.</p>
<p>
	Australia provides a variety of courses ranging from technical subjects such as engineering to the subjects in liberal arts and management. Students can apply in 42 universities in the country, of which two are private. Besides, students can also apply to hundreds of colleges affiliated to the universities. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide are some of renowned ones, also listed as Group 8 universities.</p>
<p>
	Most Australian education institutions are considered as the best in the world, given their record of graduates with successful careers. The Australian education system promotes creative and practical education &ndash; a combination, which every student look for. They can get related information directly from the university representatives who frequently participates in the education seminars in various parts of the country.</p>
<p>
	The fee structure and the entry requirement depends on the courses and on the universities. &ldquo;We suggest students to search for suitable courses and be self aware of their eligibility to apply. It is necessary for students to know whether their qualifications enable them to apply for the education course or not,&rdquo; Timalsina claims.</p>
<p>
	On average, the cost of education in Australia is Rs 800,000 to Rs 1.3 million per semester, including tuition fee and room and board. Despite the huge fee, part-time job facilities for students and full-time work permits for dependents continue to be key features that attract students toward Australia. &ldquo;However, we would not encourage students to focus merely on their job; they should also give priority to their education rather than work to achieve their goals,&rdquo; Timalsina says.</p>
<p>
	Students can apply for Post Study Work (PSW) VISA to gain work experience in their field as soon as they graduate. Students who complete their bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees get two years of work permit while PhD graduates are granted four-year permits. &ldquo;Students urge to know more about the Permanent Residency (PR) system which I think is a vague term. However, students can get their PR permit after completing postgraduate studies. We advise students to get training in housekeeping, cooking or other hospitality skills so they can acquire part-time jobs easily,&rdquo; says Timalsina.</p>
<p>
	It is usually advisable that students have a proper plan of study and work to overcome difficulties. Applying for an educational degree in Australia requires huge investment and negligence towards study can easily ruin one&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;They should be careful about visa processing responsibilities even after getting a student visa,&rdquo; Timalsina warns. The application at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is conducted online and should be done at least three months prior to the expiry of the student&rsquo;s visa.</p>
<p>
	<strong>(More about studying in Australia can be learned from the websites www.studyinaustralia.gov. au and <a href="http://www.immi.gov.au">www.immi.gov.au</a>)</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Study in Australia Seminars</strong></p>
<p>
	University of Western Sydney (UWS), an Australian university, organised an education fair in Kathmandu last week for Nepali students interested in pursuing higher education in Australia. The programme provided an opportunity to Nepali students to interact with the representatives of the university. Students with genuine qualification and documents were encouraged to check for their eligibility for Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP). Students wanting to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were encouraged to lodge applications for the SVP after receiving a Confirmation of Enrollment letter from the Australian university.</p>
<p>
	Global Reach, an education consultancy, organized the Australian Education Exhibition at Hotel de l &rsquo;Annapurna in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu last week. Around 20 reputed universities from Australia participated in the event to inform students about courses and the enrollment process. Swinburne University, Murdoch University, University of Western Sydney and The University of Adelaide were some of the participating institutions.</p>
<p>
	Students are attracted towards an Australian education as the country has introduced the Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) scheme for international students, allowing them to work full time in Australia after the completion of their degree. &ldquo;Students got an opportunity to know about the enrollment process and courses thoroughly from the exhibition,&rsquo;&rsquo; said Julia Shelley, Senior Regional Manager of UWS.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Part-time job and full-time work permit for dependants continues to attract Nepali students to persue quality education in Australia',
			'sortorder' => '1714',
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			'id' => '1852',
			'article_category_id' => '105',
			'title' => 'MBA Or Not',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Two bankers, Pandey and Shrestha were chatting over a drink before dinner at Little Itly, the famous Italian Restaurant in Durbarmarg.</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: Why don&rsquo;t you throw those two non-MBA&rsquo;s Out?</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: These two non-MBA are the only managers who are stable and run the whole bank. &ndash;ML</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'The Corporate Humor cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from The Corporate Humor, cover story headlines from nepal,  The Corporate Humor current and latest cover story news from nepal, The Corporate Humor economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  on',
			'description' => 'Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.
Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.
Pandey: Why don’t you throw those two non-MBA’s Out?',
			'sortorder' => '1713',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1851',
			'article_category_id' => '144',
			'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	The brightest aspect in Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p>
<p>
	We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world&rsquo;s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p>
<p>
	Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers&rsquo; tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p>
<p>
	The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 &ndash; a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country&rsquo;s tourism potential.</p>
<p>
	Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. &nbsp;Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector.&nbsp;As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>',
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			'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '1712',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1850',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'Vision Tourism : Let’s Achieve: Naturally Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<strong>Amitabh Kant delivering his speech on &lsquo;Incredible India&rsquo; at Hotel de l&rsquo; Annapurna.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Call him a thinker, a visionary or simply a bureaucrat who gave India a new identity &mdash; Incredible India. Amitabh Kant is a name in India&rsquo;s tourism sector and he is the man who drove India towards the global tourism map. He shared his views on how to ptomote tourism and hospitality infra-structure in Nepal to generate more revenue and employment and also the story and challenges behind Incredible India. Branding India was not an easy task for him who was the joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When he took the challenge to change India&rsquo;s image portraying its vibrant colours, the world was reeling under serious crises. Starting from the World Trade Centre (WTC) terrorist attack, Afghanistan war and the attack on the Indian Parliament &mdash; tourism was down in the dumps in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It was at the peak of this crisis, the Incredible India campaign to position India as a tourist destination was launched. And, this was only happened due to his precise and well researched plan for several years.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Excerpts (below) from his speech and presentation at Hotel Annapurna in the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 event:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Tapping the Market&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Last year a billion people travelled across their borders i.e. one seventh of the world&rsquo;s population was crossing boundaries from one country to another. It&rsquo;s the world of tourism that contributes 6 % of global GDP. One of every 11 job across the world is created by tourism which makes it the biggest employment creator. And for country like Nepal and India, the critical challenge is how do we create the jobs for the youths? We are passing through the window of democratic transition and our population is young. And the challenge of job creation has to be done by tourism. The more tourists you have, more people you&rsquo;ll lift above poverty line as you&rsquo;ll create more jobs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Every Crisis is an Opportunity &amp; Campaign&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During the Incredible India campaigns, there were several crises going through country and worldwide. The WTC attack, Gujarat earthquake, coalition force attack on Afghanistan, attack on Indian Parliament and so on. And if we look at the index of travel and tourism competitive index of worldwide, India was very low in several aspects. And several international concerns were raised in India for cleanliness, hygiene, safety, security, transportation, promotional support and affordability.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At those times, destinations used to be seen through travel packages. There was no demand of India and the challenge was how to get the demand back? We didn&rsquo;t go the international market but decided to hit the consumer directly through exhaustive campaigns, communications, documentaries and it started giving results. Then the key international concern was transportation, affordability. In terms of tourist the image of the country was not really good. But every crisis is an opportunity.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Image perception of India however was tourist friendly and also the air connectivity was increased gradually. Innate perception of India in terms of its rich and vibrant culture was an added advantage in the campaign.&nbsp;Globally India was considered good in terms of its authenticity, history, art and culture. We positioned India as a global brand through some of the key marketing strategies and its challenges (see box 1 &amp; 2).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Communication Strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To achieve the goal, communication strategies was also required and in long term it gave a momentum to our campaign. After series of thoughts, consistency in communication strategy was finalised. Training for taxi drivers through documentaries to consider tourists as our guest and awareness to prevent people from scribing names on historic monuments started yielding results. We also focused on clear definition of value proposition, constant research and innovation and constant interaction with travelers, travel writers and editors.&nbsp;The most innovative part of the campaign was turning tourism officials into brand ambassadors and documentary on keeping the city clean.&nbsp;Tourism is a multi-sectoral activity and we have to look with whole range of people. You have to work with people in the home ministry, external ministry, art, culture, aviation etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Making of God&rsquo;s Own Country: Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our mission was to develop Kerala into a premier destination on the world tourism map for defined niche tourists. We wanted to make it a stand-alone destination, a global brand, with instant brand recognition and high brand equity. The government played role of facilitator and catalyst. We worked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We focused on up-market clientele with more focus on quality than quantity. We focused on conservation, preservation and sustainability. We promoted innovative products and projects and adopted transparent, competitive policy on privatisation.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	And the whole world of Kerala tourism has changed. We focused on traditional and unique aspects of Kerala. Like backwaters, Ayurveda, its Innovative products, Elephant pageants, boat races, Tiger trail, eco tourism, Kerala&rsquo;s traditional martial arts, cuisine. Basically we did everything which west did not do. We went back to roots of Kerala and build a &mdash; Gods Own Country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Way the World Sees Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 50 must see destinations of the world - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the ten exotic paradises on earth - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 100 great trips of the 21st century - Travel &amp; Leisure&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 hot spots of the millennium - Emirates In-flight&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Where smart travelers go &ndash; Financial Times, London&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 love nests in India &ndash; Cosmopolitan&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Best Performing State - Government of India Award&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Journey &amp; Results:&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our campaign and determination triggered and gave a mileage to the Indian tourism industry, supported by industries like aviation; hotels etc. Infrastructure grew in tandem and in 2008 India got 5.38 million visitors compared to 2.54 million in 2001 and the figure is increasing every year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>On Nepal Tourism&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It has always been pleasure to be in Nepal. I long admire Nepal as a unique destination. I have always believed that there are very few destinations in the world with such a diverse nature, adventure, culture and Himalayan peaks. But I believe the positioning and branding strategy of Nepal is not an ideal one. Nepal is exporting its product extremely cheap. This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy. Nepal in many ways is very unique and it has a great potential to deliver. But there is a huge challenge between potentials and performance and therefore it is very important to understand that world of tourism is very big. There is a need to raise Nepal&rsquo;s service standards, creating premium brand of experiential tourism, positioning of exotic Nepal, adding new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes, domestic and foreign investments in tourism services etc.&nbsp;(Amitabh Kant former joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 in India and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001.)</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key marketing strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position tourism as major engine of economic growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Harness the direct and multiplier effects of tourism for employment generation&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position India as a global brand&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Acknowledge the critical role of private sector&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Tapping the tourist directly&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Create and develop integrated tourism circuits based on India&rsquo;s unique civilization</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key Marketing Challenges&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Moving from low value marketing strategy to high value marketing strategy&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Defend and enhance India&rsquo;s share in traditional long-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop strong short-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Penetrate the key source market in Asia&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position and differentiate strongly vis-&agrave;-vis key competitors in the region&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop spending an avenues to capture higher value from each tourist</div>
