There is an urgent need to boost both domestic and foreign investments in Nepal to propel economic development and prosperity given the fact that the level of investment the country is receiving now is minimal. Nepal Republic Media Limited (NRM) collaborated with the Investment Board Nepal to organize a ‘Nagarik Impact Forum’ on Monday to identify challenges in attracting investments and propose measures to address them. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, experts, donor agencies, members of the diplomatic community and government agencies participated in panel discussions. The panel discussion on ‘Unlocking Prosperity: Navigating Dynamics for Nepal’s Economic Renaissance was joined by Amlan Mukherjee, Managing Director of Unilever Nepal, Radhesh Pant, former CEO of Investment Board Nepal, Sambridhi Gyawali, CEO of Nepal Republic Media Limited and Rabi Rayamajhi, Country Representative of British International Investment (BII). The session was moderated by Rupesh Krishna Shrestha. Excerpts of the discussions:
‘Nepal offers huge investment opportunity for potential investors’
Amlan Mukherjee
Managing Director, Unilever Nepal
I believe Unilever has charted a path to success in Nepal. I say this because, in terms of population, Nepal ranks as the 48th largest country, and in gross domestic product, it is among the 100 largest countries. Unilever saw this data as an opportunity. The statistics of being the 48th largest country in terms of population comes from combining six or seven European countries.
Unilever’s focus is on producing ‘soaps and soups,’ essential items in daily life. We haven’t ventured into anything overly complicated or sophisticated, like sending a rocket to the moon. Our products, “Soaps and Soups,” are staples in every home. According to my research, we reach 9 out of 10 households every year. Our market share in Nepal is substantial. To illustrate our journey, we initiated the business with one brand and two product lines, starting 30 years ago by selling one and a half kilograms of Wheel Powder. Today, we boast a portfolio of 130 product lines, making us a modern industry in Nepal.
Every morning at 7 o’clock, I receive information on the sales of our products from 50,000 outlets through the distributor. Technology has advanced to the point where direct communication with 50,000 outlets is unnecessary; everything is monitored through GPS. We track which products go to which outlet, allowing us to manage inventory efficiently.
Unilever firmly believes in adopting the best practices globally. Last year, we conducted CAD audits in six countries, including America and Brazil. Success is achievable in Nepal, thanks to the investor-friendly environment. Operating for 30 years, we are content with our business and products, aiming to sustain this investment for another 70 years. Our faith lies in the importance of sustainability in every endeavor.
‘Time value regarding approval and related process should be considered to attract investment’
Radhesh Pant
Former CEO, Investment Board Nepal
Firstly, we need people of Nepal to understand and welcome investment. There should be consistency in policy, the leaders need to agree on projects that need to be done and have to be supported by all the parties. For large infrastructure projects, we need support from the people living there. They need to understand how these investments will help them. These are things we have not done. Simply, educate people on how investment improves their lives. Secondly, we are not basically focusing on marketing the country. We have introduced a number of programs, but we have to market these projects. We need to focus on preparing these projects. Nepal needs to negotiate with investors what those projects will give to Nepal. Then we need to come out with policies and laws that are friendly to potential investors. This means the laws are not well interpreted and there are lots of gray areas. Investors will come only to make money, for which we should be competitive. Time value regarding approval and related process should be considered.
‘Nepal can rebrand itself as power hub of clean energy and power hub of green energy’
Sushil Bhatt
CEO, Investment Board Nepal
Some reform measures and commitment of the government should be disseminated properly. It is very important for a project to come to a conclusion within a stipulated time frame. The debt capital they mobilize also has costs; so it incurs risks. We need to do effective hand-holding. IBN is one of the good forums to highlight our good works. A number of cement factories and hydropower projects that have been established in the country are good examples of this. We need to show demonstrative effect of the groundbreaking projects. Nepal has a number of success stories. We should not only talk about big industries, rather success stories of small and medium industries should also be highlighted. These also have done good branding of the country at the global forum. Rather than being a global hub of hydropower, we can rebrand as a power hub of clean energy and power hub of green energy.
‘Sustainable economic approach is a must for economic transformation’
Sambridhi Gyawali
Chief Executive Officer, Nepal Republic Media Limited
What do young people really want? They aspire to live a quality life, which involves basic necessities such as clean air and healthy food—fundamental needs for progressing in life. Looking at our total gross domestic product, 30 percent is in agriculture, and 50 percent is in services. From an investment perspective, crucial sectors include agriculture, tourism, education, and energy. Climate change is a common issue in all these sectors.
Climate change profoundly impacts various areas, affecting the country itself. Despite being one of the least contributors to carbon emissions, Nepal suffers significant impacts from climate change. Consequently, when establishing the country’s goals, investments, and strategies, a central consideration should be climate change. Bringing about changes must be linked to climate change, necessitating a sustainable economic approach. In discussions worldwide, including at the World Economic Forum, the focus is on a ‘low carbon economy,’ with the ultimate goal being a ‘net zero or low carbon’ economy. Although Nepal is not considered an emerging market, it possesses a high potential energy market. Recognizing our comparative advantages—geographical location, water sources, and energy market—is essential. To foster economic development and prosperity, a significant amount of electricity is required, yet we must prioritize ‘low carbon and net zero carbon’ considerations.
