IT entrepreneurs urge the govt to support them

Kathmandu, Oct. 26: Young IT entrepreneurs have urged the government to give priority to the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and create a mechanism to support IT start-ups in the country and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the business.

Bishwas Dhakal, president of F1 Soft International that operates popular online payment e-Sewa, said that the country should create some case studies in order to attract FDI in the sector.

He also pointed the need for creatinge an international network and linkage in order to attract FDI.

Mahabir Pun, Social Entrepreneur and founder of Nepal wireless Networking Project, urged the government to create a mechanism to support the young IT entrepreneurs, and other start-ups.

John Snowden, General Manager of Cloud Factory, said that the IT sector in Nepal did not have human resource shortage, but the government needed to simplify the visa process to attract more investors.

Richan Shrestha, Senior Vice-President of Leapfrog Technology, said that the developed countries like Japan and the United States were facing human resource shortage in the IT sector and they were visiting Nepal in search of forging partnerships.

“They are watching us, so the government should recognise and facilitate this industry,” he said.

Upendra Pradhan, General Manager of Verisk Nepal, said the cost of resource in Nepal is cheaper by almost 33 per cent as compared to India.

Likewise, Sixit Bhatta, Chief Executive Officer of Tootle, said that the government should change the mindset and start supporting the IT industry than other large industries.

They made the comments at an interaction organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Friday in the Capital. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 October 2018.