By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, September 1: The Tibetan Entrepreneurs Development, a project of the Department of Finance of the Tibetan government in exile (officially known as Central Tibetan Administration) initiated the first ever ‘Tibetan Entrepreneurs Game Changers Conference’ at Nyatri Hall at Ghangchen Kyishong here.
The two day conference that concluded today was attended by over a hundred Tibetan entrepreneurs and startup business owners including web designers, fast food makers, organic product traders, mobile app developers and young aspirants seeking grants and guidance.
The conference was inaugurated by the Tibetan Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay at an event attended by the members of his cabinet and officials of the Tibetan administration on Monday.
Dr. Sangay in his address highlighted the importance of economic self-sustainability particularly in the case of the Tibetan refugee community due to the political overtones which he said makes the financial independence a basic need of each Tibetan.
Finance Kalon Mr. Tsering Dhondup talked about the growth of Tibetan economy since 1959 under the visionary guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the efforts of the Tibetan cooperative societies. He said, “Entrepreneurship is key to sustaining the economic viability of a country.”
Eight aspiring entrepreneurs presented their project proposals to a panel who then assessed to approve whether they will be awarded monetary grant up to 10 lakh Indian rupees (10,00000) today.
A local businessman and participant at the conference, Gonpo Wangchuk told Phayul, “In my observation, the initiatives will go on to create a foundation on which the youth can build their entrepreneurial dreams as well as strive for start-up financial backing from the government”.
TED is an innovative wing of the Department of Finance under the CTA that aims to convert high-potential business ideas into successful ventures as well as to support existing businesses’ expansion and sustainability.
