The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Delegates Visit Hawassa University.

Delegates of KOICA have paid two days' visit to Hawassa University with the purpose of identifying potential areas of collaboration with the university.

Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at HU welcomed the delegates and expressed the university's strong interest to work with the South Korean International Cooperation Agency on issues of mutual interest. He explained to them that Hawassa University is currently on a transition to be an autonomous research university and it is working hard towards qualifying for international standards at all levels. The V/President remarked that any potential collaboration with KOICA is welcomed as a huge opportunity for HU to learn from international experience and adopt to local contexts.

Ms. HEEYEON KIM, leader of KOICA delegates to HU, mentioned on her part that KOICA is collaborating with different international institutions and countries to ensure peace and development. She disclosed that KOICA is interested to work in collaboration with HU on Agriculture, Health and ICT. Thus, she explained the purpose of their visit as a chance to conduct a feasibility assessment on the potentials of the university to collaborate in the aforementioned areas.

Finally, the team visited three campuses: College of Agriculture (COA), College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), and Institute of Technology (IoT) and held discussions about the potential of each college and institute with the campus leaders (Dean, Chief Executive Director and Scientific Director, respectively). Eventually, the team disclosed that they are very happy about their visit and pledged future collaboration as the potentials are great.