The Export-Import Bank of Korea announced on April 23 that it hosted the EDCF* Workshop for high-level government officials of developing countries where representatives of seven developing countries attended.

- The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) was established by the Korean government in 1987 to promote economic exchanges with the developing world and to assist developing countries in achieving industrialization and economic stability through the provision of long-term, low-interest credit.

The five-day workshop has provided participants with opportunities to learn from Korea's development experiences and build cooperative ties with development officials from other countries.

In particular, along with the officials of well-acquainted partner countries such as Myanmar and Vietnam was an official of Côte d´Ivoire (Director of Financial Cooperation at the Ministry of Economy and Finance). a potential new partner country to which EDCF is pursuing to provide new loans.

Launched in 1995, the EDCF Workshop has been attended by 249 high-level officials from 46 developing countries to date.

EDCF experts at Korea Eximbank gave detailed explanations on Korea's ODA system and EDCF's role and strategy for promoting economic growth in developing countries.

Professor Sung Keuk-je of the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies at Kyung Hee University gave a lecture on "Korea's economic development experiences and implications" to introduce Korea's development stories and policies on development cooperation for partner countries.

Workshop participants have also made on-site visits to Samsung D'light Museum, DSME's Okpo shipyard, and Hyundai Motor Company in Ulsan, getting a firsthand look at Korea's economic success.

Tun Tun Naing, Director of International Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development of Myanmar, said, "Korea has outgrown the scars of the Korean War and is now a proud member of the OECD DAC." He added, "When I return to Myanmar, I will commit myself to serving as a bridge for enhanced economic cooperation between my country and Korea."