The entire business community is yearning for a favourable investment climate. Each and every business house and enterprise is waiting for the moment that is unlikely to arrive anytime soon. Sandeep Sharda, the Director of Sharda Group, one of the largest business houses of Nepal, is not pessimistic though about the situation but prefers to play it safe like his peers in the business community. He says he is not so comfortable in venturing into new projects and making any significant moves other than keeping the current ventures alive.

The conglomerate has interests in manufacturing and trading of industrial goods to consumer durables and nondurables. The journey of Sharda Group began with garment trading almost 100 years ago. Real success of the group began after Sharda’s great grandfather established a rice mill at Lahan in 1948. The success of the company began with this very business. Sharda has been involved in the family business since his 18th birthday. Being the eldest son in the family, he has given his all to take the family business ahead. Today, the group has an annual turnover of more than US $ 150 million.

Pioneer Carpet Industries, Shangrila Housing, Bajra Shangrila Residency, Infratech and Shivam Cement Industries are some of the companies Sharda oversees that are either established by him individually or under joint ventures. Born in an industrial family, doing business was in his blood and during his school days, he dreamt of having his own business.

A television set used to be the object of desire those days, he says. So, I wanted to import and sell gadgets like TVs and VCRs, he adds. Sharda was pursuing his college degree in Kolkata when he had to return back to Nepal since his father was unwell. His brothers were young and studying abroad. So, being the eldest son, he had the responsibility to take care of his father and the business. Sharda successfully took up the responsibilities on his shoulders and became occupied. In the bargain, he could not pursue his education further than the bachelor level. Sharda began his career as a business person in the early 1990s.

The lucrative returns from carpet trading lured him to indulge further in the trade. He says the returns and travel opportunities created by carpet trading made him choose this sector. His first venture, now named Pioneer Carpet Industries, was a success for young Sharda as the carpet industry was booming and its export was at the peak. He claims, I became one of the largest exporters in Nepal and was felicitated with numerous awards by the government including Commercially Important Person within seven to eight years. His success in carpet trading inspired him to venture into many other businesses in the future. After Pioneer Carpets, he started importing reconditioned cars from Japan in 1994 which, unfortunately, did not yield profits to him. “I believe in destiny and I thought it was not meant for me so I dropped the project,' he admits nonchalantly. Sharda prefers joint ventures. He explains, You cannot think and do everything on your own. It's good to have likeminded people with whom you can share your ideas and visions and produce something great.'In partnership with his close friends, he has set up housing projects like Shangrila Housing and Bajra Shangrila and the largest cement industry of Nepal, Shivam Cement, which is soon going to begin operations.

Living in a joint family where every member is passionate about business, decisions are made jointly. He says, 'Nobody decides alone in our family, we talk to each other, share ideas and discuss in detail before reaching any decision.' Sharda believes that the business focus should be on ensuring a good turnover. He suggests that an aggressive attitude does help achieve business goals. 'Where there is an opportunity for profit, there will be a chance of making loss too,' he says. Sharda recommends aspiring entrepreneurs to be practical and believes everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and by setting a clear goal. According to him, there are no alternatives to sincerity, honesty and punctuality which are essential for registering success.

Even though success in any business is determined by profit and turnover, he opines that success is not only about making a huge amount of money. He philosophises, 'Success is also about giving back to the people in the society in the form of employment or offering them the best products and services with honesty and sincerity. There are so many other things that are much valuable than money itself.' Sharda trusts his colleagues much and believes in assigning appropriate roles to people working with him. He maintains a close relationship with his employees and keeps himself updated about everything. 'I talk to each person every day, talk to the team leaders and get reports and feedback,' he tells. He likes to maintain a distance between his personal and professional lives. He spends around nine hours for his work and prefers to have after hours and weekends for his family and kids. 'I have two wonderful children and it is good to see them growing up. The moments I spend with my family are more fun than my work but business is my profession and I love running it, he proudly states. He also loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, watch movies and attend parties when possible.

Likewise, he likes to travel and considers himself fortunate to have travelled many countries for his vacations and business trips. Sharda is also involved in philanthropy and is an active member of Kathmandu Metro Round Table 4, an international organisation. Our slogan is Freedom through education and we build school buildings in various parts of Nepal as well as sponsor needy children through fund raising,” he says. 

Personal side

•   Loves motorsports- had won a rally in the mid 1990s
•   Fond of cars -changes around six cars in a year
•   Currently drivesL a n d R o v e r Freelander 2
•   Loves travelling
•   Not particularly health conscious
•   Not interested in reading and writing
•   Prefers casual wear like jeans and tee shirts
•   Brand conscious
  

Sharda is keenly waiting for the business and investment climate to become favourable and wishes that the current slowdown in the business sector would get over soon. I am not currently happy with the pace this sector is moving at, he expresses his displeasure. He is on a wait and watch mode and does not have any new projects lined up in the foreseeable future. Doing business is a very challenging proposition at the moment so I am just giving continuity to my current ventures, he shares. He dreams of achieving the kind of success which he thinks he has not tasted yet. And that's precisely why he prays for a suitable business environment as soon as possible.