Egypt and South Korea have signed a $10 million agreement to launch the Korea International Cooperation Agency’s (KOICA) new grant project, “Upgrading Green Automotive Maintenance Technology for Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in Egypt.”
The initiative will modernize vocational training in Electric Vehicle (EV) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine maintenance, while strengthening Egypt’s capacity in technical education and sustainable mobility.
The agreement was signed by Ambassador KIM Yong-Hyon of the Republic of Korea and Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation. The signing ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, KOICA Country Director Sooyoung Park, and PVTD Chairman General Engineer Ehab Abadallah Ramadan.
Marking 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable development, and skills transfer.
The project will provide modern training materials for EVs, CNG engines, and gasoline-powered vehicles, introduce simulation systems for practical learning, and equip centers with advanced facilities for electric vehicle battery maintenance. It will also expand training-of-trainers programs to ensure long-term sustainability and closer linkages between vocational training centers and the automotive industry.
“This initiative will empower our youth and support a sustainable future in the automotive sector,” said Ambassador KIM. “By focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as EV and CNG maintenance, we are preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow while advancing our shared vision for a greener economy.”
Lieutenant General Al-Wazir expressed appreciation to the Korean government, noting that “this project plays a pivotal role in preparing trained and qualified technical personnel to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles in Egypt.”
Rania Al-Mashat highlighted the project’s alignment with Egypt’s economic development strategy, saying it reflects “the government’s drive to transition toward higher-productivity sectors with added value, increase foreign investment, and enhance labor market efficiency.”
The project builds on KOICA’s earlier initiatives in Egypt between 1993 and 2013, which strengthened four major vocational training centers in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Kafr El-Zayat. It is expected to further localize industry, raise graduate employability, and expand opportunities in the growing automotive sector.
KOICA, established under Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been active in Egypt since 1998. Its programs focus on technical education, digital transformation of government services, women’s empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups, contributing to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
