Info-Tech resounds with calls to throw open IT Park

KATHMANDU, JAN 03 -

Vice-President Parmananda Jha has called for collective efforts by the government and the private sector to develop the information technology sector so that the country could mark its presence on the global IT map.

Speaking at the inauguration of CAN Info-Tech 2014 on Thursday, he said that IT was an “unavoidable tool” to achieve economic progress, and urged increased use of IT in all sectors which would help increase productivity and transparency.

“Adoption of technology by the public and private sectors has made it easier for service delivery in a transparent way and helped to maintain good governance,” Jha said.

He also repeated the long-standing demands of IT entrepreneurs like operation of the IT Park in Banepa and resolution of practical problems in promoting e-commerce such as recognition of digital signatures.

Organised by the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) at Bhrikuti Mandap, the six-day annual IT event showcases new and existing products and services available in the market.

The fair has become one of the biggest crowd pullers in recent years due to the tremendous influence of IT on the younger generation.  

“The main focus of this annual show is to help reduce the digital divide by making people aware about what is happening in the sector,” said CAN President Binod Dhakal.

He complained that even though IT has much importance in the country’s development, the government has not given adequate priority to creating a conductive environment and helping to retain

IT human resources in the country.

Annually, over 2,500 students graduate from IT educational institutions and many of them leave for jobs abroad including in business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in India, according to CAN.

“BPO and the software sector have the biggest potentials in Nepal,” Dhakal said. “The government should encourage local IT firms with incentives such as tax breaks.”

Similarly, other speakers stressed the need to end load-shedding, develop BPO, software and e-governance, bring the IT Park into operation and remove hurdles in the effective implementation of e-transaction.

“Power is a must whether to use an IT product or develop the entire sector,” said Pradip Jung Pandey, vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Even though IT is a separate industry, it is being used in many other sectors like finance, health, education and tourism to make their services faster and more effective, speakers said. Advancements in mobile technology have also revolutionised the sector further.

Meanwhile, CAN General Secretary Amrit Kumar Pant said that, inspired by the growth of mobile phones and m-commerce, they were organising a two-day IT conference on the sidelines of CAN Info-Tech.

“The conference will be held on Jan 5-6 at the Everest Hotel to discuss different aspects of mobile technology and its potential to make society smarter,” he added.

Source: The Kathmandu Post