저작권자 © Korea IT Times 무단전재 및 재배포 금지
Kim Sun-bae, president of International Cooperation Agency for Korea IT (ICA)
Disseminating the global brand 'u-Korea' in the competitive era of IT Globalution (Global+Revolution) Despite unfavorable economic circumstances that have engulfed the nation home and abroad, including the surge in oil prices and the unstable currency markets, the IT industry in Korea has achieved an unprecedented and remarkable feat in 2005 with the backing of the government and the private sector.
As the world economy has gradually recovered, Korea's export of IT products, such as LCDs, mobile phones and semiconductors, has increased to replace its historic highs. The IT industry's place in the nation's economy, too, has been further lifted.
The achievements made by the nation's economy and the IT industry were highly appraised from abroad, too. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that Korea was ranked the first among 30 OECD nations in a ratio found by comparing a country's share in IT exports to OECD countries with its total exports to the region. Moreover, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranked Korea on top in the 'Digital Opportunity Index (DOI).' Assisted by such progress in the IT industry, Korea's ranking in a competitiveness report was raised to the 12th place in 2005 from the 29th in 2004, making a jump of whopping 12 levels. The Morgan Stanley's observation that the year 2005 will be the year for Korea, not China or India, and Korea is successfully moving towards a developed nation, and Goldman Sachs' forecast that Korea's GDP per capita in 2050 will be the world's second highest after that of the US are precious results made through our efforts.
As a result of the IT industry's rapid progress, we are now able to stand on a par with leading countries of the world. And yet, our aims don't allow us to be complacent. The world's top-notch 'IT Korea' and 'u-Korea' that leads the world's IT industry forward are the very future we should achieve.
This year, too, ICA will be at the forefront in disseminating the global brand 'u-Korea' together with all the IT family with warm hearts and solidarity. In this age of IT Globalution (Global+Revolution), characterized by endless competition where winners and losers become clear, we will strive to do the best in assisting the government and businesses to enhance the IT industry's competitive edge in the world market.