By Park Taeyoung

Today’s event commemorates the founding of the first nation-state on the Korean Peninsula in 2333 BC. I am delighted to celebrate with you.

This year is special to Korea and Nepal. It marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations since 1974. It has been a really amazing and enjoyable journey together. At this semi-centennial conjunction, preparing for the next 50 years, I like to make a commitment to expanding our friendship and cooperation in future. Let me elaborate on our commitments by four slogans:

First, Made in Nepal. 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 last May. Today, all of you could have a look at the tangible and visible outcomes of Made in Nepal by Nepal-Korea partnership. Korea was the third largest foreign investor in Nepal last fiscal year. Made in Nepal is all about investment, job creation and technology transfer. We want to see more. In order to achieve this goal, a bilateral investment treaty with Nepal and better FDI favorable environment are essential to attract Korean companies to do business here.

Next, Build in Nepal. Korea has built infrastructures in Nepal including three hydropower plants, TIA airport, roads, hospitals, 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. Korea has focused on building up customized vocational training institutions for skilled human resources in five provinces.

Thirdly, Startup in Nepal. Since 2007, over 100,000 Nepalese migrant workers have worked in Korea on equal terms with Koreans through the EPS program. 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 their preparation to start their own businesses in Nepal. We are working for this purpose along with the Government of Nepal, the Korean Returnee Association and the KOICA team.

Lastly, Connect with Nepal. Korea has enhanced the people-to-people exchange with Nepal. Needless to say EPS program, more than 3,000 Korean volunteers to Nepal, about 30,000 Korean tourists to annually explore Nepal, and about 2,500 Nepali scholarship awardees to have studied in Korea are playing strong glue roles in connecting Korea and Nepal. At this point, about 70,000 Nepali people are staying in Korea. I am confident that we will witness a stronger people-to-people foundation in the years ahead.

Made in Nepal, build in Nepal, startup in Nepal, and connect with Nepal contribute to realizing the aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”

Korea will 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.

Excerpts of the address by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Park Taeyoung, at a function organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Nepal on October 1 in Kathmandu.

 

Source : https://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2024/10/02/four-commitments-of-republic-of-korea/