<div>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'title' => 'Third Money Expo-2013',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'title' => 'The Story Of The ‘Best Managed Company’',
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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-10-01',
			'keywords' => 'Spotlight cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Spotlight, cover story headlines from nepal,  Spotlight current and latest cover story news from nepal, Spotlight  economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Spotlight economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Ne',
			'description' => 'The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.',
			'sortorder' => '1724',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1862',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Third Money Expo 2013',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'Third ‘Money Expo 2013’ is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.  Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation',
			'sortorder' => '1723',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1861',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Problems And Challenges Of BFIs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme &lsquo;BFIs: Problems and Challenges&rsquo; was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>&lsquo;Financial Sector is Completely Secured&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="bhaskar" src="/userfiles/images/Bhaskar.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 177px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhaskar Mani Gnawali</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Spokesperson, Nepal Rastra Bank</strong></p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was an influx of financial institutions after the implementation of the Liberal License Policy which created unhealthy competition between the institutions. This resulted in maximum investment in the real estate sector, and thereby created problems in the financial sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; After that, the central bank decided to control loans in the real estate sector and a deposit insurance policy was also introduced. There is now a system of deposit insurance up to Rs 200,000 for all&nbsp; deposits of natural persons, so that there is no fear to deposit money in any bank and financial institution.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Influx of banks and financial institutions with the Liberal License Policy brought problems in the financial system. To control these problems, the central bank came up with a merger policy which has been successful thus far. We have brought this policy for the qualitative development of financial institutions and their sustainability. The merger is not a compulsion &ndash; it is a demand of the times.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The merger policy has not only increased the investment capacity of financial institutions but also performed as the check and balance mechanism. It has also discouraged financial crime.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are altogether 175 financial institutions, including all types and classes of banks. This is still an excess number in the context of Nepal.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rural access is increasing with the help of microfinance companies. Until now, 35 microfinance institutions have been permitted to operate and there are more coming in.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medium level development banks have also helped a lot to raise the rural economy and alleviate poverty in Nepal. Model banking can be the best example for development in the country.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total deposit in the financial system of Nepal amounts to Rs 1300 billion. Out of this, only about Rs 700 billion has been invested in real estate. This shows that investment in real estate won&rsquo;t be affecting the banking system of Nepal in the upcoming days.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank and financial institutions have to invest at least 12 per cent in the agriculture and hydro sectors. We have also planned to invest 20 per cent in the productive sector.<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Failure to implement&nbsp; Secured Transaction Act as a Problem</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(3).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajan Singh Bhandari</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President, Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the Secured Transaction Act is promulgated, it has not been implemented till date. This is seen as a problem.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The task of registering collaterals should be given to the credit Information Bureau. This reduces the possibility of double investment in working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lately, because of unhealthy competition among some banks, there have been possibilities of double exposure in a single borrower through working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The capital fund of banks is very strong. So, investment in real estate is a small amount. This will no longer create long term problems in the banking sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though there are a lot of opportunities, there is no favourable environment for investment. Deposits and loan investment have doubled in four years but there is no change in the growth rate of the banking sector which is still around 4 per cent.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no technical risk in the banking sector. They are expanding technical services and facilities which have benefited this sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Banks are capable of securing themselves from probable operational risks. The check and balance system of the banking sector is effective.</p>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Need Classification of Development Banks</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="krishna" src="/userfiles/images/krishna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Krishna Raj Lamichhane</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President,<br />
	Development Bankers Association, Nepal</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main problem of development banks is its classification. There are some such banks with higher amount of paid-up capital as well as small paid-up capital. So, the issues of these banks are different. The small development banks have competition with cooperatives whereas big ones have competition with commercial banks. Thus, classification has been a major issue of development banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The central bank has been providing various facilities to development banks expanding branches in rural areas, but not to those which have the main office in rural areas. In fact, those banks with head office in rural areas need support and assistance. They are working with low capital and in spite of lack of skilled man power. The government should help them in risk minimization.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; People in rural areas are less aware about banking habits compared to urban people. Along with this, lack of skilled man power, weak collateral, lack of security and infrastructure have increased risk of banking in those areas.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the number of development banks have decreased to 86 from 88, their branches have increased to 77 which is a remarkable number.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The working area of financial institutions should be divided during the classification of banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>&lsquo;We are not able to regain&nbsp;the trust of customers&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(4).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajendra Man Shakya</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Finance Companies Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finance companies are diminishing rapidly and have reached 55 from a total of 88. We simplified the procedures of financial transaction for easy access among common people and high return in the financial system, but the misuse of these systems by some of our finance company holders and operators created problems. Besides this exception, the condition of finance companies is not that bad but we are still not being able to regain the trust of people.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The largest share of investment of finance companies is in real estate. More problems were created after the Nepal Rastra Bank introduced Dynamic Provisioning.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment stuck in real estate has not been recovered because of high investment and lack of new sectors for investment. Interest rate is high because of high investment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing problems as the regulatory body has included all financial companies under the same umbrella.There are some issues which only &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing, and which should be addressed by separate regulations.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loan recovery is also seen as a problem these days. Most finance companies invest large amounts of money on land, houses and businesses knowingly or unknowingly. Loans taken in the name of business and commerce is also being used for investing on land and houses.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have no right of prompt decisions as commercial banks. They can increase or decrease the interest rate according to their convenience but we are not allowed a make difference on loan amount. So, customers who don&rsquo;t have access to commercial and other banks come to us. But the problem of investment is interest rate. The depositors seek higher interest rate because of high risk, and so finance companies have to collect deposits by providing high interest than that of commercial banks. Therefore, we should be giving priority to invest in sectors where the return of investment is secure.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Problems in Expanding Microfinance Services</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="dharma" src="/userfiles/images/dharma.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dharma Raj Pandey</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Micro finance basically deals with poverty alleviation, providing loans without collateral in rural areas, collecting small savings and providing micro insurance services. So, it has high cost and cost reduction has been a major challenge.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding services in rural areas is our responsibility. But we are facing difficulty in expansion because of limited capital and high cost. Access to rural areas, management of skilled manpower and information system has also been major problems for us.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Microfinance has to be better understood. They conduct programmes for poverty alleviation which is unlike conventional financial institutions. Beyond loans and deposits, we also focus on other activities like generating skilled manpower, helping them to make plans. We inspect during implementation of the business plan or help in accessing people and their products in the market. It heightens our cost and risk so the central bank has to support us further through monetary policy.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are not able to expand our services throughout the country. There are still 10 or 11 districts where micro finance services are not available. Within three to five years, we aim to reach each and every district of the country.&nbsp; For this, the government has to support us in organizational development.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The government has not been able to make proper evaluation of the financial services that support sustainable development objectives. Services helping the rural people access finances should be acknowledged by the government.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The size of loan is increasing these days which has increased the risk. We have been planning to formulate self regulation.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like any other organizations, microfinance also needs some profit as it has to satisfy its customers with return of investment, risk bearing and expansion of its services. Therefore, the interest rate is high and we are trying our level best to reduce it.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull; Another challenge of this sector is lack of skilled manpower and poor information technology system.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme ‘BFIs: Problems and Challenges’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1860',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Price Surges To Rs 1500 Overnight',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&rsquo; Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.',
			'sortorder' => '1721',
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			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1859',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Gold Import Quota Hiked',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.</p>
<p>
	Though the NRB has decided to increase the import quota, dealers and traders of gold have complained that the central bank was late to take the decision. &ldquo;It would have benefitted the government, dealers and customers if the quota was hiked while the gold price was high (August 28) and there was shortage of gold,&rdquo; said Tej Ratna Shakya, former president of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association (NEGOSIDA).</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.',
			'sortorder' => '1720',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1858',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Keep Currency Notes Clean, Urges NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB&rsquo;s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.</p>
<p>
	Speaking at an interaction programme organised at the office of New Business Age Pvt Ltd last Sunday, NRB spokesperson Bhaskar Mani Gnawali made such a request. &ldquo;We are distributing new banknotes this year too, so I would like to request one and all to help us in keeping the notes clean,&rdquo; he said, adding that the citizens are also responsible to keep the notes that are national property, clean.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The NRB has started distributing new and crisp notes worth Rs 30 billion aiming to meet high demand during the festivals. The designs of banknotes of Rs 100, 50 and 20 have been changed in the new lot to make it visually-impaired friendly.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
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			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB’s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1857',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'IME Launches Edupay Service',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service. According to the Chief Executive Officer of IME, Suman Pokhrel, school or college fees could be paid through the banking system by filling up forms at all branches and agents of the IME. &ldquo;We have brought about a service of paying school/ college fees through the banking system for the first time in Nepal,&rdquo; he said, adding that it will be time-saving for many guardians and students.</p>
<p>
	For receiving this service, the name of the student along with college/school, level, faculty, class and roll number details should be registered at the IME. &ldquo;Guardians can now pay fees from their home,&rdquo; Pokhrel said.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service.',
			'sortorder' => '1718',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1856',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Index Down Amid ‘Low’ Dividend Announcements',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sagar Ghimire</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index declined 1.02 point last week with closing at 548.98. It had closed at 550 on September 15.</p>
<p>
	Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.</p>
<p>
