CAN Federation concludes strategic meeting to make Nepal a global IT hub

KATHMANDU: The Computer Association Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) has concluded its 2025–2027 strategic planning meeting with the goal of establishing Nepal as a global IT hub.

Held on Feb 28 and 29 in Hetauda, Makwanpur, the meeting outlined a two-year roadmap to strengthen Nepal’s information technology sector.

Key decisions included policy reforms and special programs to boost IT development and institutional capacity.

CAN Federation President Sunaina Ghimire Pandey presented a strategic plan focused on improving existing policies, promoting technology development, fostering research, and enhancing international collaboration to position Nepal as a global IT destination.

The plan includes initiatives such as a Data Protection Act, E-Governance Blueprint, Ride-Sharing Act, “Made in Nepal” software promotion, IT standardization, IT Board formation, cyber security enhancement, labor law reforms, and broadband tax revisions. Additionally, efforts will be made to pass the IT Bill and implement Industry 4.0 policies.

To attract foreign investment (FDI), the federation has proposed offering up to 5% equity shares, tax incentives for the IT industry, startup promotion, and skill development programs through finishing schools.

The meeting also emphasized making Nepal’s IT sector globally competitive, empowering women through ICT programs, and advancing the digital economy through collaboration with the government, private sector, educational institutions, and international bodies.

Former CAN Chair Ranjit Kumar Podar stressed the need for policy changes to boost IT’s economic contribution, focusing on digital literacy, innovation, and global partnerships.

Vice President Chiranjeevi Adhikari called for IT-friendly policies and proposed events like a Startup Summit, Innovation Summit, and Software Summit. He also highlighted the recent AI concept paper submitted to the government.

Vice President Subash Khadka emphasized industry-academia collaboration, while Vice Chairs Harka Bahadur Seti and Shekhar Nath Dulal underscored the importance of digital literacy, cyber security awareness, and IT project proposals at the provincial and local levels.

Vice President Srijana Shrestha stressed the need for research, e-waste management, and CAN Federation branding. Secretary Sarita Neupane highlighted the opportunities and challenges for women in IT, advocating for ICT-driven women’s empowerment programs.

Central Executive Member Keshav Bhattarai urged policies to promote quality IT products instead of refurbished imports. Other committee members echoed the need for policy focus on IT production and technology advancement.

The CAN Makwanpur branch hosted a welcome reception and dinner for the attendees.