The following message was contributed to the Korea IT Times by Kim Wan-hee, Honorary Consul of Guyana to Korea, Chairman of the Korea Importers Association and Trico International Ltd., on the occasion of the National Day of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana - Ed.

I sincerely congratulate the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on its 39th anniversary.

Since Korea and Guyana established diplomatic relations in 1968, the two nations have signed a trade pact in May 1973, an economic technological cooperation pact in July the same year, and an investment guarantee pact in July 2006. In this way, the two countries have maintained a partnership for mutual development. The total trade amount between the two nations has recorded US$10 million by October 2008 and imports increased 1,877 percent from the previous year. Additionally, trade between the two countries is expected to grow. Guyana exports steel products, aluminum, wood and leather products to Korea, while it imports construction and mine-related machinery, automobiles, refrigerators and rubber products from Korea.

Many nations have actively been making investment in Guyana by targeting its rich mineral resources such as bauxite, gold and diamonds. Korean companies are also showing keen interest in Guyana. In addition, the African country will attract many tourists from across the world with huge waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife.

I was appointed an honorary consul of Guyana by its government in May 2006 and received confirmation from then-Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon in August that year. I visited the nation in September of the same year and met Prime Minister Samuel Archibald Hinds and Foreign Minister H. Jeffrey to discuss ways to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

Guyana with rich natural resources and Korea with advanced technologies are the most ideal partners which can maximize profits for each other through two-way cooperative relationships.

The Korea Importers' Association headed by myself makes efforts to find clients to secure rare metals which are used for Korea's important exports including mobile telephones, electronic goods and semiconductors. To this end I visited four Latin countries including Brazil and Peru in November and signed MOUs with related organizations to develop resources.

It is regrettable that Korea's overseas investment to secure resources falls behind its rivals like China and Japan, and it is time for the nation to make more efforts and more investment. For Korea, Guyana is a land of opportunities and a good partner with which to face the new age. The association will perform roles to open the nation's windows so that Korean companies can advance into Guyana to develop natural resources and to spread Korea's politics, economy, culture and education.

Persons who are interested in exchanges with Guyana are recommended to let me know and I will do my best to help them. I once again offer my congratulations for the 39th anniversary of Guyana and expect that the two countries will further improve their relations.