With a proud history of 57 years, I feel honored to write the editorial for this edition of the annual publication Artha Smarika of the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the first time. In past editions, under the guidance of former presidents and executive committee members, and through the dedicated editorial leadership of individuals like Mr. Sunil Maharjan, this publication has consistently presented meaningful reflections on business ideologies. These articles, covering a wide range of perspectives, challenges, and opportunities, have helped shape the Chamber’s identity. I have always read Artha Smarika with great interest and actively participated in contributing content. That experience allowed me to observe the Chamber’s role in the business ecosystem more closely. Building on that foundation, and in alignment with the vision of the new leadership and executive committee formed on 19th Ashoj 2080 B.S., this year we have embarked on a new journey towards using data and data visualization to express and establish business ideology.
In today’s global market, data has emerged as a vital instrument, not only as a source of information but also as a guide for investment, policy, and strategy. Traditionally, business ideologies and market understanding were based on experience and historical patterns. But with rapid advancements in information technology, we now live in the age of data and statistics. Today, data analysis plays a crucial role in decision-making, understanding business trends, and creating a competitive edge. Technology has enabled businesses to adopt analytical tools and present information through data visualization, allowing for a more scientific, clear, and accurate portrayal of operations. Data has thus become the cornerstone of planning, implementation, and performance evaluation across all sectors.
Global Trends: Data Visualization and ICT in Business
The global rise of data and data visualization has transformed how businesses operate and communicate. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of data-driven visuals across industries. From 2016 to 2021 alone, the application of visual data presentations such as infographics grew by an estimated 80%. These tools have proven to be highly effective, capturing audience attention far more efficiently than traditional text-based content.
This shift has been largely driven by the rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Today, more than 90% of large companies around the world are integrating data visualization and analytical tools into their daily operations. Businesses are increasingly relying on these tools not only to understand complex data but also to communicate key insights in a more engaging and impactful way. Infographics are becoming essential in business communication. Their visual appeal enhances clarity, boosts engagement, and improves retention. Studies have shown that including visual content in business reports and presentations significantly improves memory retention and strengthens the decision-making ability of viewers and readers. As a result, visual content is now a powerful strategic tool, especially in the realm of digital marketing and e-commerce where clarity and impact are critical to customer acquisition and retention.
Moreover, businesses that effectively incorporate data visuals into their content marketing strategies have been found to attract a higher number of customers. This demonstrates a growing demand for clear, concise, and compelling data storytelling. When presented properly, data not only informs but also inspires confidence, which is why many leading organizations are prioritizing visual communication as a core element of their strategic outreach.This evolution reflects more than just a trend in business technology. It marks a fundamental transformation in how businesses perceive and present their information. As we move forward, data analysis and visualization will not just support decision-making; they will become essential tools in creating empowered, informed, and competitive enterprises. In this edition of Artha Smarika, we have placed special emphasis on exploring how data from different industries can be presented more effectively using visual tools. Alongside the Chamber’s institutional history and activities, we have also included visual representations of key records and statistics, such as summaries of major international trade fairs over the past decade, membership trends, social initiatives, and awards recognizing entrepreneurial excellence. This new approach is part of our effort to make the publication not only informative but also collectible. We are confident that this editorial direction will provide added value to readers and help pave the way for a data-driven approach to business thinking.
I would like to express sincere gratitude to all the contributing writers who responded to our request and shared their insights across various fields. I am also deeply thankful to the President, office bearers, executive committee, and the publicity committee for their trust, guidance, and encouragement throughout the editorial process. Special thanks go to the Secretariat team, especially Program Officer Amit Lakhe, Administrative Officer Sagar Shrestha, and Devendra Man Shakya, whose diligent efforts in design and layout have brought this publication to life. We hope this issue of Artha Smarika will serve as a useful tool in your journey toward data-informed decision-making. We welcome your suggestions and feedback as we continue striving to make each publication more relevant, insightful, and impactful.
