· web view... 4288492 kathmandu do dilli haat participant sinchuri handicrafts hari sinchuri...

ANNEXTURES

Annex - 1Evaluation Research Questions

The Evaluation Team prepared the following questions that was put before concerned stakeholders for their response and comments :

(1) What is the level of progress made by the project ?

(2) What are the major achievements of the project ?

(3) What are the longitudinal effect of the project activities ?

(4) What is the scope and extent of the institutionalization of the project ?

(5) How is the cost effectiveness of the project activities ? (6) Who are the beneficiaries of the project and what kinds of achievements /advantages beneficiaries have so far got ? (7) What coordination mechanism exists and how it works at central and district levels ? (8) How income and expenditure of the project, financial regularities/disciplines are maintained and are they in compliance with the project agreement and proportion of programmatic and administrative cost ?

(9) What are the good lessons/success stories of the project ?

(10) What is the contribution, role and responsibilities of foreign representative/expatriate/volunteers within the project/organization ?

27

Annex - 2Key Informants Interviewed / Discussed

1. Ms Pramila Acharya Rijal - President, FWEAN2. Mr Dilip Khanal - Executive Secretary, FHAN3. Ms Luna Pradhanang, Project Coordinator, FHAN4. Mr Bal Krishna Asharpati, Kathmandu - SME5. Mr Sanoj Sakya, Kathmandu, - SME6. Mr Pradeep Sakya, Kathmandu - SME7. Ms Lila Joshi, Kathmandu - SME8. Ms Basundhara Acharya, Kathmandu - SME9. Ms Shayasta Shrestha - Project Coordinator, FWEAN10. Mr Mani Maharjan, Thankot, Kathmandu -SME11. Mr Bhuvan Sharma, Nayapool, Listi, Sindhupalchowk - SME12. Mr Madan Bahadur Hamal, Narayanghat, Chitwan - SME13. Mr Dorgee Sushil Sherpa, Syangboche, Solukhambu ( Kathmandu) - SME14. Mr Ritu Raj Bhandari, Under-Secretary, MoWCSW, Singh

Darbar,Kathmandu15. Mr Raju Joshi, Director, SWC, Lainchour, Kathmandu16. Mr Paul Stevens, SNV Senior Tourism Advisor, Lalitpur17. Ms Monica Oliveros, Pro-Poor Sustainable Tourism Advisor, SNV,

Kathmandu18. Mr Arnaud de Lavalette, Project Coordinator(Expatriate), PlaNet Finance19. Ms Florence Solnica, Information, Education & Communication Specialist

(Expatriate), PlaNet Finance20. Ms Nirika Koirala, Project SME Expert, PlaNet Finance21. Mr Rajendra Paudel, Administrative Manager, PlaNet Finance22. Ms Pushpa Lata Paudel, PlaNet Finance23. Mr Sujan Karki, SME Expert, PlaNet Finance

28

Annex - 3Work Schedules of the Study

SN Activity Timelines Responsibility Remarks1 Making a Work Plan Dec 28,08 TL 2 Evaluation Team Meeting 10 am,

Dec 28,08At SWC

3 Review of Project Agreements signed with SWC

Dec 26-31,08

Team Member ( SWC)

To be submitted to TL

4 Review of Agreements with FHAN/FWEAN

Dec 26-31,08

Team Member(MWCSW)


5 Review of Project Activities/Interim Reports

Dec 26-31,08

TL Follow up PF

6 Review of Project Documents related to Financial Matters

Dec 26-31,08

Team Member(Financial

Expert)


7 Evaluation Team Meeting( Setting Questions for Meetings with Key

Informant - PF,FHAN,FWEAN )

Jan 2,09 At TL Off2 pm

8 Interviews & Discussions with PlaNet Finance

Jan 6,09 All Team Members

At PF Office

9 Interviews & Discussion with FHAN & Beneficiaries


At FHAN Office

10 Interviews & Discussion with FWEAN & Beneficiaries


At FWEAN Office

11 Visit of Project Sites to collect information from concerned stakeholders about the Project and its future plans &

programmes

Jan 9-12, 09

All Team Members

12 Reports of Project Sites Visit Jan 15,09 All Team Members

To be Submitted to

TL13 Discussions with PlaNet Officials &

Project Steering Committee MembersJan 16,09 All Team

MembersAt PF Office

14 Discussions with line agency officials and direct beneficiaries of the Project


15 Draft Report on Projects Cost Effectiveness etc

Jan 19,09 Team Member(Financial

Expert)


