Nepal, China push for stronger tech ties at Guangzhou summit
KATHMANDU: Nepali and Chinese officials, alongside tech entrepreneurs, gathered at an event hosted by Nepal’s Consulate General in Guangzhou to bolster technological collaboration between the two nations. Titled Fostering Innovation and Investment: Strengthening Nepal-China Tech Ties, the summit highlighted Nepal’s digital ambitions and China’s expertise in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure.
Nepal’s Consul General, Bharat Khanal, opened the event, emphasizing Nepal’s digital transformation and its vibrant startup ecosystem. “As we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, Nepal is no longer just the land of the Himalayas—it’s a hub for innovation,” Khanal said. He pointed to Nepal’s youthful, tech-savvy workforce—60% under 35—and recent laws easing foreign investment in IT, inviting Chinese firms to tap into software development, AI, and tech hubs. “Let’s co-create a future where technology bridges our nations,” he urged.
Anjani Phuyal, CEO of UK-based Genese Solution, called Nepal an “emerging digital powerhouse” with 85,000 freelancers and a $40 million gig economy. He highlighted the Digital Nepal framework, 100% FDI allowances, and alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. “From Huawei’s 4G projects to AI model-building by Nepali freelancers for Chinese startups, our partnership is already thriving,” Phuyal said, advocating for joint R&D centers and tech parks.
On the Chinese side, Xu Liu, Executive Vice President of the Guangzhou Association for Science and Technology, celebrated the deep ties between the two nations. “Guangzhou, a Maritime Silk Road hub with a 3.1 trillion yuan GDP, welcomes Nepali innovators to share in the Greater Bay Area’s opportunities,” she said. AI policy expert Chen Julong added that China is keen on cross-border startup exchanges, while attorney Xiaoyi Li outlined legal pathways for Chinese investments in Nepal.
Nepali entrepreneurs Ajit Bikram Shah and Nischal Singh Bhandari, joining virtually, echoed the call for collaboration, spotlighting Nepal’s potential as a low-cost, clean-energy tech destination. The event, attended by thought leaders and investors, underscored a shared vision for a tech-driven future, with both sides pledging to deepen ties through innovation and knowledge exchange.
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