[Press Release] 60th Anniversary of Australia-Korea
Diplomatic Relations Business Leaders Reception Hosted in Seoul
On Thursday, December 2, 2021, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea), supported by the Australian Embassy in the Republic of Korea, hosted a special business leaders reception marking the 60th Anniversary of Australia-Korea Diplomatic Relations.
High levels guests included Her Excellency, Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Jaewan Lee, Vice President, POSCO and Sung Jin Kim, KOTRA Foreign Investment Ombudsman.
Ambassador Raper, who is also the Chamber’s Patron, gave a short speech to open the event. “Our public and private engagements throughout this anniversary year have highlighted the long history of close cooperation and friendship between Australia and Korea”, she noted.
“They have also showcased the huge potential to work more closely together in response to the shared challenges and opportunities in our region.”
“In recognition of this potential, Prime Minister Morrison and President Moon have agreed to upgrade our bilateral relationship to what we call a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, Ambassador Raper said, bringing attention to the future trajectory of Australia-Korea ties.
AustCham Korea Chairman, Chris Raciti, also provided some opening remarks to welcome all attendees, reflecting on the importance of recognizing the people, companies and organisations that contribute to driving the bilateral relationship.
“All the people in this room represent the strength and diversity of this relationship – which is underpinned by commercial links and government cooperation. I would also like to add special thanks for the Australian Embassy and Austrade for their ongoing support for today’s event and other engagements”, he said.
“While 2021 has proven to be a challenging year for offline engagements, it is clear that it did not halt the dynamic exchanges between Australia and Korea, with the Chamber hosting over 50 events and seeing a steady growth of membership and market-entry related inquiries”, Mr. Raciti added, emphasising the resilience of bilateral ties even amidst a global pandemic.
As a close partner of the Chamber and a key company within the bilateral trade corridor, several POSCO representatives attended the event with Vice President of POSCO, Mr. Jaewan Lee sharing his reflections on this important event. “It is an honour to be here with you all tonight, celebrating this milestone occasion. Like many businesses represented here tonight, POSCO and Australia share a long and successful relationship that has spanned over many decades. In recognising the achievements built between Australia and Korea, we look forward to 60 more years of Australia and Korea relations”, he said.
The event was attended by 60 high level guests including senior government representatives and business leaders, including Australian Strategic Materials (ASM), ANZ Banking Group, Eastpoint Partners Limited, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), IFM Investors, Macquarie Group, McDonald’s Korea, Millennium Hilton Seoul, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Pepper Savings Bank, POSCO, Shin & Kim, Tourism Australia, Woodside Korea, Australian Embassy, Austrade Seoul, Australian State Governments, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Office of the Foreign Investment Ombudsman (KOTRA), and the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Daesang Corporation, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Engineering.
Hosted at the Penthouse of the Millennium Hilton Seoul, this event is part of a series of several high-level engagements celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Media Contact:
Kate Kalinova
Project Manager
Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea
02-766-9590
Download the Press Release in pdf: [Press Release] 60th Anniversary of Australia-Korea Relations