16 Meeting of Evaluation Team Members to review draft report


TL makes presentation

17 Sharing a Draft Evaluation Report with PF, FHAN and FWEAN


At PF Office

18 Final Presentation at SWC Jan 25, 09 All Members At SWC 19 Submission of Evaluation Report Jan 26,09 All Members

This work plan is prepared by the Team Leader in consultation with the Members of Evaluation Team and remain effective until any changes required for any genuine grounds and reason. It is requested to all concerned, particularly PlaNet Finance, FHAN, FWEAN and SWC to cooperate the Team in completing the tasks in due time. December 28, 2009

29

Annex - 4Name Lists of 25 best business planners Nepalese SMEs

S.n Registered Name of

Organization

Name of Participant

Sector KTH Valley Address ( detail phone )

Out of valley detail

Date of entry in Planet

Remark

1. The Last Resort Bhuwan Sharma Tourism Thamel,4439501 Sindhupalchowk April2. Cottage

Crafts/Loojah Enterprises

Prabal Tamrakar Metal Patan, 9841583579, 5536209, 5525330

Lalitpur do

3. Harati Wollens Knitwear

Narendra Shakya Pashmina 4285453, 4288492 Kathmandu do Dilli haat participant

4. Sinchuri Handicrafts

Hari Sinchuri Jewelry 9851082430 Kathmandu do Dilli haat participant

5. B & B Silver and Gold Craft

Balkrishna Asrapati

Jewellery 9851046198, 4218573

KTM do Dilli haat participant

6. Creative Crafts Deependra Shakya

Jewellery 9841260480, 5525951

KTM do Dilli haat participant

7. Valhalla Suman Ratna Dhwakwa

Jewellery 5537081, 5010531 Patan do

8. B.K. Handicraft Salina Shrestha Metal 9841789876, 5546750

KTM do

9. Creative Classic Craft

Bobby Sapkota Metal 4478903, 9803414521

KTM Do Dilli haat participant

10. Silver & Gems Trade Link

Samit Shakya Jewellery 5537599, 9841241932

Do Dilli haat participant

11. Mooc Cooperative Society

Shanti Laxmi Shakya

Metal 9841774382 Patan Do

12. Araniko Crafts Binod Bajracharya Jewellery 9841873043, 5534998

Patan Do Dilli haat participant

13. Gyamo Creators

Manik Ratna Shakya

Jewellery 9841223050, 4278033

Tahachal Do

14. Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshora Handicraft Udhyog

Sabin Shakya Metal 9841329150 Patan do Dilli haat participant

15. Trade De Nepal

Sagun Shakya Jewellery 5526094 Patan Do

16. Kayo Handicraft

Sanoj Shakya 9841319800 Patan Do Dilli haat participant

17. Shashi's Sweater Industries

Rekha Aryal Pashmina Gairidhara, 4427552, 9851063599

Kathmandu Do Dilli haat participant

18. Sunkoshi Craft Sandeep Upadhaya

Pashmina 4822634, 01-2333079

KTM Do Dilli haat participant

19. Hill Top Cashmere Pashmina

Binod Malla Pashmina Putalisadak, 4246177, 9851048275

KTM Do

20. Balthali Village Resort

Ashis Humagain Tourism 4108355, 9851087772

Panauti Do

21. Syanboche Panaroma Hotel

Dorjee Susil Sherpa

Tourism Chabahil, 4468937 Solukhumbu Do

22. Ultimate Descents

Kuman Gurung Tourism Thamel, 9841575061, 4701295, 4700866

Kathmandu, Pokhara

Do

23. Amazing Tours Govinda Bhatta Tourism Opp. Tri Chandra College, 9851079226,

Mahendra Nagar, Kanchanpur

do

30

422903324. Gangotri Tours

and TravelPranil K. Upadhyaya

Tourism Thamel, 4258625, 4264791, 9841517034

JanakpurDham, India

Do

25. M.R. Handicrafts

Mahendra Ratna Shakya

Metal 5531580 Patan Do Dilli haat participant

DILLI HAAT PARTICIPANTS(apart from the ones listed above)1)

