Kathmandu-Nepal Rastra Bank recently launched special facilitation for entrepreneurs exporting IT services. The central bank also prioritized enterprises in the IT sector during the mid-term review of monetary policy.

Banks and financial institutions must lend a minimum amount to sectors like agriculture, energy, and industry annually. Information technology is now included in this list.

Entrepreneurs say this policy will ease investment in IT. Many faced difficulties obtaining loans due to collateral requirements. They’re pleased the central bank prioritized the sector, but they’re unsure how loans will flow.

The central bank also announced special provisions to attract foreign investment in IT and future-oriented technology infrastructure.

Facilitation will be provided for foreign investment in data centers, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. These projects will be eligible for co-financing from local banks. These arrangements will be implemented after a circular is issued.

Since Biswo Nath Poudel became the central bank governor, policy measures have been introduced rapidly, with special priority given to the IT sector.

Entrepreneurs exporting IT and services have long demanded facilities for overseas investment. Despite government promises before Poudel’s tenure, the central bank failed to implement them. However, Poudel introduced a relaxed provision allowing investment of up to 20,000 dollars without approval, benefiting many entrepreneurs.

Young IT entrepreneurs praise Poudel’s initiatives, citing the recent liberal policies as a significant improvement.

Former NAS-IT president Santosh Koirala appreciates Poudel’s understanding of the sector’s needs and swift policy arrangements. He highlights the urgent demand for foreign investment, which has now become easier, and the sector’s inclusion in the priority lending list as positive leadership’s results.

Entrepreneurs emphasize the sector’s annual export value exceeding one hundred billion rupees, job creation, and income generation for Nepal. They believe continued policy support can capitalize on future opportunities.