KATHMANDU, July 24

The Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of Korea on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project ‘The Inclusive Rural Development in Nawalparasi.’

The MoU was signed by Suman Prasad Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, and Choe Yong-jin, Korean Ambassador to Nepal, at a programme held in Kathmandu on Friday.

A press statement issued here by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) said that on behalf of the Korean government, KOICA will spend $8 million over the period of five years for the development activities in five VDCs namely Bhujhahawa, Guthiprasauni, Kudiya, Sanai, Tamasariya and Sunwal Municipality of Nawalparasi. KOICA aims to support Nepal government’s strategy of improving the living standard of the people through agricultural and rural development through this project, the statement read.

“The overall goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of the target population through sustainable agricultural development, strengthening of social infrastructure, improving the quality of and access to health care services and enhancing the capacity of the community and local government,” said the statement.

It further said that this project is going to build a contemporary development model through integration of local participatory planning process of Nepal government and Korean development model known as ‘Saemaul Undong (SU)’, adding that, the UN has also recognised Saemaul Undong as a successful and effective model of rural development. “This project is the first bilateral programme of the Korean government in the local development sector of Nepal,” said Yong-jin in the statement. He expressed hope that joint efforts of two governments can ultimately benefit communities and create change in project site.

According to the statement, KOICA is planning to provide technical and advisory assistance during project implementation and provide the equipment and materials necessary for the successful implementation of the project.