New Gift Shop Sampurna Shahi JewelleryThamel, 4265695/9841258130

Do

2)Gorkha Gems

Bikash Man Pradhan Jewellery

Patan, 5540846, 9841489195

Do

3) Silver &Gems Trade Link Mr. Samit Shakya Jewellery

Patan, 5537599/9841241932

Do

4) Manjushree Trade Link Manju Shakya Metal 9841588734/5533106

do

5) Hangrib Handicraft Basu Shrestha Metal 5541847/9841258912

Do

6) Scope Co-operative Society Pradeep Shakya Metal

Patan, 5528044/9841367447

Do

7) Craftsline Kamala Tamrakar Metal Patan, 5531960 Do8) Pwasya Metal

CraftsRavindra Raj Tamrakar Metal

Patan, 5531394/ 5553638/9841217330

Do

9) Euro Pashmina Pvt Ltd Mani Maharjan Pashmina

Swayambhu, 4276200/4279876

Thankot Do

10) Asian Handicrafts

Mr. Asbin Kumar Bhetwal Pashmina 9841522281

Do

11) Novela Silky Wool

Ms.Basundhara Acharya Pashmina

Patan, 5522332/9841200050

do

12) Palanchok Bhagawati Pashmina Industry Parbati Shrestha Pashmina

Gyaneswor, 4413978 Do

13) Unique Hatakala Mrs. Leela Joshi Pashmina

9851050419 Do

31

Annex - 6Summary Report of Trade Fair, Delhi

1. Overview of the programThe workshop cum trade fair at Dilli Haat was fourteen days’ event held from 16 th

December to 29th December. 25 participants from Jewellery, Metal-craft, and

Pashmina sector participated in the program.

The inauguration ceremony was on 17th December which was well-represented by

authorities from PlaNet Finance, Dastakari Haat Samiti, and Federation of Women

Entrepeneurs’ Association of Nepal. The chief guest of the program was His

Excellency Ambassador of Nepal to India Mr. Durgesh Man Singh. The cultural

presentation by Nepalese troop added the indigenous feel to the ceremony.

From 18th Dec till 26th Dec, the entrepreneurs participated in Enterprise Development

workshop which included theoretical sessions followed by practical sessions where

entrepreneurs implemented what they learnt during theoretical sessions. The

workshop included a variety of topics that focused on Branding and Corporate

Identity, Marketing and Export, Presentation and Window Display, Design/ Product

Development in three sectors, Moving from traditional to Contemporary, and Jewelry

Design Development.

Besides participation in workshop, the entrepreneurs also had opportunity to sell their

respective products through 12 stalls that were made available to them by DHS. As

expected, some of the enterprise could do good sales while others were not able to sell

as well as others. However, everyone was of the common opinion that participation in

Dilli Haat trade fair was good opportunity to experience direct selling which had been

the first experience for most of the entrepreneurs. It could also help them to better

understand the Indian market and choice of customers there. Being at Dilli Haat

represented unique experience to the entrepreneurs. It was the combination of hard

work (the hectic schedule kept the entrepreneurs at Dilli Haat for almost 11 hours),

knowledge sharing, and gaining of experience for the entrepreneurs.

32

2. Summary of each Sector2.1 Pashmina: Pashmina was one of the most well received products among three

product categories. This is exemplified by the fact that the stall with highest sales

turnover was that from Pashmina sector. However, not all Pashmina sector

entrepreneur could reach the similar level of sales because of differences in their

product designs and their salesmanship.

The product much in demand in Dilli Haat are 100% Pashmina shawls. However, our

entrepreneurs had more of 70/30% blend of Pashmina and Silk stoles. The wrong

product choice had been the major reason why all Pashmina entrepreneurs couldn’t

sell the entire products they had taken to Dilli Haat.

Everyone from Pashmina sector found “Design Development” work session the most

productive and effective one. This work-session was carried with much rigor due to

which it generated good result. Since there were no weavers among our entrepreneurs,

DHS brought students from an institute called DIA (Design and Innovation Academy)

to weave new patterns on site. Altogether six new designs were created and the

weaving draft was handed over to the entrepreneurs.

2.2 Silver Jewellery: The common opinion of most of the buyers about the silver

jewelry of our entrepreneurs was that they were very expensive. Most of the buyers

couldn’t move beyond the price tag and look at the craftsmanship and fineness of

these products. From customer feedback it was known that silver jewelry is relatively

inexpensive item in India due to which customers couldn’t justify the high price of

Nepalese silver jewelry.

On the other hand, Indian customers were more into wearing stones according to their

horoscope and avoided using stones that were not recommended by their horoscope.

Thus, knowledge about the stones and their significance in respective horoscope could

have improved the ability of entrepreneurs to sell their products in Dilli Haat.

