Republic of Korea trusted partner for Nepal, says ambassador Park

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 3: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal hosted a National Day Reception on Tuesday. 

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav graced the event as the chief guest while ministers, lawmakers, the representatives of the business community and Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions, journalists and others attended it.

Speaking at the ceremony organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Republic of Korea,  Park Taeyoung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, stated that the Republic of Korea has always been a trusted partner for Nepal's development.

Ambassador Park said, “This year is special to Korea and Nepal. It marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations since 1974. It has been amazing and enjoyable journey together. At this semi-centennial conjunction, preparing for the next 50 years, I would like to make commitment to expanding our friendship and cooperation in future.” 

He also elaborated on the commitment with four slogans: Made in Nepal, Build in Nepal, Startup in Nepal, and Connect with Nepal.

“Made in Nepal is all about investment, job creation and technology transfer. We want to see more,” he said.  

 He said that Korea has committed to manufacturing products in Nepal. After Samsung Electronics’ assembly line last year, Laxmi-Hyundai opened its factory for Nepal’s first automobile production in May. 

He said  Korea was the third largest foreign investor for Nepal last fiscal year.  

He further said that Korea has built infrastructures in Nepal including three hydropower plants, TIA airport, roads, hospitals, an innovation hub-center and vocational training centers. 

“We are on the way to build more like transmission lines, and Cyber-crime bureau with Nepal Police,” he said.

According to Ambassador Park, since 2007, over 100,000 Nepalese migrant workers have worked in Korea on equal terms with Koreans through the EPS programme. Returning home back, they made a fortune and learned skills from Korea. 

“For returnee workers equipped with these two weapons, we want to promote their entrepreneurship and support preparation to start their businesses in Nepal. We are working for this purpose along with the Government of Nepal, the Korean Returnee Association and KOICA team,” he said

He added that Korea has enhanced the people-to-people exchange with Nepal. 

 EPS programme, more than 3,000 Korean volunteers to Nepal, about 30,000 Korean tourists who visit Nepal annually and about 2,500 Nepali scholarship awardees studying in Korea have been playing strong roles in connecting Korea and Nepal.

According to him, 70,000 Nepali people are staying in Korea. 

He said that Korea would continue to work together to further deepen cooperation across various domains. “Korea firmly stands by Nepal to be a partner preparing to graduate from the LDC status in 2026,” 

On the occasion, a cultural performance was also staged.