KOICA, ERD sign $2m project to upgrade Chattogram training centre
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) have signed a record of discussion for a $2 million project to replace the ageing academic building of the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre (BKTTC) in Chattogram, ensuring the centre's continued safe operation through a new, structurally reliable facility.
Scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2028, the project will help ensure the centre's continued safe operation through a new, structurally reliable facility, according to a press release.
The "Ex-Post Management Project for Enhancing the Vocational Training Program of BKTTC, Chittagong" will be implemented in cooperation with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The initiative builds on the longstanding partnership between South Korea and Bangladesh in technical and vocational education and training.
KOICA previously supported the "Enhancing the Vocational Training Program of TTC, Chittagong" project from 2011 to 2013 with approximately $4.8 million. The new project will sustain those benefits while addressing structural safety concerns at the existing facilities.
Under the project, a new two-storey academic building will replace the existing building. Its foundation will be designed to accommodate up to six storeys.
KOICA will also support architectural and engineering design, construction management and supervision, and technical consultation for the safe demolition of the existing facility.
The project is expected to provide a safer, more sustainable learning environment for trainees and instructors while strengthening BKTTC's capacity to deliver quality technical and vocational education.
The improved infrastructure will also support the development of a skilled technical workforce and contribute to sustainable economic development in Bangladesh.
"This Record of Discussion reflects the continued commitment of the Republic of Korea to ensuring the sustainability of our development cooperation with Bangladesh. Through this project, KOICA hopes to provide a safer and more sustainable training environment for future generations of Bangladeshi technical professionals," said the country director of KOICA Bangladesh.
"The improvement of the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Centre will contribute to strengthening the quality of technical and vocational education in Bangladesh. We appreciate the continued cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Korea and KOICA in supporting the development of our skilled workforce," said the wing chief of the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance.
