ADDIS ABABA – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s sustainable development efforts.
During the KOICA Host Organization Representative Workshop held yesterday, KOICA Ethiopia emphasized its continued partnership with key sectors to help Ethiopia achieve its long-term development objectives.
KOICA Ethiopia Country Director Cho Han Deog noted the agency’s close collaboration with government bodies, businesses, civil society, academia, and international organizations. These partnerships focus on strengthening manufacturing capacity, improving healthcare services, addressing climate change, and promoting inclusive social integration.
KOICA’s programs align with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Development Plan, Home-Grown Economic Reform (HGER), and Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy to ensure sustainable progress. “We remain committed to advancing the aspirations of the Korean government and people to reduce poverty, improve quality of life, and support sustainable development worldwide,” Cho stated, underscoring KOICA’s long-standing partnership with Ethiopia on its journey toward economic prosperity.
KOICA plays a vital role in supporting Ethiopia’s industrial and economic growth strategies, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture-led industrialization, which are key drivers of job creation and economic advancement toward middle-income status.
In addition to economic development, the agency has been actively engaged in enhancing Ethiopia’s healthcare system. While significant progress has been made in recent decades, challenges remain. KOICA is working to strengthen healthcare governance, financing, workforce development, and access to medical technologies, ensuring better service delivery and improved public health outcomes.
KOICA is also committed to helping Ethiopia build a resilient green economy by supporting climate adaptation efforts and promoting social integration initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
During the workshop, the Ministry of Finance Bilateral Cooperation Director Dereje Girmaurged host organizations to create an enabling environment for volunteerism. He also highlighted recent economic reforms in Ethiopia, such as telecom sector liberalization, financial market reforms, and subsidy adjustments, aimed at tackling structural challenges.
KOICA’s volunteer programs continue to play a crucial role in sharing Korean expertise and strengthening the bond between the two countries. “The knowledge transfer facilitated through these programs reflects the deep historical ties between Korea and Ethiopia,” Dereje said, praising KOICA’s invaluable contribution to Ethiopia’s development efforts.
KOICA reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s sustainable development, economic growth, and climate resilience, emphasizing that its collaborative approach will drive meaningful progress toward the country’s future goals.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024
