Phnom Penh: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Cambodia Office conducted a Pre-Departure Orientation for selected government officials in preparation for their participation in the third-year training course of the 'Capacity Building for Intellectual Property and Patent Recognition Program (PRP) System in Cambodia (2023-2025).'
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the training is scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea from June 8 to 21, 2025. This initiative is part of KOICA's wider cooperation with Cambodia aimed at reinforcing its economic foundation through human resource development, specifically focusing on innovation and intellectual property rights.
The selected officials hail from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). This year's programme will host 15 participants who will receive practical training on trademarks, geographical indications (GIs), design, and strategies for the commercialisation and management of technologies. The goal is to improve Cambodia's capacity in the creation and utilisation of intellectual property (IP), supporting sustainable economic growth and creating new opportunities through effective IP protection and application.
Ms. Sejin Lee, Deputy Country Director of the KOICA Cambodia Office, congratulated the participants in her opening remarks, highlighting that the training addresses Cambodia's increasing need for progress in the IP sector. She stated that the initiative reflects the Korean government's commitment to aiding Cambodia's socio-economic development by enhancing human resources in this vital area.
Ms. Lee also mentioned that KOICA's collaboration with Cambodia extends to various sectors, including public health, education, and agriculture. Since 1994, KOICA has been offering both short-term training and master's degree programmes to Cambodian officials through its Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) programme across multiple sectors.
During the orientation, KOICA staff provided an overview of the fellowship programme, practical advice for staying in Korea, and essential program guidelines to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.
H.E. PICH Ang, Chairman of the Commercial Law Working Group and Member of the Council of Jurists at the Office of the Council of Ministers, attended the orientation as a 2024 programme alumnus. He shared his experiences on how the training benefited his professional duties and offered practical guidance and encouragement based on his time in Korea.
Representatives from MISTI and MoC presented the Country Report, detailing Cambodia's current IP system status, including its governance structure, key gaps like the lack of a national IP strategy, and the pressing need to boost local expertise. The report also highlighted priority tasks such as introducing an IP agent system, encouraging IP-based startups, and increasing public awareness to support long-term development in the field.
The selected participants expressed their gratitude to KOICA and the Government of the Republic of Korea, demonstrating strong enthusiasm and dedication to enhancing their professional skills in intellectual property and the patent recognition programme.