KATHMANDU: The American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal), representing businesses with American investments in the country, organized its 12th Member Learning Series program at DAI on Thursday. This event is part of AmCham Nepal’s ongoing efforts to engage and educate its member organizations.
Nilu Basnyat, the Nepal Representative for DAI, emphasized the urgent need for increased resources and efforts in disaster prevention and mitigation, highlighting the significant financial losses Nepal faces due to natural disasters. “DAI has been actively involved in disaster preparedness, local training, policy formulation, risk insurance, and climate change awareness as part of its ongoing efforts,” she said.
Dr. Gopal Tiwari, Private Sector Engagement Director at Tayar, discussed the private sector’s contributions to the USAID-led Ready Nepal Project, which has created numerous entrepreneurial opportunities in the country. He noted that over 35 businesses have expanded through this project, with USAID providing essential support. The project, which promotes green business practices, has also trained around 700 people in business continuity management.
Suman Shakya, PSE Advisor at the Tayar project, presented to the AmCham members on the importance of a Business Continuity Management Plan. He emphasized the need to understand disaster preparedness models and the economic value of such plans for the business community.
DAI has been operating in Nepal since 2016, contributing to sustainable development through various projects. The organization has a global presence, working in over 150 countries, including Nepal, in areas such as disaster management, water resource management, and biodiversity conservation. DAI’s partnership with USAID in Nepal focuses on these critical areas.
AmCham Nepal is affiliated with over 50 U.S.-invested business organizations in Nepal. Within two years of its establishment, AmCham Nepal became affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The organization supports trade between Nepal and the United States, particularly in the tourism, information technology, and energy sectors, by attracting foreign investment to Nepal.
Concluding the program, Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, Chairman of AmCham Nepal, emphasized that the AmCham Nepal Members Learning Series and Expert Learning Series are instrumental in integrating American working culture into Nepal. He highlighted that such programs foster meaningful engagement among members and stakeholders and play a crucial role in promoting business integration.
Amir Thapa, General Manager of AmCham Nepal, underscored the organization’s role in facilitating the transfer of American investment, technology, and talent to Nepal. He emphasized that the American Business Community in Nepal has helped strengthen the 77-year-old friendship between Nepal and the United States through bilateral trade and investments. “AmCham is dedicated to promoting economic mobility, safety, productivity, and life expectancy through inclusive economic growth,” he further added.