RSP Promises to Make Nepal a “Global Tech Hub”, Targets $30 Billion in IT Exports Within 10 Years
Butwal The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has released its election manifesto for the House of Representatives Election 2082, outlining a commitment to transform Nepal into a “Global Tech Hub” and achieve USD 30 billion in IT service and software exports over the next decade.
The manifesto was made public on Thursday from Surkhet. The document includes programs related to digital governance, IT service exports, and cybersecurity, according to the party.
Digital Governance and Integrated Services
RSP states that government service delivery will be made faceless and hassle-free by using the National Identity Card as the foundation of an integrated digital database.
As mentioned in the manifesto referred to as Vachapatra services such as birth registration, social security, driving licenses, and business registration will be provided through digital platforms. The party also plans to replace paper-based government systems with digital signatures and advanced digital service delivery mechanisms, supported by a time-bound implementation plan.
IT Decade and Export-Oriented Strategy
In the context of the Government of Nepal declaring 2024–2034 as the “IT Decade”, RSP has proposed achieving USD 30 billion in IT service and software exports during this period.
To support this goal, the manifesto includes plans to:
- Establish an autonomous IT Promotion Board
- Provide special income tax concessions for the IT sector
- Simplify policies for foreign investment inflow and profit repatriation
- Introduce concessional macro-level financing, allowing intellectual property to be used as collateral
The party also claims it will create five hundred thousand direct jobs by building modern Digital Parks in all seven provinces, as part of its plan to make Nepal a global tech hub.
Green Data Centers and Advanced Technologies
The manifesto highlights plans to establish green data centers by utilizing hydropower resources and the high Himalayan climate. RSP aims to brand Nepal as the “world’s greenest server room” and position the country as a secure data hosting hub for foreign companies.
Additionally, the party has included commitments to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Cloud Computing key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution into the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Online Voting, Smart Cities, and Cybersecurity
RSP has also stated that, if it forms the government, it will ensure online voting facilities for Nepalis working abroad.
The manifesto further commits to establishing AI-based research centers, e-libraries, and expanding telemedicine services nationwide. In urban development, selected cities will be gradually transformed into Smart Cities, and high-speed broadband internet will be expanded across the country.
Addressing the rise in digital crime, the party has pledged to establish a 24-hour National Cyber Security Center and enact strict laws to protect citizens’ data privacy.
