The KOICA Pakistan Office, in collaboration with the KOICA Alumni Association Pakistan, recently held its second Knowledge Sharing Seminar of the year in Lahore, focusing on advancing Korea-Pakistan cooperation and supporting socio-economic development in Pakistan. The event brought together around 65 attendees, including KOICA officials, members of the alumni association, and representatives from various government ministries.
Deputy Country Director Harim GO addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the warm reception from the alumni community. She highlighted that the seminar served as more than just a reunion, positioning it as a catalyst for deeper cooperation between Korea and Pakistan. Ms. GO reaffirmed KOICA’s dedication to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building initiatives.
The seminar featured presentations from sectoral experts. Qurrat-UI-Ain Qazi, Planning Officer with the Punjab Planning & Development Board, discussed “South Korea’s Path to Progress: From Development Dream to Reality.” She shared insights on innovations in STEM-based education and the benefits of public–private partnerships, drawing attention to strategies that could be adapted for local development. Dr. Rana Waseem, Assistant Professor at Islamia University of Bahawalpur, presented on the impact of KOICA training in Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors. He introduced strategies for building sustainable livestock production systems and highlighted lessons learned from Korea’s systematic planning and accountability frameworks.
In closing remarks, Raja Nasir Ali Khan from the Asian Development Bank’s DREAMS Project reflected on the lessons from Korea’s development journey, such as the roles of leadership, collaboration, and institutional growth. He underscored the need to enhance cooperation in disaster management, energy, sanitation, and public services, while also emphasizing the importance of leveraging social capital to improve community welfare and rural livelihoods. Mr. Khan expressed optimism for ongoing collaboration among KOICA, partner organizations, and the alumni association, aiming for tangible progress and knowledge exchange in the future.
