KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 12
Six Nepali women entrepreneurs are participating in a trade mission in Manchester, UK, from February 10 to 12, aiming to explore new business opportunities and strengthen international trade ties. The delegation is part of a broader initiative under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which connects women entrepreneurs from Asia and Africa with British buyers to foster sustainable trade and economic empowerment.
The delegation included Reshma Shrestha (Sunil Cashmere Pvt. Ltd.), Nabina Dhakhwa Shakya (Manushi), Geeta Shrestha (Nepal Silk), Lumbina Shrestha (Alpine Pashmina House Pvt. Ltd.), Sushma Shrestha (Alpine Pashmina House Pvt. Ltd.), Sapna Bajracharya Lama (Loom Story Pvt. Ltd.). Shova Gyawali from the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs' Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) also accompanied the delegation.
The trade mission brought together 50 women entrepreneurs from ten countries, including Nepal, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Pakistan. These entrepreneurs, working in sectors such as agrifood, handicrafts, textiles, apparel, beauty, IT, and business process outsourcing, engaged in a series of business-to-business (B2B) meetings with British buyers.
According to a press release by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the trade mission aims to strengthen the UK's manufacturing sector by connecting British companies with reliable suppliers, reducing production costs, and supporting the "Made in UK" strategy for promoting high-quality exports and domestic industry growth.
Highlighting the initiative, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West stated, "Women entrepreneurs face greater challenges in exporting due to fewer buyer connections and limited market information. Our SheTrades Commonwealth+ programme bridges this gap, linking women-led businesses across Asia and Africa with British companies."
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), emphasized the impact of the trade mission, stating, "This initiative lays the foundation for women entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses, access new markets, and drive gender-inclusive economic growth."
Similarly, Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said, "We were delighted to host this key international event in Manchester. These new global business connections will lead to future commercial success."
The trade mission was organized in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the London Chamber of Commerce, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
