Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
KEF to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries
The Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, right, greets Cambodian Ambassador to Korea Chring Botum Rangsay after holding a meeting with ambassadors from ASEAN member countries to discuss ways to increase cooperation, at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of KEF
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) held a meeting with ASEAN ambassadors to Korea to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Korea and ASEAN member nations, at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Monday.
The meeting was attended by KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik and Cambodian Ambassador to Korea Chring Botum Rangsay, as well as ambassadors, deputy ambassadors and deputies from the nine other ASEAN countries ― Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
“The international situation is very difficult due to the high exchange rate, inflation and the deepening of global supply chain risks due to the prolonged Ukraine crisis and the spread of protectionism. We need more cooperation,” KEF Chairman Sohn said.
"Currently, about 17,000 Korean companies are entering ASEAN, and the number of companies entering ASEAN is increasing steadily despite the pandemic. We ask for your interest and support.”
He emphasized that Korean companies are making advanced investments in high-tech development and service industries centered on manufacturing in ASEAN countries.
“If Korean companies and ASEAN companies with competitiveness in new industries and new technologies come together, they will be able to create synergies that can lead the global market,” Sohn said.
In addition, the chairman mentioned that the Korean government and business circles are making efforts to support Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 and emphasized that support is needed from ASEAN member countries to successfully host the event.
"Busan has experience in hosting the Korea-ASEAN Special Summit in 2014 and 2019, and Busan is connected by direct flights and ASEAN Culture House is also located there,” Sohn said requesting their support for the Expo campaign.