Harmony and peace in multicultural Kazakhstan is a good example for Korea - Ambassador Lee Buyng-hwa

TANA. November 16. KAZINFORM /Damir Baimanov/ The Year of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan has been successfully finished lately. This proves once again that cooperation between the two countries has been strengthening every year. At the dawn of our independence, mutual trade between the two countries amounted to USD 11 million. After 20 years, this figure increased to USD 1 billion.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Kazakhstan Lee Buyng-hwa told about the prospects of Kazakh-Korean relations in an interview with Kazinform.

First of all, let me congratulate you on the successful completion of the Year of Korea in Kazakhstan. What can you say about the results?

Thank you. During the Year of Korea we conducted activities in various spheres including culture, science and economy. We held the film festival, cuisine festival, folk music concert, and scientific conferences. I think it enabled to strengthen the cultural proximity and cooperation between our countries, as well as lay the foundation for deeper strategic partnership. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kazakh side for the support in conducting the events.

Kazakh people are interested in the peculiar culture of South Korea. During the opening ceremony of the Year of Korea the Central Concert Hall "Kazakhstan" gathered a full house. Did you expect so many people?

Yes, we remember 5 May 2011. Though the capacity of the concert hall in Astana is 3000 seats, the opening ceremony gathered 5000 people. I would like to express gratitude to the Kazakh people for a keen interest in Korean TV series and popular music.

Along with cultural cooperation our countries boost economic ties...

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 Kazakh-Korean trade turnover increased 90 times from USD 11 million in 1992 to USD 1 billion in 2010. We have promising prospects of economic cooperation.

What are the most attractive spheres for Korean investors in Kazakhstan?

Presently, about 300 South Korean enterprises operate in Kazakhstan. They are Samsung, LG, SK, Hyundai, STX, etc. Korean companies are implementing several important investment projects in Kazakhstan - LG Electronics assembly plant in Almaty, Apple town project in Almaty, construction of petrochemical complex in Atyrau, development of oil deposit by the Korean National Oil Corporation, construction of titanium plant. Following the results of the last year the total volume of Korean investment in Kazakhstan reached USD 2.8 billion.

Also, we are planning to expand horizons of cooperation in the fields of petrochemistry, infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, IT, which can contribute to the development of Kazakhstan's industrial power.

Korea announced 2010- 2012 as the "Visit Korea Years". What are the most popular travel routes?

Our government approved the program "Visit Korea in 2010-2012" with the purpose of distributing information and attracting foreign tourists. Tickets to Korea are sold at 10% discount.

I recommend Kazakhstani tourists visit the place of filming of popular TV series, as well as tours for fans of Korean culture, Korean cooking courses.

The Year of Korea in Kazakhstan coincides with the 20^th anniversary of independence of our country. What can you say about Kazakhstan's progress?

First of all, let me congratulate Kazakh people on the 20^th anniversary of independence. Thanks to the efforts of President Nursultan Nazarbayev Kazakhstan became a stable and prosperous country.

Also, I believe that harmony and peace in multicultural Kazakhstan is a good example for Korea, which has recently been transformed into a multicultural society.

Kazakhstan achieved significant economic growth. You implement industrial innovations, economy diversification and modernization projects.

I am confident that Kazakhstan will successfully achieve all its goals.

Thank you for the interview.