Ahern for Korea summit

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, makes his first visit to Korea today to participate in the ASEM summit of 25 European and Asian leaders including heads of government from the 15 EU countries. The visit takes place at a time when trade between Ireland and Korea has reached record proportions.

Bilateral trade between the two countries rose by 123 per cent in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 1999 with Ireland importing £527 million worth of goods from Korea and Korean imports from Ireland reaching £312 million.

There are currently seven large Korean companies operating in Ireland including Saehan Media in Sligo, Korean Air's Tele marketing Centre in Dublin, and the LG Design centre for electronic goods in Dublin.

Korea's ambassador to Ireland, Mr Ki-Ho Chang, told The Irish Times that considering the potential that Ireland provides as a springboard to continental Europe, he expected the number of Korean businesses in Ireland to increase in the future.

During free time at the meeting in Seoul, Mr Ahern is expected to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland with his British counterpart, Mr Blair.

The 3rd ASEM summit will provide fresh momentum in fostering political and security dialogue, reinforcing economic co-operation and promoting socio-cultural exchange.

President Kim Dae-jung, who attended the second ASEM in London as his first official trip abroad following his inauguration, will chair the meeting with a view to drawing a common vision for ASEM.

Korea sees the summit as a good opportunity to further strengthen trade and economic ties with ASEM members.