{"id":2204823,"date":"2024-04-25T08:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T23:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204823"},"modified":"2024-04-24T15:16:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T06:16:12","slug":"south-korea-positions-itself-as-key-partner-in-africas-development-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/04\/south-korea-positions-itself-as-key-partner-in-africas-development-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea positions itself as key partner in Africa\u2019s development strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s industry ministry and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) <\/span>discussed<\/span><\/a> in Seoul on Wednesday ways to expand trade and commerce between South Korea and Africa during the upcoming June ROK-Africa Summit. Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene were in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n Cheong expressed hope for the swift revitalization of the AfCFTA, a trade bloc comprising 54 African Union member states with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. He also sought support for progress in the Economic Partnership Agreements that South Korea is pursuing with Morocco, Kenya and Tanzania.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The meeting between South Korea and the AfCFTA demonstrates Seoul\u2019s growing interest in deepening economic ties with Africa. As major powers increasingly focus on the continent\u2019s rapidly growing markets and critical natural resources, South Korea seeks to position itself as a key partner in Africa\u2019s development. For instance, the ROK <\/span>distributed<\/span><\/a> this year\u2019s first batch of rice to countries facing food shortages, including eight African nations, Afghanistan and Yemen.<\/span><\/p>\n Discussions on a potential trade deal or economic partnership agreement between South Korea and the AfCFTA could increase trade and investment opportunities for both sides. With South Korea\u2019s expertise in technology and manufacturing and Africa\u2019s vast potential, a closer economic relationship could be mutually beneficial. As South Korea prepares to host the ROK-Africa Summit in June, this meeting sets the stage for further engagement and cooperation between the two sides.<\/span><\/p>\n