Wen Jiabao: “I Witnessed Koreans’ Innovative and Enterprising Spirit”

“中韓合作 大有可爲(We can make huge progress in the collaboration between Korea and China).”

At yesterday’s luncheon hosted by the four economic organizations in Shilla Hotel, Jangchung-dong, Seoul, visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao spoke these words after saying, “I would like to illustrate the impression I received in Korea with eight Chinese characters.”

“By taking the opportunity of the two countries’ economic partnership, businessmen in both countries should take the initiative in opening the new era of economic collaboration,” added Wen.

In his 10-minute speech, he spared much time to stress the need of trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.

He also insisted, “In terms of economic collaboration, the two nations have enormous potential, and they are in a favorable condition with their geographical proximity, ease of transportation, and complementary economic structure. Thus, we need to widen our economic ties to other areas and move to a higher level of cooperation.”

As for the ways to strengthen the economic ties, Wen proposed three measures: increasing investment and trade amount between the two countries; strengthening partnership in the science and technology sectors; and promoting a Korea-China Free Trade Agreement.

On the FTA front in particular, Wen urged, “As FTA bears a significant meaning for the long-term economic relationship of the two countries, we should lay the groundwork for the Korea-China FTA by submitting a win-win proposition with alacrity.”

“I have thought about the Koreans’ enterprising spirit and innovation capability after visiting SK Telecom, the company which was first in the world to use the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA),” said Wen.

Sohn Kyung-sik, the chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “With Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Korea as momentum, I hope the economic partnership between Korean and China can take a leap forward.”

The session was attended by about 350 people, which included Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, other Chinese delegates, Ra Eung-chan, chairman of Shinhan Financial Group, Cho Yang-ho, chairman of Korean Air, Koo Bon-joon, vice-chairman of LG International Corp., Kim Shin-bae, CEO of SK Telecom, Mr. Sohn, and other heads of economic institutions.

buddy@donga.com