The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) marked its 30th anniversary of development partnership in Nepal by hosting a ceremony in Kathmandu under the theme “30 Years Together: A Journey of Trust and Cooperation.”
The highlight of the program was the signing of agreements for three major projects worth a total of USD 29m, reflecting KOICA’s strategic priorities for the coming years.
The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya and South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-young for the establishment of the Gandaki Technical Institute, a five-year project (2025–2030) with a budget of USD 9m.
In addition, two Records of Discussion (RoDs) were signed:
• Value Chain Development for Fruits and Vegetables Project in Nepal (Phase II) with a budget of USD 10 million, to run from 2025 to 2031. The agreement was signed by Dr. Hari Bahadur KC., Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and KOICA Nepal Country Director Moon Han Kong.
• Establishment of Sudurpaschim Polytechnic Institute Project with a budget of USD 10m, to be implemented from 2025 to 2030. This was signed by Joint Secretary Shiv Kumar Sapkota from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and KOICA Nepal Country Director Kong.
Speaking at the event, KOICA Country Director Moon Han Kong reaffirmed KOICA’s strong commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Nepal, emphasizing priority areas such as education, health, agriculture, and governance.
Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana highlighted KOICA’s significant contributions over the years, thanking Korea for supporting Nepal’s progress in education, health, agriculture, and capacity building. He stressed that deepening bilateral cooperation would help Nepal achieve its sustainable development goals.
Ambassador Park Tae-young said KOICA’s 30-year journey symbolizes the deep friendship and mutual trust between Nepal and Korea, calling the new projects symbols of shared progress.
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor and chief guest Ghanshyam Upadhyaya congratulated KOICA on the milestone and praised its contributions across Nepal. He expressed the government’s readiness to expand future programs with KOICA to ensure broader outreach and sustainability.
KOICA also reviewed its three-decade-long journey in Nepal, pledging to continue working with the government and communities for an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.
Since 1991, Korea through KOICA has supported Nepal in health, education, agriculture, technical training, rural development, information technology, and tourism. So far, 2,921 Korean volunteers have served in government institutions across Nepal, while 2,230 Nepali civil servants have participated in KOICA’s capacity-building programs. KOICA has also partnered with civil society, universities, and international organizations to help Nepal achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Following Nepal’s designation as a priority country for KOICA in 2010, Korea’s support has significantly expanded. By 2025, KOICA’s total assistance to Nepal has exceeded USD 200 million. A framework agreement on development cooperation is also being prepared to further strengthen Nepal–Korea friendship.
