简体中文
By Hari Prasad Paudel
KATHMANDU, Dec. 7 -- There has been a tremendous demand of Chinese products in recent times in the country, said Rajendra Shrestha, Managing Director of Chinese brand Gree in Nepal.
According to Shrestha, Gree, a Chinese brand of air conditioners is one among them. In a recent interview with APD, Shrestha said, "The business of Gree Air Condition has multiplied by more than a hundred times."
He started his business of selling Chinese brands in Nepal in 1999 when Gree had not started exporting its appliances. He recalls, "I was in China looking for an appropriate business opportunity and brought 30 Air Conditioners from the local market."
Shrestha added that the manuals of the product used to be only in the Chinese language at that time. So, they used to translate and put a small Nepali sticker on those products.
It was a challenging job for Shrestha as only a few people could afford the appliance then. Moreover, the AC market was captured by the products imported from Dubai. People also had a very bad impression regarding Chinese products.
"AC has now become a necessity rather than a luxury product," Shrestha said. "Now people with a limited income can dream an AC."
Clarifying his statement, the businessman added that he has signed contracts with many banks that can provide AC in an easy monthly installment.
He said that starting a new business or an import business these days is easy. Inspiring new startups, he said, "You can surf the items of your choice and contact the providers online. I appreciate the prompt response attitude among the Chinese businessmen."
He said that the attitude of the Nepali community towards the Chinese brand had changed due to the after-sales service, professionalism, and honest behavior of his Chinese partner. He said, "I haven't signed even a single contract with my dealer in China yet."
Indicating the problems faced by international business communities to invest in Nepal, he said, "Many investors are facing problems only because they ran after the brokers." He added that a genuine company should contact Nepal government through their embassy. To curb such brokers, Shrestha suggested, "The government should provide a list of an authentic channel to the economic counselor sections. In this regard, the state can list the name of trusted firms, lawyers etc."
The Nepal representative of Gree brand said that his affection to the Chinese company was because of its innovative technology and their 'no compromise' attitude on quality.
AC business was stable during the load-shedding period. Now there are more 41 brands competing with Gree in Nepal. "Brand-wise we are still the largest seller of AC in Nepal with around 15 thousand sells each year," he informed. With his hard and continued effort, Gree has produced thousands of satisfied customers in Nepal in less than two decades.
