Processes of transnationalism in the Nepalese entrepreneurs in Lisbon

In this study, we analyze the processes of transnationalism involved in the activities of the Nepalese immigrant entrepreneurs in Lisbon. In particular, we detail the general characteristics of the recent Nepalese immigration to Portugal, the salience of multiple spatialities of Nepalese entrepreneurial practices and the transnational coethnic networks involved. This is a qualitative and quantitative research, combining participant observation, the field diary and ethnographic method, with semi-structured interviews to 36 Nepalese entrepreneurs in the city of Lisbon. We describe, in detail, the profiles of the Nepalese businessmen, their similarities and differences, aiming to determine whether there is reconstruction or reproduction of the Nepalese ethnic groups in the Nepalese immigration and exploring transnational practices among them. We scrutinize the main determinants of entrepreneurship for the Nepalese immigration in Lisbon. We draw conclusions about the particular characteristics of the Nepalese entrepreneurs, detailing their financing strategies and specific ways of entrepreneurial development, and we also justify the use of the term "ethnic economy(ies)", to describe their business activities. Furthermore, we ponder the modes of transnationalism observed (in their connection to local, regional and transnational mobilities) and the forms of aid to the development of Nepal, declared by our interviewees. Finally, we compare our results with those obtained regarding other south-asian immigrant entrepreneurs in Lisbon, as well as other Nepalese entrepreneurs in Europe and the world-in addition to synthesizing our contributions, and indicating some useful pathways for future research and inquiry.