April 10: Visiting former minister of South Korea Dr Lee Nam Kee has said that the Government of South Korea is interested in investing in Nepal provided that there  is a conducive environment for investment.    
He made such a statement during a meeting with Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha in Kathmandu on Monday. Nepal could take a stride in development activities by bringing in technologies and investments from Korea, said Dr Lee.    
Having served for around four decades in various sectors with the Korean government including the economic planning department, Lee stressed the need for a strong leadership for the development of a country. He said that a 'robust and strong' leadership in Korea helped develop the country.    
"There are many potentials 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 a conducive environment," said Lee, who is the president of the Korea-Asia Economic Cooperation Association.    
He referred to foreign aids, 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 projects keeping in view its limited resources.    
NPC Vice Chairperson Shrestha thanked Lee for his gratitude toward Nepal.
On the occasion, Binod Kunwar, the International Coordination Council, the Non-Resident Nepali Association said that Nepal has a potential for development by using the technologies and the development model adopted by developed countries like South Korea.    
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.    

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