Nepal wants to emulate Bangalore’s IT prowess, says Prachanda

Bangalore, Nepal is keen to replicate the IT revolution in India’s ‘Silicon City’ and has sought the industry’s help in its effort to modernise its development process.

Expressing his “deep appreciation” for Bangalore, whose technology prowess has earned it global recognition, the Nepal Prime Minister, Mr Prachanda, said that his country wanted to emulate the vibrancy and commitment of the Silicon City for bringing about a change in his country in the shortest time.

Addressing members of the Confederation of Indian Industry here on Wednesday, Mr Prachanda said that his Government would soon formulate a new industrial policy to create an investment-friendly environment.

He extended an invitation to the private sector to invest in Nepal, which offered opportunities in the hydel power sector, apart from other areas of industry. He said the private sector was welcome to bid for power projects there.

Nepal was interested in seeking help for its education sector from Karnataka, a State which excelled in premier professional institutions, he said and added that the new policy would encourage mutually beneficial cooperation.

Kathmandu IT park

Earlier, in his address, Mr Binod Chaudhary, President, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), said Nepal offered significant investment opportunities in the IT sector.

The country had only a small IT park near Kathmandu but would like to expand the scope of the sector with the help of Bangalore’s expertise.

Mr C.P. Rangachar, former Chairman of CII (Southern Region) and Managing Director of Yuken India Ltd, said Bangalore could particularly help that country in setting up BPOs focusing on rural areas for a balanced development.