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Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Tuesday, 5 July 2016 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
Korean Ambassador Won Sam Chang expressed his confidence in Sri Lanka to become the next ‘miracle’ economy and called for the business community to be the driving force to build the nation.
Noting that Korea is recognised for its spectacular rise from one of the poorest countries in the world to an advanced, high-income country to successfully emerge as the 12th largest economy in the world today, he said there is no reason why Sri Lanka cannot repeat the same to become another miracle economy.
He said compulsory education, strong and farsighted political leadership as well as the will and determination of the people were major driving forces, which uplifted Korea to what it is today.
“In the case of Sri Lanka, the business community can and must play a critical role in supporting to build a national economy,” Ambassador Chang said at a session on ‘Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Korea’ organised by the National Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
Pointing out that the Korean business community sacrificed a lot to rebuild their economy for 33 years he insisted that the Sri Lankan businessmen engage in a proactive role in trade to create a new Sri Lanka for the future generations to come.
In 1962 Korea introduced a five-year economic development plan, similarly under the National Unity Government Sri Lanka could also emerge successful with its five-year economic development plan, he said.
However, he emphasised that it was important to continue uncorrupted political leadership, improved education and will and determination of all Sri Lankans to emerge as a miracle.
“Without obstacles, there can be no growth. Korea never gave up,” Ambassador Chang stressed.
He assured that Korea, as a true friend and a partner of Sri Lanka, will continue to stand by.
- Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe
