Nepal and Sri Lanka have officially launched a strategic bilateral partnership to boost the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector across South Asia. This landmark collaboration aims to fast-track digital transformation, foster innovation, and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The initiative was championed by Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of Nepal’s CAN Federation, with Academic Expert Omkar Basnet contributing to the framework. The formal proposal was handed over to Mrs. Chameera Munasinghe, Charge d’ Affairs at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu, marking a key milestone in regional ICT collaboration.
Key pillars of the partnership include:
- Establishing the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Business Council in collaboration with CAN Federation, SLASSCOM, and ICTA Sri Lanka to drive cross-border dialogue, business matchmaking, and collaboration in outsourcing, cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and emerging technologies.
- Promoting joint ventures in startups and innovation through co-investment and incubation programs supported by Sri Lankan venture capitalists, aiming to empower Nepali startups in AI, health tech, agritech, and fintech.
- Mutual recognition of IT certifications to close skill gaps and enhance workforce mobility across both nations.
- Facilitating outsourcing and talent exchange programs, leveraging strengths in software development, cloud computing, BPO, and cybersecurity.
- Strengthening cybersecurity cooperation between Nepal’s npCert and Sri Lanka CERT via threat intelligence sharing and joint capacity building.
- Co-hosting ICT expos, trade missions, and conferences to provide platforms for startups and tech firms to showcase innovations and connect with investors.
- Exploring the creation of a Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Innovation Fund to support joint research, product development, and technology commercialization.
- Academic and research collaboration through MoUs enabling joint research, faculty and student exchanges in AI, blockchain, and data analytics.
- Harmonizing digital policies and regulatory frameworks on data protection, digital identity, e-commerce, and cross-border digital services to facilitate seamless digital trade.
- Envisioning a Nepal–Sri Lanka Digital Corridor, positioning both countries as complementary digital hubs with integrated internet infrastructure, cloud services, and shared platforms to drive South Asia’s digital transformation.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to unlocking ICT’s potential to foster mutual prosperity and regional advancement across South Asia.
