NEF-backed Nepali programme prepares exporters, opens migration dialogue with Australia

KATHMANDU: A Nepali initiative supported by the Australian Embassy and implemented by Nepal Economic Forum (NEF) is preparing export-ready businesses for international markets and opening a public conversation on education-driven migration with Australia.

The Nepal in Australia programme has shortlisted 42 Nepali enterprises for a capacity-building series called 'Preparation to Scale', which is aimed at strengthening operational systems, branding and market readiness to boost bilateral trade and export capacity.

The first technical module, held on February 25, 2026 and facilitated by Suman Shakya, focused on operational efficiency and business continuity management. The session provided practical tools to improve internal systems, build resilience and address common export bottlenecks, encouraging participants to plan strategically for sustainable scaling and international demand.

A second session on April 9, 2026, led by Rajneesh Chaturvedi, concentrated on branding and marketing. The workshop stressed authentic storytelling, consistent brand identity and premium positioning for the Australian market. Participants from the food, textile and handicraft sectors took part in interactive exercises on digital marketing tactics, including website development and use of platforms such as Instagram, Amazon and LinkedIn, as well as tracking metrics like SEO performance and cost per order. The session also highlighted sustainability, ethical transparency and supply-chain narratives, and underscored the role of high-quality packaging and clear consumer communication in improving market appeal.

Alongside enterprise support, NEF and the Australian Embassy will host a NEFtalk titled 'Education and Migration: The Nepal–Australia Connection' on April 16, 2026. The event is expected to bring together policymakers, academics, development partners, private sector representatives and young professionals to examine how education-driven migration shapes skills development, talent mobility and bilateral ties.

Over the past two decades, Australia has emerged as a major destination for Nepali students, a trend that has deepened people-to-people links but also raised questions about knowledge transfer and the creation of pathways that encourage graduates to contribute to Nepal’s development. NEF says the NEFtalk will explore migration trends, opportunities for collaboration and policy frameworks that can align student mobility with long-term, inclusive development goals for both countries.