Key Messages of the Opening Remarks by DPM Kyungho Choo at The 7^th KOAFEC Ministerial Conference

1. “APC Principles” to strengthen cooperation between Korea and Africa

< Agricultural Transformation >

Korea has established the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) in Africa and distributed tailored agricultural technologies to improve food productivity and achieve sustainable agriculture in African countries.

Moving forward, Korea will push for the K-Rice Belt1 project to build up production bases for high-yield rice varieties based on Korea’s experience in overcoming rice shortages; further strengthen support tailored to each country’s demand to help Africa nations obtain self-sufficiency in rice production.

< Bio Health >

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Korea has provided vaccines to African countries in collaboration with the African Union, helping them overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Korea will actively support the establishment of regional hospitals and university hospitals, and the supply of medical equipment in African countries through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF)2, contributing to the development of healthcare infrastructure in Africa.

Furthermore, software-related initiatives will be enhanced by giving assistance to the projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of healthcare personnel, in order to solidify the healthcare partnership between Korea and Africa.

< Climate Change & Energy Transition >

The Korean government has signed the Korea-Africa Energy Investment Framework (KAEIF)3 with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide financial support worth $600 million over five years to explore energy infrastructure projects in Africa while continually providing financial assistance.

Korea strongly supports the High-5s4 strategy presented by AfDB President Adesina and is committed to contributing to sustainable growth and development in Africa.

Korea plans to increase the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from $3.4 billion this year to $5 billion next year to fulfill its responsibilities as a global pivotal state.

2. Support for Busan’s bid for 2030 World Expo

Busan, this host city of this meeting, is currently bidding to host the World EXPO 2030 under the theme of “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future”.

In particular, the Busan Expo will serve as an opportunity to share with other countries Korea’s experiences of unprecedented economic growth; and a platform for cooperation in sharing thoughts and solutions to global challenges such as digital divide, climate change, health crisis, and food crisis.

I sincerely ask for Africa’s support Busan to host the World Expo 2030 so that Korea and Africa can build a mutually reciprocal and forward-looking partnership, enabling a significant leap in cooperation between the two regions.