Nepal and the Republic of Korea on Monday marked a new step in bilateral economic engagement with the organisation of the first-ever Nepal–Korea Energy Cooperation Seminar in Kathmandu, aimed at promoting private-sector collaboration in the energy sector.

The seminar was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal in partnership with the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN), bringing together policymakers, investors and energy developers from both countries to explore cooperation opportunities, particularly in hydropower and related infrastructure.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Chiranjeewee Chataut highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships with Korean investors to harness Nepal’s vast hydropower potential. He said Nepal and Korea have maintained strong economic ties through trade, joint ventures and labour cooperation, and expressed hope that the seminar would pave the way for increased Korean investment in Nepal’s energy, water resources and irrigation sectors.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal Tae-Young Park said Korea has been supporting Nepal’s development and prosperity for more than five decades, including through the construction of three hydropower projects with Korean financing. Emphasising the private sector’s role, he said the seminar was designed as a platform for companies from both countries to better understand each other’s needs and identify opportunities for future joint projects in the energy sector.

As part of the programme, the Korean Embassy distributed a directory of Korean companies involved in hydropower, aiming to facilitate business-to-business engagement with Nepali energy developers.

In his presentation, Former government secretary Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal outlined investment opportunities in hydropower generation and transmission infrastructure, stressing the need to expand transmission networks to evacuate electricity generated across different regions of the country. He also briefed participants on the government’s policy priorities and regulatory framework for the energy sector.

Around 150 participants, including representatives from government agencies, private energy developers, media, KOTRA New Delhi and IPPAN members from Nepal and the Republic of Korea, attended the seminar, which organisers said could serve as a foundation for deeper private-sector cooperation in the years ahead.