partnerships
21 September 2007
Representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial government and the
Korea Speed Train Consortium for South Africa (KSTCSA) are to develop friendly
relations and economic co-operation based on equality and mutual benefit.
This was discussed at a meeting between KZN Director-General, Dr Kwazi
Mbanjwa and Chairman of KSTCSA Dr Si-joong Kim in Seoul, South Korea earlier
today (21 September 2007). Both parties agreed to strengthen economic ties,
with a view to the development of new possibilities of cooperation, including
potential joint ventures or projects.
A delegation from the KZN provincial government including Mbanjwa, newly
appointed Head of the KZN Transport Department, Chris Hlabisa as well as the
mayor of uMshwathi local municipality, Councillor Marshall Gwala, is currently
in Seoul.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele, who is leading the provincial
delegation to South Korea, said the main purpose of the visit was to concretise
trade partnerships that could translate to investment catalysts for the
province.
Earlier today (21 September 2007), the provincial delegation undertook a
tour of the High Speed Railway Control Centre at Gwangmyung Railway Station in
Seoul. Employees of KORAIL (Korea Rail Road) gave a technical presentation of
how Korea's Express Trains operate and how they are monitored and controlled
24-hours a day.
Thereafter, the delegation proceeded to meet with the Chairman of Yooshin
Engineering Corporation, Kern Nyol Chon, at its Head Office in Seoul. After the
meeting, the delegation was shown a presentation of the different projects that
Yooshin was involved in.
Yooshin was founded in January 1966 when Korea's construction industry was
still in its infancy stages. After 39 years, Yooshin has become the leading
engineering consulting firm in Korea.
Yooshin has been committed to developing social infrastructure and creating
a comfortable living environment with diverse projects ranging from engineering
design and construction supervision in the transportation sector including
highways, airports, railways, high-speed rail systems, subways, bridges,
tunnels and harbours. Yooshin also has vast experience in the environmental
sector including water resources, water supply, sanitary engineering, dams and
urban planning.
A flagship project of Yooshin has been the Incheon International Airport
Construction Project in Seoul, which was the largest transportation project in
Korea.
South Africa and South Korea have established a good relationship over the
past years. Politically, the relationship between South Africa and South Korea
dates back to the South African participation in the Korean War (1950/53), when
South Africa sent an Air Force squadron, the 'Flying Cheetahs,' as part of a
United Nations contingent to the Korean Peninsula.
The two countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1992 and
these relations were followed by a number of high level visits from both
countries. During apartheid, Korean people were in solidarity with South Africa
and supported the struggle against apartheid.
For pictures please contact Master Mosunkutu on 082 885 1406.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 082 699 8139
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
21 September 2007
