MoFA, ROK embassy hold seminar on South Asian regional integration in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Nepal jointly organised a seminar on enhancing regional integration and cooperation in South Asia in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The MoFA and the Embassy said the event highlighted South Asia’s demographic and economic potential, noting the region is home to nearly 25% of the world’s population and offers opportunities for inclusive growth through deeper connectivity and cooperation. Discussions emphasised collaboration in areas such as energy, transport and sustainable development as ways to improve livelihoods and promote balanced development across the region.

The seminar brought together policy-makers, experts and other stakeholders to consider institutional, political and economic challenges to regional cooperation and to share perspectives on practical approaches to strengthen ties among South Asian countries. The programme was divided into two sessions: an overview and assessment of regional integration in South Asia, and policy recommendations for expanding integration, including cooperation with middle powers.

Among the speakers were Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Ambassador of the ROK to Nepal Park Taeyoung, and the Director (Economic, Trade and Finance) of SAARC speaking on behalf of the Secretary General. Five scholars from the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), Tribhuvan University and SAARC presented on different pillars of regional engagement.

The seminar looked at the role external partners can play in supporting South Asian cooperation through trade, investment and development assistance. The ROK has been an official observer to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 2006 and is one of nine SAARC observers working with member states on priorities, including energy, connectivity, supply chain logistics and economic cooperation.

Around 100 people attended the event, including government officials, diplomatic mission representatives, media personnel and members of the public. 

Organisers said the seminar aimed to generate constructive dialogue on practical, forward-looking measures to strengthen regional cooperation and shared prosperity.