The award supported by Standard Chartered Bank Nepal was given away to Hari Century of Century Handicraft Production, Sabin Shakya of Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshora Handicraft Udhyog, Basundhara Acharya of Palanchowk Bhagabati Pashmina, Parbati Shrestha, Ram Nepali of Ganesh Handicrafts and Dorje Shushil Sherpa. [break]
The award is given on the basis of overall performances of small enterprises. The award distribution ceremony was coincided with the closing ceremony of SMElink Project. The three year was supported by European Commission Asia Invest Program and PlaNet Finance.
PlaNet Finance, an international NGO working on poverty alleviation, is implementing the program with its local partners -- Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) and Dastkari Haat Samiti of India.
About 150 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in handicraft and tourism sectors have benefited from capacity building and technical assistance provided by the project.
Thomas Pederoletti, executive director of PlaNet Finance Nepal, informed that 50 entrepreneurs had the opportunity to promote their business in Asia and Europe by participating in business visits and international trade fairs.
Speaking at the program, Bikas Ratna Dhakhwa, president of FHAN, said the handicraft industry, which was not affected even during political crisis, was in need of proper attention.
Sujit Mundul, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, said the involvement of people at the grassroots level was important for economic development to attain inclusive growth.
Giap Dang of European Commission Delegation to Nepal and Pramila Rijal, president of WEAN, also spoke on the occasion.
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