Saraswoti Rai Gurung, born on January 24, 1977, currently resides in Tokha-7, Dhapasi, Kathmandu, Nepal. She is a prominent leader in the field of sustainable enterprise development in Nepal. As the Managing Director of Himalayan Bio Trade Pvt. Ltd. (HBTL), she oversees the operations of the Himalayan Group of Companies. Saraswoti is also actively involved in Hydropower sector and she is the board member of Makar Jitumaya Suri Hydropower Limited . She serves as the President of the Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association (NEHHPA), Vice President of Operation at FNCCI's Woman Entrepreneurship Development Forum, and is an Executive Member of both the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN) and the Nepal Handmade Paper Association (HANDPASS). Additionally, she holds director positions at Himalayan Bio Products Industries, Himalayan Bio Kitchen, and The Natural Cosmetics, while also managing the role of Treasurer at Narayan Gopal Sangeet Kosh.
With a Master’s degree in Sociology, Saraswoti is deeply committed to empowering rural indigenous women in Nepal through community-based enterprises. Her work focuses on product development, diversification, certification, and marketing, all aimed at improving the livelihoods of these communities. Saraswoti has extensive experience in the sector, having previously worked as a Program Coordinator at Education Network and as a Coordinator for the Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association.
She has participated in and exhibited at numerous national and international trade fairs, including Biofach in Germany, the Canton Fair in China, and In-cosmetics Global Trade Fairs across Europe. Her active participation in these events underscores her commitment to promoting Nepalese products on the global stage. Saraswoti's contributions to the industry have also seen her serve as a panelist at significant forums like the Nepal Investment Summit, where she discussed the opportunities in agro and forest products.
Saraswoti is fluent in both Nepali and English, and she balances her professional endeavors with her personal life as a married mother of three children. Her career is marked by a dedication to advancing sustainable business practices and uplifting the socio-economic conditions of women in rural Nepal.
