The Export-Import Bank of Korea (www.koreaexim.go.kr, Chairman Kim Yong-hwan, “Korea Eximbank”) announced on August 23 that it held ‘The 7th EDCF* Camp for University Students’ on August 23, in which about 50 undergraduate/graduate students participated.
* Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF): Established by the Korean government in 1987, the EDCF promotes economic exchanges and assists developing countries in achieving industrialization and economic stability through the provision of long-term, low-interest credit.
The camp was held to share ideas and visions on official development assistance (ODA) with students interested in international development cooperation and to generate public support for ODA. Scheduled for three days, the event was conducted in Korea Eximbank’s headquarters and its HR Development Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do.
Many development aid experts from institutions including Korea Eximbank, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance (MoSF), and KOICA participated as guests and shared a variety of information ranging from development aid theory to trends in international development cooperation.
Cha Moon-joong, an advisor to the Deputy Prime minister, gave a lecture under the title ‘Economic Development of Korea and Globalization’ and Jung Hong-sang, MoSF’s Officer of International Economic Cooperation, shared his experience working for international organizations including the IMF, OECD, and ADB for 10 years, along with the story behind Korea’s successful hosting of the Green Climate Fund.
The camp featured diverse programs including development cooperation case studies, group discussion on development cooperation cases, and an ODA quiz.
The camp was met with great enthusiasm from participants.
One participant said of the program, “With graduation looming, I was undecided about my career path, but now I feel like I found what I want to do. I want to contribute to the development of developing countries by entering the field of international development cooperation. “
Chairman Kim of Korea Eximbank remarked at the opening ceremony of the EDCF Camp, “I believe this camp will serve as an impetus for many talented students to become international development cooperation experts. I urge you all to profit from this opportunity by sharing your creative ideas.”
The EDCF Camp for University Students is being held for the seventh time since its launch in 2010; it has produced about 300 graduates so far, and has gained such popularity that every applicant has to compete against four others to be admitted to the Camp.
