Makati City: The Philippines, in collaboration with the Korean government, is set to pursue digital transformation and innovation, as announced by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This initiative marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, focusing on enhancing digital infrastructure and technology exchange.

According to Philippines News Agency, NEDA, in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), inaugurated the first meeting of the Korean-Philippine Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) on January 16 at the New World Hotel in Makati City. The meeting outlined comprehensive plans for developing three digital infrastructure projects under the EIPP, aiming to improve information and communications technology (ICT) in the Philippines.

The projects include the creation of a National Communications Satellite Roadmap for the Philippines, the development of an Implementation Plan for the Philippine E-Government Master Plan, and the establishment of an Implementation Plan for an Integrated Data Center in the Philippines. The National Communications Satellite Roadmap seeks to build a strong industrial ecosystem for the telecommunications satellite sector in the country.

The Philippine E-Government Master Plan aims to enhance and expand government expertise by promoting technology exchanges to develop an efficient e-government implementation strategy. Meanwhile, the Integrated Data Center project is designed to support the Philippine government by adopting Korea's integrated information resource model and its technical and strategic data center operations expertise.

NEDA Undersecretary for Investment Programming Joseph Capuno expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it promises to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and create lasting impacts for both nations. He emphasized the importance of the three projects from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in advancing the Philippines' digital infrastructure and aiding the country's transition to an upper-middle-income status.

Launched in 2020 by Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), the EIPP is a multi-year, government-to-government policy and technical cooperation program. It aims to foster sustainable and mutually beneficial economic growth between Korea and its partner countries by supporting their sustainable development efforts.

Key officials from both governments attended the launch seminar, including Deputy Director Byeongkwan Seo of Korea's MOEF, Director General Chul-ho Park of the KOTRA Development Cooperation Office, Director General Sujung Lee of the KOTRA Manila Office, Director Mu-hyuk Lee of the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation, First Secretary Hyun-tae Song of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, and DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr.