KATHMANDU: Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising held a courtesy meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young today at Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Ambassador Park congratulated Minister Ghising and wished him success in his tenure.

He expressed his desire to further strengthen the long-standing economic cooperation between Nepal and South Korea.

Minister Ghising highlighted the need for large reservoir-based hydropower projects to ensure energy balance and boost electricity exports, proposing that projects over 500 megawatts could be developed through government-to-government partnerships or with investment from the Korean private sector.

He also requested South Korea’s support in developing pilot projects in Nepal that apply Korean experience in green hydrogen production, including for fertilizer manufacturing and public transportation.

Minister Ghising sought an increase in the quota of Nepali workers going to Korea under the employment permit system, along with skills development training and support for entrepreneurial employment upon their return.

He further requested swift support from the Korean Exim Bank for the Inaruwa–Anarmani 400 kV transmission line connecting the Arun River corridor and the East–West transmission line, and collaboration in capacity building for railway construction, operation, and maintenance.

Ambassador Park provided an update on the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project under construction in Rasuwa, noting that 70% of work has been completed and the main tunnel breakthrough is scheduled for December. Minister Ghising was invited to attend the breakthrough ceremony.

Ambassador Park also noted preparations for a seminar to attract Korean companies to invest in Nepal’s energy sector and said discussions with the Ministry of Finance are ongoing to provide support for transmission line construction.