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			'id' => '585',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'The Hydropower Politics',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="editor" border="1" height="224" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/editor2.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Nepal still lives by dream of developing its hydropower to the fullest potentials so that it could not only meet own energy needs but also export a substantial amount of power produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with India. It has been at least five and half decades (since the planned development began here in 1956) we are following this mirage of commercially harnessing our literally limitless potentials of water resources. Nepal may have moved an inch but surely not a foot to this direction. And, worse, there is not a single large project in pipeline that could complete in, say, five years from now.</p>
<p>
	Talking about large projects, Upper Karnali (800 MW) and West Seti (750 MW) are in recent limelight. But the proposed promoter of Upper Karnali, the Indian energy major GMR is still apprehensive about the security it would get from the state to implement the project. The story of West Seti a reservoir based proposed project, is circling around for last one decade when Australian company SMEC came in and went out without making much headway in the project. Recently, the Chinese promoter of legendary Three Gorges Dam project has reportedly shown a renewed interest in it. But, things are not likely to move much differently than in the past. It is because Nepali water resources, hydropower in particular, is by now no longer an investment or commercial proposition alone, rather it has become a true game of politics, at both national and international levels.</p>
<p>
	At the national level, a misconstrued nationalism has always been a real impediment to the development and growth of this sector. It is natural to seek to maximise the benefit for the nation while developing the project with bilateral or multilateral partnerships, but it is entirely an weird approach to prevent the very construction of the project defining the nationalism attached to it at a convenience of a vested interest group.</p>
<p>
	Every Nepali party with communist tag has done this politics. The Mohan Vaidya faction of UCPN-Maoist is the latest incarnation of a force dying to protect nationalism by creating hurdles to not only Upper Karnali but also Upper Marsyangdi. The government issuing statement of assurances of security appears absolute farce at the face of what is evident at the site. At the international levels, for both of our neighbours India and China, Nepal's development is also part of regional geopolitics. There are instances, like in Kohalpur-Banbasa part of east-west highway, where one party did not like the involvement of the other in any particular project. Even the expression of interest by a party to develop a certain project causes the other party smell a rat.</p>
<p>
	Therefore, any proposition is difficult to materialise on the ground. It is particularly so when the projects, like West Seti, to be developed by China with plans to export its major portion of power-produced to Indian states adjoining Nepal. To sum up, the dark days in hydropower will only end when it is started to be viewed as pure business sans politics at the national level and sans geopolitics at regional level. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal still lives by dream of developing its
hydropower to the fullest potentials so that
it could not only meet own energy needs but
also export a substantial amount of power
produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with
India.',
			'sortorder' => '487',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '584',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Businessman By Destiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="left" alt="personality" border="1" height="214" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/hero1.jpg" style="width: 181px; height: 214px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="181" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The entire business community is yearning for a favourable investment climate. Each and every business house and enterprise is waiting for the moment that is unlikely to arrive anytime soon. Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, one of the largest business houses of Nepal, is not pessimistic though about the situation but prefers to play it safe like his peers in the business community. He says he is not so comfortable in venturing into new projects and making any significant moves other than keeping the current ventures alive.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The conglomerate has interests in manufacturing and trading of industrial goods to consumer durables and nondurables. The journey of Sharda Group began with garment trading almost 100 years ago. Real success of the group began after Sharda’s great grandfather established a rice mill at Lahan in 1948. The success of the company began with this very business. Sharda has been involved in the family business since his 18th birthday. Being the eldest son in the family, he has given his all to take the family business ahead. Today, the group has an annual turnover of more than US $ 150 million.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Pioneer Carpet Industries, Shangrila Housing, Bajra Shangrila Residency, Infratech and Shivam Cement Industries are some of the companies Sharda oversees that are either established by him individually or under joint ventures. Born in an industrial family, doing business was in his blood and during his school days, he dreamt of having his own business.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="middle" alt="personality" border="5" height="243" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stof.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="4" width="300" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">A television set used to be the object of desire those days, he says. So, I wanted to import and sell gadgets like TVs and VCRs, he adds. Sharda was pursuing his college degree in Kolkata when he had to return back to Nepal since his father was unwell. His brothers were young and studying abroad. So, being the eldest son, he had the responsibility to take care of his father and the business. Sharda successfully took up the responsibilities on his shoulders and became occupied. In the bargain, he could not pursue his education further than the bachelor level. Sharda began his career as a business person in the early 1990s.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The lucrative returns from carpet trading lured him to indulge further in the trade. He says the returns and travel opportunities created by carpet trading made him choose this sector. His first venture, now named Pioneer Carpet Industries, was a success for young Sharda as the carpet industry was booming and its export was at the peak. He claims, I became one of the largest exporters in Nepal and was felicitated with numerous awards by the government including Commercially Important Person within seven to eight years. His success in carpet trading inspired him to venture into many other businesses in the future. After Pioneer Carpets, he started importing reconditioned cars from Japan in 1994 which, unfortunately, did not yield profits to him. “I believe in destiny and I thought it was not meant for me so I dropped the project,' he admits nonchalantly. Sharda prefers joint ventures. He explains, You cannot think and do everything on your own. It's good to have likeminded people with whom you can share your ideas and visions and produce something great.'In partnership with his close friends, he has set up housing projects like Shangrila Housing and Bajra Shangrila and the largest cement industry of Nepal, Shivam Cement, which is soon going to begin operations.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Living in a joint family where every member is passionate about business, decisions are made jointly. He says, 'Nobody decides alone in our family, we talk to each other, share ideas and discuss in detail before reaching any decision.' Sharda believes that the business focus should be on ensuring a good turnover. He suggests that an aggressive attitude does help achieve business goals. 'Where there is an opportunity for profit, there will be a chance of making loss too,' he says. Sharda recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to be practical and believes everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and by setting a clear goal. According to him, there are no alternatives to sincerity, honesty and punctuality which are essential for registering success.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Even though success in any business is determined by profit and turnover, he opines that success is not only about making a huge amount of money. He philosophises, 'Success is also about giving back to the people in the society in the form of employment or offering them the best products and services with honesty and sincerity. There are so many other things that are much valuable than money itself.' Sharda trusts his colleagues much and believes in assigning appropriate roles to people working with him. He maintains a close relationship with his employees and keeps himself updated about everything. 'I talk to each person every day, talk to the team leaders and get reports and feedback,' he tells. He likes to maintain a distance between his personal and professional lives. He spends around nine hours for his work and prefers to have after hours and weekends for his family and kids. 'I have two wonderful children and it is good to see them growing up. The moments I spend with my family are more fun than my work but business is my profession and I love running it, he proudly states. He also loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, watch movies and attend parties when possible.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Likewise, he likes to travel and considers himself fortunate to have travelled many countries for his vacations and business trips. Sharda is also involved in philanthropy and is an active member of Kathmandu Metro Round Table 4, an international organisation. Our slogan is Freedom through education and we build school buildings in various parts of Nepal as well as sponsor needy children through fund raising,” he says.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Personal side<br />
	</span></p>
<ul>
	<li>
		&nbsp; Loves motorsports- had won a rally in the mid 1990s</li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Fond of cars -changes around six cars in a year</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Currently drivesL a n d R o v e r Freelander 2</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Loves travelling</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not particularly health conscious</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not interested in reading and writing</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Prefers casual wear like jeans and tee shirts</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Brand conscious<br />
		</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Sharda is keenly waiting for the business and investment climate to become favourable and wishes that the current slowdown in the business sector would get over soon. I am not currently happy with the pace this sector is moving at, he expresses his displeasure. He is on a wait and watch mode and does not have any new projects lined up in the foreseeable future. Doing business is a very challenging proposition at the moment so I am just giving continuity to my current ventures, he shares. He dreams of achieving the kind of success which he thinks he has not tasted yet. And that's precisely why he prays for a suitable business environment as soon as possible.&nbsp; <br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, believes he was
destined to be a businessperson being born in one of the oldest
business families of Nepal. Having a passion for business and
looking after almost half a dozen companies of his own, he believes
he is yet to attain success in the true sense.',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '583',
			'article_category_id' => '48',
			'title' => 'Redawn Of PE Era',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="" border="1" height="136" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/comedy.jpg" style="width: 112px; height: 136px;" vspace="5" width="112" /></p>
<p>
	Except for one or two, all 36 public enterprises (PEs) of Nepal are in huge losses. Dairy Development Corp is already in milk which is rotting and stinking. The Gorakhkali Tyre has become flat. National flag carrier NAC, has lost the nose. (Nac in Nepali means nose). Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has already burnt the midnight oil. Nobody knows how ensured is Rastriya Beema Sansthan, the state-owned insurance company, as it its accounts are not audited for almost a decade.</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="no laughing matter" border="5" height="252" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/joke.jpg" vspace="1" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Should we talk about Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd. (KUKL)? Ordinary Nepali people get confused reading KUKL as it sounds like KAKAKUL which means a legendary bird that is always thirsty. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), that has monopoly on power trade is running in loss as it is busy in trading power at political circles than in power circuits.</p>
<p>
	So far Nepal Telecom is proving itself one exception as it is still in profit. However, it too has started trembling after the entry of a heavyweight competitor in the form of Ncell. Then there is a cigarette company PE which is blowing in the air. Similalry, the two cement PEs are all set to kick the dust.</p>
<p>
	But the government is determined to continue keeping these enterprises by funneling money they need to survive. The vowed purpose is evident. The political parties who run the governemnt in turn are in fact waging employment revolution in the country by appointing their cadres to various positions in the PEs. In doing so, the parties have effected another revolution: they have waived the traditional and thus regressive criteria of education and experience to get a job in these PEs. Only one criterion that needs to be fulfilled is that one must be a blind-supporter of the political party in power. So, one eighth-grader runs NAC and a head clerk is recently made GM in National Trading Ltd.</p>
<p>
	All these great things have been possible only because of our revolutionary Prime Minister. As it became clear that his party cadres are no more going to get salary from the government coffer, he was quick to place many of them in the PEs as well as private sector corporate houses. Our PM had announced his determination to develop the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he was the Finance Minister some years back. According to his philosophy, you can develop the country by hook or by crook. And for Nepal he has picked-up only the latter part of the model i.e. by crook or crooked ideas.</p>
<p>
	To develop an economy you should first open factories or firms and create employment. For that you need to import machines and raw materials and construct roads and buildings. For that you need a lot of money. Since the Nepali government does not have any money left after paying the party cadres in any possible pretext, the government has adopted this short-cut route to development through PE, just as a replica of Panchayat hay-days under King Mahendra.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Our PM had announced his determination to develop
the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he
was the Finance Minister some years back.',
			'sortorder' => '485',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '582',
			'article_category_id' => '45',
			'title' => 'Corporate Movements December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Newcomers<br />
	</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shashi Giri</strong> has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Sachin Shrestha</strong> has joined Bottlers Nepal Ltd as Country Marketing Manager. Earlier, he was Head of Branch and Activation Department at Unilever Nepal Pvt. Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Mesut Zeyton</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Managing Director. Earlier, he was Manager at Istanbul Restaurant, Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bishal Budhathoki</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Turkish Chef. Earlier, he was Junior Chef at Ribbon Restaurant, Kathmandu. Promotion Vivek Jha has been promoted as General Manger at NLIC. Earlier, he was Senior Deputy General Manger there.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Re-Joined<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dinesh Thakali</strong> has re-joined Shangri-la Development Bank as Deputy General Manager. He had previously worked with the bank as Senior Manager.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Appointed<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pradeep Jung Pandey </strong>has been appointed the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Limited. He has been involved with the bank since its inception as part of the Board of Directors.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Government Appointments<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Tej Bahadur Budhathoki</strong> has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Earlier, he worked at the bank for 28 years and took voluntary retirement last year.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Radhesh Pant </strong>has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board. He is currently the CEO of Kumari Bank.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Resigned<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Deependra Nath Sharma</strong> has resigned as the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bidyadhar Mallick has</strong> resigned as the Vice Chairman of Poverty Alleviation Fund.&nbsp; <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shashi Giri has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.',
			'sortorder' => '484',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '581',
			'article_category_id' => '57',
			'title' => 'Brand Loyalty',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="brand loyality" border="1" height="196" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/karki.jpg" vspace="10" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sajag Karki<br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Brand Loyalty depends upon several factors such as a product’s utility value, brand association, nostalgia and consumer behaviour. People have preferences from one brand over the other with similar product benefits.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/levis.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /> The Nepali populace too has started to become brand conscious and the presence of various multinational brands to choose from has made brand loyalists consume their favourite brands. Especially, the youngsters seem to be hooked to their favourite brands and cannot do without them. An example could be the Apple’s iphone with every other person aspiring to carry it. Gadgets such as laptops from Sony or mobile handsets from Nokia are similar examples. Clothing brands such as Levi’s, Benetton, Giordano and many others are popular among the brand conscious consumers in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	It may be worthwhile mentioning here that well known brands with high awareness levels are liked by people. Why an Apple computer lover does always wants the same brand over and over again? Brands that have been established over a long period of time have huge loyal following as the users of these brands have several positive associations with them. Several brands such as Vaseline, Dettol, Mercedes, and Surf etc have various nostalgic attachments in our minds that cannot be easily erased from our memory. These names have become generic over the years which depict the trust such brands have created. Personal care products such as close up, Sunsilk, Lux and Vaseline etc have become a part of our daily lives. We cannot imagine spending a normal day without some brands that are close to our hearts. It is quite tough for newer products competing to make a mark in the minds of consumers loyal to their respective brands. Convincing a consumer to use a new brand over established ones is extremely challenging and if accomplished, could be termed quite an achievement.</p>
<p>
	To understand brand loyalty, the consumer buying behaviour should also be considered. There are six stages in the buying process: trigger, consider, search, choose, buy and experience. Trigger is the first and most important process as this takes place when a consumer’s mind clicks for a need of a product. For example, a person may want a new phone that can browse the internet and help him with his work. After this, he starts considering whether to buy a new phone or to enhance the features in his current phone.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/apple(1).jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" />If he decides to buy a new phone, he enters the search stage where he explores the best option by doing an in depth analysis on product attributes, price and popularity. He then buys the brand he chose and finally experiences a sense of happiness if satisfied with the product he bought. This process works for all types of products and all demographics. Nonetheless, the duration of the consumer buying process varies upon the type of product and is different for a high involvement product such as a car, TV or a low involvement product like toothpaste, shampoo etc. Therefore, it is very important for a brand to at least be in the consideration set of its intended consumers. For this, the consumers must be aware of the brand and be able to recall it via regular communication mediums.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="brand" border="1" height="97" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/qfx.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Over time, companies have used smart strategies to retain and build brand loyalties. Some examples could be opening clubs and giving loyalty points for regular users. QFX Cinemas in Nepal has recently introduced a club card which can be used for online ticket reservation and it gives two free tickets with the purchase of every ten tickets to its members. Hence, the club card benefits regular movie goers as they get free tickets encouraging them to go exclusively to QFX Cinemas instead of any other movie theatre in town. Similarly, airline companies too offer frequent flyer points to regular flyers with which these flyers get free tickets and other facilities on flying a certain number of flights or miles. In Nepal, Yeti Airlines has introduced a club card that encourages its trusted clientele to fly more with the airline. Banks too offer club cards with bundle of packaged facilities such as discounts in selected shopping outlets, free ATM service and other ancillary benefits.</p>
<p>
	It certainly makes a lot of sense to become brand loyal and enjoy a host of benefits provided by companies who encourage brand loyalty!!! &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Over time,
companies have
used smart
strategies to
retain and build
brand loyalties.The presence
of various
multinational
brands to
choose from
has made
brand loyalists
consume their
favourite brands.',
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			'title' => 'IFC Builds Farming Capacity In Nepal',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="sectorial" border="1" height="141" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectorial1.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Oliver Ryan &amp; Anupa Pant</strong></p>
<p>
	The poultry sector in Nepal carries a value tag of USD 180 million and contributes 3.3 per cent to the country's GDP. Despite its significant contribution to the Nepali economy it bears a subdued profile; write Oliver Ryan and Anupa Pant.Nepal has some 50 feedmills producing 450000 tonnes of feed per annum for a production of around 50 million broilers per annum from 5000 broiler per annum from 5000 farms. Cobb 500 is the dominant breed.</p>
<p>
	The country is considered to be selfsufficient in poultry products and in poultry feeds although a significant proportion of the feed ingredients e.g. grains and protein meals are imported from India.The total direct employment in the organized commercial sector is estimated to be 70,000, and provides a livelihood to thousands of households. The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent per annum over the last decade.The Nepalese broiler industry is divided into three distinct sectors, namely feed, DOC supply and broiler grow-out as distinct to an integrated model common internationally. There is limited processing with 99 per cent of the birds sold live.</p>
<p>
	In May 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, reviewed the poultry industry in Nepal including a lead firm diagnostic, farmer/supplier diagnostic, benchmarking and institutional mapping. The results of the diagnostic highlighted that the current waste (inefficiency) in the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance. It is recognized that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler growout sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small in-efficient farmers. Grower farms are typically 1,000 birds with the largest at 150,000 birds. It is assumed that there are effectively 5,000 commercial farms in Nepal supplying 80 per cent of the birds</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;IFC identified the key barriers to improving the commercial broiler sector in Nepal as follows: while maize is available locally, protein meals, fishmeal, vitamins, minerals and addictives are imported from India. Adequate quantities of feed ingredients of acceptable quality (particularly dry maize) are often not available in local markets resulting in variable quality feeds, despite Nepal having some modern feedmills. Productivity of parent stock is generally poor and variable per flock.</p>
<p>
	Day old chick (DOC) prices are often high due to large cycles in broiler meat prices and DOC supply. DOC quality is regarded as the main problem by broiler growers and much of that is due to dehydration of DOC due to long delivery times of up to 48 hours. Boiler farmers do not understand the importance of bio-security and all-in, allout systems are often compromised. The lack of integration exacerbates this as farmers (wrongly) think multi-age flocks will improve cash flows.</p>
<p>
	There is a lack of access to technical knowledge and services. About 95 per cent of the poultry farmers do not have any formal training of farm management (biosecurity, housing and ventilation, feed and water management, livestock management and disease) and the service function from PS farms and feed mills is only now being developed. Oliver Ryan, an ex IFC Poultry Specialist, who undertook the industry diagnostic for IFC, stated that IFC's global knowledge of the poultry industry enabled it to identify key issues that needed addressing but more importantly could quantify and prioritise the benefits from the implementation of a corrective action plan and could assist the industry identify suitable specialists to assist with this. IFC strengthens sector To address the issues that are impacting the industry, IFC has launched a threeyear poultry supply chain strengthening project in Nepal. This project will assist three lead firms (covering two PS operations and two feedmills) and 3,000 poultry farmers.</p>
<p>
	The lead firms will have the capacity for supplying more than 40 per cent of Nepal's feed and some 30 per cent of the DOC demand. These lead firms have direct business relationships with feed/DOC agents nationwide. This relationship will be used to disseminate technical skills and services. Technical specialists in feed production, nutrition, livestock and disease have been contracted to assist the lead firms in improving their production efficiencies. The first two lead firms to join the project were Avinash Hatcheries, producers of Cobb 500 broilers and Hyline layer DOC's and ProbioTech Industries Limited (Nimbus), a major feedmiller. About 95 per cent of small-scale poultry entrepreneurs do not have any formal training on farm management. Sustaining profitably after two/three batches is a recurring challenge. We are happy to join hands with IFC to build a pool of trainers to provide services to poultry entrepreneurs, says Anand Bagaria, Managing Director, ProbioTech Industries Pvt Ltd. The project will train broiler growers in all aspects of broiler production through the employment and training of 12 local veterinarians. These veterinarians will then train 3,000broiler farmers over a period of three years, with the aim of directly impacting the management of 40 per cent of Nepal's broiler production. Lead firms will be used to arrange broiler farmer training sessions. </p>
<p>
	<br />
	There will be a gender specific outreach component of the project, as well as a dealer/retailer component (with focus on bird handling, waste management and food safety). The aim is to improve feed, DOC chick quality and grower performance to reduce mortality by two per cent and reduce FCR by 0.2:1 over the term of the project. The project performance will be measured by the improvement in liveability and FCR over a baseline performance that is being carefully established on a sample of farms and will be monitored by an independent assessor. It is recognised that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler grow-out sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small farmers, said Brad Roberts, Operations Officer, IFC. IFC is providing support to enhance productivity and efficiency improvements for about 3,000 broiler farms. He said that the IFC's role in increasing industry capability was hopefully a forerunner to IFC assisting with project finance to a growing industry. ï</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>(This article was published in Asian Poultry Magazine November/December 2011.)&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent
per annum over the last decade.Current waste (ineffi ciency) in
the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's
performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '579',
			'article_category_id' => '39',
			'title' => 'SG Global: Entering A New League',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="corporate focus" border="5" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/corporate-focus3.jpg" style="width: 257px; height: 102px;" vspace="4" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>SG Global Pvt Ltd, established in August 2011, is a fully owned subsidiary of the well known Shanker Group, an industrial and trading conglomerate. It is the authorised distributor for Sharp Electronics (Japan) and Mahindra Two Wheelers (India) in Nepal. “We want to create a truly professional and multinational company in the sense how we work,” says Akhil Gupta, Director of SG Global Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Our desire is to run the company in a professional manner and let that environment accomplish for our employees, customers and associates.”</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Even though Shanker Group was an established trading conglomerate involved in trading of popular brands such as Konka Electronics and Force Electronics, SG Global was conceived as a trading and representation wing of the group to pursue trading of worldwide brands in a more aggressive manner. Gupta says that each product has a certain way of getting advertised. He observes that while commercial advertising is good for electronic products, it’s BTL (below the line) activities that work better for two wheelers. He explains, “For two wheelers, commercial advertising can only create awareness. We have to eventually bank on BTL activities for the pull factor.”</strong></p>
<p>
	After studying the Nepali market over a period of time and realising the potential for two wheelers, SG Global plunged into the market following a deal with Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited. “We were impressed with the growth trend for two wheelers in Nepal with economic condition of the people in the country improving considerably,” justifies Gupta. He presents the statistics, “A total of 129,000 two wheelers were sold in the Nepali market last year out of which 21,000 were scooters. This spurred us to sell Mahindra scooters – already popular in the Indian market – in Nepal.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Human Resource <img align="right" alt="corporate focus" border="5" height="192" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/director.jpg" vspace="1" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The company has 70 employees on its payroll with its workforce spread across its corporate office at Tinkune, Sharp showroom at Naxal and the two showrooms of Mahindra Two Wheelers at Teku Road and Naxal. Mahindra showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal are spread over 4,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft respectively. Gupta believes that everyone in the company is a decision maker in his or her own right. He elaborates, “We have this culture of inculcating a sense of responsibility in everyone who is part of the company. I am confident that a sense of ownership among employees certainly helps the fortunes of a business enterprise in the long run.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Akhil Gupta:-Director</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>
	With its modern sales and service infrastructure in place, SG Global promises to offer customers a world class buying and ownership experience. It has kick started operations with 14 dealers across Nepal and plans to expand its network by adding another 78 dealers across 72 towns of Nepal within a year’s span.&nbsp; Six out of these 78 dealers will be appointed at strategic locations within the valley including at Balaju, Kalanki, New Baneshwor, Bhaktapur and Boudha. “All these dealers will have well equipped 3S (sales, service and spares) set ups at their respective locations,” Gupta asserts.</p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sharp Electronics</strong></span></p>
<p>
	SG Global — the authorised distributor of Sharp Electronics in Nepal — has its Sharp Showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu with a view to offer original and high-tech electronic home appliances to Nepali customers. <img align="right" alt="sharp electonics" border="2" height="138" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sharp.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" />Sharp, a renowned and popular Japanese brand has been ruling the roost not only in its home country but also across the world. The showroom showcases a wide range of Sharp products including Audio Visual products such as Box TV, LCD and LED TVs, DVD and Home Theatre. While its Home Appliances include Microwave Ovens, Vacuum Cleaners, Washing Machines, Air Purifiers and Refrigerators, it also has Small Appliances such as Rice Cookers, Jars and Pots.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Competition</strong></p>
<p>