2.3 Metal Craft Items: In metal craft there were basically metal statues, and

decorative and utility items. Looking at the sales figure it can be said that decorative

and utility items were better received by customers compared to statues. The reason

behind this is once again the high price of Nepalese statues compared with similar

competing Indian products which are, however, not as well crafted as Nepalese

33

products. On the other hand, since most of the statues were based on Buddhism, they

could instill lesser curiosity among people who were neither practicing Buddhism nor

very aware about it.

Among the decorative and utility items, singing bowl generated greatest interest

among the buyers.

3. Feedback from Entrepreneurs: 3.1 Most Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory Aspects of the Program

Satisfactory Aspects Unsatisfactory AspectsLectures from wonderful resource persons

Very long daily schedule

Stalls provided, instead of just workshops- it gave chance to interact with Indian Customers

Workshop sessions were not very lively. They were very lightly done.

The overall management including conducting of workshop, traveling, food and accommodation was good.

As location of workshop area was very close to stalls, it was difficult to concentrate in training especially when customers. Thus, venue wasn’t appropriate.

The content of the workshops were good and were helpful for the business

Carriage of goods wasn’t handled very professionally.

Visit to different shopping malls was very good aspect as it helped to gain idea about the presentation and display.

Representation of women was smaller

The blend of theoretical (workshops) and practical aspect (participation in stalls) of the entire program

Heavy bargaining by customers

Well managed stalls Lack of banners and displaying materials to show our Nepal pavilion

Support of organizers Lack of presentation document of training, eg. Handouts.

Promotional aspect of the program Distance of place of stay (YMCA) from Dilli Haat

The practical session of selling the products was good for gaining theoretical and practical knowledge.

The area allocated to Nepalese Entrepreneurs inside Dilli Haat wasn’t the best location.

The program gave international marketing experience, especially for Nepalese women entrepreneurs.The program gave a good opportunity to show-case Nepali products in foreign land.Gave hands-on experience about the customer’s choice in DelhiUseful and practical training sessions

34

Joint discussion and interaction during workshop sessionsTheoretical sessions followed by practical sessionsField visit and case study method of teaching- learning environment.Cooperation from DHSResource persons of workshopManagement by DHSHands-on experience on consumer behavior.Combination of workshop and sales opportunity simultaneously.Workshop topicsCraft atmosphere and security arrangement inside Dilli Haat

3.2 Product Variations which could have helped Entrepreneurs to sell more at

Dilli Haat:

Pashmina Sector Entrepreneurs’ Response:

Fashionable woman wears items like tank top, dikny and summer-wear knits

plus accessories.

More of 100% Pashmina Full shawls of the size 36”*80” in darker shades

Focus on plain/ solid design

Varieties of 100% Pashmina product ranges with different product varieties

for babies and men

Darker shades of shawls, are more of beaded variety

Metal Craft Entrepreneurs’ Response

Small sized metal statues without gold plating, colored statues, and some

utility products like incense holder or box

Smaller statue sizes which are also cheaper

Statues of Hindu deities and other contemporary products

Cheaper version of products

Semi precious stones pasted statues

Embossed and oxidized statues

Variety in statue sizes: from 6-12”

Silver Jewellery Entrepreneurs’ Response

35

Variety in products: Chain bracelets, Small rings, long earrings, Necklace,

Silver chain, hair clips, tie pin, toe ring, etc.

Variety in different colored semi precious stone like turquoise, garnet, blue

stone

Cheaper version of products, for example silver plated items.

3.3 Improvement aspects

1. Aspects which will be improved by entrepreneurs in future program

Right product choices which is the combination of right design, color, quality,

and price

Carry appropriate communication materials

Improve the presentation of products

Take low-priced products

Variety of presentation materials inside a stall like light system, flex board,

attractive design, brochure, visiting card, and product description cards

Get detail information about market and customers beforehand.

Gain technical knowledge about the product so that one can depict the story

about the product he/she is selling.

Greater product variety

2. Aspects to be improved by the Organizers/ Suggestions from Entrepreneurs

Organizers should disseminate more information about market and nature of

customers so that entrepreneurs can prepare accordingly for the program

Such kind of program should focus more on Business match-making

The future program- if possible, should organize 1-3 days of trade-fair

especially meant for bulk-buyers/importers

As Pashmina is a high-value product for people with higher disposable income

and fashion trendy people, thus future exhibitions need to be held at big

departmental stores, chain-stores, fashion houses and fixed-price stores.

