Korean Embassy organizes 2024 Korea-Nepal Agriculture Cooperation Seminar in Kathmandu

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal organized the 2024 Korea-Nepal Agriculture Cooperation Seminar in Kathmandu on Sunday to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Republic of Korea and Nepal.

Nepal and South Korea signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the agricultural sector on November 2, 2023.

The South Korean Embassy said the memorandum of understanding is aimed at advancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agricultural science and technology, agriculture and livestock production and agricultural processing and production.

Nepal Agricultural Research Council and Korea Agricultural Research Council can now advance research activities in the field of agricultural sector. Delegation from KOPIA Division, Rural Development Administration from Korea visiting Nepal and attending the seminar and expressing their views to establish KOPIA Center in Nepal.

Speaking at the program, Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Taeyoung said that “It is my great pleasure to join you today at this important seminar on agriculture, co-organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal. This event comes at a significant moment as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nepal.”

“Over the past decades, agriculture has been a cornerstone of our cooperation, reflecting our shared commitment to the prosperity of rural communities and sustainable development. This year, to commemorate our 50 years of friendship, Korea has established a ‘Korea-Nepal Model Dairy village in Kamalamai Municipality, Sindhuli District and launched various ODA projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods,” he said, according to the statement.

He went on to say that the collaboration between Nepal and Korea has been further strengthened by the active engagement of organizations like KOICA, which has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Through initiatives such as increasing incomes in rural areas, developing the value chain of fruit and vegetable, and supporting rural development, KOICA Nepal Office has been a vital partner in driving meaningful change.

He shared that they are planning to initiate technical research and provide support through the KOPIA (Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture) project from Rural Development Administration of Korea to improve the productivity of rice and potatoes which are essential crops in Nepal.

These two agencies—KOICA and KOPIA—will create synergies together and continue to be instrumental in our efforts to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, and uplift rural communities in Nepal.

The Government of the Republic of Korea is committed to deepening their agricultural partnership by sharing expertise, technology, and resources, he said.

“Together, we can achieve our shared vision of resilient and sustainable agricultural systems, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.”