	Since Mahindra Two Wheelers is a relatively new brand in Nepal, SG Global is looking to establish the brand first. It is in direct competition with Honda and Hero Honda, the other scooter marketers in Nepal. Gupta enthuses confidence though, “Our products are unique and we are certain that we can pull it off having a strong team which knows how to compete.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Plans</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global is on its way to consolidate the existing business, says Gupta, “Sharp and Mahindra Two Wheelers are both very strong brands so it makes our job a bit easier.” He, however, reiterates that the company’s current business model requires consolidation over the next couple of years. He also says that, meanwhile, he is open to other business opportunities that might come his way but more importantly, businesses that suit the market dynamics. The company has kept itself a reasonable target of selling 3,000 scooters within the remaining period of the current fiscal year. Given the scooters’ popularity and customers’ attraction towards the brand, it’s already expecting to reach the figure of 5,000 scooters during the same period; it is selling 25 scooters on an average each day. “The day we feel we have built a company which stands for the purpose of its establishment and implemented the system in our own unique way, we would consider our mission accomplished,” Gupta signs off on a positive note.</p>
<p>
	<strong>SWOT Analysis</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Strengths</strong>&nbsp; Strong Brands and Infrastructure&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Flagship Service Centre covering 6,000 sq ft coming up at Naxal</p>
<p>
	<strong>Weaknesses&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Competitive Market (Pricing, Market Share) Opportunities</p>
<p>
	Growing Market for Scooters</p>
<p>
	Urbanisation Threats</p>
<p>
	Being a new entrant</p>
<p>
	Inexperience in Two Wheeler business</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mahindra Two Wheelers</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global was appointed the authorised distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Nepal in November this year. Its two showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal in Kathmandu sell three Mahindra Two Wheeler products – Rodeo, Flyte and Duro. These scooters are priced at Rs 159,900, Rs 151,900 and Rs 145,900 respectively. The products will also be sold through the dealers appointed by the previous distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers. The scooters have already been in the market for a year before there was a change of hands in distributorship. Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Research and Development (R &amp; D) wing is ceaselessly working on motorcycles which are the largest segment of the two wheeler market in Nepal. It promises to soon expand its product line by offering motorcycles as well. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-02-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'SG Global
promises to
offer customers
a world class
buying and
ownership
experience.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '578',
			'article_category_id' => '38',
			'title' => 'Compensation And Benefits: A Sensitive HRM Practice',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="left" alt="management" border="5" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage.jpg" style="width: 161px; height: 151px;" vspace="1" />In today’s competitive skills market scenario, businesses are required to adopt special care on compensation and benefits for its people resources. The time has expressed its demand for strategic compensation system against a traditional one. Compensation provided to employees can be in the form of cash benefits or nonmonetary benefits. It is the sum of total rewards and benefits extended in return for their contribution to businesses. If compensation issues are managed effectively, it results in enhanced productivity. An employee does not work only for monetary benefit; however, the financial consideration remains one of the most important key for their working. The complete clarity of processes in compensation and benefits is crucial in view of unbiased decision process as well acceptance thereof. </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits means a cost to the management they are ready to pay for the services of an individual employee where as for an employee, it is an income against sales of their services to a buyer/organisation. Evolving a scientific compensation and benefit structure involves: government legislations and policies, supply and demand scenario in skills market, comparative study within an industry/business, productivity, labour cost and ability to pay etc. A true pay for performance supports productivity enhancement and talent retention. At the same time, it is also a fact that compensation management is not just a means to attract and retain skills; it rather leverages sustaining of competitive advantage for both (employer and employee) through integration processes that result in optimal achievements. Compensation and benefits plays a vital role in people management thus this belongs to the most specialised areas within human resources management (HRM). It deals with controlling and managing rules/policy/ procedures around guaranteed pay, variable pay and benefits etc to the most important resources of an organisation, that is, skills.<img align="right" alt="management" border="5" height="132" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage2.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits is one of the important functions inside HRM that connects with the competitors in the market and develops compensation policies that are fully competitive in the skills market. In the current context, compensation systems are designed in alignment to business goals and overall organisational strategies. Thus, compensation strategies are also aligned with the business goals and objectives. The human resources strategies derived from overall business strategies sets the path way and objective for the human resources function that compensation and benefits strategies requires to follow. It cannot differ from one another in any circumstances to guarantee full alignment which is most essential for no-conflict environment. The compensation and benefits strategy becomes the guiding factor in setting up general rules for the compensation and benefits area in an organisation. It is recognised as the most important part of HRM focused solely on employees’ rewards and benefits policy making. </p>
<p>
	The recent compensation and benefits theories have divided compensation and benefits into four key categories:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Guaranteed Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on their availability, that is, a certain sum for a fixed period of time but not linked to performance or productivity. It is also known as time wage and basic pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Variable Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on performance or result achieved, that is, normally based on analysis or past performance establishing average performance of a particular standard of workmanship. Sales incentive, productivity incentive, performance bonus etc are some examples. It is also known as progressive piece pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Benefits</strong>: Monetary/cash and/or nonmonetary facilities to supplement employees namely insurance, mobilisation, leave travel assistance, time-off payment, tips, communication facilities, statutory holidays and leave, house rent and special allowances, retirement and post retirement benefits etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Equity</strong>: This is a pay plan that uses the employers’ share as compensation to employees in the form of a stock option for them. This is not common in our part of the world though the objectives of this category plan are talent attraction and retention and alignment of interests (of employees and shareowners). In essence, compensation is a reward or payment paid to an employee in return for their contribution to a business. The role of various components of the reward is very important as the role of different components differ from one another, for example, dearness allowance is to compensate, console or provide support on account of the cost of living whereas performance bonus, incentive and sales incentive are for better people productivity. A sound compensation and benefits systems aims to:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Attract and retain the talent</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Pay for the job instead of the position</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Reward the effort and merit</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Enhance people productivity, and e. Promote organisational flexibility</strong></p>
<p>
	Hence, the compensation and benefits strategy requires full support from the top management as it describes limits to the organisational routine, especially for line management. Normally, they do not get convinced with the philosophies considered while determining this strategy.</p>
<p>
	Further, it is an unavoidable fact that compensation is an important factor for people while accepting a job/employment. There are obvious challenges in the areas of retaining desired talents and offering competitive salary, wages and benefits becomes the most essential necessity. At the same time, organisations must also market their strengths in terms of their offering of positive relationships and varied challenges in job offerings. Organisations are desired to fully leverage their people resources to sustain competitive position through integration of processes, programmes and information to achieve optimal expectations. Compensation and benefits are mainly influenced by two types of elements:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Internal</strong>: Business objectives, trade unions, employee equity, organisational values, culture and structures are important internal influencers; and</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. External</strong>: Inflation, skills market, economy, taxation and relevant industry trends are key external influencers. While on review process, it would be eminent to have information on the total compensation and benefits packages inclusive of retirement or post retirement benefits for better comparison that leads to an effective and efficient decision process. One also needs to consider:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. More than one source of information</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Competitors to whom skills are lost (who left the organisation)</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Salary positioning</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Expected reinforcement of desirable behaviour</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>e. Mark of recognition <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	To conclude, it is advisable to establish direct relation of individual goals with corporate business objectives. This will make employees realise that the fulfillment of employees’ aspirations lies in the achievement of organisational expectations. This, being the most sensitive aspect of people management, one must remember that employees know and very clearly understand the aspects of performance contributing towards the compensation factor. It would also be advantageous to clarify each individual employee about the contribution of abilities and efforts to high performance level along with its quantification. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Compensation
systems are
designed in
alignment to
business goals
and overall
organisational
strategies.(Dr Karna is the
Executive Chairman
of MARK Business
Solutions Pvt Ltd and
Ad Abhyas Marketing
& Communications
Pvt Ltd. The article
is based on various
research reports and his
practical experiences
as management
practitioner.)',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they don’t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '575',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.</p>
<p>
	T e l e t a l k Private limited has launched Spice M-4262 and M-5115 models in the market. M-4262 is a multi-sim phone with features like 4.5 cm screen, expandable memory up to 4 GB, audio video player, FM radio, powerful battery, torch and speaker phone. Similarly, 5515 has features like camera, audio video player, stereo Bluetooth, 1000 MAh battery and 4.5cm screen with expandable memory up to 4GB. The models are priced Rs 2275 and Rs 2750 respectively.</p>
<p>
	M a h i n d r a Two Wheelers Limited has u n v e i l e d three Mahindra scooters namely Rodeo, Flyte and Duro in the Nepali market. The scooters have powerful 125 cc engine and features of comfort and safety.</p>
<p>
	International M a r k e t i n g S e r v i c e s Pvt Ltd, the authorised dealer of S a m s u n g Mobile for Nepal has launched Samsung C3322 Duos and Samsung Galaxy Y S5360. Samsung C3322 features include 2MP camera, dual SIM, external micro SD up to 16 GB, FM radio and recording. Likewise, Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 has TFT touch screen, micro SD up to 32GB, Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-Fi facility, and 2MP camera. Samsung C3322 is priced at Rs 6,540 and Samsung Galaxy Y at Rs 12,690.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility, the sole a u t h o r i z e d distributor of G’Five mobiles in Nepal has l a u n c h e d two new models U225 and U336 which are priced at Rs 2800 and Rs 3790, respectively.</p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Limited has started a deposit insurance policy up to Rs 200,000 on savings and fixed account of individual depositors. It entered into an agreement with Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) on 9th November.</p>
<p>
	Virgin Mobile s h o w r o o m has launched three new smart phones of Nokia namely Nokia N9, Nokia 700 and Nokia 701 priced at Rs 54,860, Rs 29,940 and Rs 33,140, respectively.</p>
<p>
	CG Electronics, the sole authorised distributor of LG Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new range of LG DVD Player (Blue-Ray Player) and Home Theatre in the market.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised distributor of BlackBerry smart phones has launched BlackBerry Bold 9900. As an introductory offer, Teletalk has announced ‘Ncell BlackBerry Unlimited Monthly Service’ for two months in association with Ncell, on every purchase of BlackBerry smart phones.</p>
<p>
	HH Bajaj has started the operation of a Bajaj showroom and service facility ‘Mustang Automobiles’ at Jomsom. From this showroom, the customers can now get sales and spare parts in the same price as available in Kathmandu and other places of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	Laxmi Bank has opened its 30th branch at Ilam. With this, the bank now has seven strategically located branches in the eastern region: Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Hile, Damak, Birtamod and Ilam.</p>
<p>
	Bank of Kathmandu Ltd opened four new branches at Khandbari, Beni, Baglung and Birtamod. Narendra Kumar Basnyat, Chairman, Bank of Kathmandu Limited, formally inaugurated the bank’s 43rd branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district.</p>
<p>
	NIC Bank has opened its 34th branch at Boudha in Kathmandu. The bank also launched its 35th branch at Lamahi, Dang. With the opening of these branches, NIC Bank now has a network of 35 branches and 36 networks across the country with a customer base of more than 150,000.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited has opened its second branch at New Road in Kathmandu. The bank had earlier opened its first branch at Dharke in Dhading. The New Road branch was inaugurated by Pradip Man Baidya, the Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Dillibazar in Kathmandu. The branch was inaugurated by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the Chairman of the bank. With this, Global Bank now has 31 branches. The bank also launched ‘Global Student Savings Account’ targeted at the students which offers an interest of 7 per cent per annum.</p>
<p>
	Kalinchok Development Bank has been launched with its head office in Dolakha district. The bank has 204 founder shareholders, said its CEO Ashok Shiwakoti.</p>
<p>
	Ncell has launched Potable Ncell Connect Wi-Fi Router, targeted at corporate clients. This wireless router can be used within a 30 metre radius and is priced at Rs 6,999.</p>
<p>
	Biz International, the authorised reseller of Intex Mobile Handsets in Nepal, has launched five new models: IN- 777 3G Gold, IN-1010 Neo, IN-007 Maxima, IN-001 Hot Spot and IN- 5030 E Tri-Do.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised reseller of Colors Mobile in Nepal, has launched a new mobile handset ‘Fighter F-35’. The handset comes with 1.3 megapixel camera and a oneyear warranty. It has also launched ‘Fighter F-18’ which comes with a dual sim facility.</p>
<p>
	Pashupati Development Bank Ltd has launched its SMS services. Under this service, the customers’ banking transaction status on deposits and withdrawals will be conveyed through SMS on their mobile phone numbers.</p>
<p>
	NMB Bank Limited has opened a new branch in Birgunj which was inaugurated by its Chairman Pawan Golyan. With this, the bank now has 19 branches and 15 ATM counters.</p>
<p>
	H e a l t h c a r e Technologies, the authorised reseller of Micro Life in Nepal, has launched Digital Weight Scale. The ‘W50’ model can weigh body weight up to 150 kilograms and show it via digital display.</p>
<p>
	V i r g i n Mobile has l a u n c h e d one Acer and two Dell Inspiron n411z laptops in the market. The 500 GB and 750 GB Dell laptops are priced at Rs 70,900 and Rs 80,900 respectively while the 750 GB Acer Laptop costs Rs 79,000.</p>
<p>
	S u n d h a r a , Kathmandubased Civil Mall has l a u n c h e d ‘4th Floor Shopping Hungama’ gift scheme for its customers. The scheme is targeted at boosting sales during the winter season.</p>
<p>
	S a g a r m a t h a Merchant Banking &amp; Finance Limited has launched Piggy (Khutruke) Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts. Piggy Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts respectively offer 13.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent interest annually.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Community Development Bank has opened a new branch in Chitwan. Located in Sauraha Chowk, this is the bank’s second branch.</p>
<p>
	Media Space Solution has established digital display screens in all the five branches of Bhat Bhateni supermarket. A total of 15 electronic screens have been put in these stores.</p>
<p>
	Shangri-La Development Bank Ltd has launched locker services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	The bank caters to over 40,000 customers in Pokhara, Butwal, Hetauda, Baglung, Dulegaunda and Narayangarh.</p>
<p>
	Rathi Group Nepal, in association with Oppel Lighting Company of China, has launched ‘Rathi Oppel CFL’ in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	Gandaki Bikas Bank Ltd has launched a new branch in Damauli. With this, the bank now has 12 branches.</p>
<p>
	N I D C Development Bank Limited has launched ATM services from its P o k h a r a branch. The ATM counter was inaugurated by Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Saurabh P h o t o International has launched a new series of Konka LED TVs. Based on innovative vision technology, Konka LED TVs are available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches.</p>
<p>
	Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Tata Vehicles in Nepal, has extended its ‘Mega Xchange’ scheme to Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dharan. T h e scheme g i v e s motorbike owners an opportunity to exchange their motorcycles with Tata Nano car.</p>
<p>
	S G Global Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Sharp Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new refrigerator from Sharp’s ‘Grand Series’ in the market. The refrigerator is available in 165 and 180 litres capacity.</p>
<p>
	Citizens B a n k International Limited has launched ‘Citizens Kosheli Deposit Scheme’ in the market. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 15.04 per cent.</p>
<p>
	Om Finance Limited has launched ‘Om Double Deposit’ scheme for its customers. Under this scheme, the depositors will get their deposits doubled in five-and-a-half years’ time.</p>
<p>
	Nepali footwear brand Shikhar Shoes has launched four new ‘Winter Shoes’ models for the winter season. These Sports and Casual Shoes come in three different colours.</p>
<p>
	Akhil Trading C o n c e r n , a u t h o r i s e d reseller of products from Evyap – a Turkey based brand, has launched around 12 dozen Evyap products in the market.</p>
<p>
	Ace Development Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Kaushaltar in Bhaktapur. The branch offers services such as ABBS, ATM, Mobile Banking and Internet Banking among others.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of G’Five Mobiles in Nepal, has launched four new mobile handsets. The new models are ‘L-229’, ‘U-226’, ‘V-101M’ and ‘G-20’.</p>
<p>
	Gupta Trading House, authorised reseller of Orion Mobiles in Nepal, has launched two new mobile handsets. ‘E-210’ and ‘E-925’ are priced Rs 2,450 and Rs 4,350 respectively.</p>
<p>
	Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Komatsu Generators in Nepal, has launched three new generators from its ‘EGS series’.</p>
<p>
	National Life I n s u r a n c e Company Limited has launched ‘Dampatti Amrit Sabdhik life Insurance Scheme’. It involves a married couple in a single insurance scheme which allows both the husband and wife to have equal rights.</p>
<p>
	Clean Energy Development Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Salleri in Solukhumbu. With this, the bank now has 8 branches.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited launched its 29th branch along with an ATM facility at Baitadi. The branch was inaugurated by the bank’s Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal.</p>
<p>
	Constant Business Group has launched Shubha Motors (Proton Showroom) at Naxal, Sano Gaucharan in Kathmandu. The Malaysian Chief De Affair Fadli Adilah inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	CG Exim (Nepal) Pvt Ltd, a part of Chaudhary Group, has launched Matrix alcohol free energy drink. Available in 250 ml can, Matrix energy drink is price at Rs 50.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce (NCC) Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Attaria in Kailali. The bank’s 19th branch was inaugurated by Kailali CDO Kailash Kumar Bajimaya.</p>
<p>
	Generation Next Communication Pvt Ltd, the authorized distributor of Dell launched its new model Inspiron 114z, also known as Shakira. The laptop has i-5 processor, 4 GB and 8 GB RAM with 500 and 750 GB storage capacity and battery life of 9 hours.</p>
<p>
	Mega Bank Nepal Ltd has launched a new savings deposit scheme called ‘Mega Young Star Savings Account’ targeting children aged below 16 years. The minimum balance requirement for this scheme is Rs. 1,000 and it offers interest rate of 10% per annum payable quarterly.</p>
<p>
	The Nokia 500, an entry level touch screen smartphone is launched in the market. It features Nokia’s fastest processor to date, a 5MP camera, music player, GPS, latest Symbian Anna OS among others. The Nokia 500 is available in the market at MRP Rs. 19,550 .</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank has opened its third branch at Lions Chowk, Narayanghad. The bank will also have its own ATM in the branch.</p>
<p>
	Pradip Man Baidya, Chairman of the bank inaugurated the branch. Biratlaxmi Development Bank Limited has opened its 13th branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district. Prabhu Prasad Parajuli, CEO of the bank inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	NCC Bank has opened its new branch in Dipayal of Doti district. This is the bank’s 21st branch. C h i e f J u s t i c e of Doti, Dipak Raj Joshi inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, authorised distributor of Blackberry mobiles for Nepal has launched Blackberry Torch 9860 in the market. This smartphone has 720 HD video recording capability, 768 MB RAM, 32 GB storage and other latest features. Its market price is Rs 56,700. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.',
			'sortorder' => '478',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	),
	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '574',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Hello To Ring Nationwide',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal. CEO of the company, C Mani Chaulagain said the technical preparations necessary for the service expansion is underway. The company is currently providing GSM mobile telephony under the brand name Hello Mobile in mid-western region.</p>
<p>
	Though it has been providing its services in rural areas, it is expanding to urban areas too. Chaulagain said the company will soon begin the works on second and third phase of network expansion. Till date it has offered services in 273 Village Development Committees of 16 districts. </p>
<p>
	The company was given license with the condition to provide services in 237 VDCs before expanding to rest of the country. The company is in the procedure to import necessary equipment for the expansion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '477',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '573',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CG To Produce Cement In India And Sri Lanka',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Ch a u d h a r y&nbsp;<img align="right" alt="chaudhary group" border="5" height="40" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cg.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /> Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India. Though CG has expanded its ventures in almost a dozen countries, this is the first time the group is setting up cement factories abroad. </p>
<p>
	CG will be establishing industry in Sri Lanka in jointventure with the local private sector partners while talks are ongoing to decide whether to take local or foreign partner, informed Rebant Dhakal, Deputy General Manager of CG’s Corporate Affairs Department. The plan is to set up the plants in Jaffna of Sri Lanka and Guwahati of India. </p>
<p>
	According to a source at CG, the procedure of establishing these factories began two years ago and it was delayed because of the time consumed in garnering support from the local communities and associations. According to Dhakal, preliminary studies for establishing the factories in both the countries have been completed. However, the size of the factories and investment are yet to be finalised.</p>
<p>
	The proposed sites have limestone deposits enough for producing cement for 80 years. Investment in these factories will be made through CG’s associate companies outside Nepal as Nepal law prohibits Nepali companies to directly invest in other countries. CG is also planning to set up cement factories in Nawalparasi and Palpa districts within Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ch a u d h a r y chaudhary group Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India',
			'sortorder' => '476',
			'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) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '572',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Dragon Air Announces Onboard Shopping Bonanza',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales. The airline’s press statement reads “We are glad to introduce the latest lucky draw promotion to enhance passengers’ shopping experience.”</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="dragon air announces" border="5" height="83" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dragon.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	According to the statement, from October to December, for every HK$ 500 purchase on in-flight sales or home delivery products, passengers will get a lucky draw card for a chance to win a Sony BRAVIA LED 3D idTV and a Sony Blu-ray Home Theatre System worth more than HK$60,000. The airline, in the fourth quarter has introduced more than 110 new items for sales onboard and home delivery, giving a total of over 280 products for passengers to choose from. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales.',
			'sortorder' => '475',
			'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) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '571',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Demak Announces Malaysia Trip Winner',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="agni presents the prize" border="5" height="150" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghumna.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize winner for its festival offer, “Demak Dashain/Tihar Sidhai Cash- Just Relax Offer”. Tsering Sherpa of Jorpati and Danfe Yuba Club of Jajarkot won trip to Malaysia. For every purchase of Demak DMX-R bike the buyer received Rs 10,000 cash discount and a chance for two to win trip to Malaysia as bumper prize. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize',
			'sortorder' => '474',
			'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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			'id' => '570',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Cosmos Eastern To Begin Production After Mid- March',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012. Construction at the 300 metric tonnes a day factory has almost completed, according to Pradip Jung Pandey, the Chairman of Lomus Group and one of the major investors in the cement factory. He said Rs 150 million is invested in the factory located at Hattimudha of Biratnagar. </p>
<p>
	The factory too will produce Tej brand of cement that is being produced by Cosmos Cement in Janakpur. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012',
			'sortorder' => '473',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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		)
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)
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Code Context
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '585',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'The Hydropower Politics',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="editor" border="1" height="224" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/editor2.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Nepal still lives by dream of developing its hydropower to the fullest potentials so that it could not only meet own energy needs but also export a substantial amount of power produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with India. It has been at least five and half decades (since the planned development began here in 1956) we are following this mirage of commercially harnessing our literally limitless potentials of water resources. Nepal may have moved an inch but surely not a foot to this direction. And, worse, there is not a single large project in pipeline that could complete in, say, five years from now.</p>
<p>
	Talking about large projects, Upper Karnali (800 MW) and West Seti (750 MW) are in recent limelight. But the proposed promoter of Upper Karnali, the Indian energy major GMR is still apprehensive about the security it would get from the state to implement the project. The story of West Seti a reservoir based proposed project, is circling around for last one decade when Australian company SMEC came in and went out without making much headway in the project. Recently, the Chinese promoter of legendary Three Gorges Dam project has reportedly shown a renewed interest in it. But, things are not likely to move much differently than in the past. It is because Nepali water resources, hydropower in particular, is by now no longer an investment or commercial proposition alone, rather it has become a true game of politics, at both national and international levels.</p>
<p>
	At the national level, a misconstrued nationalism has always been a real impediment to the development and growth of this sector. It is natural to seek to maximise the benefit for the nation while developing the project with bilateral or multilateral partnerships, but it is entirely an weird approach to prevent the very construction of the project defining the nationalism attached to it at a convenience of a vested interest group.</p>
<p>
	Every Nepali party with communist tag has done this politics. The Mohan Vaidya faction of UCPN-Maoist is the latest incarnation of a force dying to protect nationalism by creating hurdles to not only Upper Karnali but also Upper Marsyangdi. The government issuing statement of assurances of security appears absolute farce at the face of what is evident at the site. At the international levels, for both of our neighbours India and China, Nepal's development is also part of regional geopolitics. There are instances, like in Kohalpur-Banbasa part of east-west highway, where one party did not like the involvement of the other in any particular project. Even the expression of interest by a party to develop a certain project causes the other party smell a rat.</p>
<p>
	Therefore, any proposition is difficult to materialise on the ground. It is particularly so when the projects, like West Seti, to be developed by China with plans to export its major portion of power-produced to Indian states adjoining Nepal. To sum up, the dark days in hydropower will only end when it is started to be viewed as pure business sans politics at the national level and sans geopolitics at regional level. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal still lives by dream of developing its
hydropower to the fullest potentials so that
it could not only meet own energy needs but
also export a substantial amount of power
produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with
India.',
