Lee meets with NPC Vice Chairperson

Visiting former minister of South Korea Dr Lee Nam Ki has said that the Government of South Korea could make investments in Nepal upon the creation of a climate conducive for the purpose.

He made this statement during a meeting with the Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha here today in Kathmandu. Nepal could take a stride in development activities by bringing in technologies and investments from Korea, according to him.

Having served around four decades for various sectors of the Korean government including the economic planning department, Lee stressed the need for a strong leadership for the development of a country. He referred to a 'robust and strong' leadership in Korea that helped develop the country.

"There are many potentialities in Nepal. It can make a stride in development by properly utilising these opportunities. We will coordinate in taking global investments and technologies to the country once there is an environment conducive created," said Lee, who is president of the Korea-Asia Economic Cooperation Association.

He referred to foreign aid, technologies and investments received by Korea for its development.

He underscored the need for the government of Nepal to prioritise infrastructures, transport and electricity and make investments in the project keeping in view of limited resources.

Earlier, Lee, who is in Nepal for a weeklong visit, met with the Finance Minister and high ranking government officials including officer bearers of the Investment Board Nepal.

In return, NPC Vice Chairperson Shrestha thanked Lee for his gratitude toward Nepal, and urged all foreign investments like Lee to invest in Nepal.

In the context that the NPC was at work to make its 16th five-year plan, he said result-oriented projects would be focused.

Nepal has a potential for development by using the technologies and the development model adopted by developed countries like South Korea, said Binod Kunwar, the International Coordination Council, the Non-Resident Nepali Association.

Others present on the occasion were the NRNA former vice president Sonam Lama, general secretary Janaki Gurung, executive directors Rajesh Rana, Dipesh Khatri, chairperson of the Ropeway Nepal Gunaraj Dhakal and operator of Laxmi Bank Dinesh Paudyal among others.