Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising held a courtesy meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-young at the Ministry in Singha Durbar.
During the meeting, Ambassador Park congratulated Minister Ghising on his appointment and extended best wishes for a successful tenure. Minister Ghising expressed appreciation for the long-standing economic cooperation between Nepal and South Korea and highlighted the need for large reservoir-based hydropower projects—each generating over 500 megawatts—to ensure energy balance and boost electricity exports. He called for government-to-government partnerships or Korean private-sector investments in such projects.
Minister Ghising also requested South Korea’s support in developing a pilot project on green hydrogen production, a field where Korea has demonstrated strong expertise and where Nepal holds vast potential. He suggested linking the project with fertilizer production and public transport operations.
Additionally, Minister Ghising urged Korea to increase employment quotas for Nepali workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) and to assist with skill development training before departure. He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and job creation programs for returning migrant workers so that they can utilize the skills acquired in Korea.
He also sought cooperation from the Korean EXIM Bank in fast-tracking assistance for the 400 kV Inaruwa–Anarmani transmission line, which will connect the Arun River Corridor with the East–West transmission network. Furthermore, he requested Korea’s technical support to strengthen Nepal’s capacity in railway construction, operation, and maintenance.
In response, Ambassador Park briefed the Minister on the progress of the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in Rasuwa, which is being developed with investment from a South Korean government-owned company.
He added that Korea plans to organize a seminar in Nepal in collaboration with private energy producers to attract more Korean companies to Nepal’s energy sector. Ambassador Park also informed that discussions are ongoing with Nepal’s Ministry of Finance regarding Korea’s assistance in transmission line construction, reinforcing Korea’s continued commitment to supporting Nepal’s infrastructure and energy development.
