NICCI, LBU sign MoU to enhance academic–industry collaboration, promote Lumbini

KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the NICCI Secretariat in Naxal, Kathmandu today.  

The MoU aims to enhance academic–industry collaboration and promote Lumbini as a global centre for peace and tourism.

The agreement was endorsed by NICCI President Sunil KC and LBU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Subarna Lal Bajracharya. Under the partnership, both institutions will promote academia–industry alliances, facilitate internships and job placements, pursue joint research and innovation initiatives, exchange knowledge, conduct collaborative studies and publications, and work together to position Lumbini as a world peace destination.

At the signing ceremony, Prof Dr Bajracharya outlined his vision to transform Lumbini into an international academic and spiritual hub. He revealed plans to attract 22,000 international students to LBU and mentioned that a master plan for course development and infrastructure construction is already underway. He said NICCI’s network of Indian diplomats, scholars and business leaders would be vital in realising this ambition.

NICCI President KC emphasised the chamber’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India and expressed enthusiasm for future work on research, innovation, entrepreneurship development, tourism promotion and joint academic–industry programmes.

This partnership marks a strategic step to align academic resources with industry expertise, support national development and raise Lumbini’s global profile.