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중앙글로벌포럼 환영 만찬사<영문>

  • 작성자 : 김진옥
  • 등록일 : 2009.09.07
  • 조회수 : 3096
Chairman Hong Seok-hyun,
Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to be invited here this evening on the eve of the 12th Joong-Ang Global Forum. I would like to thank Chairman Hong for his kind invitation. I had the honor of delivering congratulatory remarks last year. I am happy to be back once again to be part of this prestigious annual forum.

On behalf of the government of the Republic of Korea, I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to all the distinguished participants, especially those from abroad who have come a long way to make valuable presentations at this conference.

Since its inception in 1996, the Joong-Ang Global Forum has held successful meetings every year bringing together political, economic, academic and media leaders around the world to discuss some of the most pressing international issues of our time. Through in-depth analyses and insightful discussions, I am confident that this year's forum will, once again, provide an excellent opportunity for its participants to share their wisdom and explore new ideas in together dealing with the global challenges of the 21st century.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. In Eastern culture, 60 years represents the fulfillment of one life-cycle and a beginning of a new one. In this context, the theme of this year's Forum "the 60th founding Anniversary of China: What's the next step for China?" is most timely and appropriate.

Since China launched the Open-door Policy in the late 1970s, the country has made remarkable developments within the short period of three decades. Last year, China showed the world its great achievements as well as its potential to grow into a superpower, first by successfully hosting and winning the Beijing Olympic Games and then by launching the Shenzhou 7 thereby succeeding in sending a manned mission out into space.

Indeed, China has been the fastest-growing major country in the past 30 years with an annual growth rate of 9.8%. Today, China is the third largest economy in the world following the U.S. and Japan in terms of its total GDP. Chinese GDP per capita now exceeds $3,200, and the country has in fact already realized its vision of building a Xiaokang Society, a "well-off" society, by 2020.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As such, China's growth, its increasing international prestige and political influence, has made the country one of the most important actors on the international stage. And as two major powers of the 21st century, often dubbed as the G2, the U.S. and China are seeking a new framework for cooperation. Indeed, the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in Washington D.C. in late July was a good example of the two countries' efforts to build a closer partnership.

During the ministerial level talks between the U.S. and China, the two countries not only discussed issues of bilateral concern, but also covered a wide array of issues, including the global economy, climate change, and security issues such as non-proliferation. Through such dialogue and increased exchange, we hope the two major powers will build a closer cooperative relationship and join hands in taking leadership in our common efforts to build a better future of the world.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, the world is faced with multiple challenges that affect us all without prejudice to our geographical location or the level of economic development. Last year, the "once-in-a-century" credit tsunami swept across the globe causing financial turmoil in both developed and emerging economies.

The recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus causing a world-wide pandemic has become another source of threat to our lives. The urgency of the climate issue also requires us to change our past way of life into one that is more sustainable.

While development and growth in emerging economies have positive consequences of reducing poverty, the resulting increased demand for resources and food inevitably creates sudden escalation in price. How, the world, as a community, responds to these challenges is directly connected to the future well-being of the human civilization. Indeed, if there is something we have learned from the past, it is that these challenges cannot be overcome through the efforts of any one single country, but requires the cooperation of the entire humanity.

Throughout history, but more particularly during the past year, the international community demonstrated its ability to work together. Major economies came together under the G20 to join efforts in containing the financial meltdown that began in the U.S. Thanks to international policy coordination for revitalizing the economy and preventing the emergence of protectionism, the global economy today is slowly showing signs of recovery. We need to take full advantage of this momentum and now move on to building the fundamentals for coexistence and co-prosperity.

Specifically, the G20 members need to look beyond the present financial difficulties and seek solutions for continued sustainable growth. Emphasis needs to be placed on the global response to climate change and the adoption of a green growth strategy. Common prosperity of the future will only be possible when we diversify our means of power generation moving away from fossil-fuels to clean renewable energy sources.

As part of President Lee's commitment to become an "early mover" in taking climate action, the Korean Government has allocated an aggregate sum of some 107 trillion Won, roughly 85 billion US dollars, to implement our green growth policy as well as create 1.81 million new jobs. These efforts, as meaningful as they are, will have a greater significance and a synergistic effect when the entire international community including the U.S., China, and the EU take active part.

As the old saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure." We now need to take measures in advance to prevent potential crises rather than acting after the problem occurs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the past two generations, the Northeast Asian region underwent tremendous changes both in terms of politics and economics. Rising from the ashes of war, the region today has grown into an area of dynamic and rapid economic growth. Unfortunately, the North Korean nuclear issue continues to haunt the region's security and the resolution of this problem is considered crucial in order to bring about genuine peace and prosperity in the region.

In his address on August 15th three weeks ago, on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of National Liberation, President Lee Myung-bak announced that if North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons program, the Korean Government will actively seek an international program to ensure economic development in the North to enhance the quality of life for the North Korean people. Specifically, the President proposed the establishment of a high-level meeting between the two Koreas to realize a common economic community and to pursue development projects focused on five major areas the economy, education, finance, infrastructure and quality of life.

International cooperation, particularly from China, is indispensible for this policy vis-à-vis the North to succeed. As North Korea's major trading partner, China has maintained a cooperative relationship with the North for a long time. Hence, we look forward to China's constructive role in persuading North Korea to discontinue its provocative actions and return to the Six-party Talks.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Your discussions on the past, present and future of China and its growing significance will provide much insight in better understanding the dynamics of the country and its implications on Korea, Northeast Asia and the world.

Without much ado, I would now like to propose a toast to the success of the 12th Joong-Ang Global Forum and to the continued good health of everyone here tonight. In closing, I wish you and the Joong-Ang Global Forum a great success.

Cheers!

Thank you.