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ISLAMABAD, Dec 05 (APP): President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Chang Won-sam has pledged to significantly expand and deepen development cooperation with Pakistan, describing his maiden visit to the country as the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration.
In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Pakistan-Korea PV Module Testing Laboratory, President Chang outlined an ambitious vision for bilateral cooperation that extends far beyond renewable energy.
“This project will enhance the level of competitiveness in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector,” President Chang said, speaking at the newly inaugurated laboratory premises. “We will expand and broaden and deepen our cooperative relations with Pakistan, especially in the area of development cooperation, of which KOICA is in charge.”
The KOICA President’s visit to Pakistan marks a historic first, making him the first KOICA President to visit the country since the agency established its Country Office in Islamabad in 2010.
His visit culminated in the inauguration of the state-of-the-art PV Module Testing Laboratory, a joint project between Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology and KOICA.
Reflecting on his visit with evident warmth, President Chang revealed that coming to Pakistan had been a personal goal for some time. “Visiting Pakistan was on my list for a long time, and this time I made it,” he said. “I was excited about all the cuisines and culture of Pakistan.”
His remarks highlighted not just institutional cooperation but a genuine appreciation for Pakistan’s culture and people, suggesting that the bonds between the two nations extend beyond formal diplomatic and development frameworks.
The President’s commitment to deepening cooperation comes at a time when Pakistan is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector.
The newly inaugurated laboratory will enable Pakistan to test and certify solar PV modules to international standards, potentially positioning the country as a regional hub for solar energy technology and quality assurance.
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1983, Korea and Pakistan have steadily strengthened their partnership across various sectors.
The opening of KOICA’s Country Office in Islamabad marked a significant step in institutionalizing development cooperation, and President Chang’s visit signals an even stronger commitment going forward.
The visit underscored KOICA’s role as Korea’s principal agency for development cooperation and its intention to remain a reliable and committed partner in Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable development and economic growth.