Korea University, in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency, said Monday it will begin a business training program for 39 government officials from 23 developing states around the world in September.

The KU-KOICA program, first launched in 2007, aims to transfer South Korea’s economic and business expertise to policymakers in developing countries in regions including South and Central America, Asia and Africa.

This year’s program participants will take diverse master’s degree-level courses related to international trade and international development and cooperation at the KU Graduate School of International Studies for 16 months.

They will also visit a number of government institutions, including the National Election Commission and the Central Officials Training Institute, as well as the work sites of Korean conglomerates such as Hyundai Motor as part of the KU-KOICA program, according to the university.

“Most of the participants are employees under business-related ministries or government institutions in their respective countries who are looking to learn from South Korea’s business policies and structures,” said a university official.

“We hope to help officials from developing countries become key policy experts who can help strengthen and drive forward their countries’ economies,” she said.

KU is scheduled to hold a welcoming event and orientation for the 2015 program participants at the university on Thursday.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)