Korean awarded for work with Peru
2012.04.22 20:11
A Korean business leader has been awarded an honor from the Peruvian government for his work to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Koo Cha-Hoon, who is president of the Korean Council for Latin America and the Caribbean (KCLAC) as well as chairman of LIG Insurance Co., received the award from Peruvian Ambassador Marcela Lopez Bravo.
“He has played a very good role to support and the countries of Latin America. Also he has organized many events to strengthen the relations between Peru and Korea. The result has really been very nice as we have increasing trade and increasing investment. Because of him, Korea knows more about Peru, not only for economy and trade, but also for culture and that is very important,” Lopez Bravo said at the ceremony of decoration at her residence in Seoul on Thursday.
Peruvian Ambassador Marcela Lopez Bravo (second right) stands with president of the Korean Council on Latin America and the Caribbean Koo Cha-hoon (second left) at her residence after presenting him with the decoration awarded by her government. (Kirsty Taylor/The Korea Herald)
KCLAC hosts regular events to boost communication and cooperation between Korea and the region.
Koo said he had not expected the decoration, but was glad for the role he was able to play in bringing the two countries closer together since 1996.
“Previously, Korea did not have much of a relationship with South America and the Caribbean so we have been trying to forge stronger relations,” he said.
“Now, the Caribbean and Latin America have become quite important to Korea and Korea now has a fair trade agreement with Peru. We are very glad to help these countries.”
The Korean Government struck a free trade deal with Peru in August last year, with expectations that the bilateral trade of about $3 billion between the two countries could enjoy an up to threefold increase as a result. Peruvian President Ollanta Humala is to visit Korea in May.
By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldm.com)/ Korea Herald
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