‘Enhancing Regional Integration and Cooperation in South Asia’

Kathmandu: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, jointly organised a “Seminar on Enhancing Regional Integration and Cooperation in South Asia” on Tuesday in Kathmandu.

The seminar brought together policymakers, experts, and relevant stakeholders to engage in discussions on promoting regional integration and cooperation in South Asia. It helped to identify institutional, political, and economic challenges in the process of regional cooperation in South Asia, and share diverse perspectives from participating experts on these issues.

The seminar was structured into two distinct parts, including a session focused on an overview and assessment of regional integration in South Asia and another centred on policy recommendations for expanding regional integration in South Asia, including cooperation with middle powers.

The Seminar further examined the roles and potential contributions of external partners, including the Republic of Korea, in supporting the strengthening of regional cooperation in South Asia through trade, investment, and development cooperation. It may be noted that the Republic of Korea has officially participated as an observer country in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 2006.

As one of the nine official SAARC Observers, the Republic of Korea actively works with South Asian nations on priority areas defined by the member states, which include energy, connectivity, supply chain logistics and economic cooperation.

Korea has continued to pursue practical partnerships by holding seminars with SAARC nations, focusing on diversifying supply chains, expanding trade, and integrating transportation infrastructure. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, Park Tae-Young, and the Director (Economic, Trade and Finance) of SAARC, on behalf of the Secretary General, delivered remarks at the seminar.

Five scholars from NIICE, IIDS, TU, KU, and SAARC gave a presentation focusing on different pillars of regional engagement of South Asian cooperation.

Around 100 participants, including government officials, diplomatic missions, media personnel, general public, attended the seminar, which provided a platform for constructive dialogue, bringing together stakeholders to explore practical and forward-looking approaches to strengthening regional cooperation and creating a pathway toward shared prosperity.

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