The Export-Import Bank of Korea (www.koreaexim.go.kr, Chairman Lee Duk-hoon, “Korea Eximbank”) announced on February 27 that it held the 10th EDCF* College Camp for three days from 25 to 27 at Korea Eximbank's headquarters in Yeoido and HR Development Center in Yongin.

- 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 camp participated by 53 students was hosted to share ideas and vision about international development in the changing global landscape with young college students interested in the field and to strengthen consensus on the need of ODA.

During the two-night three-day camp, development aid experts from various institutions including the Ministry of Finance and Strategy, National Assembly, Korea Eximbank, and KOICA, have given lectures on development cooperation, explaining development aid theories, international development cooperation trends, and other overall ODA information.

In particular, former professor of Inje Univerisity Hwangbo Su-ja (aged 73), who was a nurse dispatched to Germany, told a vivid story about her experiences and hardship during her stay in Germany.

Interactive programs at the camp such as presentations of case studies by participants and 100 minute live debate drew much attention.

Participants showed high satisfaction about the camp.
Yim Nu-ri, a 23 year old student from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said, "I am extremely proud that Korea, a country that created the miracle of the Han river, has become a small but strong country that gives aid to many countries around the world." She added, "Thanks to this EDCF camp, I can now draw a concrete plan to work in the development cooperation sector to help developing countries become the next Korea and contribute to building mutual cooperation between Korea and the developing world."

Attending the camp's opening ceremony, Korea Eximbank Chairman Lee Duk-hoon remarked, "We designed EDCF College Camp to help young talents take the first step in growing into international development experts." He added, "Hopefully, the camp will be an interactive venue to share fresh, new ideas on development cooperation."

Launched in 2010, the semi-annual EDCF College Camp was hosted for its 10th time this year. With the application rate for the camp being five to one on average, the camp is enjoying high popularity. Up until now, about 460 people have completed the EDCF camp program.