Proceedings of the Conference Morocco-Korea Cooperation: A Lever for Afro-Asian Development (MKC 2025)
Conference: Conference Morocco-Korea Cooperation: A Lever for Afro-Asian Development (MKC 2025)
Date: 25 October 2025
Location: Kenitra, Morocco (Hybrid)
Website: https://fegk.uit.ac.ma/lsepp/symposium-2025-morocco-korea-cooperation/ This volume is based on papers presented at the international symposium on Moroccan-Korean cooperation and its role in Afro-Asian development, held on 25 October 2025 as part of a research project funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea. “This work was supported by the Seed Program for Korean Studies of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2023-INC-2230004).” This symposium forms part of an academic initiative aimed at deepening reflection on new forms of international cooperation, particularly those relating to South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships between Africa and Asia. In a global context marked by profound economic, technological and geopolitical changes, the consolidation of these partnerships appears to be a key lever for promoting inclusive, sustainable and mutually beneficial development. Relations between Morocco and South Korea constitute a particularly relevant example in this regard. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have progressively strengthened their political, economic and academic ties, paving the way for innovative forms of cooperation in strategic sectors such as the digital economy, industry, renewable energy, innovation and education. South Korea’s development trajectory, based in particular on sustained investment in human capital, research and innovation, is now a source of inspiration for many developing countries. Morocco, drawing on its strategic geographical position and its growing role in Africa, aspires to consolidate its position as an economic and cooperation hub between Africa, Europe and the Arab world. With this in mind, the symposium brought together researchers, academics and experts from various disciplines and several countries to examine the challenges and prospects of Moroccan-Korean cooperation through a multidimensional approach. The contributions brought together in this volume reflect the richness and diversity of the approaches employed. They address, in particular, themes related to sustainable development, knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, economic governance, energy transition, human capital and dynamics of international investment. Beyond analysing bilateral relations between Morocco and South Korea, this book also offers a broader reflection on Afro-Asian cooperation dynamics and the growing role of interregional partnerships in building new development models. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by authors thus sheds light on economic, social, political, geographical and cultural dimensions of these cooperation processes. The book is structured around four main chapters: • Chapter 1: Transitions, Development and Economic Integration • Chapter 2: Governance and Economic Diplomacy • Chapter 3: Knowledge, Innovation and Competitiveness • Chapter 4: Education We hope that this book will contribute to enriching academic debate and informing the thinking of researchers, public decision-makers and development actors interested in new forms of international cooperation. It also demonstrates the importance of scientific and academic cooperation as a vehicle for dialogue, knowledge exchange and development of shared solutions to contemporary challenges. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Government of Republic of Korea for its support for this research project, as well as to Ibn Tofail University, all partner institutions, members of the scientific committee, speakers and researchers who contributed to the success of this conference and the production of this volume. May this collective effort help to strengthen the academic and scientific ties between Morocco, South Korea and all partners committed to promoting international cooperation based on knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainable development. Hindou Baddih
Hwa Rim Cho
March 2026
Date: 25 October 2025
Location: Kenitra, Morocco (Hybrid)
Website: https://fegk.uit.ac.ma/lsepp/symposium-2025-morocco-korea-cooperation/ This volume is based on papers presented at the international symposium on Moroccan-Korean cooperation and its role in Afro-Asian development, held on 25 October 2025 as part of a research project funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea. “This work was supported by the Seed Program for Korean Studies of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2023-INC-2230004).” This symposium forms part of an academic initiative aimed at deepening reflection on new forms of international cooperation, particularly those relating to South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships between Africa and Asia. In a global context marked by profound economic, technological and geopolitical changes, the consolidation of these partnerships appears to be a key lever for promoting inclusive, sustainable and mutually beneficial development. Relations between Morocco and South Korea constitute a particularly relevant example in this regard. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have progressively strengthened their political, economic and academic ties, paving the way for innovative forms of cooperation in strategic sectors such as the digital economy, industry, renewable energy, innovation and education. South Korea’s development trajectory, based in particular on sustained investment in human capital, research and innovation, is now a source of inspiration for many developing countries. Morocco, drawing on its strategic geographical position and its growing role in Africa, aspires to consolidate its position as an economic and cooperation hub between Africa, Europe and the Arab world. With this in mind, the symposium brought together researchers, academics and experts from various disciplines and several countries to examine the challenges and prospects of Moroccan-Korean cooperation through a multidimensional approach. The contributions brought together in this volume reflect the richness and diversity of the approaches employed. They address, in particular, themes related to sustainable development, knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, economic governance, energy transition, human capital and dynamics of international investment. Beyond analysing bilateral relations between Morocco and South Korea, this book also offers a broader reflection on Afro-Asian cooperation dynamics and the growing role of interregional partnerships in building new development models. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by authors thus sheds light on economic, social, political, geographical and cultural dimensions of these cooperation processes. The book is structured around four main chapters: • Chapter 1: Transitions, Development and Economic Integration • Chapter 2: Governance and Economic Diplomacy • Chapter 3: Knowledge, Innovation and Competitiveness • Chapter 4: Education We hope that this book will contribute to enriching academic debate and informing the thinking of researchers, public decision-makers and development actors interested in new forms of international cooperation. It also demonstrates the importance of scientific and academic cooperation as a vehicle for dialogue, knowledge exchange and development of shared solutions to contemporary challenges. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Government of Republic of Korea for its support for this research project, as well as to Ibn Tofail University, all partner institutions, members of the scientific committee, speakers and researchers who contributed to the success of this conference and the production of this volume. May this collective effort help to strengthen the academic and scientific ties between Morocco, South Korea and all partners committed to promoting international cooperation based on knowledge sharing, innovation and sustainable development. Hindou Baddih
Hwa Rim Cho
March 2026