'Contribution to Strengthening Korea-US Relations'...KCCI Awarded the '2020 Van Fleet Award'

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on the 18th that it has been selected as the recipient of the '2020 James A. Van Fleet Award' in recognition of its contributions to strengthening Korea-US relations.

The Van Fleet Award is presented by the Korea Society, a Korea-US friendship nonprofit foundation, since 1992 to individuals or organizations that have worked to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Korea and the US. General James Van Fleet served as the commander of the US Eighth Army during the Korean War and contributed to the enhancement of Korea-US relations even after the war.

This is the first time an economic organization has received this award. Notable past recipients include former US President Jimmy Carter (2000), former US President George Bush (2005), Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee (2006), former President Kim Dae-jung (2007), and former Doosan Group Chairman Park Yong-man (current chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry). With KCCI’s receipt of the Van Fleet Award this time, Chairman Park Yong-man became the first person to receive the award twice, both as an individual and as the head of an institution.

KCCI has been working to strengthen Korea-US economic cooperation through private channels. In particular, it organized the economic delegation during President Moon Jae-in’s visit to the US in June 2017. In November of the same year, during President Trump’s visit to Korea, KCCI invited key White House officials and hosted a meeting with Korean companies.

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Korea Society’s annual dinner on September 24 at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, New York. KCCI will receive the award alongside the Korean War US Veterans Association, the American recipient.

Kang Ho-min, head of KCCI’s International Headquarters, said, “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, a symbolic year for Korea-US relations, and we are very honored that KCCI is receiving this award.” He added, “We hope that friendship between Korea and the US will be further strengthened, and KCCI will continue its efforts as a private economic cooperation channel representing the Korean business community to enhance bilateral relations.”

Park Yong-man, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is delivering a greeting at the 47th Commerce Day ceremony held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

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