KATHMANDU, Oct 11: President Ram Chandra Paudel inaugurated the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) building on Wednesday. This state-of-the-art facility was established with the grant assistance from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by South Korea’s Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young, Prof Dr Bhola Thapa, vice chancellor of Kathmandu University, Country Director of KOICA, Mooheon Kong, as well as delegates from the ministry, KOICA, and Kathmandu University.

The Government of Korea, through KOICA, provided grant assistance amounting to USD 10 million for the project titled "Integrated Rural Development of Nepal through Strengthening Research and Development Capacity of Kathmandu University." This collaboration was initiated with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on February 6, 2018. The primary objective of this project is to enhance Nepal's research and development capacity and collaborate to enhance the quality of life and income status of people in rural communities in Nepal through technology innovation.

As part of this initiative, KOICA established the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC) at Kathmandu University, equipped with advanced scientific instruments. The center's role is to develop business models with appropriate technology designed for rural and isolated regions. The outcomes of the research and innovations conducted at NTIC are intended to raise the living standards of rural communities by making affordable tools and technologies developed through research and development more accessible.

During the inauguration ceremony, President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the importance of technological advancement in Nepal. He lauded the NTIC as an exceptional platform for fostering research, innovation, start-ups, and incubation in Nepal, thereby contributing to the nation's overall educational landscape. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korean people for fostering strong people-to-people relations between the two nations

Similarly, Ambassador Park Tae-Young conveyed his appreciation for the prosperous relationship between the governments of Nepal and Korea. He highlighted the Government of Nepal's focus on increasing domestic production and creating more job opportunities domestically. In this context, he emphasized the pivotal role that centers like NTIC can play in fostering innovation and job creation.

Country Director of KOICA, Mooheon Kong, praised NTIC as one of the most highly equipped laboratories in Nepal. He noted that once NTIC becomes fully operational, it will become one of the most significant research platforms in Nepal. Its contributions will extend beyond the national level to have an impact on the international stage. 

 
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