Minister Gurung pledges to establish IT Park this year

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli through a video message had expressed confidence that the new ordinance introduced by the government has fostered a favorable environment for IT industries, even in foreign markets, thereby generating new opportunities for youth employment. He was addressing the inaugural event of 30th CAN Infotech 2025 on 6th February.

PM Oli further stated that the Digital Nepal Framework could only be meaningful through a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, inaugurating the event, pledged to establish an IT Park in Kathmandu within this year. He emphasized the necessity of IT infrastructure to realize the goals of the Digital Nepal Framework. The minister who is also the spokesperson of Nepal Government stressed the need for robust IT infrastructure to implement the Digital Nepal Framework effectively.

“To achieve the objectives of the Digital Nepal Framework, we must develop adequate IT infrastructure. We will establish an IT Park in Kathmandu this year-without fail,” he added.

Minister Gurung underscored that the absence of an IT Park reflects Nepal’s lag in technological advancement. He reiterated his commitment to developing IT-related infrastructure, drafting IT and AI policies, and formulating necessary legal and physical frameworks.

Additionally, the minister announced that 4G services would be expanded across all 753 local levels, while 5G services would be introduced in the Kathmandu Valley within the year.

Acknowledging Nepal’s delay in formulating an AI policy compared to other SAARC nations, Gurung warned that failure to maximize IT adoption would leave the country further behind in the global digital landscape.

CAN Info-Tech 2025 aims to serve as a dynamic platform for technology enthusiasts, showcasing the latest technological advancements and applications driving Nepal’s digital growth.

Officially titled “HMC Nepal HIKSEMI CAN Info-Tech 2025 in Association with Mercantile Office Systems features around 150 stalls showcasing various computer, AI and communication technologies.

The event is supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Department of Information Technology, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and private companies such as Thakral One Nepal, Max International, Nagmani International, Megatech Trade Group, Hi-Tech Engineering, Pine Overseas, and Subisu.

Established in 1992, the CAN Federation has played a leading role in the development, expansion, and promotion of the information and communication technology sector. After transforming in 2015, the organization has expanded its branches to all seven provinces and 74 districts. The ‘CAN Infotech’ event organized annually by the Federation is considered Nepal’s largest technology-related exhibition.

In the CAN Infotech this year, there is a good presence of startup companies active in the information technology sector. Especially cyber security, agricultural technology, hospitality, banking solutions and other cutting-edge technologies and solutions have become the centre of attraction for the visitors.

The Gogoro electric scooter, which offer battery swapping facility when the charge go finish, also stood attraction for the observers. Similarly, the interest of the visitors is more visible in the stalls of the ‘Kata Ho’ digital address system.

Robotics Association has also conducted a robot competition. The robot named ‘Mira Professor’ prepared by Advanced Award Powered Virtual and Robotic Tutor is capable of teaching university students drew attraction as well.

Likewise, Government agency has showcased National Identity Card making technology and service was also an attraction at the exhibition.

Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) was formed in 1992 but later registered as Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) in January 2015 with the involvement of professionals, specialists, institutions and related organizations from the Information Communication Technology sector in Nepal. It is an umbrella organization with membership base ranging from ICT Institutions, Associations to Individuals working in this sector. CAN Federation works along with the lines of an autonomous, non-political, nonpartisan, non-profitable and service oriented sector of ICT.