Dear Readers,

•    Almost a decade after the global financial crisis, the global economy has entered an era of the “new normal”, characterized by prolonged slow growth. Rising protectionism is shifting the international trade order. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, hyperconnectivity and smart technologies are expected to bring about fundamental changes to our world.
•    To put it simply, nothing is certain except uncertainty. But in order to spur growth during such uncertain times, countries and companies can opt to create a cooperative ecosystem where multiple stakeholders coexist in harmony.
•     Since 2014, KOTRA’s Economic Diplomacy Support Center has enhanced cooperation among the Korean government, organizations, companies and their foreign counterparts through economic diplomacy in the form of trade and investment, knowledge sharing, official development assistance (ODA), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. By facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors, the center has played a key role in providing customized support that caters to the needs of each partner country.
•    Over the last several years, the center has produced many success stories. Building on such accomplishments, it will continue to strengthen close ties among governments, organizations and businesses in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
•    Coexistence, as opposed to competition, is the key to sustainable growth. Instead of solely focusing on trade, convergence is essential among trade and investment, development cooperation and CSR activities. To this end, strategic public-private collaboration is a must and KOTRA will work hard to achieve this goal.

Sincerely,

Wonsok Yun
Executive Vice President for Business Information & Trade/KOTRA