Culture Ministry to Increase Cooperation With EUCCK
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) to increase cooperation and further exchanges in the cultural sphere.
``Korea is currently standing in an important position. In the past, we went through a rapid economic development, but didn’t have the luxury to look around us. Now, we do and it is important that we put forth efforts to promote such cultural exchanges. The MOU will work as a stepping stone in such efforts,’’ Yu In-chon, minister of culture, sports and tourism, said at a signing ceremony held at the ministry, central Seoul, Friday.
The MOU was initiated to address the need for greater cooperation and more exchanges in the fields of culture, fine arts, entertainment and tourism.
The entertainment industry in Europe is one of the biggest in the world, ranking second in global consumption, but Korea has failed to tap the European market compared to its success in other nations. Imports of European entertainment are also low compared to those from other countries, including China and Japan, and those from North America.
Jean-Marie Hurtiger, secretary-general of the EUCCK, said that Korean cultural activities ― including festivals and dance projects ― in Europe have started to develop, and that the MOU encompasses culture, arts, audiovisual mass media, sports and tourism, and provides a platform for future collaborations.
``We will draw out policies through which both Korea and Europe can make joint efforts. Co-production is very important, and we will strive to introduce these collaborative works in a broad range of areas, including the fine arts,’’ Yu added.
The two organizations will also create internal administrative bodies to ensure a smooth implementation of the agreement. The ministry will form a Foreign Advisory Group to offer guidance on policy formation and implementation, while the EUCCK will establish a culture and tourism committee.