Public Private Partnership stressed for AI promotion

Kathmandu, Jan. 6

Stakeholders have said that building Nepal’s digital future through the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), policy clarity and legal facilitation requires a shared understanding between the government, the private sector and concerned institutions.

Speaking at an interaction on Nepal’s Digital Future through Artificial Intelligence Policy and Industrial Development, organised by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that the development of information technology is vital for good governance in the country.

He noted that IT development is also essential for making government services efficient and effective, as well as for ensuring economic transparency.

Speaking at the programme, NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal said that AI is no longer merely a technological issue but is increasingly becoming an important foundation for economic transparency, promotion of entrepreneurship and job creation.

He said AI would play a key role in improving public service delivery through digital transformation, reducing business costs and bringing transparency to decision-making processes.

According to Agrawal added that AI should be used to improve quality in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, finance, energy and public services, enabling the country to achieve maximum outcomes from limited resources.

He also expressed the Chamber’s commitment to acting as a reliable bridge between the government and the private sector and to maintaining continuous cooperation in the formulation and implementation of AI policies.

Former Chamber President Rajendra Malla said that sustainable economic development must be achieved through the development of information technology. He noted that strengthening the IT sector through public–private partnerships could help curb the foreign migration of young people.

Representatives of various organisations participating in the programme shared their views on issues such as the effectiveness of Nepal’s AI policy, legal complexities, data security and cyber risks.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 7 January 2026.