There is a need of Trade fair management training to those who organize these

type of program

Need of proper displaying materials to present the Nepal pavilion

Such program should be made a regular event, for example once a year. It will

help to understand the market trend and know the customers’ choice, and also

motivate the entrepreneurs.

36

Organizers should give enough time for preparation to the participants

Such programs should be conducted in Nepal so that participation of more

number of people can be ensured

Trainings should also be conducted in the financial aspect

The issue of carriage of goods should be taken greater care of in future should

such event be organized in future.

Advanced level training on the same topics which were discussed during this

workshop should be organized in future.

As e-business is the upcoming issue, there should be training on this matter.

4. Strength and Weakness Analysis4.1 Strengths

Good Craftsmanship: Products of our entrepreneurs are well-crafted and have very

good finishing. Although the customers felt that the prices were high, many of them

did recognize the finesse of these products.

This led to my conclusion that Nepalese products in the three selected sectors have

good scope in Indian market but they need greater exposure so that the customers start

becoming aware of these products. The products will also need to be adapted in terms

of their prices to appeal to these customers. Since high price had been the common

concern of most of the buyers, the entrepreneurs will have to find ways of reducing

price of their products.

4.2 Weaknesses

Price Variations: Regular price variation (increment) was one common error made

by the entrepreneurs. According to the entrepreneurs, such variation had to be made

because earlier they had no idea that customers bargained a lot and they had put fair

price on their product. But due to huge bargaining, they had to increase the price of

their products. Whatever might be the reasons, this left bad impression especially

among those customers who visited stalls more than on a single day and compared the

prices of different days.

37

Stall Presentation: Entrepreneurs could get away with poor stall presentation

because they were the part of special program organized by DHS for them. However,

such presentation wouldn’t help them attract buyers if they are on their own in such

fairs. Stall presentation plays a great role in attracting the customers and adding value

to the products being displayed.

One of the reasons for poor stall presentation was the low volume of goods that were

taken to Dilli Haat because of the problem of carriage. However, the entrepreneurs

had also not taken enough promotional materials, like pictures and flex prints, which

could have made-up for the low volume of goods in stalls.

5. Which stalls did better? The clue to generate better sales: Those entrepreneurs who showed dedicated salesmanship. Often in places like

Dilli Haat where people visit to have a look around with no specific product in

mind and pick the goods which appeal to them with, salesmanship plays a

greater role in one’s ability to sell their products. In such scenario if the

entrepreneurs were themselves present in the stall most of the times (instead of

leaving it to volunteers), they had greater success in selling their products

Who gave elaborate details about their products to the customers and showed

enthusiasm towards them. Since the products of our entrepreneurs were all

high value items, they required greater efforts to sell. Those entrepreneurs who

gave the reasons behind the high price of their products could sell better

compared to others who didn’t give much concern to information sharing

aspect with their customers.

6. Logistic Arrangement by DHSThe logistic arrangement of Dastakari Haat Samiti for the entire program is worth

mentioning. All the arrangements from shuttle service to accommodation to

workshop had been smoothly organized.

On the inauguration day, the presence of authorities from all concerned organizations,

like DHS, PF, FWEAN, and especially His Excellency Nepalese Ambassador to India

made the program fuller and complete. The cultural performance by Nepalese troop

added indigenous touch to the program which was well thought-of by DHS.

38

The publicity of the program is another worth mentioning aspect of the program. The

participation of Nepalese Entrepreneurs from the three sectors was advertised in a

number of newspapers and a lot of television channels were called in for the coverage

of the program. This helped our entrepreneurs and Nepalese products to gain exposure

in Indian market. The entrepreneurs could also highlight about their products to larger

audience through the series of interviews they had with the news channels.

On-site advertisement was also well displayed in large banners in important places

around Dilli Haat to make people aware about the Nepali stalls. Another arrangement

like presence of cultural troops in the area helped to increase the flow of audience in

the area. The cooperation received from all the staffs of DHS made everyone feel

comfortable and “at home”.

