Korea International Cooperation Agency

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) was established in 1991 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea as a governmental organization for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to enhance the effectiveness of South Korea’s grant aid programs for developing countries by implementing the government‘s grant aid and technical cooperation programs. It is led by a three-year-term president of the board who is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of Foreign Minister.

 Mission

The Korea International Cooperation Agency was founded as a government agency on April 1, 1991, to maximize the effectiveness of South Korea’s grant aid programs for developing countries by implementing the government’s grant aid and technical cooperation programs. In the past, development cooperation efforts were focused mainly on meeting the basic human needs (BHNs) of developing countries and on fostering their Human Resource Development(HRD). However, the focus has now broadened to promoting sustainable development, strengthening partnerships with developing partners, and enhancing the local ownership of beneficiaries. Additionally, global concerns such as the environment, poverty reduction, and gender mainstreaming, have gained significant importance in the international community.

Due to the continuously changing trends in development assistance efforts and practices, KOICA is striving to adapt to these changes by using its limited financial resources effectively in areas where Korea has a comparative advantage. In particular, Korea has the experience of developing from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most economically advanced, as recently demonstrated by South Korea’s entry into the OECD DAC (Development Assistance Committee) on November 25, 2009. The know-how and experience Korea gained from this transition are the assets that allow KOICA to efficiently support the sustainable socio-economic development of its partner countries.

Introduction to KOICA Nepal

KOICA started its assistance to Nepal 1991. In the beginning, KOICA activities were carried out through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal. Since 1995, KOICA Nepal Office was established. In 2013, Nepal was selected as one of the priority countries of the government of Korea and since then KOICA’s support to Nepal has been increasing gradually.

KOICA provides a variety of development programs: standalone grant aid projects including Development Experience Exchange Partnership (DEEP) and technical cooperation, fellowship programs for government officials of Nepal, experts and volunteers program, Civil Society Organization (CSO) programs, multilateral cooperation and public-private partnership programs. KOICA Nepal office always puts its emphasis on supporting Nepal’s national development goals and KOICA always encourages the ownership of the government of Nepal. Currently, KOICA Nepal Office has identified health, education, rural development/agriculture and energy sector as its priorities sectors based on the current country Partnership Strategy (CPS). KOICA selects its area of cooperation on the basis of needs of the partner countries and the added advantage of Korea’s knowledge and experience. KOICA Nepal Office works closely with the Government of Nepal and the relevant stakeholders.