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Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
South Korea has pledged to forge deeper agriculture and trade cooperation with Zimbabwe and other African countries to help countries on the continent bolster food production and fight hunger.
Zimbabwe hosted the Korea Programme for Innovation on Agriculture (KOPIA) Africa directors’ conference in Victoria Falls this week.
On Friday, the Korean delegation and directors of KOPIA centres in Africa toured the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) to see some of the initiatives that aim to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
KOPIA Africa international coordinator Mr Nayeon Jung told The Herald that Korea will continue to support agricultural centres in Zimbabwe and other African countries through various initiatives to strengthen food production.
“I am happy with the success of the meeting we held in Victoria Falls to review progress on our programmes in each country. Last month we hosted the Korea-Africa Summit which was attended by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
“Korea looks forward to more cooperation with Zimbabwe. We want to eliminate poverty and hunger by strengthening Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chains. We are keen to provide specialised training in the agricultural sector,” said Mr Jung.
SIRDC chief executive Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo said this was the second time for Zimbabwe to host the Africa directors’ meeting,”
“We discussed the gaps and the areas for improvement in our projects in Africa. The African directors agreed that the projects are making a huge difference in uplifting the livelihoods of our people,” said Dr Madzingaidzo.
South Korea’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Park Jae Kyung reiterated full support of the Korean Government towards the implementation of projects in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter