Korea donates to ASEAN Foundation

Korea donates to ASEAN Foundation

JAKARTA (JP): Diplomatic notes were signed here for a
US$200,000 contribution by the Republic of Korea to the ASEAN
Foundation on Monday.

The donation was handed over in a signing ceremony between the
chairman of the foundation's board of trustees, Somphand
Kokilanon, and Korean Ambassador Hong Jung-pyo.

"With the contribution, the ASEAN Foundation will move forward
to promote ASEAN awareness among people of Southeast Asia,
strengthening relations with people of North Asia," Kokilanon
said.

He said the foundation -- now in its second year of operation
-- was conducting several projects in the areas of civil
services, small and medium enterprises and education.

Ambassador Hong said the donation was part of his country's
commitment to further enhance ties with Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) members.

"Our government would like this fund to be utilized to assist
in the implementation of the human resources development," Hong
said.

Korea-ASEAN trade reached $24.4 billion last year, making
ASEAN Korea's fourth largest trading partner, while Korea is the
third largest investor in ASEAN.

The Korean government is currently committed to 21 projects
worth a total of $356 million in four ASEAN countries, the
ambassador added. (jun)