KOICA celebrated its 30-year partnership in Nepal by signing a $29 million grant agreement. The event, titled "Together for 30 Years: A Journey of Trust and Cooperation," took place on August 22, 2025, in Kathmandu.

The highlight of the event was the signing of three significant project agreements that reflect KOICA's strategic priorities for the future. The first agreement was a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Park, Tae-Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Nepal, for the establishment of the Gandaki Institute of Technology.

This $9 million project will be implemented from 2025 to 2030. Following this, Record of Discussion signings took place for two additional projects.

The Value Chain Development Project (Phase II) in Lumbini Province, with a budget of $10 million, will be initiated from 2025 to 2031. This agreement was signed between Dr. Hari Bahadur K.C., Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA.

The Sudurpaschim Polytechnic Institute was established with a budget of USD 10 million through a signing ceremony between Mr. Shiva Kumar Sapkota, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and Mooheon Kong, Country Director of KOICA. The project is set to be implemented between 2025 and 2030.

During the event, Mooheon Kong, KOICA Nepal Country Director, reiterated KOICA's strong partnership with Nepal and its dedication to inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasized the agency's focus on enhancing local capacity and promoting innovation in key sectors like education, health, agriculture, and governance.

Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the Republic of Korea, praising KOICA's significant contributions in various areas.

He expressed gratitude for KOICA's efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Nepal's sustainable development objectives. He also affirmed the Ministry's commitment to further enhancing this partnership for mutual prosperity and resilience in Nepal.

Park Tae-young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, highlighted the enduring friendship and trust between the two nations through KOICA's 30-year journey in Nepal. He reaffirmed Korea's dedication to supporting Nepal's socio-economic development and viewed the new project agreements as a sign of mutual progress and future collaboration.

Dhana Raj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City and Chief Guest at the event, commended KOICA on its significant contributions across various sectors and its alignment with Nepal's development goals. He expressed the Government of Nepal's willingness to collaborate closely with KOICA to enhance the impact and sustainability of future initiatives.

As KOICA commemorates its three decades of involvement in Nepal's development, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future in partnership with the Government of Nepal and local communities.

Since 1991, the Government of the Republic of Korea, in partnership with KOICA, has been a significant supporter of Nepal's development efforts. They have provided assistance in various sectors including health, education, agriculture, vocational training, rural development, IT, and tourism. KOICA has sent 2,921 volunteers to work in government institutions throughout Nepal.

Additionally, more than 2,230 Nepalese officials have taken part in KOICA's fellowship programs. KOICA works closely with businesses, CSOs, universities, and international organizations to help Nepal achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.

Nepal became a priority country for KOICA in 2010, leading to a substantial increase in support. By 2025, KOICA's total assistance to Nepal had exceeded USD 200 million. This partnership has been further solidified through a framework agreement on development cooperation, strengthening the enduring friendship between the two nations.