Korea has been accused, by many in and outside of Korea, as being overly reticent and reluctant in utilizing its economic power for the world good.
The Lee Administration has made a, seemingly, sincere effort to raise the reputation of the nation by more active engagement in the international community. At home, he has been wrongly criticized by the liberal elite as being too “friendly to foreigners.”
In a great sign of the government of Korea being more in line with the international community, the South Korean government is likely to reduce the imports of crude oil from Iran.
Korean wire service Yonhap has noted that:
Imposing bilateral sanctions on Iran is “shaping up as an obligation as a responsible member of the international community, not a matter of choice,” Yonhap quoted the source as saying.
The report added, “If this situation regarding Iran continues, we will have to take a step to change the oil import channel,” the source said, adding Saudi Arabia can be an alternative source of imports. South Korea imports about 9% of its crude oil from Iran.
Hopefully, the next administration will continue on this course. Korea is a nation that heavily relies on exports. The vast majority of the economy is exported driven. However, Korea is one of the most nationalistic and politically fickle nations in Asia. An anti-foreign element exists and this element has a good opportunity to win the presidency and National Assembly in the next elections.
A negative image of the nation, in the eyes of non-Koreans, may decrease the ability of the nation to maintain its present “neutral” image in the world, especially in times when domestic markets are faltering. Increasing, the exported products are brand name products. As we are all aware, negative impressions can turn a brand from a winner to a buggy whip in a matter of months.
What do you think?
__________
SeanHayes@ipglegal.com
Similar Posts:
- South Korea Suspends Canadian Beef Imports over Mad Cow Disease Concerns
- Korea has 4th Highest Number of International Patent Applications in the World
- Opportunities for Australian and New Zealand Business in Korea
- Korea Enhances its Scope of Eligible Persons under the Framework Act on International Development Cooperation: Korean Aide to Developing Countries
- Opportunities in the K-Beauty Export/Import Business
- Exclusion of Japan from Export/Import White List
- Why we should care about North Korea?: North’s Harsh Reality by Senior Advisor Tom Coyner
- Using Korea as a Test Bed for Asian Expansion: Look to Facebook
- Korean Currency Control Laws Revised: Korea Won – Yuan
- Koreans Hold Unique View on Foreign Firms by Tom Coyner
You must log in to post a comment.