SK Networks chief meets Brazil's President to bolster ties

SK Networks Chairman Chey Shin-won and President Jair Bolsonaro held discussions at Brazil's presidential office Thursday (local time). Courtesy of SK Networks

By Kwak Yeon-soo

SK Networks Chairman Chey Shin-won met Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro to discuss ways to bolster bilateral ties and expand business opportunities in the South American country, the company said Friday.

Chey was in Brazil to attend a ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of the King Sejong Institute, a public institution sponsored by the Korea-Brazil Society (KOBRAS), to promote Korean language education and the distribution of Korean culture abroad.

KOBRAS is a private organization aimed at boosting exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including business, culture and sports, between South Korea and Brazil. Chey is the organization's chairman.

“I will do my best to boost bilateral ties and expand business opportunities in Brazil, a country that has strong potential for growth,” Chey said, offering his congratulations on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Chey vowed to support Brazil in establishing a sustainable business environment and providing educational programs to startups.

Last year, SK Networks opened a subsidiary in Brazil to expand its trading business in South America.

“I hope the two countries develop cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner,” Bolsonaro said.

Serving as chairman of KOBRAS and honorary consul of Brazil since 2011, Chey has been leading various projects to strengthen ties between Korea and Brazil.

He was awarded the Order of Rio Branco from the Brazilian government in 2015 for his role in advancing business ties and cultural exchanges between the two countries.