June 8, 2026 — the Mekong Institute (MI) Bangkok Project Office welcomed delegates from the Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) led by its Executive Director, Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar. The meeting discussed potential areas of cooperation including sustainable agriculture and value chains, water and climate resilience, social protection for informal workers, digital innovation and capacity building, and opportunities for joint project development and funding. 

In his remarks, Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta, Director of Special Projects and Resource Mobilization Division and Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), said that MI looks forward to “translating this kickoff visit into practical regional collaborations that benefit communities across Nepal and the Mekong region.”  

Dr. Magar added that “NDRI is keen to deepen partnerships with MI to bring regional knowledge, technology solutions, and funding avenues to Nepal, particularly on water, agriculture, and social protection for informal workers.”  

The meeting was attended by officials from NDRI, MKCF Secretariat and PRIME 2.0 project.