Rupesh Sah discusses Nepal’s entrepreneurial climate at Samriddhi Foundation

KATHMANDU: On June 27, Samriddhi Foundation hosted a discussion programme with Rupesh Sah, Founder of Bodhi Natural. The discussion focused on licensing and registration restrictions that correlated with Sah’s early struggles in the industry. 

Sah’s journey began with researching different sectors within the economy around 2017/18. During this time, he learned about the alcohol industry and sought after brewing methods. He taught himself how to brew wine, chhaang, and many more. Sah found potential in opening an alcohol brewery in Nepal as there is equipment, manpower and technology readily available, but the process to register a brewery was unavailable.

“I wanted to open a micro-brewery and went through many different offices to try and register,” said Sah, “But I quickly found out that the process for registration was unavailable.”

Upon further investigation, he realized that multiple micro business ideas were unregisterable in Nepal. He didn’t know why when the process was doable and production was fairly easy.

“The main issue is that a license isn't available. The regulations and quality control we have currently work for any industry or business, big or small,” exclaimed Sah when asked about quality control for micro industries. The lack of licensing and registration has led to up-and-coming entrepreneurs losing hope and giving up on their business.

Regardless, after trying for years, he decided to open an eco-friendly cleaning supplies company, Bodhi Natural. Even though he had given up on opening a micro-brewery, Sah’s still searching for the reason behind registration and licensing restrictions. 

Even though he complained about not being able to register his brewery or any micro business, he believed that “oligopoly”- where a small number of companies control the majority of the market - is the reason for it all. Sah claimed that if given a chance, multiple people could earn Re. 1 but due to oligopoly, one person earns Rs. 100. 

“I realized that nations with syndicates fail. Oligopoly isn't good for our country and the future leaders need to understand that and focus on the important aspects of the country.” said Sah.

There is unfair treatment in the economy and he wants fairness. He is tired of the situation and wants opportunities not only for himself but also others. “It's not about getting a license anymore, it's about fairness. Now, if they were to offer me a license just to shut me up, I wouldn't take it unless everyone else who wants one gets a license too.”

Sah mentioned that society didn't have an entrepreneurial mindset, there were no incentives for change and regulations need to evolve with the economy. The narrow-minded nature of Nepal has led to scarce opportunities and frustrated manpower leaving the country for better opportunities.