Kathmandu [Nepal], October 9 – Nepal should shift its focus from exporting labour to promoting technology-based services in global markets, Information and Communication Minister Bikram Timilsina said on Friday, calling for greater investment in research, innovation and youth entrepreneurship.
Addressing the fifth Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 in Kathmandu, Timilsina said the country’s economic prosperity depended on harnessing the knowledge, skills and creativity of young people.
He called on the government to create an environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation, while urging the private sector to increase its participation and investment in these areas.
Timilsina also highlighted the growing talent in Nepal’s information technology sector, describing it as an opportunity to transform the economy and expand the country’s presence in global markets.
He stressed that technology should complement human creativity rather than replace human roles, adding that young people needed relevant skills to prepare for future market demands.
The minister said effective implementation of government policies was as important as formulating them, particularly in ensuring that entrepreneurs and citizens benefit from initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and economic growth.
Sudan Jha, a member of the National Planning Commission, said Nepal’s position in artificial intelligence was gradually improving, although the country remained relatively weak in the field.
Jha also noted growing participation by Nepali youth in AI and entrepreneurship, alongside increased investment in information technology. He said effective implementation of AI-related policies was important for improving public service delivery, strengthening data security, increasing economic contributions and creating employment opportunities.
The conference was organised by the Nepal Business Institute in collaboration with the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal, focusing on artificial intelligence, youth entrepreneurship and employment.
