Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to develop Nepal’s Information Technology (IT) sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 30th edition of the ‘CAN InfoTech’ exhibition held at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu on Friday, Dhakal stated that achieving the goal of establishing Nepal as an IT hub is only possible through cooperation between the government and the private sector. Highlighting the IT sector as a global market with the potential to export services worth billions of rupees and provide employment to millions, Dhakal urged the government to implement necessary policy and structural reforms to further develop this sector.

Dhakal mentioned that the FNCCI has been actively engaging in discussions and advocacy with the government to bring timely policy reforms not only in various laws but also in the IT, startup, and innovation sectors. He credited recent amendments to outdated laws, initiated by the FNCCI, as playing a significant role in advancing Nepal’s IT sector.

“The ordinance amending the Nepal Act has enabled Nepali IT companies to invest abroad, open branches, conduct business, and repatriate earnings to Nepal. This legal framework will empower Nepali IT companies to compete in the international market and increase foreign currency earnings,” he explained.

Dhakal expressed optimism that the latest technologies, startups, innovations, and locally developed solutions showcased at CAN InfoTech would contribute to building a digital Nepal. He also highlighted the government’s recent draft of the ‘National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2081,’ which aims to create a secure and inclusive AI ecosystem, develop human resources, promote innovation, and foster entrepreneurship.

In a separate context, Dhakal lamented the frequent protests and opposition faced by development projects in Nepal. Referring to the ongoing protests against the Puthi Bhera Cable Car project, he urged political parties and the general public to prioritize development over politics and religion.

During the opening ceremony of CAN InfoTech, which runs from Magh 24 to 28, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledged that the government still has much work to do in the IT sector. While appreciating the contributions made by the private sector so far, Gurung assured that the government would collaborate more closely with the private sector in the future to drive progress in this field.