			'sortorder' => '487',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '584',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Businessman By Destiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="left" alt="personality" border="1" height="214" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/hero1.jpg" style="width: 181px; height: 214px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="181" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The entire business community is yearning for a favourable investment climate. Each and every business house and enterprise is waiting for the moment that is unlikely to arrive anytime soon. Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, one of the largest business houses of Nepal, is not pessimistic though about the situation but prefers to play it safe like his peers in the business community. He says he is not so comfortable in venturing into new projects and making any significant moves other than keeping the current ventures alive.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The conglomerate has interests in manufacturing and trading of industrial goods to consumer durables and nondurables. The journey of Sharda Group began with garment trading almost 100 years ago. Real success of the group began after Sharda’s great grandfather established a rice mill at Lahan in 1948. The success of the company began with this very business. Sharda has been involved in the family business since his 18th birthday. Being the eldest son in the family, he has given his all to take the family business ahead. Today, the group has an annual turnover of more than US $ 150 million.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Pioneer Carpet Industries, Shangrila Housing, Bajra Shangrila Residency, Infratech and Shivam Cement Industries are some of the companies Sharda oversees that are either established by him individually or under joint ventures. Born in an industrial family, doing business was in his blood and during his school days, he dreamt of having his own business.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="middle" alt="personality" border="5" height="243" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stof.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="4" width="300" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">A television set used to be the object of desire those days, he says. So, I wanted to import and sell gadgets like TVs and VCRs, he adds. Sharda was pursuing his college degree in Kolkata when he had to return back to Nepal since his father was unwell. His brothers were young and studying abroad. So, being the eldest son, he had the responsibility to take care of his father and the business. Sharda successfully took up the responsibilities on his shoulders and became occupied. In the bargain, he could not pursue his education further than the bachelor level. Sharda began his career as a business person in the early 1990s.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The lucrative returns from carpet trading lured him to indulge further in the trade. He says the returns and travel opportunities created by carpet trading made him choose this sector. His first venture, now named Pioneer Carpet Industries, was a success for young Sharda as the carpet industry was booming and its export was at the peak. He claims, I became one of the largest exporters in Nepal and was felicitated with numerous awards by the government including Commercially Important Person within seven to eight years. His success in carpet trading inspired him to venture into many other businesses in the future. After Pioneer Carpets, he started importing reconditioned cars from Japan in 1994 which, unfortunately, did not yield profits to him. “I believe in destiny and I thought it was not meant for me so I dropped the project,' he admits nonchalantly. Sharda prefers joint ventures. He explains, You cannot think and do everything on your own. It's good to have likeminded people with whom you can share your ideas and visions and produce something great.'In partnership with his close friends, he has set up housing projects like Shangrila Housing and Bajra Shangrila and the largest cement industry of Nepal, Shivam Cement, which is soon going to begin operations.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Living in a joint family where every member is passionate about business, decisions are made jointly. He says, 'Nobody decides alone in our family, we talk to each other, share ideas and discuss in detail before reaching any decision.' Sharda believes that the business focus should be on ensuring a good turnover. He suggests that an aggressive attitude does help achieve business goals. 'Where there is an opportunity for profit, there will be a chance of making loss too,' he says. Sharda recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to be practical and believes everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and by setting a clear goal. According to him, there are no alternatives to sincerity, honesty and punctuality which are essential for registering success.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Even though success in any business is determined by profit and turnover, he opines that success is not only about making a huge amount of money. He philosophises, 'Success is also about giving back to the people in the society in the form of employment or offering them the best products and services with honesty and sincerity. There are so many other things that are much valuable than money itself.' Sharda trusts his colleagues much and believes in assigning appropriate roles to people working with him. He maintains a close relationship with his employees and keeps himself updated about everything. 'I talk to each person every day, talk to the team leaders and get reports and feedback,' he tells. He likes to maintain a distance between his personal and professional lives. He spends around nine hours for his work and prefers to have after hours and weekends for his family and kids. 'I have two wonderful children and it is good to see them growing up. The moments I spend with my family are more fun than my work but business is my profession and I love running it, he proudly states. He also loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, watch movies and attend parties when possible.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Likewise, he likes to travel and considers himself fortunate to have travelled many countries for his vacations and business trips. Sharda is also involved in philanthropy and is an active member of Kathmandu Metro Round Table 4, an international organisation. Our slogan is Freedom through education and we build school buildings in various parts of Nepal as well as sponsor needy children through fund raising,” he says.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Personal side<br />
	</span></p>
<ul>
	<li>
		&nbsp; Loves motorsports- had won a rally in the mid 1990s</li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Fond of cars -changes around six cars in a year</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Currently drivesL a n d R o v e r Freelander 2</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Loves travelling</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not particularly health conscious</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not interested in reading and writing</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Prefers casual wear like jeans and tee shirts</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Brand conscious<br />
		</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Sharda is keenly waiting for the business and investment climate to become favourable and wishes that the current slowdown in the business sector would get over soon. I am not currently happy with the pace this sector is moving at, he expresses his displeasure. He is on a wait and watch mode and does not have any new projects lined up in the foreseeable future. Doing business is a very challenging proposition at the moment so I am just giving continuity to my current ventures, he shares. He dreams of achieving the kind of success which he thinks he has not tasted yet. And that's precisely why he prays for a suitable business environment as soon as possible.&nbsp; <br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, believes he was
destined to be a businessperson being born in one of the oldest
business families of Nepal. Having a passion for business and
looking after almost half a dozen companies of his own, he believes
he is yet to attain success in the true sense.',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '583',
			'article_category_id' => '48',
			'title' => 'Redawn Of PE Era',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="" border="1" height="136" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/comedy.jpg" style="width: 112px; height: 136px;" vspace="5" width="112" /></p>
<p>
	Except for one or two, all 36 public enterprises (PEs) of Nepal are in huge losses. Dairy Development Corp is already in milk which is rotting and stinking. The Gorakhkali Tyre has become flat. National flag carrier NAC, has lost the nose. (Nac in Nepali means nose). Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has already burnt the midnight oil. Nobody knows how ensured is Rastriya Beema Sansthan, the state-owned insurance company, as it its accounts are not audited for almost a decade.</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="no laughing matter" border="5" height="252" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/joke.jpg" vspace="1" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Should we talk about Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd. (KUKL)? Ordinary Nepali people get confused reading KUKL as it sounds like KAKAKUL which means a legendary bird that is always thirsty. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), that has monopoly on power trade is running in loss as it is busy in trading power at political circles than in power circuits.</p>
<p>
	So far Nepal Telecom is proving itself one exception as it is still in profit. However, it too has started trembling after the entry of a heavyweight competitor in the form of Ncell. Then there is a cigarette company PE which is blowing in the air. Similalry, the two cement PEs are all set to kick the dust.</p>
<p>
	But the government is determined to continue keeping these enterprises by funneling money they need to survive. The vowed purpose is evident. The political parties who run the governemnt in turn are in fact waging employment revolution in the country by appointing their cadres to various positions in the PEs. In doing so, the parties have effected another revolution: they have waived the traditional and thus regressive criteria of education and experience to get a job in these PEs. Only one criterion that needs to be fulfilled is that one must be a blind-supporter of the political party in power. So, one eighth-grader runs NAC and a head clerk is recently made GM in National Trading Ltd.</p>
<p>
	All these great things have been possible only because of our revolutionary Prime Minister. As it became clear that his party cadres are no more going to get salary from the government coffer, he was quick to place many of them in the PEs as well as private sector corporate houses. Our PM had announced his determination to develop the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he was the Finance Minister some years back. According to his philosophy, you can develop the country by hook or by crook. And for Nepal he has picked-up only the latter part of the model i.e. by crook or crooked ideas.</p>
<p>
	To develop an economy you should first open factories or firms and create employment. For that you need to import machines and raw materials and construct roads and buildings. For that you need a lot of money. Since the Nepali government does not have any money left after paying the party cadres in any possible pretext, the government has adopted this short-cut route to development through PE, just as a replica of Panchayat hay-days under King Mahendra.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Our PM had announced his determination to develop
the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he
was the Finance Minister some years back.',
			'sortorder' => '485',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '582',
			'article_category_id' => '45',
			'title' => 'Corporate Movements December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Newcomers<br />
	</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shashi Giri</strong> has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Sachin Shrestha</strong> has joined Bottlers Nepal Ltd as Country Marketing Manager. Earlier, he was Head of Branch and Activation Department at Unilever Nepal Pvt. Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Mesut Zeyton</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Managing Director. Earlier, he was Manager at Istanbul Restaurant, Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bishal Budhathoki</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Turkish Chef. Earlier, he was Junior Chef at Ribbon Restaurant, Kathmandu. Promotion Vivek Jha has been promoted as General Manger at NLIC. Earlier, he was Senior Deputy General Manger there.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Re-Joined<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dinesh Thakali</strong> has re-joined Shangri-la Development Bank as Deputy General Manager. He had previously worked with the bank as Senior Manager.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Appointed<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pradeep Jung Pandey </strong>has been appointed the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Limited. He has been involved with the bank since its inception as part of the Board of Directors.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Government Appointments<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Tej Bahadur Budhathoki</strong> has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Earlier, he worked at the bank for 28 years and took voluntary retirement last year.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Radhesh Pant </strong>has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board. He is currently the CEO of Kumari Bank.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Resigned<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Deependra Nath Sharma</strong> has resigned as the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bidyadhar Mallick has</strong> resigned as the Vice Chairman of Poverty Alleviation Fund.&nbsp; <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shashi Giri has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.',
			'sortorder' => '484',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '581',
			'article_category_id' => '57',
			'title' => 'Brand Loyalty',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="brand loyality" border="1" height="196" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/karki.jpg" vspace="10" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sajag Karki<br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Brand Loyalty depends upon several factors such as a product’s utility value, brand association, nostalgia and consumer behaviour. People have preferences from one brand over the other with similar product benefits.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/levis.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /> The Nepali populace too has started to become brand conscious and the presence of various multinational brands to choose from has made brand loyalists consume their favourite brands. Especially, the youngsters seem to be hooked to their favourite brands and cannot do without them. An example could be the Apple’s iphone with every other person aspiring to carry it. Gadgets such as laptops from Sony or mobile handsets from Nokia are similar examples. Clothing brands such as Levi’s, Benetton, Giordano and many others are popular among the brand conscious consumers in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	It may be worthwhile mentioning here that well known brands with high awareness levels are liked by people. Why an Apple computer lover does always wants the same brand over and over again? Brands that have been established over a long period of time have huge loyal following as the users of these brands have several positive associations with them. Several brands such as Vaseline, Dettol, Mercedes, and Surf etc have various nostalgic attachments in our minds that cannot be easily erased from our memory. These names have become generic over the years which depict the trust such brands have created. Personal care products such as close up, Sunsilk, Lux and Vaseline etc have become a part of our daily lives. We cannot imagine spending a normal day without some brands that are close to our hearts. It is quite tough for newer products competing to make a mark in the minds of consumers loyal to their respective brands. Convincing a consumer to use a new brand over established ones is extremely challenging and if accomplished, could be termed quite an achievement.</p>
<p>
	To understand brand loyalty, the consumer buying behaviour should also be considered. There are six stages in the buying process: trigger, consider, search, choose, buy and experience. Trigger is the first and most important process as this takes place when a consumer’s mind clicks for a need of a product. For example, a person may want a new phone that can browse the internet and help him with his work. After this, he starts considering whether to buy a new phone or to enhance the features in his current phone.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/apple(1).jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" />If he decides to buy a new phone, he enters the search stage where he explores the best option by doing an in depth analysis on product attributes, price and popularity. He then buys the brand he chose and finally experiences a sense of happiness if satisfied with the product he bought. This process works for all types of products and all demographics. Nonetheless, the duration of the consumer buying process varies upon the type of product and is different for a high involvement product such as a car, TV or a low involvement product like toothpaste, shampoo etc. Therefore, it is very important for a brand to at least be in the consideration set of its intended consumers. For this, the consumers must be aware of the brand and be able to recall it via regular communication mediums.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="brand" border="1" height="97" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/qfx.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Over time, companies have used smart strategies to retain and build brand loyalties. Some examples could be opening clubs and giving loyalty points for regular users. QFX Cinemas in Nepal has recently introduced a club card which can be used for online ticket reservation and it gives two free tickets with the purchase of every ten tickets to its members. Hence, the club card benefits regular movie goers as they get free tickets encouraging them to go exclusively to QFX Cinemas instead of any other movie theatre in town. Similarly, airline companies too offer frequent flyer points to regular flyers with which these flyers get free tickets and other facilities on flying a certain number of flights or miles. In Nepal, Yeti Airlines has introduced a club card that encourages its trusted clientele to fly more with the airline. Banks too offer club cards with bundle of packaged facilities such as discounts in selected shopping outlets, free ATM service and other ancillary benefits.</p>
<p>
	It certainly makes a lot of sense to become brand loyal and enjoy a host of benefits provided by companies who encourage brand loyalty!!! &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Over time,
companies have
used smart
strategies to
retain and build
brand loyalties.The presence
of various
multinational
brands to
choose from
has made
brand loyalists
consume their
favourite brands.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '580',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'IFC Builds Farming Capacity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="sectorial" border="1" height="141" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectorial1.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Oliver Ryan &amp; Anupa Pant</strong></p>
<p>
	The poultry sector in Nepal carries a value tag of USD 180 million and contributes 3.3 per cent to the country's GDP. Despite its significant contribution to the Nepali economy it bears a subdued profile; write Oliver Ryan and Anupa Pant.Nepal has some 50 feedmills producing 450000 tonnes of feed per annum for a production of around 50 million broilers per annum from 5000 broiler per annum from 5000 farms. Cobb 500 is the dominant breed.</p>
<p>
	The country is considered to be selfsufficient in poultry products and in poultry feeds although a significant proportion of the feed ingredients e.g. grains and protein meals are imported from India.The total direct employment in the organized commercial sector is estimated to be 70,000, and provides a livelihood to thousands of households. The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent per annum over the last decade.The Nepalese broiler industry is divided into three distinct sectors, namely feed, DOC supply and broiler grow-out as distinct to an integrated model common internationally. There is limited processing with 99 per cent of the birds sold live.</p>
<p>
	In May 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, reviewed the poultry industry in Nepal including a lead firm diagnostic, farmer/supplier diagnostic, benchmarking and institutional mapping. The results of the diagnostic highlighted that the current waste (inefficiency) in the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance. It is recognized that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler growout sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small in-efficient farmers. Grower farms are typically 1,000 birds with the largest at 150,000 birds. It is assumed that there are effectively 5,000 commercial farms in Nepal supplying 80 per cent of the birds</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;IFC identified the key barriers to improving the commercial broiler sector in Nepal as follows: while maize is available locally, protein meals, fishmeal, vitamins, minerals and addictives are imported from India. Adequate quantities of feed ingredients of acceptable quality (particularly dry maize) are often not available in local markets resulting in variable quality feeds, despite Nepal having some modern feedmills. Productivity of parent stock is generally poor and variable per flock.</p>
<p>
	Day old chick (DOC) prices are often high due to large cycles in broiler meat prices and DOC supply. DOC quality is regarded as the main problem by broiler growers and much of that is due to dehydration of DOC due to long delivery times of up to 48 hours. Boiler farmers do not understand the importance of bio-security and all-in, allout systems are often compromised. The lack of integration exacerbates this as farmers (wrongly) think multi-age flocks will improve cash flows.</p>
<p>
	There is a lack of access to technical knowledge and services. About 95 per cent of the poultry farmers do not have any formal training of farm management (biosecurity, housing and ventilation, feed and water management, livestock management and disease) and the service function from PS farms and feed mills is only now being developed. Oliver Ryan, an ex IFC Poultry Specialist, who undertook the industry diagnostic for IFC, stated that IFC's global knowledge of the poultry industry enabled it to identify key issues that needed addressing but more importantly could quantify and prioritise the benefits from the implementation of a corrective action plan and could assist the industry identify suitable specialists to assist with this. IFC strengthens sector To address the issues that are impacting the industry, IFC has launched a threeyear poultry supply chain strengthening project in Nepal. This project will assist three lead firms (covering two PS operations and two feedmills) and 3,000 poultry farmers.</p>
<p>
	The lead firms will have the capacity for supplying more than 40 per cent of Nepal's feed and some 30 per cent of the DOC demand. These lead firms have direct business relationships with feed/DOC agents nationwide. This relationship will be used to disseminate technical skills and services. Technical specialists in feed production, nutrition, livestock and disease have been contracted to assist the lead firms in improving their production efficiencies. The first two lead firms to join the project were Avinash Hatcheries, producers of Cobb 500 broilers and Hyline layer DOC's and ProbioTech Industries Limited (Nimbus), a major feedmiller. About 95 per cent of small-scale poultry entrepreneurs do not have any formal training on farm management. Sustaining profitably after two/three batches is a recurring challenge. We are happy to join hands with IFC to build a pool of trainers to provide services to poultry entrepreneurs, says Anand Bagaria, Managing Director, ProbioTech Industries Pvt Ltd. The project will train broiler growers in all aspects of broiler production through the employment and training of 12 local veterinarians. These veterinarians will then train 3,000broiler farmers over a period of three years, with the aim of directly impacting the management of 40 per cent of Nepal's broiler production. Lead firms will be used to arrange broiler farmer training sessions. </p>
<p>
	<br />
	There will be a gender specific outreach component of the project, as well as a dealer/retailer component (with focus on bird handling, waste management and food safety). The aim is to improve feed, DOC chick quality and grower performance to reduce mortality by two per cent and reduce FCR by 0.2:1 over the term of the project. The project performance will be measured by the improvement in liveability and FCR over a baseline performance that is being carefully established on a sample of farms and will be monitored by an independent assessor. It is recognised that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler grow-out sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small farmers, said Brad Roberts, Operations Officer, IFC. IFC is providing support to enhance productivity and efficiency improvements for about 3,000 broiler farms. He said that the IFC's role in increasing industry capability was hopefully a forerunner to IFC assisting with project finance to a growing industry. ï</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>(This article was published in Asian Poultry Magazine November/December 2011.)&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent
per annum over the last decade.Current waste (ineffi ciency) in
the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's
performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '579',
			'article_category_id' => '39',
			'title' => 'SG Global: Entering A New League',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="corporate focus" border="5" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/corporate-focus3.jpg" style="width: 257px; height: 102px;" vspace="4" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>SG Global Pvt Ltd, established in August 2011, is a fully owned subsidiary of the well known Shanker Group, an industrial and trading conglomerate. It is the authorised distributor for Sharp Electronics (Japan) and Mahindra Two Wheelers (India) in Nepal. “We want to create a truly professional and multinational company in the sense how we work,” says Akhil Gupta, Director of SG Global Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Our desire is to run the company in a professional manner and let that environment accomplish for our employees, customers and associates.”</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Even though Shanker Group was an established trading conglomerate involved in trading of popular brands such as Konka Electronics and Force Electronics, SG Global was conceived as a trading and representation wing of the group to pursue trading of worldwide brands in a more aggressive manner. Gupta says that each product has a certain way of getting advertised. He observes that while commercial advertising is good for electronic products, it’s BTL (below the line) activities that work better for two wheelers. He explains, “For two wheelers, commercial advertising can only create awareness. We have to eventually bank on BTL activities for the pull factor.”</strong></p>
<p>
	After studying the Nepali market over a period of time and realising the potential for two wheelers, SG Global plunged into the market following a deal with Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited. “We were impressed with the growth trend for two wheelers in Nepal with economic condition of the people in the country improving considerably,” justifies Gupta. He presents the statistics, “A total of 129,000 two wheelers were sold in the Nepali market last year out of which 21,000 were scooters. This spurred us to sell Mahindra scooters – already popular in the Indian market – in Nepal.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Human Resource <img align="right" alt="corporate focus" border="5" height="192" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/director.jpg" vspace="1" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The company has 70 employees on its payroll with its workforce spread across its corporate office at Tinkune, Sharp showroom at Naxal and the two showrooms of Mahindra Two Wheelers at Teku Road and Naxal. Mahindra showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal are spread over 4,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft respectively. Gupta believes that everyone in the company is a decision maker in his or her own right. He elaborates, “We have this culture of inculcating a sense of responsibility in everyone who is part of the company. I am confident that a sense of ownership among employees certainly helps the fortunes of a business enterprise in the long run.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Akhil Gupta:-Director</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>
	With its modern sales and service infrastructure in place, SG Global promises to offer customers a world class buying and ownership experience. It has kick started operations with 14 dealers across Nepal and plans to expand its network by adding another 78 dealers across 72 towns of Nepal within a year’s span.&nbsp; Six out of these 78 dealers will be appointed at strategic locations within the valley including at Balaju, Kalanki, New Baneshwor, Bhaktapur and Boudha. “All these dealers will have well equipped 3S (sales, service and spares) set ups at their respective locations,” Gupta asserts.</p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sharp Electronics</strong></span></p>
<p>
	SG Global — the authorised distributor of Sharp Electronics in Nepal — has its Sharp Showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu with a view to offer original and high-tech electronic home appliances to Nepali customers. <img align="right" alt="sharp electonics" border="2" height="138" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sharp.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" />Sharp, a renowned and popular Japanese brand has been ruling the roost not only in its home country but also across the world. The showroom showcases a wide range of Sharp products including Audio Visual products such as Box TV, LCD and LED TVs, DVD and Home Theatre. While its Home Appliances include Microwave Ovens, Vacuum Cleaners, Washing Machines, Air Purifiers and Refrigerators, it also has Small Appliances such as Rice Cookers, Jars and Pots.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Competition</strong></p>
<p>
	Since Mahindra Two Wheelers is a relatively new brand in Nepal, SG Global is looking to establish the brand first. It is in direct competition with Honda and Hero Honda, the other scooter marketers in Nepal. Gupta enthuses confidence though, “Our products are unique and we are certain that we can pull it off having a strong team which knows how to compete.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Plans</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global is on its way to consolidate the existing business, says Gupta, “Sharp and Mahindra Two Wheelers are both very strong brands so it makes our job a bit easier.” He, however, reiterates that the company’s current business model requires consolidation over the next couple of years. He also says that, meanwhile, he is open to other business opportunities that might come his way but more importantly, businesses that suit the market dynamics. The company has kept itself a reasonable target of selling 3,000 scooters within the remaining period of the current fiscal year. Given the scooters’ popularity and customers’ attraction towards the brand, it’s already expecting to reach the figure of 5,000 scooters during the same period; it is selling 25 scooters on an average each day. “The day we feel we have built a company which stands for the purpose of its establishment and implemented the system in our own unique way, we would consider our mission accomplished,” Gupta signs off on a positive note.</p>
<p>
	<strong>SWOT Analysis</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Strengths</strong>&nbsp; Strong Brands and Infrastructure&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Flagship Service Centre covering 6,000 sq ft coming up at Naxal</p>
<p>
	<strong>Weaknesses&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Competitive Market (Pricing, Market Share) Opportunities</p>
<p>
	Growing Market for Scooters</p>
<p>
	Urbanisation Threats</p>
<p>
	Being a new entrant</p>
<p>
	Inexperience in Two Wheeler business</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mahindra Two Wheelers</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global was appointed the authorised distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Nepal in November this year. Its two showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal in Kathmandu sell three Mahindra Two Wheeler products – Rodeo, Flyte and Duro. These scooters are priced at Rs 159,900, Rs 151,900 and Rs 145,900 respectively. The products will also be sold through the dealers appointed by the previous distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers. The scooters have already been in the market for a year before there was a change of hands in distributorship. Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Research and Development (R &amp; D) wing is ceaselessly working on motorcycles which are the largest segment of the two wheeler market in Nepal. It promises to soon expand its product line by offering motorcycles as well. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-02-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'SG Global
promises to
offer customers
a world class
buying and
ownership
experience.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '578',
			'article_category_id' => '38',
			'title' => 'Compensation And Benefits: A Sensitive HRM Practice',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="left" alt="management" border="5" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage.jpg" style="width: 161px; height: 151px;" vspace="1" />In today’s competitive skills market scenario, businesses are required to adopt special care on compensation and benefits for its people resources. The time has expressed its demand for strategic compensation system against a traditional one. Compensation provided to employees can be in the form of cash benefits or nonmonetary benefits. It is the sum of total rewards and benefits extended in return for their contribution to businesses. If compensation issues are managed effectively, it results in enhanced productivity. An employee does not work only for monetary benefit; however, the financial consideration remains one of the most important key for their working. The complete clarity of processes in compensation and benefits is crucial in view of unbiased decision process as well acceptance thereof. </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits means a cost to the management they are ready to pay for the services of an individual employee where as for an employee, it is an income against sales of their services to a buyer/organisation. Evolving a scientific compensation and benefit structure involves: government legislations and policies, supply and demand scenario in skills market, comparative study within an industry/business, productivity, labour cost and ability to pay etc. A true pay for performance supports productivity enhancement and talent retention. At the same time, it is also a fact that compensation management is not just a means to attract and retain skills; it rather leverages sustaining of competitive advantage for both (employer and employee) through integration processes that result in optimal achievements. Compensation and benefits plays a vital role in people management thus this belongs to the most specialised areas within human resources management (HRM). It deals with controlling and managing rules/policy/ procedures around guaranteed pay, variable pay and benefits etc to the most important resources of an organisation, that is, skills.<img align="right" alt="management" border="5" height="132" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage2.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits is one of the important functions inside HRM that connects with the competitors in the market and develops compensation policies that are fully competitive in the skills market. In the current context, compensation systems are designed in alignment to business goals and overall organisational strategies. Thus, compensation strategies are also aligned with the business goals and objectives. The human resources strategies derived from overall business strategies sets the path way and objective for the human resources function that compensation and benefits strategies requires to follow. It cannot differ from one another in any circumstances to guarantee full alignment which is most essential for no-conflict environment. The compensation and benefits strategy becomes the guiding factor in setting up general rules for the compensation and benefits area in an organisation. It is recognised as the most important part of HRM focused solely on employees’ rewards and benefits policy making. </p>
