Bring North Korea in from the cold, President urges
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| The Seoul Congress was attended by chambers' leaders from all over the world |
Seoul, 7 June 2001 - ICC President Richard McCormick used the opening of the 2nd World Chambers Congress in Seoul to pledge world business support for Korean President Kim Dae Jung's efforts to engage with North Korea.
Introducing the Korean leader to an audience of 1,200 international business leaders, Mr McComick said President Kim Dae-Jung's determination to open dialogue with his northern neighbours was a political and economic imperative.
"President Kim Dae Jung realizes, as do most people, that unless countries like North Korea are brought quickly into the world economy, they are going to be left behind," Mr McCormick said.
"The world business community unconditionally supports your efforts to engage North Korea and we put at your disposal all of our resources to achieve this important goal."
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, President Kim Dae-Jung urged business leaders to continue liberalizing trade and "building the global economy".
"It is deeply meaningful that so many business leaders have come together to share their experiences and wisdom," he said. "I hope this Congress will provide momentum for the sustained growth of the world economy. At the same time, I urge you to pay special attention to North Korea and help it become a responsible member of the international community.
"The age of the global village has arrived. The world is becoming one economic bloc."
The 2nd World Chambers Congress opened with representatives from more than 85 countries attending.
Under a programme emphasizing the importance of networking across national boundaries, chamber of commerce representatives from all over the world are expected to use the congress to share experiences, swap information and assess their role in an increasingly globalized world.
President Kim Dae-Jung was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, in part for his pursuit of the "Sunshine Policy" - a policy of engagement with North Korea.
Official Congress Website