KCCI Holds Meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Korea: "Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation Must Be Strengthened"

Son Kyung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Employers Federation. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Korea Employers Federation (KEF) held a meeting with Chairman-level executives on the 8th at the Chosun Hotel, inviting Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea. During this meeting, both sides emphasized ▲the resolution of Japan's export control measures, ▲the expansion of special entry procedures for businesspeople between the two countries and the resumption of air routes, and ▲strengthening economic and private cooperation between Korea and Japan for the successful hosting of the Tokyo Olympics.

KEF Chairman Kyung-sik Sohn said in his greeting, “Since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965, Korea and Japan have developed mutual competitiveness and expertise through a cooperative division of labor system built over a long period, contributing to global economic development.” He added, “Especially now, with the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), it is a transitional period where multilateralism and free trade are being restored worldwide.”

He continued, “Although there are concerns that deglobalization may progress due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), global value chains and open cooperation are essentially important from the perspective of international competitiveness,” and expressed hope that “there will be no cases where trade is disrupted by export controls causing difficulties for companies in both countries.”

In particular, he stated, “Korean and Japanese companies frequently need to interact directly for technology development and cooperation, making swift and free movement essential,” and requested, “I hope that the special entry procedures for businesspeople between the two countries will be expanded soon and that Korea-Japan air routes will gradually resume.”

Chairman Sohn said, “Private cooperation, including between Korean and Japanese businesspeople, should also be strengthened for the successful hosting of the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” noting that the recent Korea-Japan Festival Hanmadang, the largest private exchange event between the two countries, was successfully held online, continuing its 15-year tradition.

He added, “In January next year, I will attend the ‘Seminar for the Successful Hosting of the Tokyo Olympics,’ which will include lawmakers, businesspeople, and cultural and sports figures from both countries, as a representative of the Korean business community, and will actively support making the Tokyo Olympics an opportunity to improve Korea-Japan relations as well as contribute to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.”

Ambassador Koji Domita said, “The Suga administration, launched in September, recognizes that Korea and Japan are important neighbors,” and added, “The economic cooperation relationship between the two countries is complementary and a win-win relationship. We will strive to strengthen economic and private exchanges between Korea and Japan regardless of political issues.”

In particular, he stated, “Considering the difficulties faced by businesspeople who are the main actors in Korea-Japan economic cooperation, we will work to ensure that the special entry procedures for businesspeople between the two countries operate smoothly.” He also added that the resumption of the Gimpo-Haneda air route is an important task.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.