Considering our abundant forested land (44 percent of Nepal’s total land area) and ample water resources (ranking among the top 50 countries globally), sustainability in energy is imperative. The emphasis should be on renewable energy to attract investments to Nepal. Notably, asset management companies, including BlackRock, are increasingly embracing the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) concept. In 2022, five percent of asset management is based on the ESG concept.
In a country like ours, with rich forests, fertile lands, and high terrains, we should advocate for world leaders to transition to a ‘low carbon economy’ and prioritize renewable energy. While acknowledging the importance of return on investment, we should underscore a ‘low carbon’ policy, emphasizing environmental governance. Our aspiration is for a long-term, sustainable economy, focusing on the production and sale of renewable energy.
‘IT sector has huge attraction in Nepal’
Rabi Rayamajhi
Country Representative, British International Investment
People have started focusing more on their integrity and transparency, reevaluating their leaders. The current generations are fully aware of their rights, duties, and responsibilities, actively influencing policymakers. They are guided by a sense of what is right and what is wrong, and this ethical perspective is increasingly evident in politics—a positive shift that we desire.
Many young people aspire to study, work, or pursue various opportunities abroad, reflecting a sad reality of their reluctance to reside in Nepal. Although this trend may not change immediately, it contributes significantly to remittances in the country. It is essential to engage in discussions about what is right or wrong in this context. Based on my experience, contemporary young people in Nepal are combining education with work, leading to increased spending that benefits the country’s economy. Recognizing the near-impossibility of property generation in Nepal, they are drawn to opportunities abroad.
The current generation faces numerous opportunities and benefits but desires prompt employment, which is challenging in Nepal. Additionally, a major issue is the lack of skills among the youth, hindering their ability to secure desired jobs. While the IT sector holds allure due to work flexibility and competitive salaries, this trend doesn’t necessarily extend to all areas. For instance, the health sector highlights the risks associated with certain professions, such as nursing.
The workforce with training in MBA, BBA, and software courses is expanding, inspiring many to venture into self-owned businesses. Efficiency is crucial for business success. The financial ecosystem sees a growing number of youth aspiring to participate, presenting opportunities within the country.
‘Govt should support IT and green energy investment for economic transformation’
In 2022, Nepal generated half a billion dollars through IT exports. According to IIDS research, the credibility of experts in the IT industry has increased since then. Out of this half a billion dollars, $300 million was contributed by 67,000 individuals working locally but earning globally through freelancing, while only 106 companies brought in over $200 million. This distribution sheds light on the dynamics of the industry, contributing 1.4 percent to the country’s GDP. While multinational companies entered diverse Asian markets, Nepal has remained mired in political chaos. Despite achieving a modest half a billion dollars in exports through formal channels, there is still a lack of effort to enhance the value of exported goods. The current narrative is undergoing a shift, questioning whether the present growth, characterized by local work contributing to global earnings, is indicative of our future. The exploration of this narrative and its contribution to future prosperity is crucial for shaping Nepal’s economic trajectory.
In this context, Nepal Republic Media Limited, in partnership with the Investment Board Nepal, organized a panel discussion focusing on exploring the potential of Nepal’s IT sector in propelling the economic growth of Nepal. The panel discussion, moderated by Bal Krishna Joshi, featured Kailash Bijayananda, Vice President of Leapfrog Technology Inc., Anup Upreti from Pioneer Law Associates, Dr. Manish Thapa, Managing Director of Global Equity Fund, Shova Gyawali, President of Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Nepal, and Vishal Mani Upadhyay, Chief Regulatory and Legal Officer at Ncell. Excerpts from the discussions:
‘Govt needs to facilitate institutional growth in the IT sector’
Kailash Bijayananda
Vice President, Leapfrog Technology Inc.
In terms of growth, we aimed for a 50 percent increase, but we only managed to achieve a 20 percent growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully doubled both the team size and revenue. Our focus shifted from just making money to fostering maturity. We have implemented policies, rules, and adopted global best practices, establishing a strong foundation for our aspiration to become a billion-dollar company one day.
Within Leapfrog, 25 percent of the workforce consists of women. In engineering schools, with an intake of around 50 students, only five are typically women. As a social contribution, we engage with schoolgirls, teaching them basic coding to spark interest in the IT field. Revenue generation from the informal sector is notably high. However, the challenging environment hinders institutional growth. Tax issues often prompt experts to leave Nepali companies for foreign opportunities where they can increase their income, benefiting from nominal taxes.
While the government aims to boost foreign currency reserves, it does not facilitate institutional growth in the sector, and discouraging freelancing may be one of the measures. Talent acquisition poses a significant challenge, particularly in recruiting and retaining manpower amid the country’s tax issues. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled professionals in the country, leading us to explore other nations with a larger talent pool. Working in Indian cities like Bangalore and Pune has proven easier for recruitment.
