Chairman Kim Byung-kwan Inaugurated as Import Association Head: "Securing Raw Material Supply Chains... Contributing to Risk Mitigation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) held the inauguration ceremony of the 22nd President Kim Byung-kwan on the afternoon of the 21st at the Westin Chosun Seoul in Sogong-dong.

The event was attended by related ministries and major economic organizations including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, KOTRA, Korea International Trade Association, Federation of Korean Industries, as well as ambassadors to Korea from countries such as Germany, the European Union (EU), and Canada.

In his inaugural speech, President Kim stated that through sound and efficient imports, our resource-poor country has grown to become the world's 8th largest trading power.

He said, "In the rapidly changing global situation, the stable securing of raw materials is becoming very important for national competitiveness," and added, "We will do our best to maximize KOIMA's capabilities to contribute to risk mitigation by ensuring the stable supply of key raw materials."

He also emphasized, "Through close cooperation with ambassadors from 114 countries stationed in Korea and overseas trade-related organizations, we will strengthen global trade networking and actively support our 8,000 member companies to enhance their global competitiveness, developing KOIMA into a 'Global KOIMA.'"

President Kim further mentioned, "By launching the KOIMA Press Center, we will expand close communication channels with domestic and international media, and work to instill a positive perception of Korean partners among overseas suppliers to elevate the status of KOIMA members."

Former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan, who gave a congratulatory speech at the event, said, "Trade plays an important role in the development of our economy," and encouraged, "The members of the Importers Association, who are the import workforce bringing in raw materials essential to domestic industries, are the main contributors to the development of the Korean economy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.