06 September 2024 New MoU aims to enhance agricultural expertise and education

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lincoln University and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) is set to enhance skills and employability for Korean university students and professional farmers through specialised agricultural education programmes.

The new MoU will feature an exchange programme, with Lincoln University – New Zealand's only specialist university focused on land-based sectors – hosting Korean students, enabling them to explore innovations within New Zealand’s agrifood system. This initiative builds on Lincoln University's successful track record in facilitating Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia (PMSA) programmes in agriculture and further strengthening the University’s resolve to establish relationships in the food and fibre sectors in both countries.

EPIS, part of the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, funds initiatives that strengthen capabilities in the food and fibre sector. This new collaboration underscores the strong educational ties between New Zealand and Korea, further supported by the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) which historically included education programmes for Korean students.

Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards welcomed the new agreement.

“This is a testament to our commitment to advancing knowledge through higher education and impactful research that benefits the land-based sectors in New Zealand and globally.

The exchange programme is designed to enhance student connections in the agribusiness field and align with the agricultural training and education initiatives outlined in the free trade agreement between New Zealand and South Korea.

The MoU was signed by Lee Jong-soon, EPIS President, and Professor Grant Edwards on 5 September, as part of New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon’s Mission with accompanying business delegation to Malaysia and South Korea.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “This partnership is a great example of the strength of the collaboration between New Zealand and Korea. I am pleased to see one of our highly regarded educational institutes sharing knowledge and expanding connections, supported by the existing trade agreements we have in place.”

The Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (KNZFTA) is a high-quality agreement that offers substantial commercial benefits to New Zealand exporters. Korea is a key trading partner for New Zealand and currently ranks as its sixth largest. The agreement encourages cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, trade facilitation, science and technology, and film and television.

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