The business journey of R K Associates dates back to 1978 when Dr Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, an energetic, young and pro-active entrepreneur established Rajesh Concern with the objective of focusing on hospitality and trading business. It imported various kinds of goods from around the world and helped promote Nepal to strengthen its trade relations with many countries.

Today, R K Associates has diversified manifold and has stakes in every business segment. With its over three decades of experience in trading and services sectors, it manages various assignments and projects in automobiles, banking, insurance, information technology, flooring, medical equipment and supplies, fast moving consumer goods and many more. The group is behind the presence of many leading household, home decor and high-end products in the market.

The group is now among the most trusted names in Nepal and has forged, nurtured and maintained global alliances over the last 33 years. Its founder Dr Shrestha was honoured by International Journal of Non-Aligned Countries and Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), New Delhi, with an honorary PhD in February 2010. He says, I attribute our growth to the deep understanding of local markets, people and customs

It currently has a turnover of USD 20 million. It has contributed to the national economy and promoted infrastructural and entrepreneurial capability of Nepal. It is closely associated with prestigious domestic and international federations and associations. A former Assistant Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Dr Shrestha holds several prestigious positions. He is Chairman of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry and International Chamber of Commerce, Nepal. He is also a Past President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

Group Mission

The group looks at integrating dealers, distributors, retailers, suppliers and joint venture partners into the R K Associates family. It is currently focusing on branding of its products and consolidating them in the market. It is looking forward to NADA (Nepal Automobiles Dealers Association) Expo in September 2011 for showcasing different vehicles from its stable. Dr Shrestha says, Through our hard work, we want to reach as high as possible and prove our worth in the market. The group also plans to help orphanages and sponsor underprivileged students as part of its CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities.

Human Resource

R K Associates aims to recruit, develop, motivate and retain the best talents within the country and provide them a challenging and demanding environment. It fosters a strong emotive feeling of oneness and ownership among the employees within the company. The group aspires to transform into a model corporate institution and make its employees proud to be part of the group. It provides employment to close to 250 people out of which 38 people work for Constant Business Group alone.

Management Style

Dr Shrestha believes in giving employees the liberty and opportunity to prove themselves. He says, Instead of me telling them what to do, they should come and update me on the latest information. He says he is most happy working as the link and let his employees do all the work. He goes to great lengths to ensure that the employees feel at home and treat the group as their own.

He strongly feels that political stability and government's economic policies are key to nation's prospects. We are going through the most difficult phase now. If the government policies are good, I am sure businesses will prosper and generate employment for hundreds of thousands of youth who are leaving the country due to lack of opportunities. Dr Shrestha believes that the government would do better if it consults the private sector before taking decisions or implementing them, in the larger interest of the nation.

He says it is the government's duty to reduce taxes on automobiles so that the industry is saved from a certain collapse. He also recommends that the government should focus on phasing out the vehicles that are over 20 years old. The government's policies have had an adverse impact on the industry as it has experienced a huge market slump. This has obviously resulted in reduced revenue for the government, he says.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Sister Concerns

Constant Business Group Pvt Ltd

Established in January 2007, this company distributes vehicles from China (Zotye, Lifan, Jonway, Grand Tiger and Lobo), Malaysia (Proton) and South Korea (Ssangyong). R K Associates was awarded the best distributor for Zotye in 2009. The company has sold over 300 units of Zotye so far out of which 75 units were sold in the last one year. Among other vehicle products, 50 units of Ssangyong have been sold, so far.

Nepal International Business Pvt Ltd

A trading house established 17 years ago, it imports tower crane, film faced plywood, commercial plywood and hotel supplies.

Status Trading Pvt Ltd

This trading house that started 3 years ago imports furnishing, flooring carpets, laminated flooring and PVC.

Alliance Insurance Company Ltd

R K Associates is affiliated with this insurance company as a promoter which has Dr Shrestha on its Board of Directors.

Rajesh Concern

It's the first entrepreneurial venture of R K Associates and imports food items, readymade garments, carpets, PVC etc.

Soaltee Hotel Limited

Dr Shrestha features in the Board of Directors of Soaltee Hotel Limited.