<p>
	The recent compensation and benefits theories have divided compensation and benefits into four key categories:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Guaranteed Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on their availability, that is, a certain sum for a fixed period of time but not linked to performance or productivity. It is also known as time wage and basic pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Variable Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on performance or result achieved, that is, normally based on analysis or past performance establishing average performance of a particular standard of workmanship. Sales incentive, productivity incentive, performance bonus etc are some examples. It is also known as progressive piece pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Benefits</strong>: Monetary/cash and/or nonmonetary facilities to supplement employees namely insurance, mobilisation, leave travel assistance, time-off payment, tips, communication facilities, statutory holidays and leave, house rent and special allowances, retirement and post retirement benefits etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Equity</strong>: This is a pay plan that uses the employers’ share as compensation to employees in the form of a stock option for them. This is not common in our part of the world though the objectives of this category plan are talent attraction and retention and alignment of interests (of employees and shareowners). In essence, compensation is a reward or payment paid to an employee in return for their contribution to a business. The role of various components of the reward is very important as the role of different components differ from one another, for example, dearness allowance is to compensate, console or provide support on account of the cost of living whereas performance bonus, incentive and sales incentive are for better people productivity. A sound compensation and benefits systems aims to:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Attract and retain the talent</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Pay for the job instead of the position</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Reward the effort and merit</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Enhance people productivity, and e. Promote organisational flexibility</strong></p>
<p>
	Hence, the compensation and benefits strategy requires full support from the top management as it describes limits to the organisational routine, especially for line management. Normally, they do not get convinced with the philosophies considered while determining this strategy.</p>
<p>
	Further, it is an unavoidable fact that compensation is an important factor for people while accepting a job/employment. There are obvious challenges in the areas of retaining desired talents and offering competitive salary, wages and benefits becomes the most essential necessity. At the same time, organisations must also market their strengths in terms of their offering of positive relationships and varied challenges in job offerings. Organisations are desired to fully leverage their people resources to sustain competitive position through integration of processes, programmes and information to achieve optimal expectations. Compensation and benefits are mainly influenced by two types of elements:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Internal</strong>: Business objectives, trade unions, employee equity, organisational values, culture and structures are important internal influencers; and</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. External</strong>: Inflation, skills market, economy, taxation and relevant industry trends are key external influencers. While on review process, it would be eminent to have information on the total compensation and benefits packages inclusive of retirement or post retirement benefits for better comparison that leads to an effective and efficient decision process. One also needs to consider:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. More than one source of information</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Competitors to whom skills are lost (who left the organisation)</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Salary positioning</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Expected reinforcement of desirable behaviour</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>e. Mark of recognition <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	To conclude, it is advisable to establish direct relation of individual goals with corporate business objectives. This will make employees realise that the fulfillment of employees’ aspirations lies in the achievement of organisational expectations. This, being the most sensitive aspect of people management, one must remember that employees know and very clearly understand the aspects of performance contributing towards the compensation factor. It would also be advantageous to clarify each individual employee about the contribution of abilities and efforts to high performance level along with its quantification. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Compensation
systems are
designed in
alignment to
business goals
and overall
organisational
strategies.(Dr Karna is the
Executive Chairman
of MARK Business
Solutions Pvt Ltd and
Ad Abhyas Marketing
& Communications
Pvt Ltd. The article
is based on various
research reports and his
practical experiences
as management
practitioner.)',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they don’t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '575',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.</p>
<p>
	T e l e t a l k Private limited has launched Spice M-4262 and M-5115 models in the market. M-4262 is a multi-sim phone with features like 4.5 cm screen, expandable memory up to 4 GB, audio video player, FM radio, powerful battery, torch and speaker phone. Similarly, 5515 has features like camera, audio video player, stereo Bluetooth, 1000 MAh battery and 4.5cm screen with expandable memory up to 4GB. The models are priced Rs 2275 and Rs 2750 respectively.</p>
<p>
	M a h i n d r a Two Wheelers Limited has u n v e i l e d three Mahindra scooters namely Rodeo, Flyte and Duro in the Nepali market. The scooters have powerful 125 cc engine and features of comfort and safety.</p>
<p>
	International M a r k e t i n g S e r v i c e s Pvt Ltd, the authorised dealer of S a m s u n g Mobile for Nepal has launched Samsung C3322 Duos and Samsung Galaxy Y S5360. Samsung C3322 features include 2MP camera, dual SIM, external micro SD up to 16 GB, FM radio and recording. Likewise, Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 has TFT touch screen, micro SD up to 32GB, Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-Fi facility, and 2MP camera. Samsung C3322 is priced at Rs 6,540 and Samsung Galaxy Y at Rs 12,690.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility, the sole a u t h o r i z e d distributor of G’Five mobiles in Nepal has l a u n c h e d two new models U225 and U336 which are priced at Rs 2800 and Rs 3790, respectively.</p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Limited has started a deposit insurance policy up to Rs 200,000 on savings and fixed account of individual depositors. It entered into an agreement with Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) on 9th November.</p>
<p>
	Virgin Mobile s h o w r o o m has launched three new smart phones of Nokia namely Nokia N9, Nokia 700 and Nokia 701 priced at Rs 54,860, Rs 29,940 and Rs 33,140, respectively.</p>
<p>
	CG Electronics, the sole authorised distributor of LG Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new range of LG DVD Player (Blue-Ray Player) and Home Theatre in the market.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised distributor of BlackBerry smart phones has launched BlackBerry Bold 9900. As an introductory offer, Teletalk has announced ‘Ncell BlackBerry Unlimited Monthly Service’ for two months in association with Ncell, on every purchase of BlackBerry smart phones.</p>
<p>
	HH Bajaj has started the operation of a Bajaj showroom and service facility ‘Mustang Automobiles’ at Jomsom. From this showroom, the customers can now get sales and spare parts in the same price as available in Kathmandu and other places of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	Laxmi Bank has opened its 30th branch at Ilam. With this, the bank now has seven strategically located branches in the eastern region: Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Hile, Damak, Birtamod and Ilam.</p>
<p>
	Bank of Kathmandu Ltd opened four new branches at Khandbari, Beni, Baglung and Birtamod. Narendra Kumar Basnyat, Chairman, Bank of Kathmandu Limited, formally inaugurated the bank’s 43rd branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district.</p>
<p>
	NIC Bank has opened its 34th branch at Boudha in Kathmandu. The bank also launched its 35th branch at Lamahi, Dang. With the opening of these branches, NIC Bank now has a network of 35 branches and 36 networks across the country with a customer base of more than 150,000.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited has opened its second branch at New Road in Kathmandu. The bank had earlier opened its first branch at Dharke in Dhading. The New Road branch was inaugurated by Pradip Man Baidya, the Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Dillibazar in Kathmandu. The branch was inaugurated by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the Chairman of the bank. With this, Global Bank now has 31 branches. The bank also launched ‘Global Student Savings Account’ targeted at the students which offers an interest of 7 per cent per annum.</p>
<p>
	Kalinchok Development Bank has been launched with its head office in Dolakha district. The bank has 204 founder shareholders, said its CEO Ashok Shiwakoti.</p>
<p>
	Ncell has launched Potable Ncell Connect Wi-Fi Router, targeted at corporate clients. This wireless router can be used within a 30 metre radius and is priced at Rs 6,999.</p>
<p>
	Biz International, the authorised reseller of Intex Mobile Handsets in Nepal, has launched five new models: IN- 777 3G Gold, IN-1010 Neo, IN-007 Maxima, IN-001 Hot Spot and IN- 5030 E Tri-Do.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised reseller of Colors Mobile in Nepal, has launched a new mobile handset ‘Fighter F-35’. The handset comes with 1.3 megapixel camera and a oneyear warranty. It has also launched ‘Fighter F-18’ which comes with a dual sim facility.</p>
<p>
	Pashupati Development Bank Ltd has launched its SMS services. Under this service, the customers’ banking transaction status on deposits and withdrawals will be conveyed through SMS on their mobile phone numbers.</p>
<p>
	NMB Bank Limited has opened a new branch in Birgunj which was inaugurated by its Chairman Pawan Golyan. With this, the bank now has 19 branches and 15 ATM counters.</p>
<p>
	H e a l t h c a r e Technologies, the authorised reseller of Micro Life in Nepal, has launched Digital Weight Scale. The ‘W50’ model can weigh body weight up to 150 kilograms and show it via digital display.</p>
<p>
	V i r g i n Mobile has l a u n c h e d one Acer and two Dell Inspiron n411z laptops in the market. The 500 GB and 750 GB Dell laptops are priced at Rs 70,900 and Rs 80,900 respectively while the 750 GB Acer Laptop costs Rs 79,000.</p>
<p>
	S u n d h a r a , Kathmandubased Civil Mall has l a u n c h e d ‘4th Floor Shopping Hungama’ gift scheme for its customers. The scheme is targeted at boosting sales during the winter season.</p>
<p>
	S a g a r m a t h a Merchant Banking &amp; Finance Limited has launched Piggy (Khutruke) Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts. Piggy Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts respectively offer 13.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent interest annually.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Community Development Bank has opened a new branch in Chitwan. Located in Sauraha Chowk, this is the bank’s second branch.</p>
<p>
	Media Space Solution has established digital display screens in all the five branches of Bhat Bhateni supermarket. A total of 15 electronic screens have been put in these stores.</p>
<p>
	Shangri-La Development Bank Ltd has launched locker services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	The bank caters to over 40,000 customers in Pokhara, Butwal, Hetauda, Baglung, Dulegaunda and Narayangarh.</p>
<p>
	Rathi Group Nepal, in association with Oppel Lighting Company of China, has launched ‘Rathi Oppel CFL’ in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	Gandaki Bikas Bank Ltd has launched a new branch in Damauli. With this, the bank now has 12 branches.</p>
<p>
	N I D C Development Bank Limited has launched ATM services from its P o k h a r a branch. The ATM counter was inaugurated by Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Saurabh P h o t o International has launched a new series of Konka LED TVs. Based on innovative vision technology, Konka LED TVs are available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches.</p>
<p>
	Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Tata Vehicles in Nepal, has extended its ‘Mega Xchange’ scheme to Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dharan. T h e scheme g i v e s motorbike owners an opportunity to exchange their motorcycles with Tata Nano car.</p>
<p>
	S G Global Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Sharp Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new refrigerator from Sharp’s ‘Grand Series’ in the market. The refrigerator is available in 165 and 180 litres capacity.</p>
<p>
	Citizens B a n k International Limited has launched ‘Citizens Kosheli Deposit Scheme’ in the market. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 15.04 per cent.</p>
<p>
	Om Finance Limited has launched ‘Om Double Deposit’ scheme for its customers. Under this scheme, the depositors will get their deposits doubled in five-and-a-half years’ time.</p>
<p>
	Nepali footwear brand Shikhar Shoes has launched four new ‘Winter Shoes’ models for the winter season. These Sports and Casual Shoes come in three different colours.</p>
<p>
	Akhil Trading C o n c e r n , a u t h o r i s e d reseller of products from Evyap – a Turkey based brand, has launched around 12 dozen Evyap products in the market.</p>
<p>
	Ace Development Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Kaushaltar in Bhaktapur. The branch offers services such as ABBS, ATM, Mobile Banking and Internet Banking among others.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of G’Five Mobiles in Nepal, has launched four new mobile handsets. The new models are ‘L-229’, ‘U-226’, ‘V-101M’ and ‘G-20’.</p>
<p>
	Gupta Trading House, authorised reseller of Orion Mobiles in Nepal, has launched two new mobile handsets. ‘E-210’ and ‘E-925’ are priced Rs 2,450 and Rs 4,350 respectively.</p>
<p>
	Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Komatsu Generators in Nepal, has launched three new generators from its ‘EGS series’.</p>
<p>
	National Life I n s u r a n c e Company Limited has launched ‘Dampatti Amrit Sabdhik life Insurance Scheme’. It involves a married couple in a single insurance scheme which allows both the husband and wife to have equal rights.</p>
<p>
	Clean Energy Development Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Salleri in Solukhumbu. With this, the bank now has 8 branches.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited launched its 29th branch along with an ATM facility at Baitadi. The branch was inaugurated by the bank’s Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal.</p>
<p>
	Constant Business Group has launched Shubha Motors (Proton Showroom) at Naxal, Sano Gaucharan in Kathmandu. The Malaysian Chief De Affair Fadli Adilah inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	CG Exim (Nepal) Pvt Ltd, a part of Chaudhary Group, has launched Matrix alcohol free energy drink. Available in 250 ml can, Matrix energy drink is price at Rs 50.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce (NCC) Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Attaria in Kailali. The bank’s 19th branch was inaugurated by Kailali CDO Kailash Kumar Bajimaya.</p>
<p>
	Generation Next Communication Pvt Ltd, the authorized distributor of Dell launched its new model Inspiron 114z, also known as Shakira. The laptop has i-5 processor, 4 GB and 8 GB RAM with 500 and 750 GB storage capacity and battery life of 9 hours.</p>
<p>
	Mega Bank Nepal Ltd has launched a new savings deposit scheme called ‘Mega Young Star Savings Account’ targeting children aged below 16 years. The minimum balance requirement for this scheme is Rs. 1,000 and it offers interest rate of 10% per annum payable quarterly.</p>
<p>
	The Nokia 500, an entry level touch screen smartphone is launched in the market. It features Nokia’s fastest processor to date, a 5MP camera, music player, GPS, latest Symbian Anna OS among others. The Nokia 500 is available in the market at MRP Rs. 19,550 .</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank has opened its third branch at Lions Chowk, Narayanghad. The bank will also have its own ATM in the branch.</p>
<p>
	Pradip Man Baidya, Chairman of the bank inaugurated the branch. Biratlaxmi Development Bank Limited has opened its 13th branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district. Prabhu Prasad Parajuli, CEO of the bank inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	NCC Bank has opened its new branch in Dipayal of Doti district. This is the bank’s 21st branch. C h i e f J u s t i c e of Doti, Dipak Raj Joshi inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, authorised distributor of Blackberry mobiles for Nepal has launched Blackberry Torch 9860 in the market. This smartphone has 720 HD video recording capability, 768 MB RAM, 32 GB storage and other latest features. Its market price is Rs 56,700. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.',
			'sortorder' => '478',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '574',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Hello To Ring Nationwide',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal. CEO of the company, C Mani Chaulagain said the technical preparations necessary for the service expansion is underway. The company is currently providing GSM mobile telephony under the brand name Hello Mobile in mid-western region.</p>
<p>
	Though it has been providing its services in rural areas, it is expanding to urban areas too. Chaulagain said the company will soon begin the works on second and third phase of network expansion. Till date it has offered services in 273 Village Development Committees of 16 districts. </p>
<p>
	The company was given license with the condition to provide services in 237 VDCs before expanding to rest of the country. The company is in the procedure to import necessary equipment for the expansion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '477',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '573',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CG To Produce Cement In India And Sri Lanka',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Ch a u d h a r y&nbsp;<img align="right" alt="chaudhary group" border="5" height="40" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cg.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /> Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India. Though CG has expanded its ventures in almost a dozen countries, this is the first time the group is setting up cement factories abroad. </p>
<p>
	CG will be establishing industry in Sri Lanka in jointventure with the local private sector partners while talks are ongoing to decide whether to take local or foreign partner, informed Rebant Dhakal, Deputy General Manager of CG’s Corporate Affairs Department. The plan is to set up the plants in Jaffna of Sri Lanka and Guwahati of India. </p>
<p>
	According to a source at CG, the procedure of establishing these factories began two years ago and it was delayed because of the time consumed in garnering support from the local communities and associations. According to Dhakal, preliminary studies for establishing the factories in both the countries have been completed. However, the size of the factories and investment are yet to be finalised.</p>
<p>
	The proposed sites have limestone deposits enough for producing cement for 80 years. Investment in these factories will be made through CG’s associate companies outside Nepal as Nepal law prohibits Nepali companies to directly invest in other countries. CG is also planning to set up cement factories in Nawalparasi and Palpa districts within Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ch a u d h a r y chaudhary group Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India',
			'sortorder' => '476',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '572',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Dragon Air Announces Onboard Shopping Bonanza',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales. The airline’s press statement reads “We are glad to introduce the latest lucky draw promotion to enhance passengers’ shopping experience.”</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="dragon air announces" border="5" height="83" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dragon.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	According to the statement, from October to December, for every HK$ 500 purchase on in-flight sales or home delivery products, passengers will get a lucky draw card for a chance to win a Sony BRAVIA LED 3D idTV and a Sony Blu-ray Home Theatre System worth more than HK$60,000. The airline, in the fourth quarter has introduced more than 110 new items for sales onboard and home delivery, giving a total of over 280 products for passengers to choose from. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales.',
			'sortorder' => '475',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '571',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Demak Announces Malaysia Trip Winner',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="agni presents the prize" border="5" height="150" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghumna.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize winner for its festival offer, “Demak Dashain/Tihar Sidhai Cash- Just Relax Offer”. Tsering Sherpa of Jorpati and Danfe Yuba Club of Jajarkot won trip to Malaysia. For every purchase of Demak DMX-R bike the buyer received Rs 10,000 cash discount and a chance for two to win trip to Malaysia as bumper prize. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize',
			'sortorder' => '474',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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			'id' => '570',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Cosmos Eastern To Begin Production After Mid- March',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012. Construction at the 300 metric tonnes a day factory has almost completed, according to Pradip Jung Pandey, the Chairman of Lomus Group and one of the major investors in the cement factory. He said Rs 150 million is invested in the factory located at Hattimudha of Biratnagar. </p>
<p>
	The factory too will produce Tej brand of cement that is being produced by Cosmos Cement in Janakpur. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012',
			'sortorder' => '473',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '585',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'The Hydropower Politics',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="editor" border="1" height="224" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/editor2.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Nepal still lives by dream of developing its hydropower to the fullest potentials so that it could not only meet own energy needs but also export a substantial amount of power produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with India. It has been at least five and half decades (since the planned development began here in 1956) we are following this mirage of commercially harnessing our literally limitless potentials of water resources. Nepal may have moved an inch but surely not a foot to this direction. And, worse, there is not a single large project in pipeline that could complete in, say, five years from now.</p>
<p>
	Talking about large projects, Upper Karnali (800 MW) and West Seti (750 MW) are in recent limelight. But the proposed promoter of Upper Karnali, the Indian energy major GMR is still apprehensive about the security it would get from the state to implement the project. The story of West Seti a reservoir based proposed project, is circling around for last one decade when Australian company SMEC came in and went out without making much headway in the project. Recently, the Chinese promoter of legendary Three Gorges Dam project has reportedly shown a renewed interest in it. But, things are not likely to move much differently than in the past. It is because Nepali water resources, hydropower in particular, is by now no longer an investment or commercial proposition alone, rather it has become a true game of politics, at both national and international levels.</p>
<p>
	At the national level, a misconstrued nationalism has always been a real impediment to the development and growth of this sector. It is natural to seek to maximise the benefit for the nation while developing the project with bilateral or multilateral partnerships, but it is entirely an weird approach to prevent the very construction of the project defining the nationalism attached to it at a convenience of a vested interest group.</p>
<p>
	Every Nepali party with communist tag has done this politics. The Mohan Vaidya faction of UCPN-Maoist is the latest incarnation of a force dying to protect nationalism by creating hurdles to not only Upper Karnali but also Upper Marsyangdi. The government issuing statement of assurances of security appears absolute farce at the face of what is evident at the site. At the international levels, for both of our neighbours India and China, Nepal's development is also part of regional geopolitics. There are instances, like in Kohalpur-Banbasa part of east-west highway, where one party did not like the involvement of the other in any particular project. Even the expression of interest by a party to develop a certain project causes the other party smell a rat.</p>
<p>
	Therefore, any proposition is difficult to materialise on the ground. It is particularly so when the projects, like West Seti, to be developed by China with plans to export its major portion of power-produced to Indian states adjoining Nepal. To sum up, the dark days in hydropower will only end when it is started to be viewed as pure business sans politics at the national level and sans geopolitics at regional level. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal still lives by dream of developing its
hydropower to the fullest potentials so that
it could not only meet own energy needs but
also export a substantial amount of power
produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with
India.',
			'sortorder' => '487',
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '584',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Businessman By Destiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="left" alt="personality" border="1" height="214" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/hero1.jpg" style="width: 181px; height: 214px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="181" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The entire business community is yearning for a favourable investment climate. Each and every business house and enterprise is waiting for the moment that is unlikely to arrive anytime soon. Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, one of the largest business houses of Nepal, is not pessimistic though about the situation but prefers to play it safe like his peers in the business community. He says he is not so comfortable in venturing into new projects and making any significant moves other than keeping the current ventures alive.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The conglomerate has interests in manufacturing and trading of industrial goods to consumer durables and nondurables. The journey of Sharda Group began with garment trading almost 100 years ago. Real success of the group began after Sharda’s great grandfather established a rice mill at Lahan in 1948. The success of the company began with this very business. Sharda has been involved in the family business since his 18th birthday. Being the eldest son in the family, he has given his all to take the family business ahead. Today, the group has an annual turnover of more than US $ 150 million.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Pioneer Carpet Industries, Shangrila Housing, Bajra Shangrila Residency, Infratech and Shivam Cement Industries are some of the companies Sharda oversees that are either established by him individually or under joint ventures. Born in an industrial family, doing business was in his blood and during his school days, he dreamt of having his own business.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="middle" alt="personality" border="5" height="243" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stof.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="4" width="300" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">A television set used to be the object of desire those days, he says. So, I wanted to import and sell gadgets like TVs and VCRs, he adds. Sharda was pursuing his college degree in Kolkata when he had to return back to Nepal since his father was unwell. His brothers were young and studying abroad. So, being the eldest son, he had the responsibility to take care of his father and the business. Sharda successfully took up the responsibilities on his shoulders and became occupied. In the bargain, he could not pursue his education further than the bachelor level. Sharda began his career as a business person in the early 1990s.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The lucrative returns from carpet trading lured him to indulge further in the trade. He says the returns and travel opportunities created by carpet trading made him choose this sector. His first venture, now named Pioneer Carpet Industries, was a success for young Sharda as the carpet industry was booming and its export was at the peak. He claims, I became one of the largest exporters in Nepal and was felicitated with numerous awards by the government including Commercially Important Person within seven to eight years. His success in carpet trading inspired him to venture into many other businesses in the future. After Pioneer Carpets, he started importing reconditioned cars from Japan in 1994 which, unfortunately, did not yield profits to him. “I believe in destiny and I thought it was not meant for me so I dropped the project,' he admits nonchalantly. Sharda prefers joint ventures. He explains, You cannot think and do everything on your own. It's good to have likeminded people with whom you can share your ideas and visions and produce something great.'In partnership with his close friends, he has set up housing projects like Shangrila Housing and Bajra Shangrila and the largest cement industry of Nepal, Shivam Cement, which is soon going to begin operations.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Living in a joint family where every member is passionate about business, decisions are made jointly. He says, 'Nobody decides alone in our family, we talk to each other, share ideas and discuss in detail before reaching any decision.' Sharda believes that the business focus should be on ensuring a good turnover. He suggests that an aggressive attitude does help achieve business goals. 'Where there is an opportunity for profit, there will be a chance of making loss too,' he says. Sharda recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to be practical and believes everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and by setting a clear goal. According to him, there are no alternatives to sincerity, honesty and punctuality which are essential for registering success.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Even though success in any business is determined by profit and turnover, he opines that success is not only about making a huge amount of money. He philosophises, 'Success is also about giving back to the people in the society in the form of employment or offering them the best products and services with honesty and sincerity. There are so many other things that are much valuable than money itself.' Sharda trusts his colleagues much and believes in assigning appropriate roles to people working with him. He maintains a close relationship with his employees and keeps himself updated about everything. 'I talk to each person every day, talk to the team leaders and get reports and feedback,' he tells. He likes to maintain a distance between his personal and professional lives. He spends around nine hours for his work and prefers to have after hours and weekends for his family and kids. 'I have two wonderful children and it is good to see them growing up. The moments I spend with my family are more fun than my work but business is my profession and I love running it, he proudly states. He also loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, watch movies and attend parties when possible.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Likewise, he likes to travel and considers himself fortunate to have travelled many countries for his vacations and business trips. Sharda is also involved in philanthropy and is an active member of Kathmandu Metro Round Table 4, an international organisation. Our slogan is Freedom through education and we build school buildings in various parts of Nepal as well as sponsor needy children through fund raising,” he says.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Personal side<br />
	</span></p>
<ul>
	<li>
		&nbsp; Loves motorsports- had won a rally in the mid 1990s</li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Fond of cars -changes around six cars in a year</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Currently drivesL a n d R o v e r Freelander 2</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Loves travelling</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not particularly health conscious</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not interested in reading and writing</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Prefers casual wear like jeans and tee shirts</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Brand conscious<br />
