Kathmandu, July 10 l The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Bennett University of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, skill development and industry-academia collaboration. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Nepal Chamber Building, Jamal.

Under the agreement, both institutions will establish a long-term strategic partnership to build a shared ecosystem connecting academia, industry, startups, the investment community and policymakers. The collaboration will facilitate various programs focusing on professional skill enhancement, entrepreneurship development, experiential learning, industry-academia collaboration, startup incubation and acceleration, leadership development, investment promotion, research and knowledge exchange.

As per the agreement, special training and executive education programs will be conducted for entrepreneurs, business persons, small and medium enterprises (SMEs/MSMEs), Chamber members, and professionals on subjects including leadership development, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial management, supply chain management, international trade and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). The partnership will also include collaboration in startup promotion, innovation mentoring, investor meets, business dialogues, policy research and future-oriented academic programs.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce by Mr. Pankaj Jalan, Executive Committee Member and Chair of the Startup and Innovation Committee, and on behalf of Bennett University by Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chief Operating Officer (COO). The agreement will remain effective for five years and may be extended upon mutual consent.

Speaking on the occasion, Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal stated that the historic, cultural, and economic ties between Nepal and India have continued to strengthen over time, and expressed confidence that this collaboration in education, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship would add a new dimension to bilateral relations.

President Agrawal said that at a time when the global economy is rapidly advancing towards Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, innovation, and knowledge-based industries, it is essential to connect Nepali entrepreneurs, youth, startups and businesses with the skills, technologiesand opportunities required to compete globally. He noted that the collaboration with Bennett University, a prestigious institution promoted by the Times Group of India, would play an important role in linking modern technology, research, executive education and innovation with the private sector, thereby expanding access for Nepali entrepreneurs to international knowledge, experience, markets, and investment opportunities.

He further stated that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for human talent, but rather as a supportive tool for enhancing productivity, decision-making, innovation and business expansion. He emphasized that such international partnerships are indispensable to prepare Nepali businesses for a future driven by digital technology, data, AI, and innovation-friendly business environments.

On behalf of Bennett University, Mr. Sudhir Kumar Pandey, AVP-International Markets, expressed the view that the MoU would further strengthen the exchange of knowledge, technology, research, investment and entrepreneurship, while making a significant contribution to the startup ecosystem, youth entrepreneurship, employment generation, industrial competitiveness and sustainable economic development.

Similarly, Mr. Pankaj Jalan, Chair of the NCC Startup Committee, stated that such international partnerships are essential to familiarize Nepali businesses with digital technologies, data, AI and innovation-driven business environments. He also expressed confidence that the agreement would serve as a foundation for future economic development by fostering effective collaboration between human capabilities and Artificial Intelligence.

 Mr. Yogesh Chhetri, Member of the NCC Startup Committee, along with other participants attended the MoU signing Ceremony.