KATHMANDU, Sept 11: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) have signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) for the "Inclusive Rural Development Project in Bardiya District (IRDP)" in Nepal.

The RoD was signed by KOICA's Country Director, Mooheon Kong, and MoFAGA's Joint Secretary, Kali Prasad Parajuli on Tuesday. The Korean government, through KOICA, has committed USD 8 million to the project. The implementing agencies will be the eight municipalities of Bardiya district, representing the Government of Nepal.

According to a press statement issued by KOICA Nepal Office, the project aims to enhance community capacity in Bardiya for agricultural production, improve the value chain by integrating market linkages, and promote eco-tourism. The project also seeks to foster sustainable and resilient livelihoods while boosting the local economy. It will be implemented through Locally Initiated Projects (LIPs), which will be formulated based on the specific needs of local communities. These communities will then be empowered to carry out the projects themselves.

At the signing ceremony, Joint Secretary Parajuli highlighted the importance of improving agricultural productivity to uplift rural communities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for its partnership, which he believes will further strengthen the friendly ties between the two nations. Parajuli assured full cooperation from the Government of Nepal for the successful implementation of the project.

KOICA Country Director Kong emphasized that the project would introduce Korean expertise and technology in Nepal's rural development. Reflecting on the successful implementation of a similar project in Nawalparasi, Kong expressed confidence that the Bardiya project would build on lessons learned, achieving even greater outcomes. The Inclusive Rural Development Project in Nawalparasi (IRDN), implemented by KOICA from 2016 to 2022, has led to the launch of a second phase of agriculture and rural development projects.

The signing ceremony also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Korea. The Republic of Korea, through KOICA, has supported Nepal in various sectors, including health, agriculture, technical education, vocational training, rural development, and information technology since 1991.

By 2023, KOICA's total support to Nepal exceeded USD 200 million, encompassing 45 Country Partnership Projects, 114 Civil Society Organization (CSO) projects, and capacity enhancement programs that have benefitted 2,211 participants. Additionally, KOICA’s World Friends Korea (WFK) program has deployed 3,236 volunteers and specialists to Nepal. Nepal's designation as a Core Partnership Country by the Republic of Korea for 15 consecutive years underscores the strong bilateral relationship and commitment to Nepal's development, the statement added.

 
• KOICA