[THE INVESTOR] The International Project Management Association officially accepted Korea as its 65th member at a conference in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, the association said.

“IPMA Korea will work to put together project management models tailored to boost the global competitiveness of Korean businesses,” said Cho Won-dong, president of IPMA Korea.

IPMA is an international association composed of 63 countries, and aims to develop high-value sustainable projects.

IPMA Korea will also put in all efforts to come up with policies that can enhance Korea’s competitiveness, Cho said, adding that project management affects all aspects of society, not only the construction and manufacturing industries.

Korea’s Incheon Bridge, a key landmark of Incheon that is known for its aesthetic and economic value, won a premium gold award from the IPMA last year, the association highlighted in a statement.

At the conference, Korea was newly accepted, along with Japan, setting the stage for competition between Korea, Japan and China over project management competencies and nurturing professionals in the field.

According to IPMA Korea, its acceptance will provide a stepping stone for the country to become a leader in project management in North East Asia. 

By Kim Bo-gyung/ The Korea Herald (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)