Korea, NZ mark first year of FTA

New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Clare Fearnley, second from right, poses with other participants in the Year-End Grand Hui event at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Thursday. They are, from left, John Riley, deputy head of mission at the New Zealand Embassy; Yoo Myung-hee, director general for FTA negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Ambassador Fearnley; and Tony Garrett, chairman of the Kiwi Chamber. / Courtesy of EDGE Communications

By John Redmond

Korea and New Zealand celebrated the first year of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries at a seminar and networking function at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul last Thursday.

The Year-End Grand Hui event co-hosted by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, known as the Kiwi Chamber, and the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul drew more than 150 dignitaries from government and the local business community.

Immediately before the Grand Hui, a seminar hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the New Zealand Embassy enabled 60 Korean business representatives to learn more about the FTA and New Zealand’s economic environment.

New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Clare Fearnley delivered the a keynote address, emphasizing the mutually beneficial nature of the FTA.

Yoo Myung-hee director general for FTA negotiations at Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and KCCI Vice President Kang Homin addressed guests to commemorate the important occasion.

“It is good to see that even at an early stage the Korea-New Zealand free trade agreement is delivering on its promise and benefitting businesses in both countries,” said Ambassador Fearnley.

Dr. Tony Garrett, chairman of the Kiwi Chamber, added, “The Kiwi Chamber Year-End Grand Hui is an important annual event for the chamber, and this year is extra special as we celebrate the first year of the Korea-New Zealand FTA, which the Kiwi Chamber has advocated for and supported since its inception.”

The Hui, which is a traditional Maori social gathering or assembly, offered guests a New Zealand-themed culinary experience which included world-class wine and beer from the home country, coupled with a Maori cultural performance by Ngati Herekore and contemporary New Zealand music.

A lucky draw included top prizes from key sponsors Singapore Airlines, Babich Wines, Monteith’s Beer, Zespri, Ecostore and Killinchy Gold Ice Cream.

The Kiwi Chamber consists of over 250 members and was officially launched in November 2008. The group’s main mission is to support its members, New Zealand businesses in Korea and Korean businesses interested in the New Zealand-Korea commercial relationship.