	Despite banking and financial institutions&rsquo; rush to announce dividend, the failure to meet the expectation by some big banks has created a psychological effect in the share market. Share investors lament that the major banks like Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Everest Bank&rsquo;s decision to distribute lower dividends than they expected have discouraged them to make investment on those banks, whose share prices, transactions and scrips are relatively higher in the capital market. Standard Chartered Bank has announced that it will distribute 10 per cent bonus share and 40 per cent cash dividend. This led to the decline of the share price of the Standard Chartered by Rs 35 on a single day at the end of the trading week (September 19) with closing at Rs 1795.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Our hopes have been dashed by the decisions. We had expected that the bank would provide at least 25 per cent bonus and 25 per cent cash dividend,&rdquo; commented an investor Purshottam Raj Chimoriya.</p>
<p>
	During the week, a total of 2,111,643 scrips were traded through 8182 transactions worth Rs 587.98 million of 134 companies. The share market remained open for four days during the week. The total tradeed amount was 39.52 per cent less than the previous week.&nbsp;Everest Bank remained at the top of the market in terms of transaction amount, while the highest number of scrips were of Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme 1 (262,600).</p>
<p>
	Among the sub-indices, the Insurance sector surged the highest by 60.11 points closing at 1346.57, while the Hydropower sector declined the most by 16.54 points closing at 1298.23. Similarly, Hotel sector index also increased 27.64 points. The other sub-indices which observed decline during the week are Development Bank (3.52), Bank (3.91), and Finance (0.72). However, there was not any change in the Manufacturing and Processing sector, Trading sector and Other sectors. The share prices of 40 companies increased during the week while that of 62 price decreased.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepse Fall Continues</strong></p>
<p>
	Following the declining trend of last week, the Nepse index fell further by 7.07 points on Sunday, September 22, closing at 541.51. The secondary market plunged heavily as all sub-indices except the Others sector observed a decline. The Hydropower sector had the biggest loss with a decline of 31.25 points closing at 1266.98, while the Others sector rose by 1.17 points, closing at 662.63. There was no change observed in the Finance sector. The Banking sector which impacts the capital market the most also fell by 9.7 points closing at 516.59. Shares of 110 companies were traded at the secondary market on the opening day of the week through 1797 transactions, amounting to Rs 114,008,016.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.',
			'sortorder' => '1717',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1855',
			'article_category_id' => '154',
			'title' => 'News In Brief (23-29 September 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>First National Science Day</strong></p>
<p>
	Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of &lsquo;Science and Technology for Country&rsquo;s prosperity&rsquo;, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="tu" src="/userfiles/images/tv.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 135px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>TU Publishes MA Sociology Results</strong></p>
<p>
	The Tribhuvan University (TU) Office of the Controller of Examinations published the results of the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 on September 15. The exam of Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 was held in Magh-Poush-2068.The results can be accessed at www.tu.ntc. net.np, www.educationsansar.com, and www.edusanjal.com according to the Office.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="global" src="/userfiles/images/global(2).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 61px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>GATE Graduation</strong></p>
<p>
	Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE) affiliated to the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) organised its graduation ceremony 2013 in the capital on Sunday. Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Urs Herren conferred 72 graduates with their certificates. Addressing the function, Herren said Nepal has great potential in the tourism sector and it was the responsibility of the graduates to take the tourism and hospitality industry to new heights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Eureka Bags &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; Shield</strong></p>
<p>
	Eureka Residential Higher Secondary School was conferred with the &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; shield at the Prize Ball Room of Distribution and Gala Event organized by Dabur Nepal at the Everest Hotel on Tuesday. The school also won a Rs 100,000 cash prize and scholarships. Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute, Balaju and Jaya Bageshwari Higher Secondary School, Nepalgunj followed as first and second runners-up winning trophies and cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and 25,000, respectively, along with scholarships. The &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; competition was launched on August 12 in the Eastern, Western, Mid-Western and Central Regions of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Franchising &amp; International Business Workshop at DAV</strong></p>
<p>
	DAV Business School organised a training workshop on &lsquo;Franchising and International Business Opportunities&rsquo; on September 19 in the premises of DAV school, Kathmandu. With the slogan &lsquo;Go Forth and Multiply, Be your own Boss&rsquo;, the event was managed by Global Event Management and Media Solution (GEMS) with technical support from H2F India and franchise.co.uk. According to the organizers, the event gave an opportunity to learn about approaches to acquire franchises and achieve financial success. Experts from the UK offered guidance in international business and franchise consulting fields. The main goal of the event was to impart the basic concept of international business &amp; franchising, its scope, and the process of acquiring franchises, the selling approach of franchises, and scopes and challenges in the programme.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of ‘Science and Technology for Country’s prosperity’, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.',
			'sortorder' => '1716',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1854',
			'article_category_id' => '118',
			'title' => 'Company Picnic Survival Tips',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Lindsay Gellman</strong></p>
<p>
	Dreading your annual company picnic? You&rsquo;re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.</p>
<p>
	But experts say a summer outing can lead to prime networking opportunities unlikely to occur in the office.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Here are some survival tips:</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attitude</strong></p>
<p>
	It is important to broadcast enthusiasm and positivity while still &ldquo;being yourself,&rdquo; says Hallie Crawford, owner of career-consulting firm Create Your Career Path in Atlanta. Colleagues, including your boss, are watching, she says, and your behavior will make an impression&mdash;positive or negative&mdash;that could affect your reputation.</p>
<p>
	When it comes to sports or games, get off the sidelines, says Tom Gimbel, CEO and founder of LaSalle Network, a recruiting, staffing and human-resource consulting firm in Chicago. (If you&rsquo;re not able to participate, cheer, offer to take photos or hand out food.)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>Alcohol</strong></p>
<p>
	If others are drinking, feel free to partake, says Dan Schawbel, author of &ldquo;Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success.&rdquo; If you&rsquo;re unsure of how much consumption is appropriate, keep it to one drink, Schawbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attire</strong></p>
<p>
	Take your dress-code cues from the venue (is it a picnic in the park? a gathering at a co-worker&rsquo;s home?), as well as from your general office culture, Schawbel says. In most cases, keep it casual, but err on the conservative side, Crawford says. If you&rsquo;re new to the firm, ask a colleague what to wear, Gimbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Guests</strong></p>
<p>
	If the event allows for a plus-one, reserve the invitation for your spouse, or a significant other you&rsquo;ve been dating for at least three to six months, Gimbel says. Give your partner a crash course on who&rsquo;s who in your workplace before you arrive, and a heads-up before you introduce him or her to your boss, Crawford says.&nbsp;If it is a family event and you have young children, set a time limit, Crawford suggests. If your children can only behave for an hour, only stay for an hour.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Networking</strong><br />
	<br />
	Use the outing as an opportunity to get to know someone from another department, Gimbel says. Strike up a casual conversation with an eye toward forming a connection you could potentially tap down the line.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Exit</strong><br />
	<br />
	Before you make your escape, don&rsquo;t forget to thank the hosts or organizers, experts say. (blogs.wsj.com/atwork)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Dreading your annual company picnic? You’re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.',
			'sortorder' => '1715',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1853',
			'article_category_id' => '151',
			'title' => 'The Land Down South',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Bhawani Timalsina</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	With UK and US tightening noose over the VISA regulations, Australia has emerged as one of the most desirable place to study in recent years due to its friendly educational policies. In Australia, education comes third in the priority list and taking advantage of the system, Nepali students are now willing to persue their higher or specialised studies in this Emerald city. There are several consultancies in Nepal, which are providing a complete counseling for those who want to study in Australia.</p>
<p>
	According to Mahesh Babu Timalsina, General Secretary of ECAN, the introduction of Streamline Visa Processing (SVP) system has encouraged Nepali students to apply for VISAs in Australia. &ldquo;The VISA success rate has increased after the Australian High Commission in Delhi has introduced the SVP system,&rdquo; says Timalsina. The SAV means these applicants are treated as though they are lower migration risk regardless of their country of origin.</p>
<p>
	On the context of whether it is easy to get VISA for deserving students, he says, this is not a difficult job as the High Commission looks for students who can easily clear the Genuine Temporary Entrance (GTE) process, which is a short interview required by the Australian Department of Immigration to ascertain students&rsquo; admission into the universities and their general plan of action in the country.</p>
<p>
	Australia provides a variety of courses ranging from technical subjects such as engineering to the subjects in liberal arts and management. Students can apply in 42 universities in the country, of which two are private. Besides, students can also apply to hundreds of colleges affiliated to the universities. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide are some of renowned ones, also listed as Group 8 universities.</p>
<p>
	Most Australian education institutions are considered as the best in the world, given their record of graduates with successful careers. The Australian education system promotes creative and practical education &ndash; a combination, which every student look for. They can get related information directly from the university representatives who frequently participates in the education seminars in various parts of the country.</p>
<p>
	The fee structure and the entry requirement depends on the courses and on the universities. &ldquo;We suggest students to search for suitable courses and be self aware of their eligibility to apply. It is necessary for students to know whether their qualifications enable them to apply for the education course or not,&rdquo; Timalsina claims.</p>
<p>
	On average, the cost of education in Australia is Rs 800,000 to Rs 1.3 million per semester, including tuition fee and room and board. Despite the huge fee, part-time job facilities for students and full-time work permits for dependents continue to be key features that attract students toward Australia. &ldquo;However, we would not encourage students to focus merely on their job; they should also give priority to their education rather than work to achieve their goals,&rdquo; Timalsina says.</p>
<p>
	Students can apply for Post Study Work (PSW) VISA to gain work experience in their field as soon as they graduate. Students who complete their bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees get two years of work permit while PhD graduates are granted four-year permits. &ldquo;Students urge to know more about the Permanent Residency (PR) system which I think is a vague term. However, students can get their PR permit after completing postgraduate studies. We advise students to get training in housekeeping, cooking or other hospitality skills so they can acquire part-time jobs easily,&rdquo; says Timalsina.</p>
<p>
	It is usually advisable that students have a proper plan of study and work to overcome difficulties. Applying for an educational degree in Australia requires huge investment and negligence towards study can easily ruin one&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;They should be careful about visa processing responsibilities even after getting a student visa,&rdquo; Timalsina warns. The application at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is conducted online and should be done at least three months prior to the expiry of the student&rsquo;s visa.</p>
<p>
	<strong>(More about studying in Australia can be learned from the websites www.studyinaustralia.gov. au and <a href="http://www.immi.gov.au">www.immi.gov.au</a>)</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Study in Australia Seminars</strong></p>
<p>
	University of Western Sydney (UWS), an Australian university, organised an education fair in Kathmandu last week for Nepali students interested in pursuing higher education in Australia. The programme provided an opportunity to Nepali students to interact with the representatives of the university. Students with genuine qualification and documents were encouraged to check for their eligibility for Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP). Students wanting to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were encouraged to lodge applications for the SVP after receiving a Confirmation of Enrollment letter from the Australian university.</p>
<p>
	Global Reach, an education consultancy, organized the Australian Education Exhibition at Hotel de l &rsquo;Annapurna in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu last week. Around 20 reputed universities from Australia participated in the event to inform students about courses and the enrollment process. Swinburne University, Murdoch University, University of Western Sydney and The University of Adelaide were some of the participating institutions.</p>
<p>
	Students are attracted towards an Australian education as the country has introduced the Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) scheme for international students, allowing them to work full time in Australia after the completion of their degree. &ldquo;Students got an opportunity to know about the enrollment process and courses thoroughly from the exhibition,&rsquo;&rsquo; said Julia Shelley, Senior Regional Manager of UWS.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Part-time job and full-time work permit for dependants continues to attract Nepali students to persue quality education in Australia',
			'sortorder' => '1714',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1852',
			'article_category_id' => '105',
			'title' => 'MBA Or Not',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Two bankers, Pandey and Shrestha were chatting over a drink before dinner at Little Itly, the famous Italian Restaurant in Durbarmarg.</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: Why don&rsquo;t you throw those two non-MBA&rsquo;s Out?</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: These two non-MBA are the only managers who are stable and run the whole bank. &ndash;ML</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'The Corporate Humor cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from The Corporate Humor, cover story headlines from nepal,  The Corporate Humor current and latest cover story news from nepal, The Corporate Humor economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  on',
			'description' => 'Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.
Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.
Pandey: Why don’t you throw those two non-MBA’s Out?',
			'sortorder' => '1713',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1851',
			'article_category_id' => '144',
			'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	The brightest aspect in Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p>
<p>
	We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world&rsquo;s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p>
<p>
	Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers&rsquo; tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p>
<p>
	The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 &ndash; a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country&rsquo;s tourism potential.</p>
<p>
	Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. &nbsp;Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector.&nbsp;As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.',
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			'id' => '1850',
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			'title' => 'Vision Tourism : Let’s Achieve: Naturally Nepal',
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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<strong>Amitabh Kant delivering his speech on &lsquo;Incredible India&rsquo; at Hotel de l&rsquo; Annapurna.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Call him a thinker, a visionary or simply a bureaucrat who gave India a new identity &mdash; Incredible India. Amitabh Kant is a name in India&rsquo;s tourism sector and he is the man who drove India towards the global tourism map. He shared his views on how to ptomote tourism and hospitality infra-structure in Nepal to generate more revenue and employment and also the story and challenges behind Incredible India. Branding India was not an easy task for him who was the joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When he took the challenge to change India&rsquo;s image portraying its vibrant colours, the world was reeling under serious crises. Starting from the World Trade Centre (WTC) terrorist attack, Afghanistan war and the attack on the Indian Parliament &mdash; tourism was down in the dumps in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It was at the peak of this crisis, the Incredible India campaign to position India as a tourist destination was launched. And, this was only happened due to his precise and well researched plan for several years.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Excerpts (below) from his speech and presentation at Hotel Annapurna in the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 event:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Tapping the Market&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Last year a billion people travelled across their borders i.e. one seventh of the world&rsquo;s population was crossing boundaries from one country to another. It&rsquo;s the world of tourism that contributes 6 % of global GDP. One of every 11 job across the world is created by tourism which makes it the biggest employment creator. And for country like Nepal and India, the critical challenge is how do we create the jobs for the youths? We are passing through the window of democratic transition and our population is young. And the challenge of job creation has to be done by tourism. The more tourists you have, more people you&rsquo;ll lift above poverty line as you&rsquo;ll create more jobs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Every Crisis is an Opportunity &amp; Campaign&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During the Incredible India campaigns, there were several crises going through country and worldwide. The WTC attack, Gujarat earthquake, coalition force attack on Afghanistan, attack on Indian Parliament and so on. And if we look at the index of travel and tourism competitive index of worldwide, India was very low in several aspects. And several international concerns were raised in India for cleanliness, hygiene, safety, security, transportation, promotional support and affordability.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At those times, destinations used to be seen through travel packages. There was no demand of India and the challenge was how to get the demand back? We didn&rsquo;t go the international market but decided to hit the consumer directly through exhaustive campaigns, communications, documentaries and it started giving results. Then the key international concern was transportation, affordability. In terms of tourist the image of the country was not really good. But every crisis is an opportunity.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Image perception of India however was tourist friendly and also the air connectivity was increased gradually. Innate perception of India in terms of its rich and vibrant culture was an added advantage in the campaign.&nbsp;Globally India was considered good in terms of its authenticity, history, art and culture. We positioned India as a global brand through some of the key marketing strategies and its challenges (see box 1 &amp; 2).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Communication Strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To achieve the goal, communication strategies was also required and in long term it gave a momentum to our campaign. After series of thoughts, consistency in communication strategy was finalised. Training for taxi drivers through documentaries to consider tourists as our guest and awareness to prevent people from scribing names on historic monuments started yielding results. We also focused on clear definition of value proposition, constant research and innovation and constant interaction with travelers, travel writers and editors.&nbsp;The most innovative part of the campaign was turning tourism officials into brand ambassadors and documentary on keeping the city clean.&nbsp;Tourism is a multi-sectoral activity and we have to look with whole range of people. You have to work with people in the home ministry, external ministry, art, culture, aviation etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Making of God&rsquo;s Own Country: Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our mission was to develop Kerala into a premier destination on the world tourism map for defined niche tourists. We wanted to make it a stand-alone destination, a global brand, with instant brand recognition and high brand equity. The government played role of facilitator and catalyst. We worked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We focused on up-market clientele with more focus on quality than quantity. We focused on conservation, preservation and sustainability. We promoted innovative products and projects and adopted transparent, competitive policy on privatisation.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	And the whole world of Kerala tourism has changed. We focused on traditional and unique aspects of Kerala. Like backwaters, Ayurveda, its Innovative products, Elephant pageants, boat races, Tiger trail, eco tourism, Kerala&rsquo;s traditional martial arts, cuisine. Basically we did everything which west did not do. We went back to roots of Kerala and build a &mdash; Gods Own Country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Way the World Sees Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 50 must see destinations of the world - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the ten exotic paradises on earth - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 100 great trips of the 21st century - Travel &amp; Leisure&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 hot spots of the millennium - Emirates In-flight&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Where smart travelers go &ndash; Financial Times, London&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 love nests in India &ndash; Cosmopolitan&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Best Performing State - Government of India Award&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Journey &amp; Results:&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our campaign and determination triggered and gave a mileage to the Indian tourism industry, supported by industries like aviation; hotels etc. Infrastructure grew in tandem and in 2008 India got 5.38 million visitors compared to 2.54 million in 2001 and the figure is increasing every year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>On Nepal Tourism&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It has always been pleasure to be in Nepal. I long admire Nepal as a unique destination. I have always believed that there are very few destinations in the world with such a diverse nature, adventure, culture and Himalayan peaks. But I believe the positioning and branding strategy of Nepal is not an ideal one. Nepal is exporting its product extremely cheap. This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy. Nepal in many ways is very unique and it has a great potential to deliver. But there is a huge challenge between potentials and performance and therefore it is very important to understand that world of tourism is very big. There is a need to raise Nepal&rsquo;s service standards, creating premium brand of experiential tourism, positioning of exotic Nepal, adding new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes, domestic and foreign investments in tourism services etc.&nbsp;(Amitabh Kant former joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 in India and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001.)</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key marketing strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position tourism as major engine of economic growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Harness the direct and multiplier effects of tourism for employment generation&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position India as a global brand&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Acknowledge the critical role of private sector&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Tapping the tourist directly&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Create and develop integrated tourism circuits based on India&rsquo;s unique civilization</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key Marketing Challenges&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Moving from low value marketing strategy to high value marketing strategy&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Defend and enhance India&rsquo;s share in traditional long-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop strong short-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Penetrate the key source market in Asia&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position and differentiate strongly vis-&agrave;-vis key competitors in the region&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop spending an avenues to capture higher value from each tourist</div>
<div>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'title' => 'Third Money Expo-2013',
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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Vijay Shrestha</strong><br />
	<strong>Group Executive Director</strong><br />
	<strong>Yeti Airlines</strong></p>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<p>
	<strong>Yeti Airlines is guided by a firm sense of duty to develop the tourism and aviation sector</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. The company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<p align="left">
		<strong>By Gaurav Aryal</strong></p>
</div>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	Yeti Airlines was awarded the &lsquo;Best Managed Company of the Year 2013&rsquo; by New Business Age, the sister publication of The Corporate on August 2013. Yeti Airlines bagged the award for offering best air services even in remote areas of Nepal. The airline, along with its subsidiary Tara Air, has been flying to 29 destinations across the country both with scheduled and non-scheduled flights.</p>
<p align="left">
	Vijay Shrestha, Group Executive Director of Yeti Airlines, says the company is the market leader in rural destinations and mountain flights. The company has stood strong as a partner in transportation of local and foreign passengers, goods and transfer of tools, and equipment for development work in remote corners of Nepal. Along with this, the company has a strong foothold in services targeted at city airports.</p>
<p align="left">
	Shrestha believes that the current range of products and services offered to all three ecological regions would help the company grow. &ldquo;Both organisational and non-organisational passengers, travel agents, individual clients and development organisations will eventually come to us as we have services offered to both rural as well as the urban destinations in the hills and plains. These services and clients are critical for our growth,&rdquo; he explains. The unique blend of services the company provides, the commitment of stakeholders and a strong management has put the company ahead of its competitors.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Unique Management Practices</strong></p>
<p>
	Shrestha is of the opinion that competition in the airlines industry lies in value offerings rather than product and service offerings. The company has its own unique management practice along with the largest nationwide network of domestic flights that gives it an edge above others. Shrestha explains that clients who have to go to Humla, Pokhara, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lukla, Lucknow or any other destination, can count on Yeti Airlines as it has flights to these places or either a closest village with an airport.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has also made flight safety a top priority. &ldquo;Compared to other airlines, we have invested heavily in flight safety and flight management system. We are in a leading position when it comes to safety management,&rdquo; Shrestha says. He further says that the company has put a lot of resources in technologies such as ticket booking systems and management information systems.</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has made on-time flight its unique selling point. Shrestha says that this initiative has helped the company add value to its services and brand recognition. &ldquo;We have always prioritised timely flights. We prefer flying few minutes earlier than being late. This is one of the most crucial values we are offering to guarantee convenience to our clients,&rdquo; he says.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>A Synergy of Two Brands</strong></p>
