Nepal and Sri Lanka have formally initiated a landmark bilateral partnership aimed at accelerating the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector across South Asia. This strategic collaboration seeks to drive digital transformation, foster innovation, and enhance economic ties between the two nations.
The initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of Nepal’s CAN Federation, alongside Academic Expert Omkar Basnet, was officially presented to Mrs. Chameera Munasinghe, Charge d’Affairs at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kathmandu. The partnership builds a comprehensive framework centered on regional ICT synergy.
Key pillars of the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT collaboration include:
- Establishing the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Business Council—a joint platform with CAN Federation, Sri Lanka’s SLASSCOM, and ICTA to facilitate dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and matchmaking in areas such as outsourcing, cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and emerging technologies.
- Promoting joint ventures and startup innovation through co-investment and incubation programs supported by Sri Lankan venture capitalists and accelerators, aiming to spur growth for Nepali startups in AI, health tech, agritech, and fintech.
- Mutual recognition of IT certifications to bridge digital skill gaps and improve workforce mobility between both countries.
- Facilitating bilateral outsourcing and talent exchanges leveraging strengths in software development, cloud computing, BPO, and cybersecurity, ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
- Strengthening cybersecurity cooperation between Nepal’s npCert and Sri Lanka CERT through shared threat intelligence, incident response, and capacity-building.
- Co-hosting ICT expos, trade missions, and conferences—including Nepal’s CAN InfoTech and Sri Lanka’s Trade Expo—to provide platforms for startups and tech firms to showcase innovations and engage investors.
- Exploring the launch of a Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Innovation Fund to support joint research, product development, and technology commercialization.
- Enhancing academic and research collaboration with MoUs for joint research, faculty and student exchanges focusing on AI, blockchain, and data analytics.
- Harmonizing digital policies and regulatory frameworks covering data protection, digital identity, e-commerce, and cross-border digital services to facilitate seamless digital trade and governance.
- Envisioning a Nepal–Sri Lanka Digital Corridor to establish both countries as complementary digital hubs within South Asia, integrating internet infrastructure, cloud services, and shared platforms to drive comprehensive regional digital transformation.
This pioneering partnership reflects a shared commitment to harness ICT’s potential for mutual prosperity and regional advancement in South Asia.
