Seoul: Top African envoys and South Korean experts have discussed concrete steps for expanding their partnerships, emphasizing the promising future of mutual cooperation and growth. Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighted the importance of creating opportunities to increase cooperation in the technology and mineral sectors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Mene emphasized that if Korea's technological capacity meets Africa's green environment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and key mineral resources, significant opportunities for co-prosperity would emerge. He delivered this message during his keynote speech at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity. Mene also highlighted Africa's growth potential, driven by integration efforts led by the AfCFTA, which would be pivotal in enhancing cooperation.
Chung Kee-yong, South Korean ambassador for climate change at the foreign ministry, noted the progress made since South Korea hosted its inaugural summit with African nations last year. This includes an increase in official development assistance (ODA) and the pursuit of economic partnerships by leading firms in trade and investment. Chung also pointed out Africa's potential in the energy development sector, where South Korea aims to strengthen its partnership.
Moroccan ambassador to South Korea, Chafik Rachadi, highlighted Africa's abundant natural resources, young population, and vast market, which present investment opportunities for Korean businesses. He stressed the need to expand Korea-Africa economic exchanges beyond sectors like automobiles to seize cooperation opportunities across the entire industrial value chain.
Togolani Mavura, Tanzanian ambassador to Seoul, expressed hope for increased business discussions with major South Korean companies, such as POSCO, Samsung, and Hyundai, particularly in the trade sector. Meanwhile, South African Ambassador Sindiswa Mququ emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable cooperation, noting that initiatives like infrastructure development and creating an export-oriented environment require long-term efforts.
Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, called for overcoming the "physical distance" between Korea and Africa. He suggested expanding people-to-people exchanges to strengthen ties between the two regions.