KOREA BULLETIN
July 2012
The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
I am delighted that the Philippines and Korea continue to deepen and broaden their political, economic, and cultural relations. The second quarter of the year has indeed produced significant outcomes in our bilateral partnership. Last April, the Philippines stood united with the international community in supporting the Korean government’s endeavor to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, condemning a series of provocations of North Korea, including its failed missile launch. The Philippines also issued a statement urging North Korea to abide by the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and abandon its existing weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile program. Furthermore, our trade and investment relations continue to advance. Korea remains supportive of the Philippine government’s goal of improving the business environment in the country. In particular, the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) project, which the Korean government has been pursuing in developing
countries, provides a valuable opportunity to examine the best practices and review existing contract systems in participating countries. Held last May in Manila, the EoDB Workshop identified key areas by which the Philippines can work on in order to improve its contracting system and thereby, attract more foreign investors and promote economic growth. In addition to the developments in our diplomatic and economic ties, I am also delighted about the achievements of our two countries in the aspect of our cultural relations. The Korean Cultural Center (KCC), which is celebrating the First Anniversary of its establishment this July, has made considerable contributions in fostering greater cultural exchanges in the areas of arts and literature. In the forthcoming months, I am confident that the KCC will provide greater opportunities for interaction between our two peoples and encourage an even deeper appreciation for Korean culture. Last but not least, I am hopeful that the launch of the Korea Tourism Organization last May will further promote Korea in the Philippines and connect our two peoples more closely together. Thank you very much.
Korea Tourism Organization inaugurates Manila Office
To reinforce the collaboration for tourism exchange, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) launched its Manila office last May 30 at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel. “In recent years, our two countries enjoyed a very dynamic people-to-people exchange. Last year, almost one million Koreans visited the Philippines, ranking first and contributing the largest tourist arrivals by nationality.” Ambassador Hye Min LEE said in his speech. “At the same time, more Filipinos became interested to learn and visit Korea, with Filipino visitors to Korea reaching over 300,000 in 2011.” KTO also held the Travel Mart with 17 local and international airlines in participation as well as representatives of travel agencies from Korea. Charm Lee, President of KTO, was in the country to witness the event.
The launch of KTO Manila is hoped to bring encourage more Filipinos to travel to Korea. Leading the inauguration were Ambassador Hye Min LEE (fourth from left), DOT Usec Daniel Corpuz (third from left) and KTO President Charm Lee.
“As I have been hearing, the Korean wave is currently very popular in the Philippines. I feel that this is the very right time to install our branch office here in the Philippines and promote Korean culture and tourism.” Charm LEE said. Also in attendance were Philippine Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz, Korean Tourism Ambassador Jungil Choi, Tourism Promotions Board head Domingo Ramon Enerio III and Travel Agents Association President Aileen Clemente.
CONTENTS Korea Tourism Organization inaugurates Manila Office Korea sponsors ASEAN Conference on ECCD Workshop on Ease of Doing Business held Korea Copyright Commission opens in Manila to protect culture contents KOICA Signs Agreement for Davao Training Center Yeosu Expo opens, focuses on marine conservation Incheon to host 2014 Asian Games KCC turns one, inaugurates ceramic exhibit Annual filmfest to feature seven family-themed hits
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