Minister Bathiudeen calls for Korean assistance

Park Young June, Vice Minister, Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, South Korea (covering energy, Industry, Commerce, IT and Post) made a courtesy call on Rishard Bathiudeen, Minister of Industries and Commerce on 23 February. Minister June led a 30 member High powered delegation including South Korean Governmental officials and business leaders to Sri Lanka during 22 – 24 February 2011.

South Korea will continue to assist post war Sri Lanka and the Korean assistance will be extended to Northern and Eastern regions. Korea will also consider providing an international standard conference hall for the Northern region.

These cooperation pledges emerged when the Visiting Vice South Korean Minister of Knowledge and Economy, Park Young June made a courtesy call on Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, Minister of Industries and Commerce, on 23 February.  Minister Bathiudeen thanked the South Korean Vice Minister for Korea’s continued support for Sri Lanka. Minister Bathiudeen requested Korea to assist North and East projects as well.

Minister Bathiudeen made a special request to Korean Vice Minister June for a full-fledged conference hall of international standards for the Northern region.  Minister Rishard Bathiudeen requested Minister June to undertake development Sri Lanka in wind-power generation, water supply, and construction sector.

Minister June pledged full cooperation and revealed that he would submit proposals to this end to the relevant official channels in South Korea.

Minister Bathiudeen addressing Minister June and his delegation said, “Sri Lanka’s exports to South Korea which was US $ 22.9 million in 2005 has increased to US $ 30.1 million in 2010 recording a 31.4% growth while Sri Lanka’s imports from South Korea which was US $ 210.3 million in 2005 has decreased to US $ 201.5 million in 2010 recording a 4.2% decline,” and stressed the need for further Korean support for post war Sri Lanka.    Park Young June, Vice Minister, Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, South Korea revealed that South Korea wants to be an optimal partner in the post war Sri Lanka and viewed the growing trade between the two countries with satisfaction.