KOIMA marks 40th anniversary

By Kim Tae-gyu

The Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) awarded a total of 21 businesspeople and ambassadors, Thursday, who played a role in stimulating the country’s trade in time with its 40th anniversary, which fell this month.

The Seoul-based agency held a ceremony participated in by such high-profile dignitaries as Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik and its head Lee Ju-tae.

``Back in 1970 when KOIMA was established, the country’s annual trade stood at a mere $2.8 billion. Now the amount approaches $1 trillion,’’ KOIMA Chairman Lee said.

``More than 90 percent of our imports are resources, which is good for the country. But the public recognition on imports is not so good, yet. We will try to change this in the future.’’

Nine businesspeople, mostly from medium- and small-sized enterprises got awards from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy while 13 gained awards from KOIMA.