According to the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), returning workers who acquired professional skills in South Korea are launching and scaling local businesses in Nepal through a newly expanded support ecosystem.
On August 6, 2026, KOICA hosted the “K-Connect: Nepal Startup Ecosystem Activation” event in Kathmandu, bringing together six startup enterprises founded by former migrant workers, alongside local government officials, financial institutions, and private investors. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between foreign work experience and domestic economic opportunities in a nation where youth heavily rely on overseas employment.
Translating Korean Work Experience into Local Enterprises
Returning laborers are applying technical training and rigorous operational standards learned abroad to build scalable businesses in sectors such as agriculture, dairy production, tourism, and waste management. Vikram Uchai, a 40-year-old entrepreneur who spent approximately ten years working in South Korea, established Milk Art and Food Product after returning home. According to KOICA, Uchai utilized machine operation and strict hygiene management techniques acquired during his time abroad to produce Greek yogurt, pasteurized milk, and granola. His company sources raw milk from local farmers and supplies five-star hotels and major retail outlets in Kathmandu.
Another enterprise featured at the event was Gaurav Dugdha Dairy Udyog, operated by Ravilal Pant. Pant worked in the South Korean fisheries sector from 2009 to 2014, adopting professional habits that he later applied to his own venture. Data from KOICA shows that Pant’s daily milk collection volume expanded from just 20 liters at the business’s inception to approximately 1,200 liters, directly increasing local agricultural incomes and creating jobs in the region.
Expanding Financial Networks for Returning Migrants
While previous efforts focused primarily on technical training, mentorship, and business development, the August 2026 K-Connect program introduced a financial matching component. Approximately 160 participants attended the Kathmandu gathering, which featured pitch presentations, mock investor relations sessions, and one-on-one consultations designed to connect startup founders with institutional capital.
Nepal’s small and medium-sized enterprises frequently face severe capital constraints despite the influx of returning labor skills. By linking these startup founders directly with local banks and private investors, the initiative provides the financial backing necessary for business expansion.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Cooperation
According to Gong Muheon, Director of KOICA’s Nepal Office, the integration of Korean industrial experience with local entrepreneurship demonstrates how bilateral human exchange translates into tangible economic value. The agency continues to assist these enterprises as they navigate local financial systems and work toward long-term self-sufficiency.