		</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Sharda is keenly waiting for the business and investment climate to become favourable and wishes that the current slowdown in the business sector would get over soon. I am not currently happy with the pace this sector is moving at, he expresses his displeasure. He is on a wait and watch mode and does not have any new projects lined up in the foreseeable future. Doing business is a very challenging proposition at the moment so I am just giving continuity to my current ventures, he shares. He dreams of achieving the kind of success which he thinks he has not tasted yet. And that's precisely why he prays for a suitable business environment as soon as possible.&nbsp; <br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, believes he was
destined to be a businessperson being born in one of the oldest
business families of Nepal. Having a passion for business and
looking after almost half a dozen companies of his own, he believes
he is yet to attain success in the true sense.',
			'sortorder' => '486',
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	),
	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '583',
			'article_category_id' => '48',
			'title' => 'Redawn Of PE Era',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="" border="1" height="136" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/comedy.jpg" style="width: 112px; height: 136px;" vspace="5" width="112" /></p>
<p>
	Except for one or two, all 36 public enterprises (PEs) of Nepal are in huge losses. Dairy Development Corp is already in milk which is rotting and stinking. The Gorakhkali Tyre has become flat. National flag carrier NAC, has lost the nose. (Nac in Nepali means nose). Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has already burnt the midnight oil. Nobody knows how ensured is Rastriya Beema Sansthan, the state-owned insurance company, as it its accounts are not audited for almost a decade.</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="no laughing matter" border="5" height="252" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/joke.jpg" vspace="1" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Should we talk about Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd. (KUKL)? Ordinary Nepali people get confused reading KUKL as it sounds like KAKAKUL which means a legendary bird that is always thirsty. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), that has monopoly on power trade is running in loss as it is busy in trading power at political circles than in power circuits.</p>
<p>
	So far Nepal Telecom is proving itself one exception as it is still in profit. However, it too has started trembling after the entry of a heavyweight competitor in the form of Ncell. Then there is a cigarette company PE which is blowing in the air. Similalry, the two cement PEs are all set to kick the dust.</p>
<p>
	But the government is determined to continue keeping these enterprises by funneling money they need to survive. The vowed purpose is evident. The political parties who run the governemnt in turn are in fact waging employment revolution in the country by appointing their cadres to various positions in the PEs. In doing so, the parties have effected another revolution: they have waived the traditional and thus regressive criteria of education and experience to get a job in these PEs. Only one criterion that needs to be fulfilled is that one must be a blind-supporter of the political party in power. So, one eighth-grader runs NAC and a head clerk is recently made GM in National Trading Ltd.</p>
<p>
	All these great things have been possible only because of our revolutionary Prime Minister. As it became clear that his party cadres are no more going to get salary from the government coffer, he was quick to place many of them in the PEs as well as private sector corporate houses. Our PM had announced his determination to develop the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he was the Finance Minister some years back. According to his philosophy, you can develop the country by hook or by crook. And for Nepal he has picked-up only the latter part of the model i.e. by crook or crooked ideas.</p>
<p>
	To develop an economy you should first open factories or firms and create employment. For that you need to import machines and raw materials and construct roads and buildings. For that you need a lot of money. Since the Nepali government does not have any money left after paying the party cadres in any possible pretext, the government has adopted this short-cut route to development through PE, just as a replica of Panchayat hay-days under King Mahendra.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Our PM had announced his determination to develop
the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he
was the Finance Minister some years back.',
			'sortorder' => '485',
			'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) 3 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '582',
			'article_category_id' => '45',
			'title' => 'Corporate Movements December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Newcomers<br />
	</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shashi Giri</strong> has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Sachin Shrestha</strong> has joined Bottlers Nepal Ltd as Country Marketing Manager. Earlier, he was Head of Branch and Activation Department at Unilever Nepal Pvt. Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Mesut Zeyton</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Managing Director. Earlier, he was Manager at Istanbul Restaurant, Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bishal Budhathoki</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Turkish Chef. Earlier, he was Junior Chef at Ribbon Restaurant, Kathmandu. Promotion Vivek Jha has been promoted as General Manger at NLIC. Earlier, he was Senior Deputy General Manger there.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Re-Joined<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dinesh Thakali</strong> has re-joined Shangri-la Development Bank as Deputy General Manager. He had previously worked with the bank as Senior Manager.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Appointed<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pradeep Jung Pandey </strong>has been appointed the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Limited. He has been involved with the bank since its inception as part of the Board of Directors.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Government Appointments<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Tej Bahadur Budhathoki</strong> has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Earlier, he worked at the bank for 28 years and took voluntary retirement last year.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Radhesh Pant </strong>has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board. He is currently the CEO of Kumari Bank.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Resigned<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Deependra Nath Sharma</strong> has resigned as the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bidyadhar Mallick has</strong> resigned as the Vice Chairman of Poverty Alleviation Fund.&nbsp; <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shashi Giri has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.',
			'sortorder' => '484',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
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			'user_id' => '0'
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	),
	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '581',
			'article_category_id' => '57',
			'title' => 'Brand Loyalty',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="brand loyality" border="1" height="196" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/karki.jpg" vspace="10" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sajag Karki<br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Brand Loyalty depends upon several factors such as a product’s utility value, brand association, nostalgia and consumer behaviour. People have preferences from one brand over the other with similar product benefits.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/levis.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /> The Nepali populace too has started to become brand conscious and the presence of various multinational brands to choose from has made brand loyalists consume their favourite brands. Especially, the youngsters seem to be hooked to their favourite brands and cannot do without them. An example could be the Apple’s iphone with every other person aspiring to carry it. Gadgets such as laptops from Sony or mobile handsets from Nokia are similar examples. Clothing brands such as Levi’s, Benetton, Giordano and many others are popular among the brand conscious consumers in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	It may be worthwhile mentioning here that well known brands with high awareness levels are liked by people. Why an Apple computer lover does always wants the same brand over and over again? Brands that have been established over a long period of time have huge loyal following as the users of these brands have several positive associations with them. Several brands such as Vaseline, Dettol, Mercedes, and Surf etc have various nostalgic attachments in our minds that cannot be easily erased from our memory. These names have become generic over the years which depict the trust such brands have created. Personal care products such as close up, Sunsilk, Lux and Vaseline etc have become a part of our daily lives. We cannot imagine spending a normal day without some brands that are close to our hearts. It is quite tough for newer products competing to make a mark in the minds of consumers loyal to their respective brands. Convincing a consumer to use a new brand over established ones is extremely challenging and if accomplished, could be termed quite an achievement.</p>
<p>
	To understand brand loyalty, the consumer buying behaviour should also be considered. There are six stages in the buying process: trigger, consider, search, choose, buy and experience. Trigger is the first and most important process as this takes place when a consumer’s mind clicks for a need of a product. For example, a person may want a new phone that can browse the internet and help him with his work. After this, he starts considering whether to buy a new phone or to enhance the features in his current phone.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/apple(1).jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" />If he decides to buy a new phone, he enters the search stage where he explores the best option by doing an in depth analysis on product attributes, price and popularity. He then buys the brand he chose and finally experiences a sense of happiness if satisfied with the product he bought. This process works for all types of products and all demographics. Nonetheless, the duration of the consumer buying process varies upon the type of product and is different for a high involvement product such as a car, TV or a low involvement product like toothpaste, shampoo etc. Therefore, it is very important for a brand to at least be in the consideration set of its intended consumers. For this, the consumers must be aware of the brand and be able to recall it via regular communication mediums.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="brand" border="1" height="97" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/qfx.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Over time, companies have used smart strategies to retain and build brand loyalties. Some examples could be opening clubs and giving loyalty points for regular users. QFX Cinemas in Nepal has recently introduced a club card which can be used for online ticket reservation and it gives two free tickets with the purchase of every ten tickets to its members. Hence, the club card benefits regular movie goers as they get free tickets encouraging them to go exclusively to QFX Cinemas instead of any other movie theatre in town. Similarly, airline companies too offer frequent flyer points to regular flyers with which these flyers get free tickets and other facilities on flying a certain number of flights or miles. In Nepal, Yeti Airlines has introduced a club card that encourages its trusted clientele to fly more with the airline. Banks too offer club cards with bundle of packaged facilities such as discounts in selected shopping outlets, free ATM service and other ancillary benefits.</p>
<p>
	It certainly makes a lot of sense to become brand loyal and enjoy a host of benefits provided by companies who encourage brand loyalty!!! &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Over time,
companies have
used smart
strategies to
retain and build
brand loyalties.The presence
of various
multinational
brands to
choose from
has made
brand loyalists
consume their
favourite brands.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '580',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'IFC Builds Farming Capacity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="sectorial" border="1" height="141" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectorial1.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Oliver Ryan &amp; Anupa Pant</strong></p>
<p>
	The poultry sector in Nepal carries a value tag of USD 180 million and contributes 3.3 per cent to the country's GDP. Despite its significant contribution to the Nepali economy it bears a subdued profile; write Oliver Ryan and Anupa Pant.Nepal has some 50 feedmills producing 450000 tonnes of feed per annum for a production of around 50 million broilers per annum from 5000 broiler per annum from 5000 farms. Cobb 500 is the dominant breed.</p>
<p>
	The country is considered to be selfsufficient in poultry products and in poultry feeds although a significant proportion of the feed ingredients e.g. grains and protein meals are imported from India.The total direct employment in the organized commercial sector is estimated to be 70,000, and provides a livelihood to thousands of households. The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent per annum over the last decade.The Nepalese broiler industry is divided into three distinct sectors, namely feed, DOC supply and broiler grow-out as distinct to an integrated model common internationally. There is limited processing with 99 per cent of the birds sold live.</p>
<p>
	In May 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, reviewed the poultry industry in Nepal including a lead firm diagnostic, farmer/supplier diagnostic, benchmarking and institutional mapping. The results of the diagnostic highlighted that the current waste (inefficiency) in the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance. It is recognized that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler growout sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small in-efficient farmers. Grower farms are typically 1,000 birds with the largest at 150,000 birds. It is assumed that there are effectively 5,000 commercial farms in Nepal supplying 80 per cent of the birds</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;IFC identified the key barriers to improving the commercial broiler sector in Nepal as follows: while maize is available locally, protein meals, fishmeal, vitamins, minerals and addictives are imported from India. Adequate quantities of feed ingredients of acceptable quality (particularly dry maize) are often not available in local markets resulting in variable quality feeds, despite Nepal having some modern feedmills. Productivity of parent stock is generally poor and variable per flock.</p>
<p>
	Day old chick (DOC) prices are often high due to large cycles in broiler meat prices and DOC supply. DOC quality is regarded as the main problem by broiler growers and much of that is due to dehydration of DOC due to long delivery times of up to 48 hours. Boiler farmers do not understand the importance of bio-security and all-in, allout systems are often compromised. The lack of integration exacerbates this as farmers (wrongly) think multi-age flocks will improve cash flows.</p>
<p>
	There is a lack of access to technical knowledge and services. About 95 per cent of the poultry farmers do not have any formal training of farm management (biosecurity, housing and ventilation, feed and water management, livestock management and disease) and the service function from PS farms and feed mills is only now being developed. Oliver Ryan, an ex IFC Poultry Specialist, who undertook the industry diagnostic for IFC, stated that IFC's global knowledge of the poultry industry enabled it to identify key issues that needed addressing but more importantly could quantify and prioritise the benefits from the implementation of a corrective action plan and could assist the industry identify suitable specialists to assist with this. IFC strengthens sector To address the issues that are impacting the industry, IFC has launched a threeyear poultry supply chain strengthening project in Nepal. This project will assist three lead firms (covering two PS operations and two feedmills) and 3,000 poultry farmers.</p>
<p>
	The lead firms will have the capacity for supplying more than 40 per cent of Nepal's feed and some 30 per cent of the DOC demand. These lead firms have direct business relationships with feed/DOC agents nationwide. This relationship will be used to disseminate technical skills and services. Technical specialists in feed production, nutrition, livestock and disease have been contracted to assist the lead firms in improving their production efficiencies. The first two lead firms to join the project were Avinash Hatcheries, producers of Cobb 500 broilers and Hyline layer DOC's and ProbioTech Industries Limited (Nimbus), a major feedmiller. About 95 per cent of small-scale poultry entrepreneurs do not have any formal training on farm management. Sustaining profitably after two/three batches is a recurring challenge. We are happy to join hands with IFC to build a pool of trainers to provide services to poultry entrepreneurs, says Anand Bagaria, Managing Director, ProbioTech Industries Pvt Ltd. The project will train broiler growers in all aspects of broiler production through the employment and training of 12 local veterinarians. These veterinarians will then train 3,000broiler farmers over a period of three years, with the aim of directly impacting the management of 40 per cent of Nepal's broiler production. Lead firms will be used to arrange broiler farmer training sessions. </p>
<p>
	<br />
	There will be a gender specific outreach component of the project, as well as a dealer/retailer component (with focus on bird handling, waste management and food safety). The aim is to improve feed, DOC chick quality and grower performance to reduce mortality by two per cent and reduce FCR by 0.2:1 over the term of the project. The project performance will be measured by the improvement in liveability and FCR over a baseline performance that is being carefully established on a sample of farms and will be monitored by an independent assessor. It is recognised that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler grow-out sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small farmers, said Brad Roberts, Operations Officer, IFC. IFC is providing support to enhance productivity and efficiency improvements for about 3,000 broiler farms. He said that the IFC's role in increasing industry capability was hopefully a forerunner to IFC assisting with project finance to a growing industry. ï</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>(This article was published in Asian Poultry Magazine November/December 2011.)&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent
per annum over the last decade.Current waste (ineffi ciency) in
the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's
performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance.',
			'sortorder' => '482',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '579',
			'article_category_id' => '39',
			'title' => 'SG Global: Entering A New League',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="corporate focus" border="5" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/corporate-focus3.jpg" style="width: 257px; height: 102px;" vspace="4" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>SG Global Pvt Ltd, established in August 2011, is a fully owned subsidiary of the well known Shanker Group, an industrial and trading conglomerate. It is the authorised distributor for Sharp Electronics (Japan) and Mahindra Two Wheelers (India) in Nepal. “We want to create a truly professional and multinational company in the sense how we work,” says Akhil Gupta, Director of SG Global Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Our desire is to run the company in a professional manner and let that environment accomplish for our employees, customers and associates.”</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Even though Shanker Group was an established trading conglomerate involved in trading of popular brands such as Konka Electronics and Force Electronics, SG Global was conceived as a trading and representation wing of the group to pursue trading of worldwide brands in a more aggressive manner. Gupta says that each product has a certain way of getting advertised. He observes that while commercial advertising is good for electronic products, it’s BTL (below the line) activities that work better for two wheelers. He explains, “For two wheelers, commercial advertising can only create awareness. We have to eventually bank on BTL activities for the pull factor.”</strong></p>
<p>
	After studying the Nepali market over a period of time and realising the potential for two wheelers, SG Global plunged into the market following a deal with Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited. “We were impressed with the growth trend for two wheelers in Nepal with economic condition of the people in the country improving considerably,” justifies Gupta. He presents the statistics, “A total of 129,000 two wheelers were sold in the Nepali market last year out of which 21,000 were scooters. This spurred us to sell Mahindra scooters – already popular in the Indian market – in Nepal.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Human Resource <img align="right" alt="corporate focus" border="5" height="192" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/director.jpg" vspace="1" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The company has 70 employees on its payroll with its workforce spread across its corporate office at Tinkune, Sharp showroom at Naxal and the two showrooms of Mahindra Two Wheelers at Teku Road and Naxal. Mahindra showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal are spread over 4,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft respectively. Gupta believes that everyone in the company is a decision maker in his or her own right. He elaborates, “We have this culture of inculcating a sense of responsibility in everyone who is part of the company. I am confident that a sense of ownership among employees certainly helps the fortunes of a business enterprise in the long run.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Akhil Gupta:-Director</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>
	With its modern sales and service infrastructure in place, SG Global promises to offer customers a world class buying and ownership experience. It has kick started operations with 14 dealers across Nepal and plans to expand its network by adding another 78 dealers across 72 towns of Nepal within a year’s span.&nbsp; Six out of these 78 dealers will be appointed at strategic locations within the valley including at Balaju, Kalanki, New Baneshwor, Bhaktapur and Boudha. “All these dealers will have well equipped 3S (sales, service and spares) set ups at their respective locations,” Gupta asserts.</p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sharp Electronics</strong></span></p>
<p>
	SG Global — the authorised distributor of Sharp Electronics in Nepal — has its Sharp Showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu with a view to offer original and high-tech electronic home appliances to Nepali customers. <img align="right" alt="sharp electonics" border="2" height="138" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sharp.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" />Sharp, a renowned and popular Japanese brand has been ruling the roost not only in its home country but also across the world. The showroom showcases a wide range of Sharp products including Audio Visual products such as Box TV, LCD and LED TVs, DVD and Home Theatre. While its Home Appliances include Microwave Ovens, Vacuum Cleaners, Washing Machines, Air Purifiers and Refrigerators, it also has Small Appliances such as Rice Cookers, Jars and Pots.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Competition</strong></p>
<p>
	Since Mahindra Two Wheelers is a relatively new brand in Nepal, SG Global is looking to establish the brand first. It is in direct competition with Honda and Hero Honda, the other scooter marketers in Nepal. Gupta enthuses confidence though, “Our products are unique and we are certain that we can pull it off having a strong team which knows how to compete.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Plans</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global is on its way to consolidate the existing business, says Gupta, “Sharp and Mahindra Two Wheelers are both very strong brands so it makes our job a bit easier.” He, however, reiterates that the company’s current business model requires consolidation over the next couple of years. He also says that, meanwhile, he is open to other business opportunities that might come his way but more importantly, businesses that suit the market dynamics. The company has kept itself a reasonable target of selling 3,000 scooters within the remaining period of the current fiscal year. Given the scooters’ popularity and customers’ attraction towards the brand, it’s already expecting to reach the figure of 5,000 scooters during the same period; it is selling 25 scooters on an average each day. “The day we feel we have built a company which stands for the purpose of its establishment and implemented the system in our own unique way, we would consider our mission accomplished,” Gupta signs off on a positive note.</p>
<p>
	<strong>SWOT Analysis</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Strengths</strong>&nbsp; Strong Brands and Infrastructure&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Flagship Service Centre covering 6,000 sq ft coming up at Naxal</p>
<p>
	<strong>Weaknesses&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Competitive Market (Pricing, Market Share) Opportunities</p>
<p>
	Growing Market for Scooters</p>
<p>
	Urbanisation Threats</p>
<p>
	Being a new entrant</p>
<p>
	Inexperience in Two Wheeler business</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mahindra Two Wheelers</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global was appointed the authorised distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Nepal in November this year. Its two showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal in Kathmandu sell three Mahindra Two Wheeler products – Rodeo, Flyte and Duro. These scooters are priced at Rs 159,900, Rs 151,900 and Rs 145,900 respectively. The products will also be sold through the dealers appointed by the previous distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers. The scooters have already been in the market for a year before there was a change of hands in distributorship. Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Research and Development (R &amp; D) wing is ceaselessly working on motorcycles which are the largest segment of the two wheeler market in Nepal. It promises to soon expand its product line by offering motorcycles as well. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-02-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'SG Global
promises to
offer customers
a world class
buying and
ownership
experience.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '578',
			'article_category_id' => '38',
			'title' => 'Compensation And Benefits: A Sensitive HRM Practice',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="left" alt="management" border="5" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage.jpg" style="width: 161px; height: 151px;" vspace="1" />In today’s competitive skills market scenario, businesses are required to adopt special care on compensation and benefits for its people resources. The time has expressed its demand for strategic compensation system against a traditional one. Compensation provided to employees can be in the form of cash benefits or nonmonetary benefits. It is the sum of total rewards and benefits extended in return for their contribution to businesses. If compensation issues are managed effectively, it results in enhanced productivity. An employee does not work only for monetary benefit; however, the financial consideration remains one of the most important key for their working. The complete clarity of processes in compensation and benefits is crucial in view of unbiased decision process as well acceptance thereof. </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits means a cost to the management they are ready to pay for the services of an individual employee where as for an employee, it is an income against sales of their services to a buyer/organisation. Evolving a scientific compensation and benefit structure involves: government legislations and policies, supply and demand scenario in skills market, comparative study within an industry/business, productivity, labour cost and ability to pay etc. A true pay for performance supports productivity enhancement and talent retention. At the same time, it is also a fact that compensation management is not just a means to attract and retain skills; it rather leverages sustaining of competitive advantage for both (employer and employee) through integration processes that result in optimal achievements. Compensation and benefits plays a vital role in people management thus this belongs to the most specialised areas within human resources management (HRM). It deals with controlling and managing rules/policy/ procedures around guaranteed pay, variable pay and benefits etc to the most important resources of an organisation, that is, skills.<img align="right" alt="management" border="5" height="132" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage2.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits is one of the important functions inside HRM that connects with the competitors in the market and develops compensation policies that are fully competitive in the skills market. In the current context, compensation systems are designed in alignment to business goals and overall organisational strategies. Thus, compensation strategies are also aligned with the business goals and objectives. The human resources strategies derived from overall business strategies sets the path way and objective for the human resources function that compensation and benefits strategies requires to follow. It cannot differ from one another in any circumstances to guarantee full alignment which is most essential for no-conflict environment. The compensation and benefits strategy becomes the guiding factor in setting up general rules for the compensation and benefits area in an organisation. It is recognised as the most important part of HRM focused solely on employees’ rewards and benefits policy making. </p>
<p>
	The recent compensation and benefits theories have divided compensation and benefits into four key categories:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Guaranteed Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on their availability, that is, a certain sum for a fixed period of time but not linked to performance or productivity. It is also known as time wage and basic pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Variable Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on performance or result achieved, that is, normally based on analysis or past performance establishing average performance of a particular standard of workmanship. Sales incentive, productivity incentive, performance bonus etc are some examples. It is also known as progressive piece pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Benefits</strong>: Monetary/cash and/or nonmonetary facilities to supplement employees namely insurance, mobilisation, leave travel assistance, time-off payment, tips, communication facilities, statutory holidays and leave, house rent and special allowances, retirement and post retirement benefits etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Equity</strong>: This is a pay plan that uses the employers’ share as compensation to employees in the form of a stock option for them. This is not common in our part of the world though the objectives of this category plan are talent attraction and retention and alignment of interests (of employees and shareowners). In essence, compensation is a reward or payment paid to an employee in return for their contribution to a business. The role of various components of the reward is very important as the role of different components differ from one another, for example, dearness allowance is to compensate, console or provide support on account of the cost of living whereas performance bonus, incentive and sales incentive are for better people productivity. A sound compensation and benefits systems aims to:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Attract and retain the talent</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Pay for the job instead of the position</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Reward the effort and merit</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Enhance people productivity, and e. Promote organisational flexibility</strong></p>
<p>
	Hence, the compensation and benefits strategy requires full support from the top management as it describes limits to the organisational routine, especially for line management. Normally, they do not get convinced with the philosophies considered while determining this strategy.</p>
<p>
	Further, it is an unavoidable fact that compensation is an important factor for people while accepting a job/employment. There are obvious challenges in the areas of retaining desired talents and offering competitive salary, wages and benefits becomes the most essential necessity. At the same time, organisations must also market their strengths in terms of their offering of positive relationships and varied challenges in job offerings. Organisations are desired to fully leverage their people resources to sustain competitive position through integration of processes, programmes and information to achieve optimal expectations. Compensation and benefits are mainly influenced by two types of elements:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Internal</strong>: Business objectives, trade unions, employee equity, organisational values, culture and structures are important internal influencers; and</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. External</strong>: Inflation, skills market, economy, taxation and relevant industry trends are key external influencers. While on review process, it would be eminent to have information on the total compensation and benefits packages inclusive of retirement or post retirement benefits for better comparison that leads to an effective and efficient decision process. One also needs to consider:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. More than one source of information</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Competitors to whom skills are lost (who left the organisation)</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Salary positioning</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Expected reinforcement of desirable behaviour</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>e. Mark of recognition <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	To conclude, it is advisable to establish direct relation of individual goals with corporate business objectives. This will make employees realise that the fulfillment of employees’ aspirations lies in the achievement of organisational expectations. This, being the most sensitive aspect of people management, one must remember that employees know and very clearly understand the aspects of performance contributing towards the compensation factor. It would also be advantageous to clarify each individual employee about the contribution of abilities and efforts to high performance level along with its quantification. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Compensation
