Kathmandu, Nepal – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has pledged to provide 1 Arba 7 Crore for the inclusive rural development of the Bardiya district.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) to this effect was signed on Tuesday between KOICA and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. KOICA Country Director Mooheon Kong and Joint Secretary Kali Prasad Parajuli represented their respective organizations.
The Inclusive Rural Development Project (IRDP) will focus on eight local levels within the Bardiya district. Its primary objectives include:
- Enhancing the agricultural production capacity of local communities.
- Upgrading the value chain through market integration and value addition.
- Promoting sustainable and flexible livelihoods and local economies through environmental tourism initiatives.
KOICA’s Country Director expressed optimism about the project’s potential to bring Korean knowledge and technology to Nepal’s rural development. He highlighted the success of a similar project implemented in Nawalparasi from 2016 to 2022 and emphasized the need for such initiatives in other regions of Nepal.
The signing of the MOU also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Korea. Since 1991, the Korean government, through KOICA, has been supporting Nepal in various sectors, including health, agriculture, education, vocational training, rural development, and information technology.
