KOICA supports USD 8 million for IRDP in Bardiya

Kathmandu, Sept 10: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) for “Inclusive Rural Development Project in Bardiya District (IRDP)” in Nepal.     

The RoD was signed today by Country Director of KOICA Mooheon Kong and Joint Secretary of MoFAGA, Kali Prasad Parajuli. The Korean Government through KOICA has allocated USD 8 million for the project. The implementing agencies for the project area will be eight Municipalities of Bardiya district on behalf of Government of Nepal.     

 According to a press statement issued by KOICA Nepal Office, the main objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of communities in Bardiya district for agricultural production, upgrade the value chain through integration of value additions by establishing market linkages and scaling up ecotourism initiatives, fostering sustainable and resilient livelihoods and the local economy. The project shall be implemented in a very unique manner, as Locally Initiated Projects (LIPs) will be formulated based on the absolute need of local communities. The communities will then be capacitated to implement the projects.     

 On the occasion, MoFAGA Joint Secretary Parajuli expressed the importance of enhancing the agricultural productivity to uplift communities at large especially in rural areas. He further extended his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for the partnership which will enhance the friendly relationship between the two countries. He further assured the full cooperation from the GoN for the successful implementation of this project.     

During the event, KOICA Country Director Kong shared that the project would be an opportunity to bring Korean knowledge and technology in rural development of Nepal. He recalled the successful implementation of similar project in Nawalprasi and assured that the project in Bardiya will achieve more as there will be a chance to review on lessons learned from Nawalparasi. The Inclusive Rural Development Project in Nawalparasi (IRDN) was successfully implemented by KOICA from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in the implementation of the 2nd phase of agriculture and rural development projects from KOICA.     

 Meanwhile, the ceremony also commemorated the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Korea. The Government of the Republic of Korea has been supporting the Government of Nepal through KOICA in various areas of health, agriculture, education(technical), vocational training, rural development and IT since 1991.     

By 2023, total amount of KOICA's support surpassed 200 million US Dollars. This comprehensive assistance encompasses 45 Country Partnership Projects, 114 Civil Society Organization (CSO) Projects, Capacity Enhancement Programs that have benefitted 2,211 participants and the World Friends Korea (WFK) program, which has dispatched 3,236 volunteers and specialists to Nepal. Nepal's designation as a Core Partnership Country by the Government of the Republic of Korea for 15 consecutive years highlights the strong bilateral relationship and commitment to Nepal's development goals, adds the statement.(RSS)