Recently I have been in the habit of looking closely at articles on Myanmar. According to these, the country is eager to open to foreign countries, such as holding international sports events and hosting meetings.
In December I went to Myanmar to take part in a rural development seminar. I met several public officials and ordinary people to increase cooperation there. Myanmar came to me as the face of my forgotten hometown sisters and brothers.
During the visit, I felt as if I had returned to the 1970s and 1980s. All the people I met were so kind and naive. Buddhist scriptures came across in my mind. It was "you and I are not different persons."
I think more advanced countries including Korea have much work to do and also have responsibilities to help the country as a member of the international community. And unfortunately, I heard and witnessed the wide gap between the rich and the poor. On the road to development, the gap should be narrowed so the fruits of labor should go back not into the hands of the few privileged but into the hands of the underprivileged.
Because Myanmar has long been a reclusive nation, there must be a long way to go and the various fields of society to be developed. But when I saw the passion and keen interest of the Myanmar officials who came to visit Korea a few days ago, it will not take so long to achieve.
Lee Dong-su
Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, Seoul
dongsu@garak.co.kr
In December I went to Myanmar to take part in a rural development seminar. I met several public officials and ordinary people to increase cooperation there. Myanmar came to me as the face of my forgotten hometown sisters and brothers.
During the visit, I felt as if I had returned to the 1970s and 1980s. All the people I met were so kind and naive. Buddhist scriptures came across in my mind. It was "you and I are not different persons."
I think more advanced countries including Korea have much work to do and also have responsibilities to help the country as a member of the international community. And unfortunately, I heard and witnessed the wide gap between the rich and the poor. On the road to development, the gap should be narrowed so the fruits of labor should go back not into the hands of the few privileged but into the hands of the underprivileged.
Because Myanmar has long been a reclusive nation, there must be a long way to go and the various fields of society to be developed. But when I saw the passion and keen interest of the Myanmar officials who came to visit Korea a few days ago, it will not take so long to achieve.
Lee Dong-su
Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, Seoul
dongsu@garak.co.kr