39

Annex - 6

Minutes of the First National Level Steering Committee Meeting

Venue: Meeting Hall, PlaNet Finance Office, Kalikasthan, KathmanduDate: Tuesday, November 18, 2008Time: 4 pm-5:45 pm

Name of the Participants:-

1. Mr. Raju Joshi, Social Welfare Council (SWC)2. Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari, Ministry of Woman, Children and Social Welfare Council

(MoWC & SWC)3. Mr. Bhim Koirala, Ministry of Woman, Children, and Social Welfare Council (MoWC &

SWC)4. Mr. Dhurba Lal Rajbamshi, Ministry of Industry (MoI)5. Mr. Dal Bikram Kadel, Ministry of Local Development (MoLD)6. Ms. Pramila Rijal, Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal

(FWEAN)7. Ms. Luna Pradhananga, Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN)8. Ms. Florence Solnica, PlaNet Finance 9. Mr. Rajendra Nath Poudyal, PlaNet Finance

I) Presentation of PlaNet Finance by Ms. Florence Solnica

- Introduction of PlaNet Finance, its expertise in microfinance and its Board members.- The presentation of PlaNet Finance along with the work-plan of the project was

distributed in terms of hard copy to each participant.

II) Presentation of the PlaNet Finance in Nepal by Mr. Rajendra Nath Poudyal

- PlaNet Finance first made its appearance in Nepal in 2003 through a 3-country project financed by Asia ITC.

- It operated its second project called “Micro Invest IT” in 2005. It was invested by TIPS-Nepal, an Italian project (situated at FNCCI building, Teku).

- The agreement between PlaNet Finance and Social Welfare Council was signed on December 18, 2005.

III) Discussion on the project Status

- Mr. Raju Joshi of SWC briefed on the Project Advisory Committee and the Project Facilitation Wing.

- The members of SWC drafted a ToR, and submitted it to the National Planning Commission (NPC). This led to the establishment of Project Facilitation Wing under SWC. It works with one window policy, and circulates every agreement that has been signed to the concerned ministerial bodies.

- Similarly, the Project Advisory Committee has been formed as per the policy of the government of Nepal. As per this policy, every INGO should held a Project Advisory Committee Meeting every 6 months.

- Meanwhile, Mr. Rajendra Nath Poudyal commented on an issue that even some ministries and district level agencies seemed unaware of the provision of National Level and District Level steering committee.

- Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari (SWC) enquired about the status of the General Agreement of the project.

40

- Mr. Rajendra Poudyal informed the committee about the newly won World Bank project on Markey Survey of Micro-finance Institution of Nepal. Mr. Raju Joshi (SWC) expressed his ignorance regarding this project’s agreement. Mr. Poudyal informed the committee that the application for renewal of general agreement of PlaNet Finance has already been submitted to Social Welfare Council in August, 2008.

IV) Presentation of the SMElink project by Ms. Florence Solnica

- SMElink project is a three year project signed by the European Commission in September 2007.

- PlaNet Finance and Social Welfare Council has signed the SMElink project agreement on May 14, 2008 due to procedural delay in SWC.

- It works with its local partners (FWEAN, FHAN) and its international partners (DHS, SLPSM).

- Its main goal it to enable 150 Nepalese SMEs every year to upgrade themselves so that they can export to Europe by themselves.

- At its implementation phase, a market survey was conducted, and three viable sectors were identified: Jewellery & Metal-craft, Pashmina and sustainable tourism.

Year-wise briefing of the project

- In Year 1, the project beneficiaries were trained on Business Planning issues. PF alone with the local partners received positive feedback from them.

- In Year 2, the beneficiaries will be trained on IT, communication and marketing issues. Also, they will be enabled to apply for system certification.

- In Year 3, PF along with the project partners will follow their entry into the European Market.

SMElink’s web-portal

- A web-portal was built in Year 1. It contains various sections such as: on-line business directory, on-line trainings, news, links, photo gallery, contact and sitemap.

- Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari of MoWC & SWC enquired if the beneficiaries are taking benefit of the portal.

- At this Ms. Florence Solnica clarified that in the beginning only a few beneficiaries seemed interested, but this year PF along with its local partners has distributed questionnaires to them in order to know about their IT usage; the portal will prove useful this year; more and more beneficiaries are registering themselves in the “Discussion Forum”- a tool for interaction and communication with the beneficiaries.

Recruitment of the beneficiaries

- The beneficiaries were recruited through FHAN and FWEAN.- An advertisement campaign was performed through Kantipur on April 17 th and 19th

since it has the widest circulation in Nepal.- More than 100 beneficiaries from three selected sectors were trained on Business

Planning issues from June to August.- The Small Enterprise Excellence Awards (SEEA) was held on September 16. It was

hosted by His Excellency the French Ambassador at his residence. There were more than 150 attendees. At SEEA, 25 best business planners were rewarded.

