Dhaka:During the KOICA Bangladesh Alumni Night 2026 at the Sheraton hotel, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki called for enhanced economic cooperation and technology partnerships between Bangladesh and South Korea. Emphasizing Bangladesh's desire to emulate Korea's post-war economic success, Saki highlighted the importance of technology transfer and joint innovation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Bangladesh Office with the KOICA Bangladesh Alumni Association. Saki praised Korea's economic and technological progress post-Korean War and outlined Bangladesh's aim to follow a similar development path through strengthened ties with South Korea in technology, innovation, and investment.
Saki expressed hopes for attracting investments from major Korean companies, such as Samsung, and noted Bangladesh's missed opportunities in the past. He announced an upcoming visit by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to South Korea to further bilateral economic engagement.
The benefits of KOICA's training should extend beyond personal achievements to improve public services and institutional development, Saki stated. Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Kim Ji-joon and KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Jihoon Kim highlighted the ongoing partnership between the two nations and the role of KOICA alumni as "living bridges."
The event recognized the contribution of KOICA alumni to national development and acknowledged government and development partners' roles in health, education, ICT and digital governance, and rural development. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the KBAA network and deepening Bangladesh-South Korea cooperation.