Egypt and South Korea signed a $10 million cooperation agreement to upgrade vocational training in electric vehicle (EV) and compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies, marking a new step in the two countries’ three-decade-long partnership.
The agreement, part of a Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) grant project, was signed by South Korean Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-Hyon and Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir, KOICA Country Director Sooyoung Park, and PVTD Chairman Ehab Abadallah Ramadan.
The project— “Upgrading Green Automotive Maintenance Technology for Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in Egypt”—will be implemented in collaboration with the Productivity and Vocational Training Department (PVTD).
It seeks to enhance training programs in EV and CNG maintenance, update existing curricula for gasoline-powered vehicles, and expand partnerships between training centers and industry stakeholders.
The agreement targets the development of four key vocational training centers for automotive maintenance: Shoubra, Imbaba, Moharram Bek in Alexandria, and Kafr El-Zayat. The aim is to sustain the mission for which these centers were established—producing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of the Labour market.
The cooperation will include upgrading existing equipment in line with advances in traditional vehicle maintenance, modernizing curricula in auto repair and bodywork/painting, and introducing eco-friendly vehicle technologies such as electric, hybrid, and natural gas-powered cars.
To achieve these objectives, the Korean side will provide specialized tools, diagnostic systems, simulators, and other advanced equipment.
The project also aims to raise the efficiency of trainers and administrators at these centers through a two-phase training program—first in South Korea, then locally after the installation and operation of Korean-provided equipment. In addition, Korean volunteers will be dispatched to vocational centers to contribute to training activities with students and introduce new learning initiatives inside the centers. The project will run for five years, concluding in 2030.
“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 such as electric and CNG vehicles,” Ambassador Kim said, hailing the initiative as a technical milestone and a symbol of friendship.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir expressed appreciation for Korea’s support in training Egyptian technical personnel, stressing the need for advanced simulation systems and equipment for electric vehicle battery repair. “The Ministry of Industry stands ready to provide full support to ensure the project’s success,” he said.
On the other hand, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat underscored the project’s alignment with Egypt’s development strategy. “Transitioning toward high-productivity sectors with added value is a key government objective,” she said.
She described South Korea as one of Egypt’s key partners in Asia, noting that cooperation between the two countries represents a unique model of impactful partnership.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