V) External difficulties faced by the project 1. Reaching all the districts of Nepal

- Reaching all the districts of Nepal was not viable. PF tried its best to include beneficiaries from all over Nepal. It advertised through “Kantipur”, and sought the help of its local partners (FHAN, FWEAN). However, it could reach only 3 districts besides Kathmandu valley: Chitwan, Kaski and Solukhumbu. But PF is willing to

41

incorporate SMEs from more other districts, and it will be done by focusing on sustainable tourism.

- Meanwhile, Mr. Rajendra Nath Poudyal clarified the cause for the absence of SMEs from outside Kathmandu valley: PF does not have much in its budget to pay for the transport fares. Also, it was difficult to set up offices for a limited number of SMEs who come from out of Kathmandu. Moreover, the project should focus on Medium level entrepreneurs who can export to Europe as per the EC’s directive. He also urged the presidents of the partner organizations to be familiar with the on-going activities of the project.

- At this Ms. Pramila Rijal (FWEAN) raised an option: FWEAN is district based and it has a strong network. The training centre, i.e., Kathmandu is easily accessible. Hence, incorporating SMEs from outside Kathmandu is not a big issue. FWEAN is ever-ready to co-operate with PF. PF can gather more SMEs from tourist centered towns (Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj). She feared that the partners would be held responsible if the project moves ahead without including SMEs from out of Kathmandu valley.

- Also, Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari of MoWC & SW commented that SMEs of Kathmandu have already been exposed worldwide. By focusing on Kathmandu-based entrepreneurs, the project will make the rich richer. Hence, PF should make a strategy to incorporate SMEs who reside out of valley. He added that the evaluator will question if only a single sector/city is focused. Hence, PF needs to fulfill the requirements of Nepalese SMEs, and not that of the EC (European Commission).

- Similarly, Mr. Raju Joshi of SWC suggested to include SMEs from outside the valley. Otherwise, the SWC could also be held responsible by the evaluator. He added that the project’s final evaluation will be done by this year; the evaluator will be critical and will use his third eye while going through project agreement, general agreement and the project reports. Hence, it is necessary to work as a team for the smooth operation of the project. He stressed that regular meetings should be held to streamline these obstacles.

- Similarly, Luna (FHAN) clarified how FHAN collaborated with PF while recruiting the SMEs. Recently, she has contacted some SMEs who reside out of Kathmandu, and has found them quite interested.

- Ms. Florence Solnica expressed the willingness of PF to recruit more SMEs esp. from the tourism sector, and she asked for the co-operation of the local partner organizations. She also forwarded a solution towards the problem of distance – E-learning module. This is an open tool available in SMElink’s web-portal, which can be accessed by everyone.

- Mr. Raju Joshi (SWC) expressed the council’s interest in such a module. In his opinion, this module could be put to use by SWC in order to train its saving and credit groups.

- Ms. Pramila Rijal (FWEAN) further urged PF to accommodate district level SMEs, esp. those who reside in semi-urban areas and who are interested to export, in its future activities.

- Regarding the absence of SMEs from out of valley, Mr. Rajendra Poudyal clarified that the SMElink beneficiaries were selected on the basis of three criteria: those who are already exporting, those who are planning to export and those who want to export. He stated that it was mandatory to follow the directives of the EC. Also, he added that it would be difficult to enable rural entrepreneurs for ISO certification. Moreover, many SMEs, who were approached, seemed indifferent. He asked FWEAN to provide the name list of its district members.

2. Frequent strikes and Petrol Crisis

- Frequent strikes and petrol crisis prevented the SMEs to attend training fields, to meet their coaches, and to concentrate on the training matters.

3. Fund-raising

- Ms. Florence Solnica clarified the fact that the project was 95% funded by the EC, the next 5% would have to be met through fund raising. The prizes that were distributed

42

to the participants were not EC funded. PF had held meetings with more than 20 commercial banks for fund-raising. It was willing to provide new clients (SMEs) to them, and to enhance the access of Nepalese SMEs to formal sources of finance. But, not a single bank seemed interested. The 5 laptops were sponsored by two French companies while the ceremony was hosted by the French Ambassador at his residence.

- At this, Mr. Raju Joshi (SWC) claimed that it was not fair to complain about fund crunch since the project’s financial commitment towards Nepal’s development has already been mentioned while signing the project agreement.

