Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has celebrated 25 years of its operations in Bangladesh recalling how KOICA's projects helped the country grow and establish the pillars of Digital Bangladesh.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office Young-Ah Doh, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Representative of the World Food Programme Richard Ragan spoke at the function held on Tuesday night in a city hotel.

Read:KOICA for enhancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities for children in Bangladesh

The occasion showcased KOICA’s successful projects and milestones in its 25 years of journey in priority sectors of ICT governance, health and education aligned with KOICA’s three programs, namely, Enhance Efficiency of Public Service by establishing Digital Public System, Enhance Public health by providing Quality of Health and Medical Service and Develop Skillful Human Resource for Sustainable Development.

Speaking on the occasion, State Minister Palak recalled KOICA's projects in the ICT sector since its operation which helped Bangladesh to establish the pillars of Digital Bangladesh.

Ambassador Lee emphasized on how the Korean government recognizes Bangladesh as an important partner and endeavors to increase exchanges between the two countries.

Shahriar Kader congratulated KOICA for its achievements over the 25 years and hoped that it would exceed the previous history of mutual development assistance.

Richard Ragan thanked KOICA for contributing to build resilience and achieve zero hunger in Bangladesh since 2013.

KOICA’s Country Director said as Bangladesh’s development has entered a new era and opening up new measures, it means even deeper bilateral collaborations between Korea and Bangladesh.

She emphasized the organization’s achievements have been possible because of Korea and Bangladesh’s joint endeavors adding how KOICA completed 44 development bilateral and multilateral projects, 566 World Friends Korea (WFK) volunteers dispatched and about 3,000 government officials sent to Korea.

Read: KOICA helps Bangladesh strengthen road maintenance, management system

The celebration came to an end by cultural performances by Sharkari Shishu Paribar Tejgaon (Girls) and Institute of Paediatric Neurodisorder, BSMMU, KOICA’s long-standing partners focusing on girl students to be better positioned in the society and enhancement of NDDs for Children in Bangladesh.

KOICA said it commits to contribute towards SDGs achievement aligned with the national development plan of the Government of Bangladesh.