KOICA President Chang Won-sam meets Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital on Monday. Photo: CA's Press Wing
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) President
Chang Won-sam called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State
Guest House Jamuna in the capital on Monday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed enhancing
development cooperation, investment, skills training and support for
Bangladesh's smooth graduation from LDC status, said the Chief Adviser's Press
Wing on Monday evening.
"It's truly great for me to visit this country again. I
convey the warm greetings from the [South Korean] President," said KOICA
President Chang Won-sam.
He reaffirmed KOICA's political and developmental support
for the interim government of Bangladesh and its ongoing reform initiatives.
Prof Yunus welcomed Chang Won-sam at the Jamuna and thanked
him for his visit. The Chief Adviser expressed hope that Bangladesh and South Korea
would continue to advance together at an accelerated pace.
Presenting the government's economic vision, Prof Yunus
encouraged South Korean investors and institutions to view Bangladesh as a
long-term strategic partner in production and trade.
"We want to become a production hub," he said,
adding, "We can produce your products here and sell them everywhere. We
have the manpower and the capabilities, and our young population is eager to
work hard."
The Chief Adviser placed special emphasis on people-centric
cooperation, particularly in language training, healthcare, and skills
development.
He urged KOICA to expand Korean language programmes in
Bangladesh to widen opportunities for Bangladeshi youth in education, training,
and employment in South Korea.
Prof Yunus also called for deeper collaboration in
healthcare training.
"It's very crucial for our healthcare system and for
global healthcare. We need to focus more on training nurses," he said,
noting the growing global demand for skilled nurses and health workers.
In response, KOICA President Chang Won-sam expressed willingness
to explore expanded cooperation in skill development and education.
Chief Adviser's Special Envoy for International Affairs
Lutfey Siddiqi and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were
present at the meeting.