Korean companies are increasing investments to Pakistan: Ambassador Suh Sangpyo
Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Suh Sangpyo hosted a colorful reception on Korea National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day of his country at a local hotel in Islamabad. The chief guest was the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, Senator Mushahid Hussein Syed, Senator Sehar Kamran and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov also present on the occasion.
The celebrations began with full enthusiasm and the national anthems of both countries were played. A large number of guests, diplomats, officials and prominent people from various segments of the Pakistani society graced the event. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Suh Sangpyo said, the first state of Korea, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 BC, on 3rd October, and Korea celebrates the day as a Nation Foundation Day. So this year falls on the 4353rd anniversary of the Republic of Korea. He was speaking to guests on the occasion.
He said the diplomatic ties between Korea and Pakistan were established in 1983. Since then, relations between the two countries have increased rapidly in manifold areas. In particular, this year we have witnessed many concrete outcomes in our relations. In just a couple of minutes we watched a video clip on what has been done this year between Korea and Pakistan.
The Ambassador said that Korean companies are increasing investments to Pakistan. In the hydropower sector, already two hydropower plants are under operation producing electricity in Pakistan and the hydropower projects which account for 2 billion in total are ongoing. In the automobile sector, Korean mark cars, Hyundai and Kia, are locally produced. In the mobile phone business, Samsung electronics are establishing an assembly line in Karachi and once established as planned by December, the factory will produce 3 million units of mobile phones a year and create 800 local employees. And some of the Korea-Pakistan joint ventures are already in the Special Economic Zone.
The ambassador said, Culture is one of the sectors that have expanded cooperation. Korea and Pakistan soon concluded an MOU to preserve and promote Gandhara Buddhist heritage, which includes a 4 million USD grant. This MOU is expected to facilitate the Korean Buddhist tourism project which was discussed when the president of Jogye order (i.e. biggest Buddhist sect in Korea) came to Pakistan in 2019. Korean music, dancing and drama are also popular in Pakistan. So they could be in Korea with more contacts and cooperation.
Ambassador Suh said there were still many areas where both countries can further expand relations. For example, the Senate and Parliament play key role in enhancing bilateral relations, by giving impetus and even making legislation for promoting relations. So strengthening cooperation between Parliaments of the two countries should be also an area of priority to the both countries.
Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood has said Pakistan and Korea enjoy excellent relations adding there existed a huge scope of further expansion of bilateral relations. Shafqat Mahmood expressed words on the occasion of National Foundation Day and the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea. Guests hailing from all walks of life attended the reception. It was the second formal diplomatic reception after relaxation in the Covid restrictions.
Shafqat Mahmod further said he had visited Korea on a couple of occasions and found the country a must-visit place. He said the way Koreans have progressed in various fields, especially in the field of technology, is simply remarkable. Minister for National Food Security & Research Syed Fakhar Imam said that Pakistan and South Korea would jointly develop locally customized technologies to help boost agricultural production. He talked to the Daily Spokesman on the occasion.
Fakhar said that “KOPIA Pakistan Centre and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) will jointly develop locally customized technologies and serve as a hub for sharing agricultural technologies and knowledge between the two countries. Our collaboration will contribute to increasing farmer’s income and developing Pakistan’s agricultural industry”. Senator Mushahid Hussain Chairman Senate Defence Committee also spoke on the occasion and extended warm wishes to the Korean government and people on the occasion. He said Pakistan wanted to have enhanced and deeper cooperation with Korea.