systems are
designed in
alignment to
business goals
and overall
organisational
strategies.(Dr Karna is the
Executive Chairman
of MARK Business
Solutions Pvt Ltd and
Ad Abhyas Marketing
& Communications
Pvt Ltd. The article
is based on various
research reports and his
practical experiences
as management
practitioner.)',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they don’t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '575',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.</p>
<p>
	T e l e t a l k Private limited has launched Spice M-4262 and M-5115 models in the market. M-4262 is a multi-sim phone with features like 4.5 cm screen, expandable memory up to 4 GB, audio video player, FM radio, powerful battery, torch and speaker phone. Similarly, 5515 has features like camera, audio video player, stereo Bluetooth, 1000 MAh battery and 4.5cm screen with expandable memory up to 4GB. The models are priced Rs 2275 and Rs 2750 respectively.</p>
<p>
	M a h i n d r a Two Wheelers Limited has u n v e i l e d three Mahindra scooters namely Rodeo, Flyte and Duro in the Nepali market. The scooters have powerful 125 cc engine and features of comfort and safety.</p>
<p>
	International M a r k e t i n g S e r v i c e s Pvt Ltd, the authorised dealer of S a m s u n g Mobile for Nepal has launched Samsung C3322 Duos and Samsung Galaxy Y S5360. Samsung C3322 features include 2MP camera, dual SIM, external micro SD up to 16 GB, FM radio and recording. Likewise, Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 has TFT touch screen, micro SD up to 32GB, Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-Fi facility, and 2MP camera. Samsung C3322 is priced at Rs 6,540 and Samsung Galaxy Y at Rs 12,690.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility, the sole a u t h o r i z e d distributor of G’Five mobiles in Nepal has l a u n c h e d two new models U225 and U336 which are priced at Rs 2800 and Rs 3790, respectively.</p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Limited has started a deposit insurance policy up to Rs 200,000 on savings and fixed account of individual depositors. It entered into an agreement with Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) on 9th November.</p>
<p>
	Virgin Mobile s h o w r o o m has launched three new smart phones of Nokia namely Nokia N9, Nokia 700 and Nokia 701 priced at Rs 54,860, Rs 29,940 and Rs 33,140, respectively.</p>
<p>
	CG Electronics, the sole authorised distributor of LG Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new range of LG DVD Player (Blue-Ray Player) and Home Theatre in the market.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised distributor of BlackBerry smart phones has launched BlackBerry Bold 9900. As an introductory offer, Teletalk has announced ‘Ncell BlackBerry Unlimited Monthly Service’ for two months in association with Ncell, on every purchase of BlackBerry smart phones.</p>
<p>
	HH Bajaj has started the operation of a Bajaj showroom and service facility ‘Mustang Automobiles’ at Jomsom. From this showroom, the customers can now get sales and spare parts in the same price as available in Kathmandu and other places of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	Laxmi Bank has opened its 30th branch at Ilam. With this, the bank now has seven strategically located branches in the eastern region: Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Hile, Damak, Birtamod and Ilam.</p>
<p>
	Bank of Kathmandu Ltd opened four new branches at Khandbari, Beni, Baglung and Birtamod. Narendra Kumar Basnyat, Chairman, Bank of Kathmandu Limited, formally inaugurated the bank’s 43rd branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district.</p>
<p>
	NIC Bank has opened its 34th branch at Boudha in Kathmandu. The bank also launched its 35th branch at Lamahi, Dang. With the opening of these branches, NIC Bank now has a network of 35 branches and 36 networks across the country with a customer base of more than 150,000.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited has opened its second branch at New Road in Kathmandu. The bank had earlier opened its first branch at Dharke in Dhading. The New Road branch was inaugurated by Pradip Man Baidya, the Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Dillibazar in Kathmandu. The branch was inaugurated by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the Chairman of the bank. With this, Global Bank now has 31 branches. The bank also launched ‘Global Student Savings Account’ targeted at the students which offers an interest of 7 per cent per annum.</p>
<p>
	Kalinchok Development Bank has been launched with its head office in Dolakha district. The bank has 204 founder shareholders, said its CEO Ashok Shiwakoti.</p>
<p>
	Ncell has launched Potable Ncell Connect Wi-Fi Router, targeted at corporate clients. This wireless router can be used within a 30 metre radius and is priced at Rs 6,999.</p>
<p>
	Biz International, the authorised reseller of Intex Mobile Handsets in Nepal, has launched five new models: IN- 777 3G Gold, IN-1010 Neo, IN-007 Maxima, IN-001 Hot Spot and IN- 5030 E Tri-Do.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised reseller of Colors Mobile in Nepal, has launched a new mobile handset ‘Fighter F-35’. The handset comes with 1.3 megapixel camera and a oneyear warranty. It has also launched ‘Fighter F-18’ which comes with a dual sim facility.</p>
<p>
	Pashupati Development Bank Ltd has launched its SMS services. Under this service, the customers’ banking transaction status on deposits and withdrawals will be conveyed through SMS on their mobile phone numbers.</p>
<p>
	NMB Bank Limited has opened a new branch in Birgunj which was inaugurated by its Chairman Pawan Golyan. With this, the bank now has 19 branches and 15 ATM counters.</p>
<p>
	H e a l t h c a r e Technologies, the authorised reseller of Micro Life in Nepal, has launched Digital Weight Scale. The ‘W50’ model can weigh body weight up to 150 kilograms and show it via digital display.</p>
<p>
	V i r g i n Mobile has l a u n c h e d one Acer and two Dell Inspiron n411z laptops in the market. The 500 GB and 750 GB Dell laptops are priced at Rs 70,900 and Rs 80,900 respectively while the 750 GB Acer Laptop costs Rs 79,000.</p>
<p>
	S u n d h a r a , Kathmandubased Civil Mall has l a u n c h e d ‘4th Floor Shopping Hungama’ gift scheme for its customers. The scheme is targeted at boosting sales during the winter season.</p>
<p>
	S a g a r m a t h a Merchant Banking &amp; Finance Limited has launched Piggy (Khutruke) Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts. Piggy Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts respectively offer 13.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent interest annually.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Community Development Bank has opened a new branch in Chitwan. Located in Sauraha Chowk, this is the bank’s second branch.</p>
<p>
	Media Space Solution has established digital display screens in all the five branches of Bhat Bhateni supermarket. A total of 15 electronic screens have been put in these stores.</p>
<p>
	Shangri-La Development Bank Ltd has launched locker services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	The bank caters to over 40,000 customers in Pokhara, Butwal, Hetauda, Baglung, Dulegaunda and Narayangarh.</p>
<p>
	Rathi Group Nepal, in association with Oppel Lighting Company of China, has launched ‘Rathi Oppel CFL’ in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	Gandaki Bikas Bank Ltd has launched a new branch in Damauli. With this, the bank now has 12 branches.</p>
<p>
	N I D C Development Bank Limited has launched ATM services from its P o k h a r a branch. The ATM counter was inaugurated by Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Saurabh P h o t o International has launched a new series of Konka LED TVs. Based on innovative vision technology, Konka LED TVs are available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches.</p>
<p>
	Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Tata Vehicles in Nepal, has extended its ‘Mega Xchange’ scheme to Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dharan. T h e scheme g i v e s motorbike owners an opportunity to exchange their motorcycles with Tata Nano car.</p>
<p>
	S G Global Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Sharp Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new refrigerator from Sharp’s ‘Grand Series’ in the market. The refrigerator is available in 165 and 180 litres capacity.</p>
<p>
	Citizens B a n k International Limited has launched ‘Citizens Kosheli Deposit Scheme’ in the market. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 15.04 per cent.</p>
<p>
	Om Finance Limited has launched ‘Om Double Deposit’ scheme for its customers. Under this scheme, the depositors will get their deposits doubled in five-and-a-half years’ time.</p>
<p>
	Nepali footwear brand Shikhar Shoes has launched four new ‘Winter Shoes’ models for the winter season. These Sports and Casual Shoes come in three different colours.</p>
<p>
	Akhil Trading C o n c e r n , a u t h o r i s e d reseller of products from Evyap – a Turkey based brand, has launched around 12 dozen Evyap products in the market.</p>
<p>
	Ace Development Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Kaushaltar in Bhaktapur. The branch offers services such as ABBS, ATM, Mobile Banking and Internet Banking among others.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of G’Five Mobiles in Nepal, has launched four new mobile handsets. The new models are ‘L-229’, ‘U-226’, ‘V-101M’ and ‘G-20’.</p>
<p>
	Gupta Trading House, authorised reseller of Orion Mobiles in Nepal, has launched two new mobile handsets. ‘E-210’ and ‘E-925’ are priced Rs 2,450 and Rs 4,350 respectively.</p>
<p>
	Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Komatsu Generators in Nepal, has launched three new generators from its ‘EGS series’.</p>
<p>
	National Life I n s u r a n c e Company Limited has launched ‘Dampatti Amrit Sabdhik life Insurance Scheme’. It involves a married couple in a single insurance scheme which allows both the husband and wife to have equal rights.</p>
<p>
	Clean Energy Development Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Salleri in Solukhumbu. With this, the bank now has 8 branches.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited launched its 29th branch along with an ATM facility at Baitadi. The branch was inaugurated by the bank’s Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal.</p>
<p>
	Constant Business Group has launched Shubha Motors (Proton Showroom) at Naxal, Sano Gaucharan in Kathmandu. The Malaysian Chief De Affair Fadli Adilah inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	CG Exim (Nepal) Pvt Ltd, a part of Chaudhary Group, has launched Matrix alcohol free energy drink. Available in 250 ml can, Matrix energy drink is price at Rs 50.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce (NCC) Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Attaria in Kailali. The bank’s 19th branch was inaugurated by Kailali CDO Kailash Kumar Bajimaya.</p>
<p>
	Generation Next Communication Pvt Ltd, the authorized distributor of Dell launched its new model Inspiron 114z, also known as Shakira. The laptop has i-5 processor, 4 GB and 8 GB RAM with 500 and 750 GB storage capacity and battery life of 9 hours.</p>
<p>
	Mega Bank Nepal Ltd has launched a new savings deposit scheme called ‘Mega Young Star Savings Account’ targeting children aged below 16 years. The minimum balance requirement for this scheme is Rs. 1,000 and it offers interest rate of 10% per annum payable quarterly.</p>
<p>
	The Nokia 500, an entry level touch screen smartphone is launched in the market. It features Nokia’s fastest processor to date, a 5MP camera, music player, GPS, latest Symbian Anna OS among others. The Nokia 500 is available in the market at MRP Rs. 19,550 .</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank has opened its third branch at Lions Chowk, Narayanghad. The bank will also have its own ATM in the branch.</p>
<p>
	Pradip Man Baidya, Chairman of the bank inaugurated the branch. Biratlaxmi Development Bank Limited has opened its 13th branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district. Prabhu Prasad Parajuli, CEO of the bank inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	NCC Bank has opened its new branch in Dipayal of Doti district. This is the bank’s 21st branch. C h i e f J u s t i c e of Doti, Dipak Raj Joshi inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, authorised distributor of Blackberry mobiles for Nepal has launched Blackberry Torch 9860 in the market. This smartphone has 720 HD video recording capability, 768 MB RAM, 32 GB storage and other latest features. Its market price is Rs 56,700. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '574',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Hello To Ring Nationwide',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal. CEO of the company, C Mani Chaulagain said the technical preparations necessary for the service expansion is underway. The company is currently providing GSM mobile telephony under the brand name Hello Mobile in mid-western region.</p>
<p>
	Though it has been providing its services in rural areas, it is expanding to urban areas too. Chaulagain said the company will soon begin the works on second and third phase of network expansion. Till date it has offered services in 273 Village Development Committees of 16 districts. </p>
<p>
	The company was given license with the condition to provide services in 237 VDCs before expanding to rest of the country. The company is in the procedure to import necessary equipment for the expansion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '477',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '573',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CG To Produce Cement In India And Sri Lanka',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Ch a u d h a r y&nbsp;<img align="right" alt="chaudhary group" border="5" height="40" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cg.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /> Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India. Though CG has expanded its ventures in almost a dozen countries, this is the first time the group is setting up cement factories abroad. </p>
<p>
	CG will be establishing industry in Sri Lanka in jointventure with the local private sector partners while talks are ongoing to decide whether to take local or foreign partner, informed Rebant Dhakal, Deputy General Manager of CG’s Corporate Affairs Department. The plan is to set up the plants in Jaffna of Sri Lanka and Guwahati of India. </p>
<p>
	According to a source at CG, the procedure of establishing these factories began two years ago and it was delayed because of the time consumed in garnering support from the local communities and associations. According to Dhakal, preliminary studies for establishing the factories in both the countries have been completed. However, the size of the factories and investment are yet to be finalised.</p>
<p>
	The proposed sites have limestone deposits enough for producing cement for 80 years. Investment in these factories will be made through CG’s associate companies outside Nepal as Nepal law prohibits Nepali companies to directly invest in other countries. CG is also planning to set up cement factories in Nawalparasi and Palpa districts within Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ch a u d h a r y chaudhary group Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India',
			'sortorder' => '476',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '572',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Dragon Air Announces Onboard Shopping Bonanza',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales. The airline’s press statement reads “We are glad to introduce the latest lucky draw promotion to enhance passengers’ shopping experience.”</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="dragon air announces" border="5" height="83" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dragon.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	According to the statement, from October to December, for every HK$ 500 purchase on in-flight sales or home delivery products, passengers will get a lucky draw card for a chance to win a Sony BRAVIA LED 3D idTV and a Sony Blu-ray Home Theatre System worth more than HK$60,000. The airline, in the fourth quarter has introduced more than 110 new items for sales onboard and home delivery, giving a total of over 280 products for passengers to choose from. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales.',
			'sortorder' => '475',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '571',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Demak Announces Malaysia Trip Winner',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="agni presents the prize" border="5" height="150" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghumna.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize winner for its festival offer, “Demak Dashain/Tihar Sidhai Cash- Just Relax Offer”. Tsering Sherpa of Jorpati and Danfe Yuba Club of Jajarkot won trip to Malaysia. For every purchase of Demak DMX-R bike the buyer received Rs 10,000 cash discount and a chance for two to win trip to Malaysia as bumper prize. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize',
			'sortorder' => '474',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '570',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Cosmos Eastern To Begin Production After Mid- March',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012. Construction at the 300 metric tonnes a day factory has almost completed, according to Pradip Jung Pandey, the Chairman of Lomus Group and one of the major investors in the cement factory. He said Rs 150 million is invested in the factory located at Hattimudha of Biratnagar. </p>
<p>
	The factory too will produce Tej brand of cement that is being produced by Cosmos Cement in Janakpur. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012',
			'sortorder' => '473',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	)
)
$current_user = null
$logged_in = false
$xml = false
include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117

Warning (2): simplexml_load_file() [<a href='http://php.net/function.simplexml-load-file'>function.simplexml-load-file</a>]: I/O warning : failed to load external entity &quot;&quot; [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133]
Code Context
  //  $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/subindexdata.xml';



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$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
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$articles = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '585',
			'article_category_id' => '52',
			'title' => 'The Hydropower Politics',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="editor" border="1" height="224" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/editor2.jpg" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Nepal still lives by dream of developing its hydropower to the fullest potentials so that it could not only meet own energy needs but also export a substantial amount of power produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with India. It has been at least five and half decades (since the planned development began here in 1956) we are following this mirage of commercially harnessing our literally limitless potentials of water resources. Nepal may have moved an inch but surely not a foot to this direction. And, worse, there is not a single large project in pipeline that could complete in, say, five years from now.</p>
<p>
	Talking about large projects, Upper Karnali (800 MW) and West Seti (750 MW) are in recent limelight. But the proposed promoter of Upper Karnali, the Indian energy major GMR is still apprehensive about the security it would get from the state to implement the project. The story of West Seti a reservoir based proposed project, is circling around for last one decade when Australian company SMEC came in and went out without making much headway in the project. Recently, the Chinese promoter of legendary Three Gorges Dam project has reportedly shown a renewed interest in it. But, things are not likely to move much differently than in the past. It is because Nepali water resources, hydropower in particular, is by now no longer an investment or commercial proposition alone, rather it has become a true game of politics, at both national and international levels.</p>
<p>
	At the national level, a misconstrued nationalism has always been a real impediment to the development and growth of this sector. It is natural to seek to maximise the benefit for the nation while developing the project with bilateral or multilateral partnerships, but it is entirely an weird approach to prevent the very construction of the project defining the nationalism attached to it at a convenience of a vested interest group.</p>
<p>
	Every Nepali party with communist tag has done this politics. The Mohan Vaidya faction of UCPN-Maoist is the latest incarnation of a force dying to protect nationalism by creating hurdles to not only Upper Karnali but also Upper Marsyangdi. The government issuing statement of assurances of security appears absolute farce at the face of what is evident at the site. At the international levels, for both of our neighbours India and China, Nepal's development is also part of regional geopolitics. There are instances, like in Kohalpur-Banbasa part of east-west highway, where one party did not like the involvement of the other in any particular project. Even the expression of interest by a party to develop a certain project causes the other party smell a rat.</p>
<p>
	Therefore, any proposition is difficult to materialise on the ground. It is particularly so when the projects, like West Seti, to be developed by China with plans to export its major portion of power-produced to Indian states adjoining Nepal. To sum up, the dark days in hydropower will only end when it is started to be viewed as pure business sans politics at the national level and sans geopolitics at regional level. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal still lives by dream of developing its
hydropower to the fullest potentials so that
it could not only meet own energy needs but
also export a substantial amount of power
produced; to help maintain the trade balance, primarily with
India.',
			'sortorder' => '487',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 1 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '584',
			'article_category_id' => '47',
			'title' => 'Businessman By Destiny',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="left" alt="personality" border="1" height="214" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/hero1.jpg" style="width: 181px; height: 214px;margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="5" width="181" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The entire business community is yearning for a favourable investment climate. Each and every business house and enterprise is waiting for the moment that is unlikely to arrive anytime soon. Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, one of the largest business houses of Nepal, is not pessimistic though about the situation but prefers to play it safe like his peers in the business community. He says he is not so comfortable in venturing into new projects and making any significant moves other than keeping the current ventures alive.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The conglomerate has interests in manufacturing and trading of industrial goods to consumer durables and nondurables. The journey of Sharda Group began with garment trading almost 100 years ago. Real success of the group began after Sharda’s great grandfather established a rice mill at Lahan in 1948. The success of the company began with this very business. Sharda has been involved in the family business since his 18th birthday. Being the eldest son in the family, he has given his all to take the family business ahead. Today, the group has an annual turnover of more than US $ 150 million.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Pioneer Carpet Industries, Shangrila Housing, Bajra Shangrila Residency, Infratech and Shivam Cement Industries are some of the companies Sharda oversees that are either established by him individually or under joint ventures. Born in an industrial family, doing business was in his blood and during his school days, he dreamt of having his own business.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><img align="middle" alt="personality" border="5" height="243" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/1stof.jpg" style="margin:10px;padding:10px;" vspace="4" width="300" /></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">A television set used to be the object of desire those days, he says. So, I wanted to import and sell gadgets like TVs and VCRs, he adds. Sharda was pursuing his college degree in Kolkata when he had to return back to Nepal since his father was unwell. His brothers were young and studying abroad. So, being the eldest son, he had the responsibility to take care of his father and the business. Sharda successfully took up the responsibilities on his shoulders and became occupied. In the bargain, he could not pursue his education further than the bachelor level. Sharda began his career as a business person in the early 1990s.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">The lucrative returns from carpet trading lured him to indulge further in the trade. He says the returns and travel opportunities created by carpet trading made him choose this sector. His first venture, now named Pioneer Carpet Industries, was a success for young Sharda as the carpet industry was booming and its export was at the peak. He claims, I became one of the largest exporters in Nepal and was felicitated with numerous awards by the government including Commercially Important Person within seven to eight years. His success in carpet trading inspired him to venture into many other businesses in the future. After Pioneer Carpets, he started importing reconditioned cars from Japan in 1994 which, unfortunately, did not yield profits to him. “I believe in destiny and I thought it was not meant for me so I dropped the project,' he admits nonchalantly. Sharda prefers joint ventures. He explains, You cannot think and do everything on your own. It's good to have likeminded people with whom you can share your ideas and visions and produce something great.'In partnership with his close friends, he has set up housing projects like Shangrila Housing and Bajra Shangrila and the largest cement industry of Nepal, Shivam Cement, which is soon going to begin operations.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Living in a joint family where every member is passionate about business, decisions are made jointly. He says, 'Nobody decides alone in our family, we talk to each other, share ideas and discuss in detail before reaching any decision.' Sharda believes that the business focus should be on ensuring a good turnover. He suggests that an aggressive attitude does help achieve business goals. 'Where there is an opportunity for profit, there will be a chance of making loss too,' he says. Sharda recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to be practical and believes everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and by setting a clear goal. According to him, there are no alternatives to sincerity, honesty and punctuality which are essential for registering success.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Even though success in any business is determined by profit and turnover, he opines that success is not only about making a huge amount of money. He philosophises, 'Success is also about giving back to the people in the society in the form of employment or offering them the best products and services with honesty and sincerity. There are so many other things that are much valuable than money itself.' Sharda trusts his colleagues much and believes in assigning appropriate roles to people working with him. He maintains a close relationship with his employees and keeps himself updated about everything. 'I talk to each person every day, talk to the team leaders and get reports and feedback,' he tells. He likes to maintain a distance between his personal and professional lives. He spends around nine hours for his work and prefers to have after hours and weekends for his family and kids. 'I have two wonderful children and it is good to see them growing up. The moments I spend with my family are more fun than my work but business is my profession and I love running it, he proudly states. He also loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, watch movies and attend parties when possible.</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Likewise, he likes to travel and considers himself fortunate to have travelled many countries for his vacations and business trips. Sharda is also involved in philanthropy and is an active member of Kathmandu Metro Round Table 4, an international organisation. Our slogan is Freedom through education and we build school buildings in various parts of Nepal as well as sponsor needy children through fund raising,” he says.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;">Personal side<br />
	</span></p>
<ul>
	<li>
		&nbsp; Loves motorsports- had won a rally in the mid 1990s</li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Fond of cars -changes around six cars in a year</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Currently drivesL a n d R o v e r Freelander 2</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Loves travelling</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not particularly health conscious</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Not interested in reading and writing</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Prefers casual wear like jeans and tee shirts</span></li>
	<li>
		<span style="font-size: 12px;">&nbsp; Brand conscious<br />
		</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
	<span style="font-size: 12px;">Sharda is keenly waiting for the business and investment climate to become favourable and wishes that the current slowdown in the business sector would get over soon. I am not currently happy with the pace this sector is moving at, he expresses his displeasure. He is on a wait and watch mode and does not have any new projects lined up in the foreseeable future. Doing business is a very challenging proposition at the moment so I am just giving continuity to my current ventures, he shares. He dreams of achieving the kind of success which he thinks he has not tasted yet. And that's precisely why he prays for a suitable business environment as soon as possible.&nbsp; <br />
	</span></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, believes he was
destined to be a businessperson being born in one of the oldest
business families of Nepal. Having a passion for business and
looking after almost half a dozen companies of his own, he believes
he is yet to attain success in the true sense.',
			'sortorder' => '486',
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	(int) 2 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '583',
			'article_category_id' => '48',
			'title' => 'Redawn Of PE Era',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="" border="1" height="136" hspace="5" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/comedy.jpg" style="width: 112px; height: 136px;" vspace="5" width="112" /></p>
<p>
	Except for one or two, all 36 public enterprises (PEs) of Nepal are in huge losses. Dairy Development Corp is already in milk which is rotting and stinking. The Gorakhkali Tyre has become flat. National flag carrier NAC, has lost the nose. (Nac in Nepali means nose). Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has already burnt the midnight oil. Nobody knows how ensured is Rastriya Beema Sansthan, the state-owned insurance company, as it its accounts are not audited for almost a decade.</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="no laughing matter" border="5" height="252" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/joke.jpg" vspace="1" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Should we talk about Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd. (KUKL)? Ordinary Nepali people get confused reading KUKL as it sounds like KAKAKUL which means a legendary bird that is always thirsty. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), that has monopoly on power trade is running in loss as it is busy in trading power at political circles than in power circuits.</p>
<p>
	So far Nepal Telecom is proving itself one exception as it is still in profit. However, it too has started trembling after the entry of a heavyweight competitor in the form of Ncell. Then there is a cigarette company PE which is blowing in the air. Similalry, the two cement PEs are all set to kick the dust.</p>
<p>
	But the government is determined to continue keeping these enterprises by funneling money they need to survive. The vowed purpose is evident. The political parties who run the governemnt in turn are in fact waging employment revolution in the country by appointing their cadres to various positions in the PEs. In doing so, the parties have effected another revolution: they have waived the traditional and thus regressive criteria of education and experience to get a job in these PEs. Only one criterion that needs to be fulfilled is that one must be a blind-supporter of the political party in power. So, one eighth-grader runs NAC and a head clerk is recently made GM in National Trading Ltd.</p>
<p>
	All these great things have been possible only because of our revolutionary Prime Minister. As it became clear that his party cadres are no more going to get salary from the government coffer, he was quick to place many of them in the PEs as well as private sector corporate houses. Our PM had announced his determination to develop the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he was the Finance Minister some years back. According to his philosophy, you can develop the country by hook or by crook. And for Nepal he has picked-up only the latter part of the model i.e. by crook or crooked ideas.</p>
<p>
	To develop an economy you should first open factories or firms and create employment. For that you need to import machines and raw materials and construct roads and buildings. For that you need a lot of money. Since the Nepali government does not have any money left after paying the party cadres in any possible pretext, the government has adopted this short-cut route to development through PE, just as a replica of Panchayat hay-days under King Mahendra.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-16',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Our PM had announced his determination to develop
the country very fast with a leap-frogging pace, when he
was the Finance Minister some years back.',
			'sortorder' => '485',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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	(int) 3 => array(
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			'id' => '582',
			'article_category_id' => '45',