We are currently in the initial stages of expanding our business in India, anticipating notable growth there. There is considerable potential to operate data centers in Nepal, with companies like Juniper and Meta expressing interest in green data centers. However, compliance issues arise when foreign companies sign contracts with local firms, and the expenses for clients seeking such companies are substantial. Local companies are encouraged to seek partnerships with Nepali individuals residing abroad.
‘Govt needs to introduce policies to increase participation of women in IT sector’
Shova Gyawali
President, Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association Nepal
Our success in bringing in significant funds through service-oriented IT businesses has generated hope, especially among the youth in the country. However, attention should be given to the involvement of women in this sector. According to IIDS research, women’s participation is currently at only 16 percent. The progress observed during the pandemic reflects the potential of our youths in the IT sector, with informal channels indicating figures as high as $1.5 billion. The challenge lies in formalizing these channels, and the government is required to address this issue, incorporating policies that encourage increased women participation and the return of youth working abroad.
Addressing the involvement and sustainability of women in the IT sector, FWEAN has initiated programs like “Women in Business” and the “Business Development Center” since the pandemic. “Women in Business” focuses on facilitating goods made by women, enabling them to engage in trade from the comfort of their homes. Meanwhile, the “Business Development Center” investigates the number of entrepreneurs, their sectors of involvement, and their business performance, actively maintaining this data. In response to the pandemic’s impact, we organized the first-of-its-kind ‘Digital Expo’ in Nepal. Overall, the IT sector can play a vital role in enhancing and sustaining businesses. Within Nepal Republic Media, 33 percent of the staff are literate in IT.
‘Attracting investment remains a challenge without altering our perspective to see profitable business entities’
Vishal Mani Upadhyay
Chief Regulatory and Legal Officer, Ncell
As one of the two telecom companies, we serve the entire population of the country. Our connectivity infrastructure extends both internally and externally. Additionally, we provide a large-scale data center space to sustain the digital and ICT ecosystem.
There is a need to formulate policies to attract multibillion-dollar companies. From 2018 to 2024, the revenue of telecom companies and ISPs has experienced negative growth, leading to a decline in government revenue from this sector. The focus has shifted to generating income from the adjacent ecosystem. Operating a data center as a business is challenging, and the IT sector has outpaced the telecom sector long ago.
The Telecom Service Act is still under review in parliament, and innovation is expected in the Telco sector. Without altering our perspective to see profitable business entities, attracting investments into the country remains a challenge. Commoditization poses a potential obstacle to the growth of the service sector, including IT.
Ncell currently has no plans to incorporate Fintech. Similar to the global scenario, the Fintech sector is competitive here in Nepal as well. We position ourselves as enablers and aim to support the ecosystem through diverse infrastructure.
‘We are exploring opportunities to leverage green energy, particularly in the IT sector’
Manish Thapa
Principal Managing Partner, Global Equity Fund
In Nepal, venture capital is in its initial stages, not as advanced as seen in India or neighboring countries like Bangladesh. There are criticisms for investing venture capital in businesses such as hotels. As fund managers, our primary role is to function as funding partners. Our clients prioritize security in funding, seeking returns equivalent to or exceeding the interest offered by banks, demanding conformity in returns. This focus on security has limited our ability to meet the requirements of IT businesses. One contributing factor is our lack of risk appetite to date, necessitating a balance in terms of risk management.
Another challenge is offers from exporters making profits from exports but wanting to establish their units in countries like Japan or the UK. Despite our interest in investing in these companies, regulatory constraints prevent us from doing so. Domestically operating companies face market issues and duplication concerns, with many companies working on similar products. The challenge lies in consolidating these efforts, as companies often prefer working individually rather than in collaboration. In some cases, we offer funding under the condition that they come together and operate as a single entity.
Additionally, many local companies heavily rely on pirated software, creating hesitation in investing in genuine software. Profitability remains a challenge for businesses working in the local market. Due to investment restrictions and market limitations outside Nepal, we have not yet achieved the expected market, highlighting the current reality.
As fund managers, we are exploring opportunities to leverage green energy, particularly in the IT sector. Offers for data centers and AI-related companies have been received, but legality concerns persist. Many offers come from individuals with foreign citizenship wishing to set up companies in Nepal. Government procedures, including those of the Department of Industry and challenges related to Section 57, complicate multiple fund-raising efforts in the IT sector. Despite these challenges, we remain open to funding businesses in Nepal.
‘Tax holiday is irrelevant as Nepal functions as a cost center in IT sector’
Anup Upreti
Pioneer Law Associates
When discussing tax regulations, people often overlook policy design. In the IT sector, Nepal functions as a cost center, making tax holidays irrelevant. Even if tax exemptions are granted, many encounter issues with contracts, and the impact on revenue in data centers seems minimal. Strengthening institutions is crucial, with the real challenge for entrepreneurs being fundraising. Numerous countries restrict the establishment of contact offices, posing difficulties for local entrepreneurs accessing markets abroad. Legal complications regarding capital transfer and fundraising, especially with new equity models like sweat equity, add further challenges. Fortunately, the central bank now has an automatic policy, eliminating the need for approval when establishing contact offices. Hence, implementation appears to be smooth.
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