KATHMANDU: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) handed over 70 clean auto rickshaws to the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT).

An inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday on the LDT premises in Lumbini to announce the handover.

LDT Chairman and Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur Mahat, KOICA Country Director Hyung Kyoo Kim and other officials of both sides were present on the occasion.

"With the aim of creating local employment and improving transport system within Lumbini area, KOICA procured 70 clean auto rickshaws according to the project proposal and specification requested by LDT and on the basis of the contract signed between KOICA and LDT on July 25, 2014," a KOICA statement said today.

In addition, 125 drivers, nominated by the Rickshaw Association of Lumbini were trained for a period of two weeks, the Korean support agency added.

Speaking at the inauguration function, Minister Mahat pledged to fully support the project.

In response, KOICA chief in Nepal Hyungkyoo Him expressed that joint efforts of two governments can ultimately benefit communities and create change in the project site.