Korea, Egypt Ink $10M Agreement to Enhance Vocational Training in Electric Vehicle, CNG Technologies

A new chapter in vocational training was unveiled today as the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Egypt signed a $10 million agreement to implement the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) grant project “Upgrading Green Automotive Maintenance Technology for Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in Egypt.” 

This project will be implemented in collaboration with the Productivity and Vocational Training Department (PVTD).

The agreement was inked by KIM Yong-Hyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, and  Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egyptian Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in the presence of His Excellency Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, KOICA’s Country Director, Dr. Sooyoung Park, and Chairman of the Productivity and Vocational Training Department (PVTD), General Engineer Ehab Abadallah Ramadan.

The signing coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment. The $10 million project aims to significantly enhance vocational training in the automotive sector, specifically focusing on Electric Vehicle (EV) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine technologies. It will also enhance the existing training materials for gasoline cars (Engine, Chassis, Electric, Body Repair, and Painting), increase employment and income growth among graduates of vocational training centers, and establish a robust system of collaboration and linkages between the Automotive Maintenance vocational training centers (VTCs) and relevant industry partners. Additionally, the project will include a focus on the training of trainers to ensure sustainable skill development

In turn, KIM Yong-Hyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, said, “Today, we celebrate not only a new project but also three decades of friendship. This initiative will empower our youth and support a sustainable future in the automotive sector. By focusing on cutting-edge technologies like Electric Vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas engines maintenance, we are preparing our young people for the jobs of tomorrow. This collaboration reflects our shared vision for a greener economy and demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and skills development in Egypt. Together, we can create a workforce that is not only competitive but also aligned with global trends in sustainability.”

In the same connection, Kamel El-Wazir extended his gratitude and appreciation to the Korean government for its assistance to the Egyptian government in preparing trained and qualified technical personnel using advanced Korean methods and technology, particularly in the field of eco-friendly vehicles. H.E. stressed the necessity for the project to provide simulation systems for practical training on car maintenance, as well as equipment for repairing electric vehicle batteries, considering them the most important component of the vehicle. He affirmed the Ministry of Industry’s readiness to provide any necessary support to the Korean government to implement this project.

On her part, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, affirmed that this project is a continuation of the coordination efforts undertaken by her ministry with all relevant stakeholders. The goal is to maximize the benefit of Korean grant resources in supporting the priorities of various state sectors, particularly the education and vocational training sectors. This is being achieved through the upgrade of green (eco-friendly) vehicle maintenance technology for vocational training centers in Egypt. She explained that these efforts align with the state’s broader vision and the national economic development narrative, which aims for the government to transition to an economic model based on higher-productivity sectors. This model is intended to help localize industry, increase direct foreign investment, and enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the labor market, while also localizing economic development.

This project is considered a continuation of KOICA’s series of four projects, each implemented between 1993 and 2013 to support curriculum development, training materials, and equipment at four vocational training centers in Egypt—Shoubra (Cairo), Imbaba (Giza), Moharam Bek (Alexandria), and Kafr El-Zayat (KEZ). These earlier interventions laid a solid foundation for vocational training in Egypt, upon which the current project seeks to build by ensuring continuity and scaling up the outcomes of previous efforts.

KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) is a Korean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to implementing grant aid programs aiming to combat poverty and support sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries around the world.

KOICA Egypt Office, established in 1998, provides technical education for youths in Egypt, supports the digitalization of government services and systems, and carries out programs to address gender-based violence, strengthen women`s empowerment, and support vulnerable groups.