Gwangju University Selected for 'University FTA Utilization Course Support Project' for 2 Consecutive Years

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Gwangju University announced on the 18th that it has been selected for the ‘2021 University FTA Utilization Course Support Project’ supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) for the second consecutive year.

This project involves 20 universities nationwide participating to address the shortage of FTA specialists in local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by establishing regular FTA utilization courses at universities to cultivate practical FTA personnel needed by companies at an early stage.

Gwangju University plans to operate two courses this year, up from one course last year, selecting participating students to provide intensive education on FTA practice and utilization, field training, and a program for acquiring the Certificate of Origin Management Specialist.

Additionally, through special lectures by customs brokers, the Korea Customs Service, chambers of commerce, and FTA experts, the university aims to nurture field-oriented talents and actively support export assistance for local SMEs.

Last year, Gwangju University opened the course and successfully trained over 30 prospective FTA specialists, producing certificate holders of the Certificate of Origin Management Specialist.

Professor Kim Gap-yong, a responsible professor at Gwangju University, stated, “We plan to actively utilize the 17 FTAs with 56 countries that Korea has signed to support the diversification of export markets for local SMEs and contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of our economy.” He added, “This has also provided an opportunity for enrolled students to grow into FTA origin determination experts with rich theoretical and field experience through acquiring certificates.”

Meanwhile, Gwangju University, the only university in the Gwangju area selected for the ‘Regional Specialized Youth Trade Expert Training Project (GTEP)’ organized by the Ministry of Industry and the Korea International Trade Association, has cultivated young trade experts combining trade theory and field experience to enhance the export competitiveness of SMEs, producing over 420 prospective trade specialists.

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