Korean Agencies Recognized for Boosting Ties

In what is perhaps the first and only such event by a foreign business association, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea presented awards that not only honor member companies but also government authorities that have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Korea.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary last year, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea announced a new awards program to honor member companies and government authorities that have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Korea. It has now become a yearly feature, and the event represents an important milestone for the EUCCK in the overall strategy of raising the profile of the EU business community in Korea. The award ceremony was held this year on Nov. 20, at the Shilla Hotel's Dynasty Hall, in the presence of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

As every foreign investor in Korea is aware, without adequate cooperation from the government authorities, it would be nearly impossible to smoothly conduct operations here. Many times, EU companies have been amazed at the efficiency and responsibility displayed by the respective government agencies. However, their contribution is hardly given adequate attention. In order to fill this gap and give credit where it is due, the EUCCK has initiated an annual awards program for government authorities.

The categories of awards for Government Authorities this year were:

Globalized Partner ―

This award is presented to the government authority/division, which is most global in its outlook. The Financial Supervisory Commission/Financial Supervisory Service is the proud recipient of this award in 2007.

European investors in Korea appreciate the continuous efforts made by the FSC/FSS to enforce a level playing field, and implement international standards in the domestic marketplace. By regulating and enforcing competition laws in the financial sector as well as protecting consumers from the market economy, FSC/FSS has been able to enhance transparency and boost competition, thereby, raising Korea's profile in the international business community.

The FSC/FSS has made steady efforts to strengthen cooperation with the five financial supervisory organizations in the EU by concluding an MOU. The organization pursues establishing a network of cooperation through high-level discussions on the issues of mutual interest through official trips to the EU. When executives make these official trips, they meet with financial supervisory officials from European nations to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The EUCCK also appreciates the FSC for trying to present and promote the financial policy of Korea and financial market conditions to financial and related organizations of the EU operating in Korea and to reflect their opinions.

Efficient Partner ―

In the day to day running of their business operations, EU companies often interact with various government authorities/divisions. Many times they are amazed at the level of efficiency that they encounter, and this award is to show our appreciation. This year, Mr. Kim Ki-young, director general, Policy Management & Public Relations Bureau, Korea Customs Service was awarded the 2007 EU-Korea Award, for being an ``Efficient Partner.''

Kim is in charge of the Policy Management and Public Relations Bureau at the Korea Customs Service and is responsible for the state-of-the-art import and export logistics system such as Customized Logistics Information System, thereby establishing an optimal customs environment for global outsourcing of multinational enterprises. He also established the online export customs clearance system and expanded/improved the electronic civil service system, leading to increased convenience in import and export declaration and cost-saving.

He provided customs service assistance in a multifaceted manner such as consulting and developing business models suitable for FTAs in the private business sector so that companies operating in Korea can adapt early to an FTA-based trading environment. Mr. Kim has strived to establish a fair-trade order by conducting special inspection and improving related institutions in order to fundamentally prevent illegal trade from the stage of customs clearance. He has great achievements to his credit, in supporting activities of importing and exporting companies and establishing global networks.

Responsible Partner ―

There are many times when EU member companies have to partner with government authorities. In such cases, the proactive behavior and responsibility of the concerned authorities is quite appreciable and deserves to be highlighted. Mr.Kim Cha-dong, director-general, Science & Technology Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Science & Technology was awarded the 2007 EU-Korea Award, for ``Responsible Partner.''

As director general for the Science and Technology Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Science and Technology, he has sought bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the EU and its member countries. He has contributed much to enhancing the status of Korea on the global stage by leading and supporting science and technology diplomacy through the Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation and high-level meetings. Kim also implemented international joint research projects and globalization projects to contribute to the development of world science and technology and to join efforts to address global issues. As he is engaged in the science and technology sector of the Korea-EU FTA, Kim is making an effort to lay the foundation for vitalizing economic and technological exchanges with the EU which is a major trading partner.