A total of 15 CEOs and investors from Nepal and India addressed the conclave and highlighted business prospects in both the countries. Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who was the chief guest of the programme, said: “Prosperity can be shared through people’s interactions, transfer of technology and collaborations among businesses and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial conclave such as this helps governments to identify innovative solutions and also aid entrepreneurs.”

The minister stressed that innovation was vital to efficiently utilise resources towards the goal of sustainable development.

The conclave was organised to connect young entrepreneurial minds of Nepal and India. Although more than 600 young entrepreneurs had expressed interest to attend the programme, only around 300 entrepreneurs were

shortlisted. Before the conclave began, over 30 start-ups had also pitched innovative business ideas. Of those that pitched ideas and underwent mentorship, five made it to the finals. The finalists were allowed to pitch their business ideas during the conclave held on Saturday. The five finalists were Metro Tarkari, Furniture Hub, Kullabs, My Earth Eco Bags and Fohor bata Mofor.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri urged entrepreneurs to have a global perspective, innovate, step out of their comfort zone, pitch ideas to investors and utilise opportunities in economic growth and markets.

In a keynote address, co-founder and CEO of Oyo Rooms, Ritesh Agarwal, said, “Entrepreneurship can be fostered through creative understanding and perseverance, even after repeated failures,” adding, “If local entrepreneurs in Nepal receive some support, we can ensure that Nepal will have thousands of entrepreneurs and many jobs in the next three years.”

Source: https://kathmandupost.com/money/2018/03/25/nepal-india-business-potential-highlighted