KOICA and Nepal Government Launched Inclusive Rural Development Project in Bardiya District

EDUCAST, The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), successfully organized the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Inclusive Rural Development Project (IRDP) in Bardiya District. The meeting, held on 5th November 2025, marked the official launch and operationalization of the five-year project (2024–2029) with a total budget of USD 8 million. During the meeting, the PSC formally endorsed the project’s Action Plan.

The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary of MoFAGA, Ms. Nita Pokhrel Aryal, and co-chaired by KOICA Country Director, Mr. Kong Mooheon. Mayors and representatives from all eight municipalities of Bardiya (Badhaiyatal, Bansgadhi, Barbardiya, Geruwa, Gulariya, Madhuwan, Rajapur, and Thakurbaba), officials from Bardiya National Park, and members of the Project Management Consultant (PMC) team from Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the PMC presented an overview of the project’s objectives, implementation strategies, and the Korean Invitational Training Plan to strengthen local capacities. Municipal Mayors shared their Local Initiatives Projects (LIPs), reaffirming their commitment to inclusive implementation at the grassroots level. Bardiya National Park also presented plans to promote eco-tourism as a means to enhance community-based livelihoods and conservation.

In his remarks, KOICA Country Director Mr. Kong Mooheon expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between KOICA and the Government of Nepal. He highlighted project components such as dairy production, crop farming, agricultural machinery, compost production, and fish processing, emphasizing KOICA’s commitment to supporting small farmers, women, and marginalized communities through enhanced productivity and employment generation.

PSC Chair and Joint Secretary Ms. Nita Pokhrel Aryal highlighted the long-standing friendship between Nepal and the Republic of Korea, appreciating KOICA’s contributions across health, education, agriculture, and capacity-building sectors. She expressed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership to promote resilient, prosperous, and sustainable rural development in Nepal.

Prior to the formal meeting, the delegation visited local cooperatives, including Kedareshwor Dairy Cooperative in Bansgadhi and Kalpabrikshya Fish Processing Cooperative in Badhaiyatal, showcasing successful community-driven initiatives and opportunities for cooperative-led rural economic transformation.

Marking over three decades of development cooperation in Nepal, KOICA reiterated its commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. Since 1991, KOICA has been a key development partner, supporting sectors such as health, education, agriculture, vocational training, IT, rural development, and tourism. Over 2,921 KOICA volunteers have served in Nepal, and more than 2,230 Nepali officials have participated in KOICA fellowship programs. By 2025, development assistance has exceeded USD 200 million, reflecting the growing partnership between Nepal and the Republic of Korea.