Nepal and Korea are geographically far. However, Nepal can learn many things from the development model and experiment used by South Korea over the last five decades in the development process.

With the support from Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), hundreds of Nepalese civil servants are visiting Korea for short term and long term trainings. With the support from KOICA, KAAN, an association of Korea returnees, has been organizing various programs to share their knowledge, expertise and continue their links with Korea. KOICA and KAAN night is one of these events.

Addressing “KOICA –KAAN Night 2014”, chief secretary Leela Mani Paudyal thanked Korean government for continually supporting Nepal, providing training for Human Resources Development of Nepal government, among others.

“Nepal government is grateful to Korean government for its generous support to uplift the life of Nepalese people. As a lot of employees have got their training in Korea, the time has come for them to implement what you have learnt in Korea,” said Paudyal.

Paudyal urged civil servants to learn from Korea and follow the work ethic and working culture of that country. “I appreciate Korean ambassador to Nepal Choe Yong Jin for his generous support and personal involvement in Bagmati Cleaning Campaign. The year 2014 was important as Nepal and Korea celebrated the year as the 40th year of establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As Nepal and Korea marked their maturing relationship, this program was significant. “This is one of the most memorable events in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nepal. I would like to thank KAAN members for playing a significant role in each and every crucial part,” Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Nepal Choe Yong Jin said.

In her vote of thanks Haeg Lan Jo, country representative of KOICA Nepal Office, said KOICA is happy to be part of Nepal’s development process.

According to KOICA’s press release, about 250 participants attended this program. It helped recognize the role of KAAN by sharing their 2014 activities. Fellowship program is one of the effective modalities of KOICA’s capacity building programs. Since 1991, 1302 Nepalese officials have participated in KOICA’s short and long term fellowship programs, including 171 officials in 2014.

In the year 2014, 176 government officials visited Korea in order to participate in 45 different short/long term fellowship programs. In addition, KOICA has been providing voluntary services in various social and economic sectors in Nepal through KAAN every year, which nurtures a good relationship between KOICA and KOICA fellows.