By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) welcomed South Korean Ambassador Park Kijun on February 25, hosting an event attended by government officials, prominent businessmen, media representatives, and distinguished members of civil society.
In her address, KCFR Chairperson Nadira Panjwani underscored the vast potential for collaboration between Pakistan and South Korea, highlighting that a growing number of Korean companies have already invested in Pakistan. She emphasized that trade and investment opportunities between the two nations could be expanded further, given Pakistan’s strategic location and economic potential.
Ambassador Park Kijun spoke about prospective areas of collaboration and acknowledged the historical ties between South Korea and Pakistan. Both sides recognized the importance of taking proactive steps to revitalize trade, which has seen a decline over the past five years. They reiterated a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties and increasing trade volumes to foster mutual economic growth.
Khizer Pervaiz, CEO of the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), outlined various incentives and facilitation programs introduced by the Sindh government to attract foreign investment. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Trade Minister Inkyo Cheong has laid out an ambitious plan to shift Korea’s industrial base from its Northeast Asian neighbors to Pakistan.
This shift follows the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries, which is expected to create new growth opportunities and facilitate trade and investment. The agreement is anticipated to pave the way for stronger economic cooperation, allowing both nations to explore avenues for mutual benefit and long-term partnership.
