Nepal and Sri Lanka have formally commenced a strategic bilateral partnership aimed at significantly advancing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector across South Asia. This landmark collaboration is poised to accelerate digital transformation, foster innovation and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
The conceptual framework for this pioneering initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of CAN Federation. The Academic Expert Central Executive Member Omkar Basnet was also present. The comprehensive proposal was officially handovered to Mrs. Chameera Munasinghe Charge d’ Affairs, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu Nepal marking a pivotal step towards regional ICT synergy. Key Pillars of the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Collaboration:
1. Establishment of Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Business Council: The CAN Federation in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) and ICTA Sri Lanka will establish a dedicated bilateral platform. This council will facilitate structured dialogue, cross-border collaboration and business matchmaking in critical areas including outsourcing, cybersecurity, fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
2. Promotion of Joint Ventures in Startups and Innovation: The framework emphasizes co-investment models and incubation programs, with support from Sri Lankan Venture Capitalists (VCs), accelerators and companies. This will provide substantial growth opportunities for Nepali startups in sectors like AI, health tech, agritech and fintech.
3. Mutual Recognition of IT Certifications: To bridge digital skill gaps and enhance regional workforce mobility, both countries will mutually recognize IT certifications and technical training programs. This agreement will streamline cross-border professional opportunities for IT experts.
4. Facilitating Outsourcing and Talent Exchange: The partnership will boost bilateral outsourcing and talent exchange programs, leveraging respective strengths in software development, cloud computing, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and cybersecurity services, ensuring cost-efficiency and quality.
5. Strengthening Cybersecurity Cooperation: Nepal’s npCert and Sri Lanka CERT will collaborate on threat intelligence sharing, cross-border incident response and joint capacity-building initiatives to bolster regional cybersecurity resilience.
6. Co-Hosting ICT Expos and Trade Missions: Plans include co-hosting ICT trade missions, expos and conferences. Nepal’s CAN InfoTech, B2B Summit, Startup Expo and Sri Lanka’s Trade Expo, Conference, Policy Dialogue will feature cross-national participation, providing a robust platform for startups and tech firms to showcase innovations and engage with investors.
7. Launching a Bilateral ICT Investment Fund: Both governments are exploring the creation of a Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Innovation Fund to support collaborative research, product development and technology commercialization, serving as a catalyst for digital advancement.
8. Academic and Research Collaboration: Leading ICT universities and institutions will sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for joint research, faculty and student exchanges and collaborative development in areas such as AI, blockchain and data analytics.
9. Harmonizing Digital Policies and Frameworks: The initiative commits to policy dialogue and harmonization, aligning regulatory frameworks on data protection, digital identity, e-commerce and cross-border digital services to facilitate smoother digital trade and governance. Vision of the Nepal–Sri Lanka
10. Digital Corridor: The overarching long-term vision is to establish a Nepal–Sri Lanka Digital Corridor. This ambitious initiative aims to position both nations as complementary digital hubs within South Asia, integrating resilient internet infrastructure, cloud services and shared digital platforms to drive comprehensive regional digital transformation. This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the full potential of the ICT sector for mutual prosperity and regional advancement.
Comments are closed.