			'title' => 'Corporate Movements December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Newcomers<br />
	</strong><br />
	</span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Shashi Giri</strong> has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Sachin Shrestha</strong> has joined Bottlers Nepal Ltd as Country Marketing Manager. Earlier, he was Head of Branch and Activation Department at Unilever Nepal Pvt. Ltd.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Mesut Zeyton</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Managing Director. Earlier, he was Manager at Istanbul Restaurant, Istanbul, Turkey.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bishal Budhathoki</strong> has joined Istanbul Doner as Turkish Chef. Earlier, he was Junior Chef at Ribbon Restaurant, Kathmandu. Promotion Vivek Jha has been promoted as General Manger at NLIC. Earlier, he was Senior Deputy General Manger there.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Re-Joined<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Dinesh Thakali</strong> has re-joined Shangri-la Development Bank as Deputy General Manager. He had previously worked with the bank as Senior Manager.<br />
	<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Appointed<br />
	<br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Pradeep Jung Pandey </strong>has been appointed the Chairman of Citizens Bank International Limited. He has been involved with the bank since its inception as part of the Board of Directors.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Government Appointments<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Tej Bahadur Budhathoki</strong> has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Agricultural Development Bank Limited. Earlier, he worked at the bank for 28 years and took voluntary retirement last year.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Radhesh Pant </strong>has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board. He is currently the CEO of Kumari Bank.</p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:14px;">Resigned<br />
	<br />
	</span></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Deependra Nath Sharma</strong> has resigned as the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority.<br />
	 </p>
<p>
	<strong>Bidyadhar Mallick has</strong> resigned as the Vice Chairman of Poverty Alleviation Fund.&nbsp; <br />
	<br />
	 </p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Shashi Giri has joined Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd as Senior Manager – Sales. Earlier, he was Deputy Manager at Tractors Nepal Pvt Ltd.',
			'sortorder' => '484',
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	(int) 4 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '581',
			'article_category_id' => '57',
			'title' => 'Brand Loyalty',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="brand loyality" border="1" height="196" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/karki.jpg" vspace="10" width="150" /></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Sajag Karki<br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	Brand Loyalty depends upon several factors such as a product’s utility value, brand association, nostalgia and consumer behaviour. People have preferences from one brand over the other with similar product benefits.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="354" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/levis.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /> The Nepali populace too has started to become brand conscious and the presence of various multinational brands to choose from has made brand loyalists consume their favourite brands. Especially, the youngsters seem to be hooked to their favourite brands and cannot do without them. An example could be the Apple’s iphone with every other person aspiring to carry it. Gadgets such as laptops from Sony or mobile handsets from Nokia are similar examples. Clothing brands such as Levi’s, Benetton, Giordano and many others are popular among the brand conscious consumers in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	It may be worthwhile mentioning here that well known brands with high awareness levels are liked by people. Why an Apple computer lover does always wants the same brand over and over again? Brands that have been established over a long period of time have huge loyal following as the users of these brands have several positive associations with them. Several brands such as Vaseline, Dettol, Mercedes, and Surf etc have various nostalgic attachments in our minds that cannot be easily erased from our memory. These names have become generic over the years which depict the trust such brands have created. Personal care products such as close up, Sunsilk, Lux and Vaseline etc have become a part of our daily lives. We cannot imagine spending a normal day without some brands that are close to our hearts. It is quite tough for newer products competing to make a mark in the minds of consumers loyal to their respective brands. Convincing a consumer to use a new brand over established ones is extremely challenging and if accomplished, could be termed quite an achievement.</p>
<p>
	To understand brand loyalty, the consumer buying behaviour should also be considered. There are six stages in the buying process: trigger, consider, search, choose, buy and experience. Trigger is the first and most important process as this takes place when a consumer’s mind clicks for a need of a product. For example, a person may want a new phone that can browse the internet and help him with his work. After this, he starts considering whether to buy a new phone or to enhance the features in his current phone.<img align="right" alt="brand" border="1" height="211" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/apple(1).jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" />If he decides to buy a new phone, he enters the search stage where he explores the best option by doing an in depth analysis on product attributes, price and popularity. He then buys the brand he chose and finally experiences a sense of happiness if satisfied with the product he bought. This process works for all types of products and all demographics. Nonetheless, the duration of the consumer buying process varies upon the type of product and is different for a high involvement product such as a car, TV or a low involvement product like toothpaste, shampoo etc. Therefore, it is very important for a brand to at least be in the consideration set of its intended consumers. For this, the consumers must be aware of the brand and be able to recall it via regular communication mediums.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="brand" border="1" height="97" hspace="10" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/qfx.jpg" style="margin:10px; padding:10px;" vspace="10" width="300" /></p>
<p>
	Over time, companies have used smart strategies to retain and build brand loyalties. Some examples could be opening clubs and giving loyalty points for regular users. QFX Cinemas in Nepal has recently introduced a club card which can be used for online ticket reservation and it gives two free tickets with the purchase of every ten tickets to its members. Hence, the club card benefits regular movie goers as they get free tickets encouraging them to go exclusively to QFX Cinemas instead of any other movie theatre in town. Similarly, airline companies too offer frequent flyer points to regular flyers with which these flyers get free tickets and other facilities on flying a certain number of flights or miles. In Nepal, Yeti Airlines has introduced a club card that encourages its trusted clientele to fly more with the airline. Banks too offer club cards with bundle of packaged facilities such as discounts in selected shopping outlets, free ATM service and other ancillary benefits.</p>
<p>
	It certainly makes a lot of sense to become brand loyal and enjoy a host of benefits provided by companies who encourage brand loyalty!!! &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Over time,
companies have
used smart
strategies to
retain and build
brand loyalties.The presence
of various
multinational
brands to
choose from
has made
brand loyalists
consume their
favourite brands.',
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '580',
			'article_category_id' => '41',
			'title' => 'IFC Builds Farming Capacity In Nepal',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="sectorial" border="1" height="141" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sectorial1.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>By Oliver Ryan &amp; Anupa Pant</strong></p>
<p>
	The poultry sector in Nepal carries a value tag of USD 180 million and contributes 3.3 per cent to the country's GDP. Despite its significant contribution to the Nepali economy it bears a subdued profile; write Oliver Ryan and Anupa Pant.Nepal has some 50 feedmills producing 450000 tonnes of feed per annum for a production of around 50 million broilers per annum from 5000 broiler per annum from 5000 farms. Cobb 500 is the dominant breed.</p>
<p>
	The country is considered to be selfsufficient in poultry products and in poultry feeds although a significant proportion of the feed ingredients e.g. grains and protein meals are imported from India.The total direct employment in the organized commercial sector is estimated to be 70,000, and provides a livelihood to thousands of households. The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent per annum over the last decade.The Nepalese broiler industry is divided into three distinct sectors, namely feed, DOC supply and broiler grow-out as distinct to an integrated model common internationally. There is limited processing with 99 per cent of the birds sold live.</p>
<p>
	In May 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, reviewed the poultry industry in Nepal including a lead firm diagnostic, farmer/supplier diagnostic, benchmarking and institutional mapping. The results of the diagnostic highlighted that the current waste (inefficiency) in the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance. It is recognized that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler growout sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small in-efficient farmers. Grower farms are typically 1,000 birds with the largest at 150,000 birds. It is assumed that there are effectively 5,000 commercial farms in Nepal supplying 80 per cent of the birds</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;IFC identified the key barriers to improving the commercial broiler sector in Nepal as follows: while maize is available locally, protein meals, fishmeal, vitamins, minerals and addictives are imported from India. Adequate quantities of feed ingredients of acceptable quality (particularly dry maize) are often not available in local markets resulting in variable quality feeds, despite Nepal having some modern feedmills. Productivity of parent stock is generally poor and variable per flock.</p>
<p>
	Day old chick (DOC) prices are often high due to large cycles in broiler meat prices and DOC supply. DOC quality is regarded as the main problem by broiler growers and much of that is due to dehydration of DOC due to long delivery times of up to 48 hours. Boiler farmers do not understand the importance of bio-security and all-in, allout systems are often compromised. The lack of integration exacerbates this as farmers (wrongly) think multi-age flocks will improve cash flows.</p>
<p>
	There is a lack of access to technical knowledge and services. About 95 per cent of the poultry farmers do not have any formal training of farm management (biosecurity, housing and ventilation, feed and water management, livestock management and disease) and the service function from PS farms and feed mills is only now being developed. Oliver Ryan, an ex IFC Poultry Specialist, who undertook the industry diagnostic for IFC, stated that IFC's global knowledge of the poultry industry enabled it to identify key issues that needed addressing but more importantly could quantify and prioritise the benefits from the implementation of a corrective action plan and could assist the industry identify suitable specialists to assist with this. IFC strengthens sector To address the issues that are impacting the industry, IFC has launched a threeyear poultry supply chain strengthening project in Nepal. This project will assist three lead firms (covering two PS operations and two feedmills) and 3,000 poultry farmers.</p>
<p>
	The lead firms will have the capacity for supplying more than 40 per cent of Nepal's feed and some 30 per cent of the DOC demand. These lead firms have direct business relationships with feed/DOC agents nationwide. This relationship will be used to disseminate technical skills and services. Technical specialists in feed production, nutrition, livestock and disease have been contracted to assist the lead firms in improving their production efficiencies. The first two lead firms to join the project were Avinash Hatcheries, producers of Cobb 500 broilers and Hyline layer DOC's and ProbioTech Industries Limited (Nimbus), a major feedmiller. About 95 per cent of small-scale poultry entrepreneurs do not have any formal training on farm management. Sustaining profitably after two/three batches is a recurring challenge. We are happy to join hands with IFC to build a pool of trainers to provide services to poultry entrepreneurs, says Anand Bagaria, Managing Director, ProbioTech Industries Pvt Ltd. The project will train broiler growers in all aspects of broiler production through the employment and training of 12 local veterinarians. These veterinarians will then train 3,000broiler farmers over a period of three years, with the aim of directly impacting the management of 40 per cent of Nepal's broiler production. Lead firms will be used to arrange broiler farmer training sessions. </p>
<p>
	<br />
	There will be a gender specific outreach component of the project, as well as a dealer/retailer component (with focus on bird handling, waste management and food safety). The aim is to improve feed, DOC chick quality and grower performance to reduce mortality by two per cent and reduce FCR by 0.2:1 over the term of the project. The project performance will be measured by the improvement in liveability and FCR over a baseline performance that is being carefully established on a sample of farms and will be monitored by an independent assessor. It is recognised that the largest inefficiencies in the industry exist in the broiler grow-out sector, due to its structure and size, dominated by small farmers, said Brad Roberts, Operations Officer, IFC. IFC is providing support to enhance productivity and efficiency improvements for about 3,000 broiler farms. He said that the IFC's role in increasing industry capability was hopefully a forerunner to IFC assisting with project finance to a growing industry. ï</p>
<p>
	<br />
	<strong>(This article was published in Asian Poultry Magazine November/December 2011.)&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong><br />
	</strong></p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-09-17',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'The poultry sector has been growing at a rate of 10 per cent
per annum over the last decade.Current waste (ineffi ciency) in
the industry is calculated to be USD 32 million, if Nepal's
performance is compared to an achievable international benchmark performance.',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '579',
			'article_category_id' => '39',
			'title' => 'SG Global: Entering A New League',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<strong><img align="top" alt="corporate focus" border="5" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/corporate-focus3.jpg" style="width: 257px; height: 102px;" vspace="4" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>SG Global Pvt Ltd, established in August 2011, is a fully owned subsidiary of the well known Shanker Group, an industrial and trading conglomerate. It is the authorised distributor for Sharp Electronics (Japan) and Mahindra Two Wheelers (India) in Nepal. “We want to create a truly professional and multinational company in the sense how we work,” says Akhil Gupta, Director of SG Global Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Our desire is to run the company in a professional manner and let that environment accomplish for our employees, customers and associates.”</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Even though Shanker Group was an established trading conglomerate involved in trading of popular brands such as Konka Electronics and Force Electronics, SG Global was conceived as a trading and representation wing of the group to pursue trading of worldwide brands in a more aggressive manner. Gupta says that each product has a certain way of getting advertised. He observes that while commercial advertising is good for electronic products, it’s BTL (below the line) activities that work better for two wheelers. He explains, “For two wheelers, commercial advertising can only create awareness. We have to eventually bank on BTL activities for the pull factor.”</strong></p>
<p>
	After studying the Nepali market over a period of time and realising the potential for two wheelers, SG Global plunged into the market following a deal with Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited. “We were impressed with the growth trend for two wheelers in Nepal with economic condition of the people in the country improving considerably,” justifies Gupta. He presents the statistics, “A total of 129,000 two wheelers were sold in the Nepali market last year out of which 21,000 were scooters. This spurred us to sell Mahindra scooters – already popular in the Indian market – in Nepal.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Human Resource <img align="right" alt="corporate focus" border="5" height="192" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/director.jpg" vspace="1" width="150" /><br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	The company has 70 employees on its payroll with its workforce spread across its corporate office at Tinkune, Sharp showroom at Naxal and the two showrooms of Mahindra Two Wheelers at Teku Road and Naxal. Mahindra showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal are spread over 4,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft respectively. Gupta believes that everyone in the company is a decision maker in his or her own right. He elaborates, “We have this culture of inculcating a sense of responsibility in everyone who is part of the company. I am confident that a sense of ownership among employees certainly helps the fortunes of a business enterprise in the long run.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Akhil Gupta:-Director</strong></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>
	With its modern sales and service infrastructure in place, SG Global promises to offer customers a world class buying and ownership experience. It has kick started operations with 14 dealers across Nepal and plans to expand its network by adding another 78 dealers across 72 towns of Nepal within a year’s span.&nbsp; Six out of these 78 dealers will be appointed at strategic locations within the valley including at Balaju, Kalanki, New Baneshwor, Bhaktapur and Boudha. “All these dealers will have well equipped 3S (sales, service and spares) set ups at their respective locations,” Gupta asserts.</p>
<p>
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Sharp Electronics</strong></span></p>
<p>
	SG Global — the authorised distributor of Sharp Electronics in Nepal — has its Sharp Showroom in Naxal, Kathmandu with a view to offer original and high-tech electronic home appliances to Nepali customers. <img align="right" alt="sharp electonics" border="2" height="138" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/sharp.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" />Sharp, a renowned and popular Japanese brand has been ruling the roost not only in its home country but also across the world. The showroom showcases a wide range of Sharp products including Audio Visual products such as Box TV, LCD and LED TVs, DVD and Home Theatre. While its Home Appliances include Microwave Ovens, Vacuum Cleaners, Washing Machines, Air Purifiers and Refrigerators, it also has Small Appliances such as Rice Cookers, Jars and Pots.</p>
<p>
	<strong>Competition</strong></p>
<p>
	Since Mahindra Two Wheelers is a relatively new brand in Nepal, SG Global is looking to establish the brand first. It is in direct competition with Honda and Hero Honda, the other scooter marketers in Nepal. Gupta enthuses confidence though, “Our products are unique and we are certain that we can pull it off having a strong team which knows how to compete.”</p>
<p>
	<strong>Future Plans</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global is on its way to consolidate the existing business, says Gupta, “Sharp and Mahindra Two Wheelers are both very strong brands so it makes our job a bit easier.” He, however, reiterates that the company’s current business model requires consolidation over the next couple of years. He also says that, meanwhile, he is open to other business opportunities that might come his way but more importantly, businesses that suit the market dynamics. The company has kept itself a reasonable target of selling 3,000 scooters within the remaining period of the current fiscal year. Given the scooters’ popularity and customers’ attraction towards the brand, it’s already expecting to reach the figure of 5,000 scooters during the same period; it is selling 25 scooters on an average each day. “The day we feel we have built a company which stands for the purpose of its establishment and implemented the system in our own unique way, we would consider our mission accomplished,” Gupta signs off on a positive note.</p>
<p>
	<strong>SWOT Analysis</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>Strengths</strong>&nbsp; Strong Brands and Infrastructure&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Flagship Service Centre covering 6,000 sq ft coming up at Naxal</p>
<p>
	<strong>Weaknesses&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
	Competitive Market (Pricing, Market Share) Opportunities</p>
<p>
	Growing Market for Scooters</p>
<p>
	Urbanisation Threats</p>
<p>
	Being a new entrant</p>
<p>
	Inexperience in Two Wheeler business</p>
<p>
	<strong>Mahindra Two Wheelers</strong></p>
<p>
	SG Global was appointed the authorised distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers for Nepal in November this year. Its two showrooms at Teku Road and Naxal in Kathmandu sell three Mahindra Two Wheeler products – Rodeo, Flyte and Duro. These scooters are priced at Rs 159,900, Rs 151,900 and Rs 145,900 respectively. The products will also be sold through the dealers appointed by the previous distributor of Mahindra Two Wheelers. The scooters have already been in the market for a year before there was a change of hands in distributorship. Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Research and Development (R &amp; D) wing is ceaselessly working on motorcycles which are the largest segment of the two wheeler market in Nepal. It promises to soon expand its product line by offering motorcycles as well. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-02-22',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'SG Global
promises to
offer customers
a world class
buying and
ownership
experience.',
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '578',
			'article_category_id' => '38',
			'title' => 'Compensation And Benefits: A Sensitive HRM Practice',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="left" alt="management" border="5" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage.jpg" style="width: 161px; height: 151px;" vspace="1" />In today’s competitive skills market scenario, businesses are required to adopt special care on compensation and benefits for its people resources. The time has expressed its demand for strategic compensation system against a traditional one. Compensation provided to employees can be in the form of cash benefits or nonmonetary benefits. It is the sum of total rewards and benefits extended in return for their contribution to businesses. If compensation issues are managed effectively, it results in enhanced productivity. An employee does not work only for monetary benefit; however, the financial consideration remains one of the most important key for their working. The complete clarity of processes in compensation and benefits is crucial in view of unbiased decision process as well acceptance thereof. </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits means a cost to the management they are ready to pay for the services of an individual employee where as for an employee, it is an income against sales of their services to a buyer/organisation. Evolving a scientific compensation and benefit structure involves: government legislations and policies, supply and demand scenario in skills market, comparative study within an industry/business, productivity, labour cost and ability to pay etc. A true pay for performance supports productivity enhancement and talent retention. At the same time, it is also a fact that compensation management is not just a means to attract and retain skills; it rather leverages sustaining of competitive advantage for both (employer and employee) through integration processes that result in optimal achievements. Compensation and benefits plays a vital role in people management thus this belongs to the most specialised areas within human resources management (HRM). It deals with controlling and managing rules/policy/ procedures around guaranteed pay, variable pay and benefits etc to the most important resources of an organisation, that is, skills.<img align="right" alt="management" border="5" height="132" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/manage2.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	 </p>
<p>
	Compensation and benefits is one of the important functions inside HRM that connects with the competitors in the market and develops compensation policies that are fully competitive in the skills market. In the current context, compensation systems are designed in alignment to business goals and overall organisational strategies. Thus, compensation strategies are also aligned with the business goals and objectives. The human resources strategies derived from overall business strategies sets the path way and objective for the human resources function that compensation and benefits strategies requires to follow. It cannot differ from one another in any circumstances to guarantee full alignment which is most essential for no-conflict environment. The compensation and benefits strategy becomes the guiding factor in setting up general rules for the compensation and benefits area in an organisation. It is recognised as the most important part of HRM focused solely on employees’ rewards and benefits policy making. </p>
<p>
	The recent compensation and benefits theories have divided compensation and benefits into four key categories:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Guaranteed Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on their availability, that is, a certain sum for a fixed period of time but not linked to performance or productivity. It is also known as time wage and basic pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Variable Pay</strong>: Monetary/cash payment paid to employees based on performance or result achieved, that is, normally based on analysis or past performance establishing average performance of a particular standard of workmanship. Sales incentive, productivity incentive, performance bonus etc are some examples. It is also known as progressive piece pay package.</p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Benefits</strong>: Monetary/cash and/or nonmonetary facilities to supplement employees namely insurance, mobilisation, leave travel assistance, time-off payment, tips, communication facilities, statutory holidays and leave, house rent and special allowances, retirement and post retirement benefits etc.</p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Equity</strong>: This is a pay plan that uses the employers’ share as compensation to employees in the form of a stock option for them. This is not common in our part of the world though the objectives of this category plan are talent attraction and retention and alignment of interests (of employees and shareowners). In essence, compensation is a reward or payment paid to an employee in return for their contribution to a business. The role of various components of the reward is very important as the role of different components differ from one another, for example, dearness allowance is to compensate, console or provide support on account of the cost of living whereas performance bonus, incentive and sales incentive are for better people productivity. A sound compensation and benefits systems aims to:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Attract and retain the talent</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Pay for the job instead of the position</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Reward the effort and merit</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Enhance people productivity, and e. Promote organisational flexibility</strong></p>
<p>
	Hence, the compensation and benefits strategy requires full support from the top management as it describes limits to the organisational routine, especially for line management. Normally, they do not get convinced with the philosophies considered while determining this strategy.</p>
<p>
	Further, it is an unavoidable fact that compensation is an important factor for people while accepting a job/employment. There are obvious challenges in the areas of retaining desired talents and offering competitive salary, wages and benefits becomes the most essential necessity. At the same time, organisations must also market their strengths in terms of their offering of positive relationships and varied challenges in job offerings. Organisations are desired to fully leverage their people resources to sustain competitive position through integration of processes, programmes and information to achieve optimal expectations. Compensation and benefits are mainly influenced by two types of elements:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. Internal</strong>: Business objectives, trade unions, employee equity, organisational values, culture and structures are important internal influencers; and</p>
<p>
	<strong>b. External</strong>: Inflation, skills market, economy, taxation and relevant industry trends are key external influencers. While on review process, it would be eminent to have information on the total compensation and benefits packages inclusive of retirement or post retirement benefits for better comparison that leads to an effective and efficient decision process. One also needs to consider:</p>
<p>
	<strong>a. More than one source of information</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>b. Competitors to whom skills are lost (who left the organisation)</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>c. Salary positioning</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>d. Expected reinforcement of desirable behaviour</strong></p>
<p>
	<strong>e. Mark of recognition <br />
	</strong></p>
<p>
	To conclude, it is advisable to establish direct relation of individual goals with corporate business objectives. This will make employees realise that the fulfillment of employees’ aspirations lies in the achievement of organisational expectations. This, being the most sensitive aspect of people management, one must remember that employees know and very clearly understand the aspects of performance contributing towards the compensation factor. It would also be advantageous to clarify each individual employee about the contribution of abilities and efforts to high performance level along with its quantification. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Compensation
systems are
designed in
alignment to
business goals
and overall
organisational
strategies.(Dr Karna is the
Executive Chairman
of MARK Business
Solutions Pvt Ltd and
Ad Abhyas Marketing
& Communications
Pvt Ltd. The article
is based on various
research reports and his
practical experiences
as management
practitioner.)',
			'sortorder' => '480',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '576',
			'article_category_id' => '31',
			'title' => 'We Will Continue To Focus On The Wireless Segment',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="linda tan" border="8" height="421" hspace="4" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/linda.jpg" vspace="4" width="300" /><br />
	<span style="font-size:14px;"><u><strong>Linda Tan<br />
	</strong></u></span></p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you view the Nepali market for TRENDnet products?</strong></p>
<p>
	This market has great potentials in both consumer as well as corporate market segments as the use of Internet is growing in Nepal. We can see that people here are reasonably exposed to IT and want to use such products for home and office purposes.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How are your products doing in the markets in other countries?</strong></p>
<p>
	We are quite strong in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In the coming months, we will be launching our new products in other Asian countries too. Once we do that, we expect further growth in our market share in the region. This year, we are expecting more than 60 per cent sales growth in Asia while in Europe, we expect to grow at 15-20 per cent. Though all these markets have products from other brands as well, we believe we can compete with them given our strength and our range of products.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How tough is the competition for your products? What is your strategy to face the competition?</strong></p>
<p>
	Competition is there in every market. I see good potential for TRENDnet products because it offers reliable products such as the 450 Mbps wireless router. Other players in the market have similar products but they don’t have a complete line of products when compared to TRENDnet. The beauty of TRENDnet is that we offer a complete range of products. We have consumer level as well as high end advanced products. In both consumer and high end markets, we have products suitable for every need. Our complete line of high quality and affordable networking solutions for personal and corporate users can definitely face the competition successfully. There is a growing demand for Internet use in Nepal.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How do you think your products can fulfi ll this demand?</strong></p>
<p>
	We have various wireless products that support high speed and latest Internet technologies and meet the needs of personal as well as corporate users. We will continue to focus on the wireless segment by adding new product ranges. Our target is to figure among the top five networking brands in Nepal within two years with our complete range of networking solutions.</p>
<p>
	<strong>How is the market prospect for your products like security cameras in Nepal?</strong></p>
<p>
	The market for Internet and security cameras will be increasing immensely in the market here because security is the major concern for any organisation. Corporate entities like hotels and business houses can use it for surveillance purpose. An Internet camera is more convenient than CCTV. With this, you can see what is happening in your office from anywhere in the world if you have Internet connection. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-10-31',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Linda Tan is the International Business Development Manager for TRENDnet, an award winning global brand for networking products.
