October 13~15 & 20~21 - Supported by the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, The Asia Foundation Korea hosted an online lecture series entitled “International Development Cooperation and Inclusive Economic Growth: MSMEs and Women’s Enterprises in India” for Korean development practitioners for 5 days(October 13–15 & 20–21) in October. The online lecture series took place as an alternative of a study visit to India which is difficult to be implemented due to COVID-19.

In cooperation with The Asia Foundation India and O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), the online lecture series of 13 sessions, was designed to deepen Korean participants’ better understanding of MSMEs and Women’s Enterprises in India as well as relevant socio-cultural backgrounds and challenges, and to bring insights for effective development cooperation in India.

Korean participants from various development institutions including think tanks, NGOs, and graduate schools, discussed and interacted with local professors and experts on multiple themes related to Indian MSMEs and Women’s Enterprises. The topics of discussion included history, economic potential, entrepreneurial opportunities and challenges, relevant government policies and legal system, and trade and investment.

The participants developed research and project ideas to improve India's inclusive growth based on what they had learned throughout the sessions and received practical feedback from the professors at JGU. One participant commented, “By getting to know India’s local situation and culture directly from Indian experts, I learned about the critical issues related to women empowerment in India. I believe this would be very meaningful to the development project I have been working on lately.” The 5-day-long lecture series ended successfully with the congratulatory remarks made by Ambassador Bong-Kil Shin – the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, Rajesh Kochhar – Senior Director of JILDEE (Jindal Institute of Leadership Development and Executive Education), and country representatives of The Asia Foundation Korea and India.