UNIDO recently concluded the latest edition of its successful capacity development programme, conducted in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The initiative, entitled “Industrial Policies for Digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)”, equipped policymakers from India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam with the knowledge and strategic tools needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Between 2023 and 2024, the project facilitated a series of technical workshops and study trips across Southeast Asia, featuring lectures by renowned experts from various Korean and international institutions, interactive sessions and factory visits. Participants engaged in in-depth policy analysis, identified challenges and developed strategies to maximize the benefits of digital transformation in their respective country contexts.
The programme was implemented by UNIDO’s Division of Industrial Policy Advice and Capacity Development (TCS/IPC) together with the Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Seoul.
This project marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between UNIDO and KOICA—a collaboration that has been instrumental in advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development in emerging economies. Over the years, this strategic alliance has implemented capacity development initiatives and technology transfer projects that have empowered policymakers and industry stakeholders to effectively address complex industrial policy challenges.
For example, in 2012, UNIDO, together with KOICA and Samsung Electronics, launched a pioneering programme in Cambodia to promote effective e-waste management and create employment opportunities in the electronics industry. This initiative laid the groundwork for a long-term commitment to sustainable industrial practices in the country.
A joint project that was successfully completed in 2019, establishing five export consortia comprising 20 micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and over 1,000 workers (41 per cent women) in the agro-industry and cosmetics industry in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region, further highlights the important impact of the UNIDO-KOICA partnership. The initiative enabled firms to meet international trade standards, expand into new markets and boost employment in the country.
The UNIDO-KOICA collaboration took another significant step forward with the launch of the “Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development” training course, providing policymakers with insights into evidence-based policymaking and industrial policy frameworks, thereby strengthening their capacity to drive sustainable industrialization in their respective countries.
The projects undertaken by the UNIDO-KOICA partnership showcase a continuous commitment to addressing complex industrial challenges and fostering sustainable industrial development in emerging markets. Looking ahead, both partners remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable industrialization in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Future initiatives will build on this strong foundation, ensuring that digital transformation and sustainable industrial policies drive economic growth and innovation for the benefit of all.