The company is based in Torrance, California and has its branches spread across all the continents. Its products are sold in over 
125 countries. In Nepal, the company has partnered with Marigold IT Solutions Pvt Ltd which will distribute a complete range of TRENDnet products throughout the country. Tan was in Kathmandu recently for signing the deal with Marigold and launching TRENDnet products in Nepal. In an interview with New Business Age, Tan shared her views on Nepal as a market for
TRENDnet products. Excerpts',
			'sortorder' => '479',
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '575',
			'article_category_id' => '56',
			'title' => 'Biz Launches December 2011',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.</p>
<p>
	T e l e t a l k Private limited has launched Spice M-4262 and M-5115 models in the market. M-4262 is a multi-sim phone with features like 4.5 cm screen, expandable memory up to 4 GB, audio video player, FM radio, powerful battery, torch and speaker phone. Similarly, 5515 has features like camera, audio video player, stereo Bluetooth, 1000 MAh battery and 4.5cm screen with expandable memory up to 4GB. The models are priced Rs 2275 and Rs 2750 respectively.</p>
<p>
	M a h i n d r a Two Wheelers Limited has u n v e i l e d three Mahindra scooters namely Rodeo, Flyte and Duro in the Nepali market. The scooters have powerful 125 cc engine and features of comfort and safety.</p>
<p>
	International M a r k e t i n g S e r v i c e s Pvt Ltd, the authorised dealer of S a m s u n g Mobile for Nepal has launched Samsung C3322 Duos and Samsung Galaxy Y S5360. Samsung C3322 features include 2MP camera, dual SIM, external micro SD up to 16 GB, FM radio and recording. Likewise, Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 has TFT touch screen, micro SD up to 32GB, Bluetooth v3.0, Wi-Fi facility, and 2MP camera. Samsung C3322 is priced at Rs 6,540 and Samsung Galaxy Y at Rs 12,690.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility, the sole a u t h o r i z e d distributor of G’Five mobiles in Nepal has l a u n c h e d two new models U225 and U336 which are priced at Rs 2800 and Rs 3790, respectively.</p>
<p>
	Civil Bank Limited has started a deposit insurance policy up to Rs 200,000 on savings and fixed account of individual depositors. It entered into an agreement with Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) on 9th November.</p>
<p>
	Virgin Mobile s h o w r o o m has launched three new smart phones of Nokia namely Nokia N9, Nokia 700 and Nokia 701 priced at Rs 54,860, Rs 29,940 and Rs 33,140, respectively.</p>
<p>
	CG Electronics, the sole authorised distributor of LG Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new range of LG DVD Player (Blue-Ray Player) and Home Theatre in the market.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised distributor of BlackBerry smart phones has launched BlackBerry Bold 9900. As an introductory offer, Teletalk has announced ‘Ncell BlackBerry Unlimited Monthly Service’ for two months in association with Ncell, on every purchase of BlackBerry smart phones.</p>
<p>
	HH Bajaj has started the operation of a Bajaj showroom and service facility ‘Mustang Automobiles’ at Jomsom. From this showroom, the customers can now get sales and spare parts in the same price as available in Kathmandu and other places of Nepal.</p>
<p>
	Laxmi Bank has opened its 30th branch at Ilam. With this, the bank now has seven strategically located branches in the eastern region: Biratnagar, Itahari, Dharan, Hile, Damak, Birtamod and Ilam.</p>
<p>
	Bank of Kathmandu Ltd opened four new branches at Khandbari, Beni, Baglung and Birtamod. Narendra Kumar Basnyat, Chairman, Bank of Kathmandu Limited, formally inaugurated the bank’s 43rd branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district.</p>
<p>
	NIC Bank has opened its 34th branch at Boudha in Kathmandu. The bank also launched its 35th branch at Lamahi, Dang. With the opening of these branches, NIC Bank now has a network of 35 branches and 36 networks across the country with a customer base of more than 150,000.</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank Limited has opened its second branch at New Road in Kathmandu. The bank had earlier opened its first branch at Dharke in Dhading. The New Road branch was inaugurated by Pradip Man Baidya, the Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Dillibazar in Kathmandu. The branch was inaugurated by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the Chairman of the bank. With this, Global Bank now has 31 branches. The bank also launched ‘Global Student Savings Account’ targeted at the students which offers an interest of 7 per cent per annum.</p>
<p>
	Kalinchok Development Bank has been launched with its head office in Dolakha district. The bank has 204 founder shareholders, said its CEO Ashok Shiwakoti.</p>
<p>
	Ncell has launched Potable Ncell Connect Wi-Fi Router, targeted at corporate clients. This wireless router can be used within a 30 metre radius and is priced at Rs 6,999.</p>
<p>
	Biz International, the authorised reseller of Intex Mobile Handsets in Nepal, has launched five new models: IN- 777 3G Gold, IN-1010 Neo, IN-007 Maxima, IN-001 Hot Spot and IN- 5030 E Tri-Do.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, the authorised reseller of Colors Mobile in Nepal, has launched a new mobile handset ‘Fighter F-35’. The handset comes with 1.3 megapixel camera and a oneyear warranty. It has also launched ‘Fighter F-18’ which comes with a dual sim facility.</p>
<p>
	Pashupati Development Bank Ltd has launched its SMS services. Under this service, the customers’ banking transaction status on deposits and withdrawals will be conveyed through SMS on their mobile phone numbers.</p>
<p>
	NMB Bank Limited has opened a new branch in Birgunj which was inaugurated by its Chairman Pawan Golyan. With this, the bank now has 19 branches and 15 ATM counters.</p>
<p>
	H e a l t h c a r e Technologies, the authorised reseller of Micro Life in Nepal, has launched Digital Weight Scale. The ‘W50’ model can weigh body weight up to 150 kilograms and show it via digital display.</p>
<p>
	V i r g i n Mobile has l a u n c h e d one Acer and two Dell Inspiron n411z laptops in the market. The 500 GB and 750 GB Dell laptops are priced at Rs 70,900 and Rs 80,900 respectively while the 750 GB Acer Laptop costs Rs 79,000.</p>
<p>
	S u n d h a r a , Kathmandubased Civil Mall has l a u n c h e d ‘4th Floor Shopping Hungama’ gift scheme for its customers. The scheme is targeted at boosting sales during the winter season.</p>
<p>
	S a g a r m a t h a Merchant Banking &amp; Finance Limited has launched Piggy (Khutruke) Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts. Piggy Fixed and Piggy Savings accounts respectively offer 13.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent interest annually.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Community Development Bank has opened a new branch in Chitwan. Located in Sauraha Chowk, this is the bank’s second branch.</p>
<p>
	Media Space Solution has established digital display screens in all the five branches of Bhat Bhateni supermarket. A total of 15 electronic screens have been put in these stores.</p>
<p>
	Shangri-La Development Bank Ltd has launched locker services for the convenience of its customers.</p>
<p>
	The bank caters to over 40,000 customers in Pokhara, Butwal, Hetauda, Baglung, Dulegaunda and Narayangarh.</p>
<p>
	Rathi Group Nepal, in association with Oppel Lighting Company of China, has launched ‘Rathi Oppel CFL’ in the Nepali market.</p>
<p>
	Gandaki Bikas Bank Ltd has launched a new branch in Damauli. With this, the bank now has 12 branches.</p>
<p>
	N I D C Development Bank Limited has launched ATM services from its P o k h a r a branch. The ATM counter was inaugurated by Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of the bank.</p>
<p>
	Saurabh P h o t o International has launched a new series of Konka LED TVs. Based on innovative vision technology, Konka LED TVs are available in sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches.</p>
<p>
	Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Tata Vehicles in Nepal, has extended its ‘Mega Xchange’ scheme to Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dharan. T h e scheme g i v e s motorbike owners an opportunity to exchange their motorcycles with Tata Nano car.</p>
<p>
	S G Global Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Sharp Electronics in Nepal, has launched a new refrigerator from Sharp’s ‘Grand Series’ in the market. The refrigerator is available in 165 and 180 litres capacity.</p>
<p>
	Citizens B a n k International Limited has launched ‘Citizens Kosheli Deposit Scheme’ in the market. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 15.04 per cent.</p>
<p>
	Om Finance Limited has launched ‘Om Double Deposit’ scheme for its customers. Under this scheme, the depositors will get their deposits doubled in five-and-a-half years’ time.</p>
<p>
	Nepali footwear brand Shikhar Shoes has launched four new ‘Winter Shoes’ models for the winter season. These Sports and Casual Shoes come in three different colours.</p>
<p>
	Akhil Trading C o n c e r n , a u t h o r i s e d reseller of products from Evyap – a Turkey based brand, has launched around 12 dozen Evyap products in the market.</p>
<p>
	Ace Development Bank Limited has opened a new branch at Kaushaltar in Bhaktapur. The branch offers services such as ABBS, ATM, Mobile Banking and Internet Banking among others.</p>
<p>
	Call Mobility Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of G’Five Mobiles in Nepal, has launched four new mobile handsets. The new models are ‘L-229’, ‘U-226’, ‘V-101M’ and ‘G-20’.</p>
<p>
	Gupta Trading House, authorised reseller of Orion Mobiles in Nepal, has launched two new mobile handsets. ‘E-210’ and ‘E-925’ are priced Rs 2,450 and Rs 4,350 respectively.</p>
<p>
	Continental Trading Enterprises Pvt Ltd, authorised reseller of Komatsu Generators in Nepal, has launched three new generators from its ‘EGS series’.</p>
<p>
	National Life I n s u r a n c e Company Limited has launched ‘Dampatti Amrit Sabdhik life Insurance Scheme’. It involves a married couple in a single insurance scheme which allows both the husband and wife to have equal rights.</p>
<p>
	Clean Energy Development Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Salleri in Solukhumbu. With this, the bank now has 8 branches.</p>
<p>
	Global Bank Limited launched its 29th branch along with an ATM facility at Baitadi. The branch was inaugurated by the bank’s Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal.</p>
<p>
	Constant Business Group has launched Shubha Motors (Proton Showroom) at Naxal, Sano Gaucharan in Kathmandu. The Malaysian Chief De Affair Fadli Adilah inaugurated the showroom.</p>
<p>
	CG Exim (Nepal) Pvt Ltd, a part of Chaudhary Group, has launched Matrix alcohol free energy drink. Available in 250 ml can, Matrix energy drink is price at Rs 50.</p>
<p>
	Nepal Credit &amp; Commerce (NCC) Bank Limited has launched a new branch at Attaria in Kailali. The bank’s 19th branch was inaugurated by Kailali CDO Kailash Kumar Bajimaya.</p>
<p>
	Generation Next Communication Pvt Ltd, the authorized distributor of Dell launched its new model Inspiron 114z, also known as Shakira. The laptop has i-5 processor, 4 GB and 8 GB RAM with 500 and 750 GB storage capacity and battery life of 9 hours.</p>
<p>
	Mega Bank Nepal Ltd has launched a new savings deposit scheme called ‘Mega Young Star Savings Account’ targeting children aged below 16 years. The minimum balance requirement for this scheme is Rs. 1,000 and it offers interest rate of 10% per annum payable quarterly.</p>
<p>
	The Nokia 500, an entry level touch screen smartphone is launched in the market. It features Nokia’s fastest processor to date, a 5MP camera, music player, GPS, latest Symbian Anna OS among others. The Nokia 500 is available in the market at MRP Rs. 19,550 .</p>
<p>
	Century Commercial Bank has opened its third branch at Lions Chowk, Narayanghad. The bank will also have its own ATM in the branch.</p>
<p>
	Pradip Man Baidya, Chairman of the bank inaugurated the branch. Biratlaxmi Development Bank Limited has opened its 13th branch in Birtamod of Jhapa district. Prabhu Prasad Parajuli, CEO of the bank inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	NCC Bank has opened its new branch in Dipayal of Doti district. This is the bank’s 21st branch. C h i e f J u s t i c e of Doti, Dipak Raj Joshi inaugurated the branch.</p>
<p>
	Teletalk Pvt Ltd, authorised distributor of Blackberry mobiles for Nepal has launched Blackberry Torch 9860 in the market. This smartphone has 720 HD video recording capability, 768 MB RAM, 32 GB storage and other latest features. Its market price is Rs 56,700. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '2012-08-23',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'B e l k i n India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and consumer electronic devices has extended its operations and established its presence in Nepal by appointing Neoteric Nepal as its distributor.',
			'sortorder' => '478',
			'image' => null,
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '574',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Hello To Ring Nationwide',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal. CEO of the company, C Mani Chaulagain said the technical preparations necessary for the service expansion is underway. The company is currently providing GSM mobile telephony under the brand name Hello Mobile in mid-western region.</p>
<p>
	Though it has been providing its services in rural areas, it is expanding to urban areas too. Chaulagain said the company will soon begin the works on second and third phase of network expansion. Till date it has offered services in 273 Village Development Committees of 16 districts. </p>
<p>
	The company was given license with the condition to provide services in 237 VDCs before expanding to rest of the country. The company is in the procedure to import necessary equipment for the expansion. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Nepal Satellite Telecom (Hello Mobile) is planning to expand its service all over Nepal.',
			'sortorder' => '477',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '573',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'CG To Produce Cement In India And Sri Lanka',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Ch a u d h a r y&nbsp;<img align="right" alt="chaudhary group" border="5" height="40" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/cg.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /> Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India. Though CG has expanded its ventures in almost a dozen countries, this is the first time the group is setting up cement factories abroad. </p>
<p>
	CG will be establishing industry in Sri Lanka in jointventure with the local private sector partners while talks are ongoing to decide whether to take local or foreign partner, informed Rebant Dhakal, Deputy General Manager of CG’s Corporate Affairs Department. The plan is to set up the plants in Jaffna of Sri Lanka and Guwahati of India. </p>
<p>
	According to a source at CG, the procedure of establishing these factories began two years ago and it was delayed because of the time consumed in garnering support from the local communities and associations. According to Dhakal, preliminary studies for establishing the factories in both the countries have been completed. However, the size of the factories and investment are yet to be finalised.</p>
<p>
	The proposed sites have limestone deposits enough for producing cement for 80 years. Investment in these factories will be made through CG’s associate companies outside Nepal as Nepal law prohibits Nepali companies to directly invest in other countries. CG is also planning to set up cement factories in Nawalparasi and Palpa districts within Nepal. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Ch a u d h a r y chaudhary group Group (CG) is planning to establish cement factories in Sri Lanka and India',
			'sortorder' => '476',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
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	),
	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '572',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Dragon Air Announces Onboard Shopping Bonanza',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales. The airline’s press statement reads “We are glad to introduce the latest lucky draw promotion to enhance passengers’ shopping experience.”</p>
<p>
	<img align="middle" alt="dragon air announces" border="5" height="83" hspace="2" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/dragon.jpg" vspace="2" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	According to the statement, from October to December, for every HK$ 500 purchase on in-flight sales or home delivery products, passengers will get a lucky draw card for a chance to win a Sony BRAVIA LED 3D idTV and a Sony Blu-ray Home Theatre System worth more than HK$60,000. The airline, in the fourth quarter has introduced more than 110 new items for sales onboard and home delivery, giving a total of over 280 products for passengers to choose from. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Dragon Air, a Hong Kong-based international airline, has announced a lucky draw promotion for onboard product sales.',
			'sortorder' => '475',
			'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) 13 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '571',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Demak Announces Malaysia Trip Winner',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	<img align="top" alt="agni presents the prize" border="5" height="150" hspace="1" src="http://newbusinessage.com/ckfinder/userfiles/Images/ghumna.jpg" vspace="1" width="200" /></p>
<p>
	Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize winner for its festival offer, “Demak Dashain/Tihar Sidhai Cash- Just Relax Offer”. Tsering Sherpa of Jorpati and Danfe Yuba Club of Jajarkot won trip to Malaysia. For every purchase of Demak DMX-R bike the buyer received Rs 10,000 cash discount and a chance for two to win trip to Malaysia as bumper prize. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd, sole distributor of Demak Motorcycles in Nepal has announced the bumper prize',
			'sortorder' => '474',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
			'homepage' => false,
			'breaking_news' => false,
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	(int) 14 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '570',
			'article_category_id' => '34',
			'title' => 'Cosmos Eastern To Begin Production After Mid- March',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<p>
	Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012. Construction at the 300 metric tonnes a day factory has almost completed, according to Pradip Jung Pandey, the Chairman of Lomus Group and one of the major investors in the cement factory. He said Rs 150 million is invested in the factory located at Hattimudha of Biratnagar. </p>
<p>
	The factory too will produce Tej brand of cement that is being produced by Cosmos Cement in Janakpur. &nbsp;</p>',
			'published' => true,
			'created' => '2012-02-22',
			'modified' => '0000-00-00',
			'keywords' => '',
			'description' => 'Cosmos Cement Pvt Ltd (Eastern) is planning to begin production from March/April 2012',
			'sortorder' => '473',
			'image' => null,
			'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00',
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			'main_news' => false,
			'in_scroller' => false,
			'user_id' => '0'
		)
	)
)
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simplexml_load_file - [internal], line ??
include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224
View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418
include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117