- Mr. Rajendra Poudyal further clarified that PF has sufficient fund for the implementation of SMElink project as it was committed in project agreement signed on 14 May 2008. But SEE Award ceremony was an extra event not funded by the EC. Moreover, PF wants this award ceremony to continue even after the completion of the project through the collaboration of Nepalese SMEs and the commercial banks.

- Since the evaluator will enquire about the investment and the achievement(s), SWC as well as the local partners will have to justify it. Hence, Mr. Raju Joshi and Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari (SWC) and Ms. Pramila Rijal (FWEAN) urged PF to positively interpret this issue, and to include SEEA as an extra initiative.

- Ms. Florence Solnica interpreted SEEA as an event that provided an advertising ground for the SMEs. She hoped that some big business houses will support this cause next year.

VI) Discussion on the organization of the national level steering committee meeting

- Mr. Bhim Koirala (MoWC & SWC) pointed that such a meeting should have been held earlier. He suggested to chart a workplan/ToR, and to allow a member of the committee to make field visits during trainings conducted by PF.

- PF assured the committee that it was the first time that PF has conducted such meeting and PF will host the next NLSC meeting will be organized on time.

- Ms. Pramila Rijal (FWEAN) supported his view. According to her, had the meetings been held earlier in the presence of local bodies, PF would have to heed to the proposals put forth by the local partners.

- PF assured the committee that it was the first time that PF has conducted such meeting and PF expressed its commitment that the next NLSC meeting will be organized on time.

- Mr. Raju Joshi (SWC) clarified that such meetings would be held half-yearly. Also, he further briefed on the Project Facilitation Wing. This wing is an autonomous state of the Council which has been established with the mandate of the House. It does the half-yearly review of the projects, and circulates the reports to the concerned authorities. He added that we do have enough time to learn from and to rectify our mistakes.

VII) Upcoming activities of the SMElink project

- Ms. Florence Solnica briefed on the upcoming activities of SMElink. They are:- - System certification: SMElink will conduct system certification training. It will aim at

ISO certification, but not product certification. The training will be provided to the SMElink beneficiaries. PF will enable and facilitate them to apply for ISO certification.

- Information Technology Training: PF has distributed questionnaires to its beneficiaries in order to know about their IT usage. As per the findings, they will be trained on basic features (Word, Excel, Power point), Photoshop and web-designing.

- 25 websites will be built and hosted by SMElink’s portal.- Trade fair: 25 of the SMEs will participate in the trade fair, “Dilli Haat”, organized by

DHS (an international partner). This fair will be held for 15 days from December 16-

43

29. In the morning, the SMEs will attend trainings on product development and design while the afternoons will be purely dedicated to sales. These SMEs will be helped by their coaches.

- SEEA: Finally, the award ceremony will be held at the end of the second year.

VIII) Conclusion

- Ms. Florence Solnica expressed her gratitude on behalf of PF towards SWC for approving the SMElink project as well as for facilitating while applying for the non-tourist visas for the project’s foreign experts.

- Ms. Florence Solnica expressed her gratitude on behalf of PF towards the different ministries for the granting approval of SMElink project agreement

- Mr. Dhurba Lal Rajbamshi wanted to have pre-information so that other concerning issues could be discussed.

- Ms. Pramila Rijal raised the issues of project’s budget and the frequent changes in PF’s office staff.

- Mr. Rajendra informed the committee that the budget has been reviewed. The fund for the partners has been increased to NRs 27, 00,000. This fund will be disbursed for organising trade fairs. Moreover, the internal account of PF is being audited and the report will be prepared by this Friday.

- Mr. Ritu Raj Bhandari urged PF to listen to its partners, and to implement the project’s activities through them since it has been mentioned in the preamble of the agreement. He asked PF, FHAN and FWEAN to work with internal understanding and co-operation.

- Mr. Raju Joshi (SWC) informed that a four-member high level committee will be formed by the Social Welfare Council. It will review and evaluate the financial reports of INGOs. He hailed the meeting as a good discussion, and appreciated the presence of the participants. He suggested PF to come up with the financial description and the status of the project in the next meeting. Further, he asked PF to bring the team to the field so that they can get the feel of reality. He also enquired about the DPAC (District Level Project Advisory Committee) Meeting [has been fixed for November 23]. He termed the renewal of the General Agreement as urgent. He concluded that the meeting was a good start, and should be held regularly. In the next meeting that would be held after 6 months, he would want a briefing on the things discussed above in order to check the progress of the project.

44