New Initiative to Promote Entrepreneurial Environment in Parbat: Local Product Promotion Campaign and E-Magazine Launched
Entrepreneurs and businesspeople have emphasized the need for a united and organized effort to promote and market local products in the Parbat district. Attention was drawn to the fact that the government office responsible for industries and businesses at the national level, especially the Cottage and Small Industries Office, which holds a key role and priority, has been interfered with by changing its name and purpose, and its budget is now being diverted to other sectors and headings. It was also highlighted that local governments, amid various priorities, have not been able to give adequate attention to the promotion of small local enterprises and businesses. Therefore, the need for organized efforts from the informal sector has been strongly emphasized.
This was the conclusion of participants in an interaction program organized by Frontline Nepal on the topic "The State of Entrepreneurship in Parbat and the Role of Youth in Promoting Local Enterprises." The speakers stressed that Parbat district needs to clearly define its business identity and priorities.
Speaking as the chief guest, former Member of Parliament and senior social entrepreneur Rishikesh Tiwari said that although Parbat has great potential for enterprise development, it has not been fully utilized. He added that politics in Nepal hasn't encouraged entrepreneurship and emphasized the need for good people to enter and influence policy-making processes. He also pointed out that instead of only complaining, stakeholders should make efforts and show results, which can bring practical change.
Thakur B. Paudel, President of the Parbat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared that the chamber had previously promoted tourism by constructing a mechanical bridge. Now, they are planning to work on policy-level changes and establish a showroom called "Kosheli Ghar" to promote and sell local products.
Subash Pant, Campus Chief of Kushma Multiple Campus, said that entrepreneurship and innovation have already been introduced in the curriculum, and it should be connected to practical entrepreneurial activities among students.
Shiv Sharma Paudel, Secretary of the Federation of Cottage and Small Industries, Gandaki Province, stressed that stakeholders should focus on industries that enhance the value chain in Parbat.
Krishna Prasad Sharma, President of the NGO Federation of Nepal, Parbat branch, stated that after the budget for NGOs decreased, many entrepreneurs who were previously supported by NGOs were left without motivation and market support. He urged local governments to work in partnership with NGOs to promote entrepreneurship.
During the event, Shiv Prasad Sharma, Director of Frontline Nepal, presented an overview of the district's entrepreneurial environment and the roles of various stakeholders.
The program was chaired by Frontline Nepal's acting president, Manju Kumari Sharma, and conducted by secretary Sanju Kumari Sharma. Other speakers included Entrepreneurship Development Coordinator Kedar Nath Acharya, Nirmal Bishwakarma (President of the Parbat Federation of Cottage and Small Industries), and entrepreneurs Chandra Chhetri, Jasmaya Pun, Karna Bahadur Chhetri, Thaneshwar Bhusal, Govinda Prasad Regmi, and Basant Bastola.
At the event, a signature campaign was launched to show support for consuming and promoting products made in Parbat and Nepal. Additionally, the "Entrepreneurial Parbat" e-magazine was officially launched. This magazine will include success stories of entrepreneurs, shared experiences, lessons learned, research, and analytical articles.
