Investment
The Republic of Korea has reaffirmed commitment in partnering with Nigeria to create jobs and promoting investment through some companies working with Nigerian partners in energy, manufacturing and digital technology.
Amb. Jeong Yo-an, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, stated this at the National Day Reception of the Republic of Korea, organised by Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) on Friday night in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Korea’s National Foundation Day, known as ‘Gaecheonjeol’ is celebrated every Oct. 3, to commemorate the legendary founding of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon by Dangun Wanggeom in 2333 BC.
It is also the celebration of mythical beginning of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C, symbolising the start of Korean people and their civilisation.
Yo-an noted that some Korean companies, including Daewoo E&C, LG, Samsung, Hyundai, and Solpia, have helped both countries to create jobs, share knowledge and expand opportunities.
According to him, Korean Embassy together with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), will continue to promote investment, technology sharing and local employment.
“Together, we aim to create jobs, share knowledge and expand opportunities for both countries, as well as turning potential into opportunity and opportunity into shared prosperity
“For me, this partnership reflects the spirit of ‘Hongik Ingan’ working together for mutual benefit,” he said.
Speaking about partnership with Nigeria, Korea ambassador recalled that Korea and Nigeria had established diplomatic relations since 1980.
According to him, over the years, their friendship has grown through cooperation, mutual respect and people-to-people exchanges, adding that Nigeria has a proud history, rich cultures and remarkable people.
He said that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its people, especially its talented and energetic young generation.
“We respect Nigeria’s own vision for its future and we are proud to work together as equal partners.
” We know we did not come with all the answers, but we came as friends and partners, ready to share, learn and grow together,” he assured.
He noted that today’s event does not only celebrate Korea’s National Day, but also celebrate friendship and cooperation that bring them together.
Yo-an observed that in Korean tradition, their nation’s founding story goes back more than four thousand years to Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea’s first kingdom.
“According to this tradition, Dangun’s founding vision was ‘Hongik Ingan’ which simply mean “to benefit all humanity.
“This spirit has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years and it remains alive in Korea today.
“For us, it is a reminder to care for one another, respect every person and contribute to the well-being of others.
” Tonight we celebrate not only Korea’s National Day, but also the friendship and cooperation that bring us together, as well as Korea’s achievements,” he added.
He appreciated the effort of people and generous support from international communities during their difficulty time, stressing that Korea was able to rebuild and make remarkable progress.
“We remain deeply grateful to the countries and people who stood with Korea during those difficult years.
“Korea’s experience reminds us how much we can achieve when people and nations support one another,” he emphasised.
Yo-an acknowledged that Korea friendship with Nigeria was not only about development and business, but about people and culture.
He observed that many Nigerians enjoyed K-pop including BTS, Korean dramas, films and K-beauty.
” We also admire Nigeria’s creativity, especially Afrobeats and Nollywood. From K-pop to Afrobeats and Korean dramas to Nollywood, these shared creative forces bring our cultures closer together”.
The ambassador thanked the Government and people of Nigeria, their diplomatic colleagues, United Nations partners and all their friends.
“Let us respect our differences, celebrate our friendship and build a better future together,” he advised.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the National Day reception presented a valuable opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two countries and strengthened their cordial relationship.
The minister, who was represented by Amb. Babagana Wakil, Chief of Protocol of the ministry, said both countries had maintained cordial relationship through high-level contacts, mutual cooperation, collaboration on issues of common interest.
According to the minister, Nigeria recognises Korea’s remarkable achievement in industrialisation, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, which offered valuable lessons for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
“Nigeria and the Republic of Korea have continue to collaborate on multilateral platforms in promoting international peace, security and sustainable development.
“Both countries share a commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
” In the area of trade and investment, both countries have maintained mutually beneficial relationships, particularly in energy sector, industrial, and technology,” he observed.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that both countries remained considerable potential to expand trade beyond crude oil and liquified natural gas, stressing on the need to promote non-oil exports, including agricultural produce.
” Nigeria also welcomes increased Korean investment in manufacturing, automobile assembly, shipbuilding, and other productive sectors that can promote technology, transfer and employment generation.
” In agriculture, Nigeria is interested in benefiting from Korea’s expertise in mechanisation, improved rice production, agro-processing and strengthening food security and agricultural productivity,” he emphasised.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment in exploring opportunities to participate in Korea’s K-Rice Belt Initiative.
“Nigeria and Korea also continue to develop more opportunities to deepen cooperation in education, digital technology, human capacity development, true scholarship, technical aid training, academic exchange, and research partnership.
” The Government of Nigeria appreciates profoundly this great support and contribution of the Government and good people of Korea to the growth and development of Nigeria,” he commended.
The minister called for more collaboration that would equip youth development, Nigerian teaming populations with relevant skills and expertise.
She called for greater cooperation in maritime security, shipbuilding, fisheries, and technical capacity development, noting that Nigeriaattached considerable importance to the Nigeria-Korea Joint Commission as a framework for advancing bilateral cooperation.
NAN reports that the peak of the event was a performance by the 16- member demonstration team from Kukkiwon, the world taekwondo headquarters.(NAN)
