Kim In-ho, chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), who calls himself the "Korea-Japan Tunnel Evangelist" and "Korea-Japan Economic Community Evangelist," has been traveling back and forth between Korea and Japan, working hard in various ways to improve relations between the two countries. In a special lecture given at Waseda University in Japan on April 18, Chairman Kim stressed that economic integration between Korea and Japan is necessary for the future of East Asia.
On this day, Chairman Kim gave a lecture to over 200 students, faculty and staff at Waseda University's Ibuka Memorial Hall entitled "The Perceptions and Roles of Young Intellectuals from Both Countries for the Co-Prosperity of Korea and Japan in the 21st Century."
In his speech, Chairman Kim emphasized, "Throughout our history spanning more than 1,500 years, economic prosperity has been sustained when our two countries have maintained a relationship of mutual benefit and cooperation." He added, "Our two countries share the ideals of democracy, market economy, and international cooperation. In line with the contemporary demand for the formation of an East Asian economic zone, we must achieve economic integration and cooperate toward the vision of a Korea-Japan community."
He also listed the following as ways to ensure joint prosperity between Korea and Japan: ▲ Concluding negotiations on a Korea-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ▲ Restoring Korea-Japan Economic Ministerial Meetings, ▲ ▲ Establishing a regular policy dialogue channel, and ▲ Expanding private-sector exchanges.
Prior to this, Chairman Kim attracted attention with his comments regarding the Korea-Japan Tunnel during a joint interview with the JoongAng Ilbo and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun at the Trade Center in Samsung-dong, Seoul on April 12. Chairman Kim, who has served as advisory chairman for the World Peace Tunnel Foundation, shared his various views on improving relations between the two countries during the interview.
In Asia, South Korea and Japan are the only two countries with a population of 50 million and an income of over $20,000. The conditions for cooperation between these two countries are ideal. Historically, both countries have prospered when relations between them have been good. Even today, cooperation and openness to the outside world are beneficial for South Korea, and for Japan, they could be a breakthrough for the lost 20 years (the Heisei Great Recession).
The comfort women issue has not been completely resolved through the agreement reached between the two governments. We must recognize that feelings still remain. Any rush to artificially resolve this situation too quickly will only lead to failure. Expanding economic cooperation in both quantity and quality will enable us to resolve other issues.
The Korea-Japan FTA is a necessary path for the two countries to move forward as an economic community. At a time when hegemonic, great-power-driven protectionist trade is on the rise around the world, cooperation in new industries through the Korea-Japan FTA is more important than ever.
"Creating an entrepreneurial nation" is the slogan of the Korea International Trade Association. This is the way to revitalize the Korean economy. Businesses are the driving force behind the economy. Until now, the government has been too involved in the economy, leading to the creation of many regulations. We must return to the basics of the market economy and allow businesses to operate freely. Businesses must create jobs and become the main actors in the distribution of wealth and welfare. The new government will simply need to present a vision for revitalizing businesses.
The Korea-Japan Tunnel is seen as the final step in the infrastructure community, which is part of the economic community. The Korea-Japan Tunnel is necessary given the future-oriented relationship between the two countries. Once completed, the construction period will be more than 10 years, and there will be frequent technological exchanges. It will also naturally require considerable cooperation between the governments, businesses, and finance of both countries. Digging an undersea tunnel could also resolve the North Korean issue out of economic necessity. If the political leaders of both countries agree to the construction of the Korea-Japan Tunnel, it is believed that existing conflicts could be resolved all at once.
National leaders with a global mindset must look to the future rather than the past or present. Especially at a time like the recent surge in China's totalitarian tendencies, South Korea and Japan are the two countries with the same ideological and philosophical goals that can foster economic exchange. It would be good if the leaders of both countries could view the issue from a broader perspective.
(Reporter Cho Ju-hoon)
article was originally written in Korean and translated into Japanese. You
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