<p>
	The company claims that the market coverage by both Yeti and Tara Air is probably the widest among domestic players. According to Shrestha, the company has around 35 per cent market share in city airports and around 65 per cent in rural destinations though the market share keeps fluctuating depending on various market situations.</p>
<p align="left">
	Tara and Yeti have been complementing services and coverage with a fleet size of 14 aircrafts. Shrestha says that the customer base and nature of services has determined the creation of two different brands rather than a single brand operating in both rural and urban destinations. Tara has been operating in rural destinations in hilly and mountainous regions since 2009 with a fleet of six STOL aircrafts.</p>
<p align="left">
	The weather condition and quality of airports play a crucial role when it comes to making flight decisions in hill airports but airlines can make decisions easier in city airports. Similarly, the nature of passengers and clients is different in the areas where Tara operates. Shrestha adds that the variety in types and needs of customers, services and markets have led to the operation of two airlines under different brands.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Group Management</strong></p>
<p align="left">
	The Yeti Group is a large business conglomerate working in the tourism and aviation industry with one and a half dozen companies. The group also owns KK Super Mart Nepal, a chain of convenience stores. The management of each of these companies is highly decentralised and each company functions independently. Hotels, resorts, lodges, trekking and travel companies and airlines operate on their own though strategic unity is maintained among them. &ldquo;Operation of these businesses is largely decentralised and where possible, we try to synergise the marketing,&rdquo; says Shrestha. The group has also been promoting its travel companies locally.</p>
<p align="left">
	The group also decentralises its human resource management. Its aviation companies employ 800 personnel while the entire group employs a total of 1500 people. According to Shrestha, the company has been able to maintain a high rate of staff retention with its policy of prioritising employee welfare, motivation and creating a professional and friendly working environment. While the aviation industry ails from a lack of skilled technical workforce, the Yeti group is known to not face any shortage in technical human resource.</p>
<p align="left">
	Though the group&rsquo;s companies are performing well in their respective sectors, the group has not pursued organised branding. Instead, each company and subsidiary has its own brand recognition and is not marketed as a subsidiary of the group.&nbsp; Shrestha hints that organised branding is in the pipeline.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Moves</strong></p>
<p>
	The group is planning to come up with new resorts and lodges in Chitwan and Yeti Airlines plans to consolidate value offerings to its customers. The company is dedicated to take its services to new heights by consolidating services in the urban sector. &ldquo;Our aim is to develop the tourism and aviation industry for the development of the country. Mountain transport and mountain tourism cannot be imagined in the absence of Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. When the services offered are beneficial to the country and people at large, the company will always prioritise on them and strive to make them better.&rdquo;</p>
<p align="left">
	The company has not decided against reviving flights from its former international carrier - Yeti International. The international carrier was closed down after its joint venture partner Air Arabia withdrew support. Shrestha says that as the company is dedicated to move ahead in the aviation business, there is a possibility of its revival, though there are not fresh tie-ups being made at the moment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>CSR</strong></p>
<p>
	The airline has been involved in corporate social responsibilities (CSR) since the establishment of the company. The company has been involved in health, social empowerment and education sectors through financial contributions and direct involvement in social works.</p>
<p align="left">
	As a part of CSR, Yeti Airlines donates Rs 4 per flight ticket to four social organisations namely United Mission to Nepal, Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and Care Nepal. The company has also provided financial support to various social organisations such as Tewa, OCCED, Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief, Nepal Glaucoma Eye Clinic (Tilganga), Sewa Kendra Leprosy, Helpless Children Welfare Mission, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Women for Human Rights, CWIN Nepal and the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT).</p>
<p align="left">
	The airline has also launched the &lsquo;Green Far West Project&rsquo; Kailali, Doti, Rajpur and Kanchapur districts for plantation of appropriate tree saplings in chosen community forests. Recently, the company took 18 orphans of Bal Mandir to a mountain flight on the occasion of National Children&rsquo;s Day and the airlines&rsquo; 15th anniversary.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>',
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	Third &lsquo;Money Expo 2013&rsquo; is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.&nbsp; Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation. The expo will host stalls of bank and financial organizations, capital market and&nbsp; insurance companies among others.&nbsp; Various regulatory bodies will also be participating in the event. There will be 125 stalls in total and different conferences related to share markets, investment in infrastructures, mutual&nbsp; funds, private public partnership, microfinance and use of new technology in commodities and financial markets will be held.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Organizers have informed that entrepreneurs from India, Europe and Middle East Asia will be participating as well. &ldquo;The government aims to uplift the country to the status of a developing country by 2020 AD. High levels of investment from private and public sectors are necessary for this and the expo aims to be a platform for the investors&rdquo;, say the organizers. The Money Expo will host discussions on various issues such as investment of remittance in productive areas, making investments project focused, and the demands of the comparatively liberal policy to invite foreign direct investment in infrastructure development.&rdquo;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'Third ‘Money Expo 2013’ is being organized jointly by Aarthik Abhiyan Daily and Jamb Technologies from October 31st to November 2 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The expo first was held in 2011 AD in order to promote investment and take the financial sector of the country to greater heights.  Organizers say that this expo will be the biggest platform for investment and financial transactions in the nation',
			'sortorder' => '1723',
			'image' => '1379935089.jpg',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1861',
			'article_category_id' => '153',
			'title' => 'Problems And Challenges Of BFIs',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme &lsquo;BFIs: Problems and Challenges&rsquo; was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>&lsquo;Financial Sector is Completely Secured&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="bhaskar" src="/userfiles/images/Bhaskar.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 177px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Bhaskar Mani Gnawali</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Spokesperson, Nepal Rastra Bank</strong></p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There was an influx of financial institutions after the implementation of the Liberal License Policy which created unhealthy competition between the institutions. This resulted in maximum investment in the real estate sector, and thereby created problems in the financial sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; After that, the central bank decided to control loans in the real estate sector and a deposit insurance policy was also introduced. There is now a system of deposit insurance up to Rs 200,000 for all&nbsp; deposits of natural persons, so that there is no fear to deposit money in any bank and financial institution.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Influx of banks and financial institutions with the Liberal License Policy brought problems in the financial system. To control these problems, the central bank came up with a merger policy which has been successful thus far. We have brought this policy for the qualitative development of financial institutions and their sustainability. The merger is not a compulsion &ndash; it is a demand of the times.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The merger policy has not only increased the investment capacity of financial institutions but also performed as the check and balance mechanism. It has also discouraged financial crime.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are altogether 175 financial institutions, including all types and classes of banks. This is still an excess number in the context of Nepal.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rural access is increasing with the help of microfinance companies. Until now, 35 microfinance institutions have been permitted to operate and there are more coming in.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medium level development banks have also helped a lot to raise the rural economy and alleviate poverty in Nepal. Model banking can be the best example for development in the country.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total deposit in the financial system of Nepal amounts to Rs 1300 billion. Out of this, only about Rs 700 billion has been invested in real estate. This shows that investment in real estate won&rsquo;t be affecting the banking system of Nepal in the upcoming days.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank and financial institutions have to invest at least 12 per cent in the agriculture and hydro sectors. We have also planned to invest 20 per cent in the productive sector.<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Failure to implement&nbsp; Secured Transaction Act as a Problem</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(3).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajan Singh Bhandari</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President, Nepal Bankers&rsquo; Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the Secured Transaction Act is promulgated, it has not been implemented till date. This is seen as a problem.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The task of registering collaterals should be given to the credit Information Bureau. This reduces the possibility of double investment in working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lately, because of unhealthy competition among some banks, there have been possibilities of double exposure in a single borrower through working capital financing.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The capital fund of banks is very strong. So, investment in real estate is a small amount. This will no longer create long term problems in the banking sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though there are a lot of opportunities, there is no favourable environment for investment. Deposits and loan investment have doubled in four years but there is no change in the growth rate of the banking sector which is still around 4 per cent.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no technical risk in the banking sector. They are expanding technical services and facilities which have benefited this sector.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Banks are capable of securing themselves from probable operational risks. The check and balance system of the banking sector is effective.</p>
<p align="left">
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Need Classification of Development Banks</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="krishna" src="/userfiles/images/krishna.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Krishna Raj Lamichhane</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>President,<br />
	Development Bankers Association, Nepal</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main problem of development banks is its classification. There are some such banks with higher amount of paid-up capital as well as small paid-up capital. So, the issues of these banks are different. The small development banks have competition with cooperatives whereas big ones have competition with commercial banks. Thus, classification has been a major issue of development banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The central bank has been providing various facilities to development banks expanding branches in rural areas, but not to those which have the main office in rural areas. In fact, those banks with head office in rural areas need support and assistance. They are working with low capital and in spite of lack of skilled man power. The government should help them in risk minimization.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; People in rural areas are less aware about banking habits compared to urban people. Along with this, lack of skilled man power, weak collateral, lack of security and infrastructure have increased risk of banking in those areas.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Though the number of development banks have decreased to 86 from 88, their branches have increased to 77 which is a remarkable number.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The working area of financial institutions should be divided during the classification of banks.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>&lsquo;We are not able to regain&nbsp;the trust of customers&rsquo;</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong><img alt="rajan" src="/userfiles/images/rajan(4).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 178px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Rajendra Man Shakya</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Finance Companies Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finance companies are diminishing rapidly and have reached 55 from a total of 88. We simplified the procedures of financial transaction for easy access among common people and high return in the financial system, but the misuse of these systems by some of our finance company holders and operators created problems. Besides this exception, the condition of finance companies is not that bad but we are still not being able to regain the trust of people.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The largest share of investment of finance companies is in real estate. More problems were created after the Nepal Rastra Bank introduced Dynamic Provisioning.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment stuck in real estate has not been recovered because of high investment and lack of new sectors for investment. Interest rate is high because of high investment.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing problems as the regulatory body has included all financial companies under the same umbrella.There are some issues which only &lsquo;C&rsquo; class companies are facing, and which should be addressed by separate regulations.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Loan recovery is also seen as a problem these days. Most finance companies invest large amounts of money on land, houses and businesses knowingly or unknowingly. Loans taken in the name of business and commerce is also being used for investing on land and houses.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have no right of prompt decisions as commercial banks. They can increase or decrease the interest rate according to their convenience but we are not allowed a make difference on loan amount. So, customers who don&rsquo;t have access to commercial and other banks come to us. But the problem of investment is interest rate. The depositors seek higher interest rate because of high risk, and so finance companies have to collect deposits by providing high interest than that of commercial banks. Therefore, we should be giving priority to invest in sectors where the return of investment is secure.</p>
