What Is the Economic Innovation Partnership Program?
The Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) is a bilateral economic cooperation program through which the Korean government, led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, supports the economic development of partner countries while creating overseas expansion opportunities for Korean companies. Through pre-feasibility studies, the program verifies the business case for local industrial and infrastructure projects and helps position Korean firms for follow-on participation.
Bangladesh is one of EIPP's core partner countries. Pre-feasibility studies have been conducted across industrial zone development, energy infrastructure, ICT systems, and transport infrastructure. Projects are typically carried out by institutions such as KOTRA, KIAT, and KIET, and the findings can be linked to EDCF financing, KOICA cooperation, and private investment.
Major EIPP Projects in Bangladesh
| Project | Sector | Scale | Implementing Body | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka light rail signaling system | Transport | $30M+ | KOTI | F/S completed, linked to EDCF |
| Bangladesh e-government system | ICT | $20M+ | NIA | F/S completed, commercialized |
| Special economic zone infrastructure | Industrial zone | $50M+ | KICOX | F/S in progress |
| Smart water management | Water resources | $15M+ | K-water | F/S completed |
| Agricultural cold chain system | Agriculture | $10M+ | KREI | F/S completed |
| Medical equipment maintenance center | Healthcare | $8M+ | KHIDI | F/S completed |
| Vocational training center establishment | Education | $12M+ | KOICA | F/S completed, construction started |
| Renewable energy power plant | Energy | $25M+ | KETEP | F/S in progress |
How the EIPP Process Works
How Korean Companies Can Participate in EIPP
Strategic Ways to Use EIPP
EIPP is a structured government-backed entry channel for Korean companies seeking access to infrastructure and industrial projects in Bangladesh. A practical strategy is to join the pre-feasibility stage, secure early project visibility, and then convert that position into follow-on contracts linked to EDCF or KOICA-backed implementation.