Ministry of Land to Visit Peru and Colombia... Supporting Corporate Expansion through ODA

Diversifying Cooperation in Road and Spatial Information Sectors

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is set to expand the foundation for Korean companies to enter infrastructure projects in the Central and South American region. The ministry plans to strategically utilize Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the fields of transportation and land information to broaden bidding opportunities.

On June 9, the ministry announced that it would visit Lima, Peru, and Bogota, Colombia, from June 9 to 12. The delegation will attend ODA project completion and launch ceremonies and discuss cooperation measures with local governments.

On June 10 in Lima, Peru, the ministry will hold a completion report meeting for the "National Road Smart Management Master Plan" project. This project, with a total budget of 830 million won, was launched in July 2024. It includes road management strategies and mid- to long-term plans that consider both disasters and transportation. Lima is a city with severe traffic congestion and air pollution issues. As of 2021, its traffic congestion index ranked 19th in the world. The ministry also proposed the introduction of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and the establishment of a central control center.

Government Sejong Complex. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

On the afternoon of the same day, the ministry will meet with Ismael Suta Soto, Vice Minister of Transport and Communications of Peru. They will discuss follow-up cooperation measures and seek opportunities for Korean companies to participate in infrastructure projects.

On June 12, the ministry will move to Bogota, Colombia. At the local National Geographic Institute, it will hold a launch report meeting for the "Digital Transformation of Land Information" project. The ministry will provide a total of 4.6 billion won in support over 33 months starting this year. Colombia urgently needs to improve its land system to implement the peace agreement. Complicated cadastral boundaries and disputes are hindering regional development.

To address this, the ministry plans to pilot a digital cadastral system and establish a comprehensive master plan. Based on spatial information technology, it will improve Colombia's land information system to meet international standards. The Colombian government has also shown great interest.

On the afternoon of the same day, the ministry will meet with Gustavo Adolfo Marulanda Morales, Director General (Vice Minister level) of the National Geographic Institute of Colombia, and Liliana Maria Ospina Arias, Vice Minister of Transport. The ministry will explain its commitment to the project and request cooperation.

Nam Youngwoo, Director General for Construction Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "Central and South American countries are strengthening investment in key infrastructure sectors such as roads, railways, and airports, so project demand is high. We will expand opportunities for Korean companies to enter these markets through ODA cooperation."