<p align="left">
	&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">
	<strong>Problems in Expanding Microfinance Services</strong></p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong><img alt="dharma" src="/userfiles/images/dharma.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 180px; " /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dharma Raj Pandey</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Chairman,<br />
	Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Micro finance basically deals with poverty alleviation, providing loans without collateral in rural areas, collecting small savings and providing micro insurance services. So, it has high cost and cost reduction has been a major challenge.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding services in rural areas is our responsibility. But we are facing difficulty in expansion because of limited capital and high cost. Access to rural areas, management of skilled manpower and information system has also been major problems for us.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Microfinance has to be better understood. They conduct programmes for poverty alleviation which is unlike conventional financial institutions. Beyond loans and deposits, we also focus on other activities like generating skilled manpower, helping them to make plans. We inspect during implementation of the business plan or help in accessing people and their products in the market. It heightens our cost and risk so the central bank has to support us further through monetary policy.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are not able to expand our services throughout the country. There are still 10 or 11 districts where micro finance services are not available. Within three to five years, we aim to reach each and every district of the country.&nbsp; For this, the government has to support us in organizational development.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The government has not been able to make proper evaluation of the financial services that support sustainable development objectives. Services helping the rural people access finances should be acknowledged by the government.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; The size of loan is increasing these days which has increased the risk. We have been planning to formulate self regulation.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like any other organizations, microfinance also needs some profit as it has to satisfy its customers with return of investment, risk bearing and expansion of its services. Therefore, the interest rate is high and we are trying our level best to reduce it.</p>
<p align="left">
	&bull; Another challenge of this sector is lack of skilled manpower and poor information technology system.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Focus cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Focus, cover story headlines from nepal,  Focus current and latest cover story news from nepal, Focus economic news from nepal, nepali cover story Focus economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of Nepal',
			'description' => 'The third edition of Money Expo for 2013 is being held in the capital from October. Aiming to promote investment opportunities and wealth protection strategies, this expo is the largest finance and investment show in Nepal 31 till November 2. An interaction programme ‘BFIs: Problems and Challenges’ was conducted by New Business Age on September 19 as pack up the reen up to the Expo. Experts from banks and financial institutions presented their opinion on the current status of the financial sector. Excerpts:',
			'sortorder' => '1722',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1860',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Price Surges To Rs 1500 Overnight',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&rsquo; Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-09-23',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'The price of gold increased by Rs 1500 overnight to reach Rs 55,800 last Thursday and remained the same on Friday. The metal was traded at Rs 54,300 per tola last Wednesday, according to Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (NEGOSIDA). The bullion price has increased in the domestic market following the price rise in the international market, according to the NEGOSIDA. Prices increased by 66 USD per ounce last Thursday from 1297 USD on Wednesday.',
			'sortorder' => '1721',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1859',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Gold Import Quota Hiked',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.</p>
<p>
	Though the NRB has decided to increase the import quota, dealers and traders of gold have complained that the central bank was late to take the decision. &ldquo;It would have benefitted the government, dealers and customers if the quota was hiked while the gold price was high (August 28) and there was shortage of gold,&rdquo; said Tej Ratna Shakya, former president of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers&#39; Association (NEGOSIDA).</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has increased the daily import quota of gold by 5 kg. The board meeting of the Bank last Monday (September 16) decided to hike the gold quota to 20 kg a day. The government has increased the import quota of the precious yellow metal considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, when the demand of gold is expected to rise.',
			'sortorder' => '1720',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1858',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Keep Currency Notes Clean, Urges NRB',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB&rsquo;s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.</p>
<p>
	Speaking at an interaction programme organised at the office of New Business Age Pvt Ltd last Sunday, NRB spokesperson Bhaskar Mani Gnawali made such a request. &ldquo;We are distributing new banknotes this year too, so I would like to request one and all to help us in keeping the notes clean,&rdquo; he said, adding that the citizens are also responsible to keep the notes that are national property, clean.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The NRB has started distributing new and crisp notes worth Rs 30 billion aiming to meet high demand during the festivals. The designs of banknotes of Rs 100, 50 and 20 have been changed in the new lot to make it visually-impaired friendly.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged citizens to keep banknotes clean keeping the Dashain and Tihar festivals in mind. NRB’s request has come at the wake of festive seasons, when celebrations require offering of money to deities and realtives.',
			'sortorder' => '1719',
			'image' => null,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1857',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'IME Launches Edupay Service',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service. According to the Chief Executive Officer of IME, Suman Pokhrel, school or college fees could be paid through the banking system by filling up forms at all branches and agents of the IME. &ldquo;We have brought about a service of paying school/ college fees through the banking system for the first time in Nepal,&rdquo; he said, adding that it will be time-saving for many guardians and students.</p>
<p>
	For receiving this service, the name of the student along with college/school, level, faculty, class and roll number details should be registered at the IME. &ldquo;Guardians can now pay fees from their home,&rdquo; Pokhrel said.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'International Money Express (IME) in collaboration with the Global IME Bank has introduced the Edupay service for students. Unveiling the service last Wednesday, IME said that students can pay their school fees through the banking system on this service.',
			'sortorder' => '1718',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1856',
			'article_category_id' => '109',
			'title' => 'Index Down Amid ‘Low’ Dividend Announcements',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sagar Ghimire</strong><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index declined 1.02 point last week with closing at 548.98. It had closed at 550 on September 15.</p>
<p>
	Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.</p>
<p>
	Despite banking and financial institutions&rsquo; rush to announce dividend, the failure to meet the expectation by some big banks has created a psychological effect in the share market. Share investors lament that the major banks like Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Everest Bank&rsquo;s decision to distribute lower dividends than they expected have discouraged them to make investment on those banks, whose share prices, transactions and scrips are relatively higher in the capital market. Standard Chartered Bank has announced that it will distribute 10 per cent bonus share and 40 per cent cash dividend. This led to the decline of the share price of the Standard Chartered by Rs 35 on a single day at the end of the trading week (September 19) with closing at Rs 1795.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Our hopes have been dashed by the decisions. We had expected that the bank would provide at least 25 per cent bonus and 25 per cent cash dividend,&rdquo; commented an investor Purshottam Raj Chimoriya.</p>
<p>
	During the week, a total of 2,111,643 scrips were traded through 8182 transactions worth Rs 587.98 million of 134 companies. The share market remained open for four days during the week. The total tradeed amount was 39.52 per cent less than the previous week.&nbsp;Everest Bank remained at the top of the market in terms of transaction amount, while the highest number of scrips were of Siddhartha Investment Growth Scheme 1 (262,600).</p>
<p>
	Among the sub-indices, the Insurance sector surged the highest by 60.11 points closing at 1346.57, while the Hydropower sector declined the most by 16.54 points closing at 1298.23. Similarly, Hotel sector index also increased 27.64 points. The other sub-indices which observed decline during the week are Development Bank (3.52), Bank (3.91), and Finance (0.72). However, there was not any change in the Manufacturing and Processing sector, Trading sector and Other sectors. The share prices of 40 companies increased during the week while that of 62 price decreased.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Nepse Fall Continues</strong></p>
<p>
	Following the declining trend of last week, the Nepse index fell further by 7.07 points on Sunday, September 22, closing at 541.51. The secondary market plunged heavily as all sub-indices except the Others sector observed a decline. The Hydropower sector had the biggest loss with a decline of 31.25 points closing at 1266.98, while the Others sector rose by 1.17 points, closing at 662.63. There was no change observed in the Finance sector. The Banking sector which impacts the capital market the most also fell by 9.7 points closing at 516.59. Shares of 110 companies were traded at the secondary market on the opening day of the week through 1797 transactions, amounting to Rs 114,008,016.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Money Matter cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Money Matter, cover story headlines from nepal,  Money Matter current and latest cover story news from nepal, Money Matter economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story news of N',
			'description' => 'Though there was slight improvement on first and second days of trading week, the latter days observed decline in the share market. On the first and second day of trading, the Nepse index increased by 0.18 and 2 points respectively. However, the market plunged by 0.05 point last Tuesday. The market index declined 2.97 at the last day of the trading week. The decline of Bank and Hydropower sector, major sectors that impact the share market, pushed the overall Nepse index down.',
			'sortorder' => '1717',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1855',
			'article_category_id' => '154',
			'title' => 'News In Brief (23-29 September 2013)',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>First National Science Day</strong></p>
<p>
	Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of &lsquo;Science and Technology for Country&rsquo;s prosperity&rsquo;, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="tu" src="/userfiles/images/tv.jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 135px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>TU Publishes MA Sociology Results</strong></p>
<p>
	The Tribhuvan University (TU) Office of the Controller of Examinations published the results of the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 on September 15. The exam of Master of Arts second year-Sociology and Anthropology-2068 was held in Magh-Poush-2068.The results can be accessed at www.tu.ntc. net.np, www.educationsansar.com, and www.edusanjal.com according to the Office.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img alt="global" src="/userfiles/images/global(2).jpg" style="border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 150px; height: 61px; " /></p>
<p>
	<strong>GATE Graduation</strong></p>
<p>
	Global Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Education (GATE) affiliated to the Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) organised its graduation ceremony 2013 in the capital on Sunday. Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Urs Herren conferred 72 graduates with their certificates. Addressing the function, Herren said Nepal has great potential in the tourism sector and it was the responsibility of the graduates to take the tourism and hospitality industry to new heights.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Eureka Bags &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; Shield</strong></p>
<p>
	Eureka Residential Higher Secondary School was conferred with the &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; shield at the Prize Ball Room of Distribution and Gala Event organized by Dabur Nepal at the Everest Hotel on Tuesday. The school also won a Rs 100,000 cash prize and scholarships. Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute, Balaju and Jaya Bageshwari Higher Secondary School, Nepalgunj followed as first and second runners-up winning trophies and cash prizes of Rs 50,000 and 25,000, respectively, along with scholarships. The &lsquo;Real School of Nepal 2013&rsquo; competition was launched on August 12 in the Eastern, Western, Mid-Western and Central Regions of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Franchising &amp; International Business Workshop at DAV</strong></p>
<p>
	DAV Business School organised a training workshop on &lsquo;Franchising and International Business Opportunities&rsquo; on September 19 in the premises of DAV school, Kathmandu. With the slogan &lsquo;Go Forth and Multiply, Be your own Boss&rsquo;, the event was managed by Global Event Management and Media Solution (GEMS) with technical support from H2F India and franchise.co.uk. According to the organizers, the event gave an opportunity to learn about approaches to acquire franchises and achieve financial success. Experts from the UK offered guidance in international business and franchise consulting fields. The main goal of the event was to impart the basic concept of international business &amp; franchising, its scope, and the process of acquiring franchises, the selling approach of franchises, and scopes and challenges in the programme.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'description' => 'Commemorating the anniversary of Amrit Science Campus (ASC), the first ever Science Day was observed in the country on September 17. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment organised the event under the banner of ‘Science and Technology for Country’s prosperity’, in Kathmandu. The initiative has been taken to increase an awareness among the students on science and technology. The programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Khil Raj Regmi. A science exhibition was also organised on the ocassion.',
			'sortorder' => '1716',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1854',
			'article_category_id' => '118',
			'title' => 'Company Picnic Survival Tips',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>By Lindsay Gellman</strong></p>
<p>
	Dreading your annual company picnic? You&rsquo;re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.</p>
<p>
	But experts say a summer outing can lead to prime networking opportunities unlikely to occur in the office.<br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Here are some survival tips:</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attitude</strong></p>
<p>
	It is important to broadcast enthusiasm and positivity while still &ldquo;being yourself,&rdquo; says Hallie Crawford, owner of career-consulting firm Create Your Career Path in Atlanta. Colleagues, including your boss, are watching, she says, and your behavior will make an impression&mdash;positive or negative&mdash;that could affect your reputation.</p>
<p>
	When it comes to sports or games, get off the sidelines, says Tom Gimbel, CEO and founder of LaSalle Network, a recruiting, staffing and human-resource consulting firm in Chicago. (If you&rsquo;re not able to participate, cheer, offer to take photos or hand out food.)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>Alcohol</strong></p>
<p>
	If others are drinking, feel free to partake, says Dan Schawbel, author of &ldquo;Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success.&rdquo; If you&rsquo;re unsure of how much consumption is appropriate, keep it to one drink, Schawbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Attire</strong></p>
<p>
	Take your dress-code cues from the venue (is it a picnic in the park? a gathering at a co-worker&rsquo;s home?), as well as from your general office culture, Schawbel says. In most cases, keep it casual, but err on the conservative side, Crawford says. If you&rsquo;re new to the firm, ask a colleague what to wear, Gimbel says.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Guests</strong></p>
<p>
	If the event allows for a plus-one, reserve the invitation for your spouse, or a significant other you&rsquo;ve been dating for at least three to six months, Gimbel says. Give your partner a crash course on who&rsquo;s who in your workplace before you arrive, and a heads-up before you introduce him or her to your boss, Crawford says.&nbsp;If it is a family event and you have young children, set a time limit, Crawford suggests. If your children can only behave for an hour, only stay for an hour.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Networking</strong><br />
	<br />
	Use the outing as an opportunity to get to know someone from another department, Gimbel says. Strike up a casual conversation with an eye toward forming a connection you could potentially tap down the line.</p>
<p>
	<strong>The Exit</strong><br />
	<br />
	Before you make your escape, don&rsquo;t forget to thank the hosts or organizers, experts say. (blogs.wsj.com/atwork)</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<br />
	&nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => 'Learning Curve cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Learning Curve, cover story headlines from nepal,  Learning Curve current and latest cover story news from nepal, Learning Curve economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing  cover story n',
			'description' => 'Dreading your annual company picnic? You’re not alone. For many, the prospect of making small talk with colleagues on a scorching weekend is far from appealing, and rife with potentially uncomfortable encounters.',
			'sortorder' => '1715',
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1853',
			'article_category_id' => '151',
			'title' => 'The Land Down South',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong>By Bhawani Timalsina</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	With UK and US tightening noose over the VISA regulations, Australia has emerged as one of the most desirable place to study in recent years due to its friendly educational policies. In Australia, education comes third in the priority list and taking advantage of the system, Nepali students are now willing to persue their higher or specialised studies in this Emerald city. There are several consultancies in Nepal, which are providing a complete counseling for those who want to study in Australia.</p>
<p>
	According to Mahesh Babu Timalsina, General Secretary of ECAN, the introduction of Streamline Visa Processing (SVP) system has encouraged Nepali students to apply for VISAs in Australia. &ldquo;The VISA success rate has increased after the Australian High Commission in Delhi has introduced the SVP system,&rdquo; says Timalsina. The SAV means these applicants are treated as though they are lower migration risk regardless of their country of origin.</p>
<p>
	On the context of whether it is easy to get VISA for deserving students, he says, this is not a difficult job as the High Commission looks for students who can easily clear the Genuine Temporary Entrance (GTE) process, which is a short interview required by the Australian Department of Immigration to ascertain students&rsquo; admission into the universities and their general plan of action in the country.</p>
<p>
	Australia provides a variety of courses ranging from technical subjects such as engineering to the subjects in liberal arts and management. Students can apply in 42 universities in the country, of which two are private. Besides, students can also apply to hundreds of colleges affiliated to the universities. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide are some of renowned ones, also listed as Group 8 universities.</p>
<p>
	Most Australian education institutions are considered as the best in the world, given their record of graduates with successful careers. The Australian education system promotes creative and practical education &ndash; a combination, which every student look for. They can get related information directly from the university representatives who frequently participates in the education seminars in various parts of the country.</p>
<p>
	The fee structure and the entry requirement depends on the courses and on the universities. &ldquo;We suggest students to search for suitable courses and be self aware of their eligibility to apply. It is necessary for students to know whether their qualifications enable them to apply for the education course or not,&rdquo; Timalsina claims.</p>
<p>
	On average, the cost of education in Australia is Rs 800,000 to Rs 1.3 million per semester, including tuition fee and room and board. Despite the huge fee, part-time job facilities for students and full-time work permits for dependents continue to be key features that attract students toward Australia. &ldquo;However, we would not encourage students to focus merely on their job; they should also give priority to their education rather than work to achieve their goals,&rdquo; Timalsina says.</p>
<p>
	Students can apply for Post Study Work (PSW) VISA to gain work experience in their field as soon as they graduate. Students who complete their bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees get two years of work permit while PhD graduates are granted four-year permits. &ldquo;Students urge to know more about the Permanent Residency (PR) system which I think is a vague term. However, students can get their PR permit after completing postgraduate studies. We advise students to get training in housekeeping, cooking or other hospitality skills so they can acquire part-time jobs easily,&rdquo; says Timalsina.</p>
<p>
	It is usually advisable that students have a proper plan of study and work to overcome difficulties. Applying for an educational degree in Australia requires huge investment and negligence towards study can easily ruin one&rsquo;s future.</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;They should be careful about visa processing responsibilities even after getting a student visa,&rdquo; Timalsina warns. The application at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is conducted online and should be done at least three months prior to the expiry of the student&rsquo;s visa.</p>
<p>
	<strong>(More about studying in Australia can be learned from the websites www.studyinaustralia.gov. au and <a href="http://www.immi.gov.au">www.immi.gov.au</a>)</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Study in Australia Seminars</strong></p>
<p>
	University of Western Sydney (UWS), an Australian university, organised an education fair in Kathmandu last week for Nepali students interested in pursuing higher education in Australia. The programme provided an opportunity to Nepali students to interact with the representatives of the university. Students with genuine qualification and documents were encouraged to check for their eligibility for Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP). Students wanting to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were encouraged to lodge applications for the SVP after receiving a Confirmation of Enrollment letter from the Australian university.</p>
<p>
	Global Reach, an education consultancy, organized the Australian Education Exhibition at Hotel de l &rsquo;Annapurna in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu last week. Around 20 reputed universities from Australia participated in the event to inform students about courses and the enrollment process. Swinburne University, Murdoch University, University of Western Sydney and The University of Adelaide were some of the participating institutions.</p>
<p>
	Students are attracted towards an Australian education as the country has introduced the Post Study Work Permit (PSWP) scheme for international students, allowing them to work full time in Australia after the completion of their degree. &ldquo;Students got an opportunity to know about the enrollment process and courses thoroughly from the exhibition,&rsquo;&rsquo; said Julia Shelley, Senior Regional Manager of UWS.</p>',
			'published' => true,
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			'description' => 'Part-time job and full-time work permit for dependants continues to attract Nepali students to persue quality education in Australia',
			'sortorder' => '1714',
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1852',
			'article_category_id' => '105',
			'title' => 'MBA Or Not',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Two bankers, Pandey and Shrestha were chatting over a drink before dinner at Little Itly, the famous Italian Restaurant in Durbarmarg.</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pandey: Why don&rsquo;t you throw those two non-MBA&rsquo;s Out?</strong></p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<strong>Shrestha: These two non-MBA are the only managers who are stable and run the whole bank. &ndash;ML</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
			'modified' => '2013-10-21',
			'keywords' => 'The Corporate Humor cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from The Corporate Humor, cover story headlines from nepal,  The Corporate Humor current and latest cover story news from nepal, The Corporate Humor economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  on',
			'description' => 'Pandey: (Boasting) among our 10 senior managers, all are MBAs.
