KATHMANDU: The government is taking decisive steps to position the information technology sector as a key area for investment, recognizing its potential to drive Nepal’s economic growth, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said on Friday.
Addressing an interaction program titled “Information Technology-Based Entrepreneurship for Nepal: A New Path for Economic Prosperity”, organized by the CPN (UML) Department of Science and Technology, Bhandari highlighted the importance of IT in modern governance and economic development. With Nepal on track to graduate to developing country status by 2026, he stressed that increased investment in technology would be crucial in sustaining progress.
The minister also announced that the government has moved forward with an automation system that allows businesses to be registered entirely online. Entrepreneurs can now complete the company registration process from home, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, industries will be automatically recognized as soon as a company office is set up. Bhandari described this as a step towards good governance, ensuring efficiency and transparency in service delivery.
He further revealed that the government is preparing a policy to encourage IT-based entrepreneurship. Investment, technological advancement, and industry establishment are being prioritized, with legal reforms underway to create a more business-friendly environment. He hinted at potential tax waivers to further boost the sector, emphasizing that technology and capital must go hand in hand for sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, Sunaina Pandey, President of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), called on the government to address legal barriers hindering IT sector expansion. She urged authorities to resolve regulatory challenges and facilitate a smoother business environment for digital enterprises.
With the global economy increasingly driven by technology, Nepal’s renewed focus on IT investment and digital entrepreneurship could play a transformative role in shaping the country’s future.