KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has unveiled a plan aimed at attracting investment in Nepal’s IT sector and transforming the country into a digital hub within five years.
In a video message shared on social media, Thapa said Nepal has the potential to expand its global reach in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector if clear strategies and stable policies are implemented.
He stressed the need to reform the existing tax policy in the ICT sector to ensure stability and predictability for investors. According to him, additional investment is also required in human resources to strengthen the country’s digital workforce.
Thapa pointed out the paradox in the labor market where educated youth complain of unemployment while companies report a shortage of skilled workers. He said this gap must be addressed through targeted reforms and coordinated planning.
“We need to independently expand and upgrade our human resources and significantly increase digital production,” he said, adding that digital transformation should not be limited to urban centers but extended to agriculture and other key sectors.
He stressed that investment in school-level education is crucial to building a strong digital foundation. Thapa also underlined the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance skills and productivity.
“Everyone must understand that IT is the most important sector for Nepal’s future,” he said.
Thapa stated that Nepal should aim to expand software companies into international markets, including India. He said the government alone cannot achieve this transformation and called for active private sector participation.
To facilitate growth, he proposed revising existing legal provisions to create a more enabling environment for technology businesses.
He also highlighted the need to integrate technology in the energy sector, particularly by promoting the use of green energy and improving efficiency through digital tools.
Thapa said he has identified key problems in the sector and formulated a roadmap outlining where Nepal should reach within five years. “We have delivered many speeches in the past. Now is the time not to waste the next five years,” he said, reiterating his commitment to advancing a strategy to turn Nepal into a regional digital hub.
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