Koreans eye investments in agriculture, infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines - South Korean businessmen are eyeing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources, according to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

KOTRA is holding on March 22 in Makati the Philippines-Korea Development/Business Partnership Forum in Makati which will serve as a venue for exploring economic opportunities between South Korea and the Philippines. The possible partnership were discussed between South Korea President Lee Myung-bak and President Benigno Aquino III in November 2011.

In a phone interview yesterday, KOTRA’s project manager Youngil Jang said potential investments in manufacturing, construction and petroleum may also be disussed.The Philippines’ current business climate would also be tackled.

Invited to speak on the part of South Korean government are: Ambassador to the Philippines Hye-Min Lee; KOTRA executive vice president Sung-Keun Oh; Deputy Trade Minister Jin-Hyun Han; director general of the International Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry for Food Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Chae-Ho Cho; and former Secretary of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy Dr. Joong-Kyung Choi.

The chairman of Financial News – one of the largest business publications in South Korea – Jae Ho Jeon is also invited to speak during the forum.

Speakers from the Philippines include: Senator Edgardo Angara; Economic Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr.; Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio; Agriculture UndersecretaryBernadette Puyat; and Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corporation president (Department of Agriculture) Marriz Agbon. Also invited is Asia Development Bank (ADB) chief economist Dr. Chang-Yong Rhee.