Shrestha: Among our 9 senior managers, only 7 are MBAs.
Pandey: Why don’t you throw those two non-MBA’s Out?',
			'sortorder' => '1713',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1851',
			'article_category_id' => '144',
			'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	The brightest aspect in Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p>
<p>
	We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world&rsquo;s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p>
<p>
	Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers&rsquo; tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p>
<p>
	The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 &ndash; a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country&rsquo;s tourism potential.</p>
<p>
	Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. &nbsp;Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal&rsquo;s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector.&nbsp;As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2013-09-23',
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			'keywords' => 'Edits & Opinions cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Edits & Opinions nepal, cover story headlines from nepal,  Edits & Opinions  current and latest cover story news from nepal, Edits & Opinions economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events,  ongoing',
			'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '1712',
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '1850',
			'article_category_id' => '145',
			'title' => 'Vision Tourism : Let’s Achieve: Naturally Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<div>
	<strong>Amitabh Kant delivering his speech on &lsquo;Incredible India&rsquo; at Hotel de l&rsquo; Annapurna.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy.</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Call him a thinker, a visionary or simply a bureaucrat who gave India a new identity &mdash; Incredible India. Amitabh Kant is a name in India&rsquo;s tourism sector and he is the man who drove India towards the global tourism map. He shared his views on how to ptomote tourism and hospitality infra-structure in Nepal to generate more revenue and employment and also the story and challenges behind Incredible India. Branding India was not an easy task for him who was the joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001. He is presently the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	When he took the challenge to change India&rsquo;s image portraying its vibrant colours, the world was reeling under serious crises. Starting from the World Trade Centre (WTC) terrorist attack, Afghanistan war and the attack on the Indian Parliament &mdash; tourism was down in the dumps in India.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It was at the peak of this crisis, the Incredible India campaign to position India as a tourist destination was launched. And, this was only happened due to his precise and well researched plan for several years.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Excerpts (below) from his speech and presentation at Hotel Annapurna in the first edition of Tourism &amp; Aviation Next 2013 event:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Tapping the Market&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Last year a billion people travelled across their borders i.e. one seventh of the world&rsquo;s population was crossing boundaries from one country to another. It&rsquo;s the world of tourism that contributes 6 % of global GDP. One of every 11 job across the world is created by tourism which makes it the biggest employment creator. And for country like Nepal and India, the critical challenge is how do we create the jobs for the youths? We are passing through the window of democratic transition and our population is young. And the challenge of job creation has to be done by tourism. The more tourists you have, more people you&rsquo;ll lift above poverty line as you&rsquo;ll create more jobs.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Every Crisis is an Opportunity &amp; Campaign&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	During the Incredible India campaigns, there were several crises going through country and worldwide. The WTC attack, Gujarat earthquake, coalition force attack on Afghanistan, attack on Indian Parliament and so on. And if we look at the index of travel and tourism competitive index of worldwide, India was very low in several aspects. And several international concerns were raised in India for cleanliness, hygiene, safety, security, transportation, promotional support and affordability.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	At those times, destinations used to be seen through travel packages. There was no demand of India and the challenge was how to get the demand back? We didn&rsquo;t go the international market but decided to hit the consumer directly through exhaustive campaigns, communications, documentaries and it started giving results. Then the key international concern was transportation, affordability. In terms of tourist the image of the country was not really good. But every crisis is an opportunity.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Image perception of India however was tourist friendly and also the air connectivity was increased gradually. Innate perception of India in terms of its rich and vibrant culture was an added advantage in the campaign.&nbsp;Globally India was considered good in terms of its authenticity, history, art and culture. We positioned India as a global brand through some of the key marketing strategies and its challenges (see box 1 &amp; 2).&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Communication Strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	To achieve the goal, communication strategies was also required and in long term it gave a momentum to our campaign. After series of thoughts, consistency in communication strategy was finalised. Training for taxi drivers through documentaries to consider tourists as our guest and awareness to prevent people from scribing names on historic monuments started yielding results. We also focused on clear definition of value proposition, constant research and innovation and constant interaction with travelers, travel writers and editors.&nbsp;The most innovative part of the campaign was turning tourism officials into brand ambassadors and documentary on keeping the city clean.&nbsp;Tourism is a multi-sectoral activity and we have to look with whole range of people. You have to work with people in the home ministry, external ministry, art, culture, aviation etc.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Making of God&rsquo;s Own Country: Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our mission was to develop Kerala into a premier destination on the world tourism map for defined niche tourists. We wanted to make it a stand-alone destination, a global brand, with instant brand recognition and high brand equity. The government played role of facilitator and catalyst. We worked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. We focused on up-market clientele with more focus on quality than quantity. We focused on conservation, preservation and sustainability. We promoted innovative products and projects and adopted transparent, competitive policy on privatisation.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	And the whole world of Kerala tourism has changed. We focused on traditional and unique aspects of Kerala. Like backwaters, Ayurveda, its Innovative products, Elephant pageants, boat races, Tiger trail, eco tourism, Kerala&rsquo;s traditional martial arts, cuisine. Basically we did everything which west did not do. We went back to roots of Kerala and build a &mdash; Gods Own Country.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>The Way the World Sees Kerala&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 50 must see destinations of the world - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the ten exotic paradises on earth - National Geographic Traveler&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 100 great trips of the 21st century - Travel &amp; Leisure&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 hot spots of the millennium - Emirates In-flight&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Where smart travelers go &ndash; Financial Times, London&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; One of the 10 love nests in India &ndash; Cosmopolitan&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Best Performing State - Government of India Award&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Journey &amp; Results:&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Our campaign and determination triggered and gave a mileage to the Indian tourism industry, supported by industries like aviation; hotels etc. Infrastructure grew in tandem and in 2008 India got 5.38 million visitors compared to 2.54 million in 2001 and the figure is increasing every year.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>On Nepal Tourism&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	It has always been pleasure to be in Nepal. I long admire Nepal as a unique destination. I have always believed that there are very few destinations in the world with such a diverse nature, adventure, culture and Himalayan peaks. But I believe the positioning and branding strategy of Nepal is not an ideal one. Nepal is exporting its product extremely cheap. This country needs to move away from low value marketing strategy to high value strategy. Nepal in many ways is very unique and it has a great potential to deliver. But there is a huge challenge between potentials and performance and therefore it is very important to understand that world of tourism is very big. There is a need to raise Nepal&rsquo;s service standards, creating premium brand of experiential tourism, positioning of exotic Nepal, adding new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes, domestic and foreign investments in tourism services etc.&nbsp;(Amitabh Kant former joint secretary in the tourism ministry from 2001 to 2007 in India and a secretary of tourism in Kerala from 1997 to 2001.)</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key marketing strategies&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position tourism as major engine of economic growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Harness the direct and multiplier effects of tourism for employment generation&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position India as a global brand&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Acknowledge the critical role of private sector&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Tapping the tourist directly&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Create and develop integrated tourism circuits based on India&rsquo;s unique civilization</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>Key Marketing Challenges&nbsp;</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Moving from low value marketing strategy to high value marketing strategy&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Defend and enhance India&rsquo;s share in traditional long-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop strong short-haul markets&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Penetrate the key source market in Asia&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Position and differentiate strongly vis-&agrave;-vis key competitors in the region&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&bull; Develop spending an avenues to capture higher value from each tourist</div>
<div>
	<br />
	&nbsp;</div>',
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			'description' => 'Call him a thinker, a visionary or simply a bureaucrat who gave India a new identity — Incredible India. Amitabh Kant is a name in India’s tourism sector and he is the man who drove India towards the global tourism map. He shared his views on how to ptomote tourism and hospitality infra-structure in Nepal to generate more revenue and employment and also the story and challenges behind Incredible India',
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FOREX

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

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

Bullion

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

Update : 2020-03-25

Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association

Petroleum

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