What was the main objective of the visit?
Besides learning about the OTOP program, the main objective of the visit was to explore trade possibilities with Thailand, provide international exposure to women entrepreneurs of various districts, and to provide platform for exchange of ideas between women entrepreneurs of Nepal and Thailand.
The visit to OTOP Trade Fair in Thailand helped us to learn about how women entrepreneur can work to make ´One Village One Product´ program, which is similar to OTOP program, successful in Nepal. [break]
What opportunities did the women entrepreneurs get during the visit?
Women entrepreneurs of 17 districts involved in tourism, agriculture and handicraft sectors were in our team. The women entrepreneurs got the opportunity to visit OTOP Trade Fair. They also met Srirat Rastapana, director general of Department of International Trade Promotion under Thailand´s Ministry of Commerce, and held discussion on trade exchange and promotion. Likewise, the women entrepreneurs visited Bang Sai Arts and Craft Center at Ayutthaya to learn about skill development. Similarly, Ministry of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Thailand conducted interaction program and Business to Business (B2B) meeting with the women entrepreneurs.
You said women entrepreneurs got lot of exposure n Thailand. What do you think they learnt from the visit?
The women entrepreneurs have told us that the visit helped to boost their confidence level and encouraged them to work hard like Thai women who are very active and hardworking. Women from remote areas like Jumla, Myagdi and Khotang said they will go back and start using local resources to make various handicraft products like in Thailand.
They, however, said the government should support them to market their products and make use of their skills like the Thai government.
How successful was the visit in terms of exploring trade possibilities?
Many Thai women entrepreneurs showed keen interest toward textile products made from natural fibers like Dhaka, Pashmina and Allo. They are also interested to open dealership for Thai food products in Nepal and develop tour packages to Nepal.
Most of the Thai tourists visit Lumbini via India. Hence, the Thai entrepreneurs are interested to work with tourism entrepreneurs here to develop tour packages for Thai tourists interested to visit Lumbini. We promoted jungle safari in Chitwan and Bardia. Some Thai entrepreneurs are visiting Nepal next week to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Nepali entrepreneurs in these sectors.
Before concluding, please tell us what were the major achievements of the visit?
Thailand´s tourism ministry is soon conducting a workshop on OTOP program in Nepal. Likewise, it is providing training on industrializing semi-precious stones that are found in Nepal and on designing garments made from natural fibers. Kanthong Unakul, the ambassador of Thailand to Nepal, will coordinate with the tourism ministry to conduct these programs.
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