NOTICE

KOICA Supports Korean Enterprises' Entry into the Philippine ODA Market, Laying the Groundwork for Global Cooperation

Participants pose for a commemorative photo at a partnership seminar between the KOICA KODABIZ delegation and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on expanding into the Philippine and Asian markets, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manila, Philippines, on the afternoon of the 5th (local time). Photo courtesy of KOICA

[Smart Economy] The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has carried out on-site activities to support domestic companies in entering the Asian Official Development Assistance (ODA) market.

KOICA announced on the 9th that it visited Manila, the Philippines, from the 1st to the 6th, joining forces with 13 Korean enterprises to build a foundation for ODA partnerships in conjunction with the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF 2025).

A total of 13 domestic firms participated in this mission—including 8 key supported enterprises from the Global ODA Business Center (KODABIZ) and 5 companies fostered by Korea Western Power and the Ulsan Regional Office of Small and Medium Enterprises. Together, they conducted more than 50 individual meetings with local government ministries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), consultants, and vendors.

The participating companies included Suns Co., Ltd., Yujoo Co., Ltd., Moon Engineering Co., Ltd., ESE Co., Ltd., Korea Information Technology Advisory Group Co., Ltd., Visang Education Inc., Enuma Korea Co., Ltd., and DRGEM Corporation. They showcased technical capabilities capable of meeting local demand across various sectors, including energy, ICT, edutech, and healthcare.

Collaboration with other Korean public institutions was also prominent during this mission. KOICA partnered with the KOTRA Manila Trade Center and the EDCF Philippines Office to share bidding and procurement information, assisting companies in exploring practical business opportunities.

On the 4th, a networking event with Philippine KOICA alumni was held at the Crowne Plaza Manila, providing a venue for exchanges between local government officials and Korean enterprises. On the 5th, a networking session between the KOICA-KODABIZ delegation and ADB officials took place at the ADB headquarters, offering an opportunity to share ODA implementation trends and procurement plans of donor agencies and multilateral development banks.

South Korea has been contributing to the Korea Trust Fund at the ADB since 2006, supporting Korean companies' participation in feasibility studies and pilot projects utilizing this fund.

KOICA anticipates that these on-site activities have served as an opportunity for Korean companies to build trust with international organizations and local partners, which will lead to tangible outcomes in securing future ODA contracts across Asia.

Son Jeong-mi, Vice President for Global Solidarity and Partnerships at KOICA, stated, "We hope domestic enterprises will gain a deeper understanding of the Philippine and Asian markets and grow into global ODA partners based on their technological prowess. We will continue to solidify the foundation for mutual growth through sustained networking and collaboration."

Source: Smart Economy (http://www.dailysmart.co.kr)