National Pukyong University Leads Establishment of Cooperation Network Between Korea and Pacific Island Countries

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Selected for 'Distant Water Cooperation Bureau Exchange and Human Resource Development Project'... Project Budget 2.4 Billion Won

National Pukyong University (President Jang Young-su) has been selected as the lead institution for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' "Distant Water Cooperation Country Exchange and Human Resource Development Project" aimed at establishing a cooperative network between Korea and Pacific Island countries.

Pukyong National University.

The purpose of this project is to expand quotas and ensure stable fishing operations in Korea's distant water industry, establish a pro-Korean network for pioneering new fishing grounds, and strengthen the capacity for sustainable fisheries in Pacific Island countries.

The 14 Pacific Island countries are increasingly important as strategic key points in the international geopolitical landscape, and there is a growing need to enhance cooperation in areas such as marine and fisheries, natural resources, and climate.

National Pukyong University will promote the project over five years from this year until 2028, receiving support of over 2.4 billion KRW centered on the Graduate School of Marine and Fisheries Convergence Science Cooperative Program and the International Cooperation Research Institute for Marine and Fisheries Development.

Accordingly, to establish a sustainable fisheries roadmap between Korea and Pacific Island countries, workshops will be held annually targeting mid-level officials and high-level policymakers in relevant fields from the Pacific Island countries.

In addition, the university plans to train 15 doctoral-level fisheries experts who can actively work in these countries to respond to climate change and promote sustainable fisheries.

Through this project, National Pukyong University expects to support the training of marine and fisheries experts for food security and sustainable use of fisheries resources in Pacific Island countries, and to establish a foundation for stable fishing operations and the entry of domestic fisheries companies into the Pacific Island countries through a pro-Korean network.

Since 2010, National Pukyong University has been recognized as a central hub for building a pro-Korean network in marine and fisheries fields between Korea and the world by operating the International Fisheries Science Cooperative Master's Program for public officials and workers in related fields from developing countries, producing 219 fisheries science master's graduates from 46 countries.