NCC holds interaction on AI, entrepreneurship development, digital future

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) held an interaction programme on Nepal’s digital future at Chamber Bhawan in Jamal, Kathmandu, on January 6.

The programme was attended by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel and representatives from more than two dozen information technology (IT) organisations.

Stakeholders said a common understanding among the government, the private sector and concerned agencies is necessary to build a digital future through the effective use of AI, policy clarity and legal facilitation in Nepal. During the programme, Minister Kharel said the development of IT is crucial for the country’s good governance and for making government services prompt and effective, as well as for economic transparency.

NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal said AI is not just a matter of technology; it is also becoming an important foundation for economic transparency, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. He noted AI’s role in making public services effective through digital transformation, reducing business costs and bringing transparency to decision‑making processes.

Agrawal called for achieving maximum results with limited resources by improving quality in agriculture, health, education, finance, energy and public services through AI. He said the NCC would act as a reliable bridge between the government and private sector, continuously collaborating on the formulation and implementation of AI policy.

Rajendra Malla, immediate past president of NCC, emphasised the need for sustainable economic development through IT progress and said youth migration abroad could be reduced if the IT sector is developed through public‑private partnerships.

Representatives from participating organisations shared their views on the effectiveness of AI policy in Nepal, including legal complexities, data security, and cyber risks.

An agreement on cooperation in IT and AI was signed between the NCC’s IT, Software and Technology Committee and the Union of Information, Communication and Technology Nepal. The agreement was signed by Bigyan Shrestha, chairperson of the NCC committee, and Kushal Regmi, general secretary of the Union.