A roundtable discussion on “Strengthening India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology and Startups” was held in Janakpur on December 16, with participation from entrepreneurs, representatives of industries, and officials from both countries.
The discussion was held at Mithila Awadh Dharamshala and was organized by the PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre, Consulate General of India, and NYEF chapters of Birgunj and Janakpur.
The event aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in technology-driven sectors, with a particular focus on startups and young entrepreneurs. The participants deliberated on opportunities for the sharing of knowledge, cross-border partnerships, and investment in emerging technology areas.
Opening the session, Senior Secretary Atul K Thakur of the India-Nepal Centre at PHDCCI pointed to the industrial and economic potential of Madhesh Province. He said that cooperation in technology and innovation sector can play a very important role in strengthening future economic ties between India and Nepal.
The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, Mr. Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of India in Birgunj (IFS), said that the roundtable provided a useful platform for the linkage of Nepal's growing startup ecosystem with its Indian counterparts. He said that Nepalese startups could take benefit from India’s experience and capacity, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, IT, and ITEs.
Panelists represented NYEF, Chambers of Commerce, banks, technology companies, and entrepreneurs from both countries. More than 40 startups and MSME representatives participated, the organizers said.
As part of continued efforts to enhance startup collaboration, participants were also encouraged to attend the third edition of Startup Summit Nepal, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on December 20. This summit is going to provide a further dialogue, networking, and cooperation arena between innovators of both India and Nepal. The roundtable mirrors the burgeoning interest in the use of technology and entrepreneurship as prime movers for economic cooperation by both countries. As participants pointed out during the discussion, "startup ra innovation ko kura aba border ma simit chaina."
