In keeping with its tradition of providing development learning assistance and practical guidance to officials of developing countries, KDI School recently conducted two such programs for officials of Afghanistan and Kuwait.

A high-level policy dialogue with Under-Secretaries of the Kuwaiti government was undertaken in September. By sharing first-hand knowledge on Korea’s development and policymaking experiences the program sought to help Kuwait develop medium- and long-term development strategies. The delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Jin Nyum as well as former Heads of National Economic Council who shared his vision of Korea’s development experience. They also visited Department of Industry and Policy, Korea University, Seoul National University, Korea Institute of Public Finance and Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs. In addition to that, the Kuwaiti delegation was introduced to the KDI School and the role of the KDI in Korea’s development, with lectures delivered by President Oh, Dean Nam and Professor Woochan Kim. Thus the program offered an extensive roundup of Korean development strategy, policy designs and its practical implications in a matter of a week. The KDI School hosted a luncheon at the end of that week, and awarded certificates to the Kuwaiti participants. President Oh in his opening speech went through the 32 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and appreciated the learning zeal of the participants. He hoped that such knowledge sharing will help Kuwait work out their long-term development strategy.

Another training module for senior Afghan government officials (mostly from economic and finance ministries) was conducted for two weeks from September to October. The Research and Learning Network of the KDI School set out to help strengthen the Afghan government’s National Development Strategy, seeking to rebuild the war-torn nation while overcoming huge political and economic challenges. This is a situation in which the Korean experience can be of immense help towards devising a workable policy and avoiding the usual pitfalls such a delicate balance entails. The workshop aimed to impart the Afghan officials with the tried and tested methodologies of Korea during its initial economic development and to replicate it in Afghan context. Through formal lectures on as diverse topics as Government Reform and Economic Planning, Trade Policy within WTO Framework, Health Care Policy and Anti-corruption Strategy, and through site visits across the country including Daejeon, Daegu and Suwon, the participants became well grounded in the policy processes and the Korean development model. The program was accompanied by cultural activities arranged by KOICA and visits to various government and regulatory agencies to show the practical implementation of policies and further cement the friendly ties between the two countries. A wrap-up session took place on October 8^th, where the participants presented the Action Plan. As Dean Nam bade farewell to the Afghan officials, the training program was brought to a successful close.

By Fouz Khalid KHAN (2011, MPP, Pakistan)