The New Business Age caught up with Jörg Frieden to delve into the Second DFI Mission’s objectives, the exploration of investment opportunities in Nepal by DFIs, and the evolution of their role.
The New Business Age caught up with Jörg Frieden to delve into the Second DFI Mission’s objectives, the exploration of investment opportunities in Nepal by DFIs, and the evolution of their role.
Jörg Frieden has a long-standing connection with Nepal where he served in different roles for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Nepal, including as the Ambassador of Switzerland. Recently, he visited Nepal as SIFEM’s Chairman with the Second DFI Mission which comprised 14 DFIs and Invest for Impact Nepal from the US, Europe, the United Kingdom, and various multilateral agencies.
Jörg Frieden discussed SIFEM’s strategic approach to investing in Nepal. He explained that SIFEM provides funding for commercial ventures to foster private sector growth while seeking financial returns. SIFEM primarily focuses on providing debt to financial institutions. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in complementing traditional development aid by financing commercial operations. He detailed the challenges in Nepal’s investment landscape, including regulatory hurdles and political instability, but expressed optimism about the potential for growth, particularly in equity investments and long-term commitments to local enterprises.
In 2023, SIFEM continued to make significant strides toward its mission of fostering sustainable development in emerging markets, with a focus on creating quality jobs, promoting gender equality, advancing climate action, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
In 2023, SIFEM continued to make significant strides toward its mission of fostering sustainable development in emerging markets, with a focus on creating quality jobs, promoting gender equality, advancing climate action, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
