The Expert Pool for Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) was launched at the Startup2020 Conference on 28 August 2023 at Hotel Soaltee in Kathmandu amidst 350 plus participants representing government line agencies, startups, business chambers, academic institutions, policymakers, development partners, civil society and media.

The GIZ GRAPE project initiated the expert pool in the first place, but soon, it developed its own dynamics. LRED champions with the knowledge and experience working as sectoral experts, facilitators, and practitioners make up the current 20 members of this expert group. The expert pool aims to work with development partners, national NGOs, business membership organisations and Government of Nepal offices/organisations at different administrative levels interested in designing, implementing or monitoring LRED and other economic promotion activities.

While launching the pool, Mr Anil Chitrakar, a senior pool member, encouraged other potential experts/champions to join this expert group. The Expert Pool organized a breakout session facilitated by Maniram Mahat on ‘Promoting LED in Nepalese Context: Policy Gaps and Way Forward’ attended by 72 participants. The session was successful in understanding and exploring the conducive environment for LED promotion in terms of policy reforms and contextual interventions required.

Significant demand for LRED consultancy services is expected from the 753 local governments, business chambers/associations, startups, enterprises, academia and others. The LRED expert pool can be reached at expertlred@gmail.com to request technical support in the area of LRED and related topics. More information