Globalization of Korean Foods

KFIA holds a New Year’s gathering Jan. 11

Korea Food Industry Association (KFIA) Chairman Park In-ku called for the globalization of the Korean food industry. Park made the remark at a New Year’s gathering at the Westin Chosun Hotel on Jan. 11, saying, “Let’s join forces in boosting domestic demand and employment in the food industry, which takes a bigger share in terms of size and employment and makes food a prime exporting industry for entering global markets.”
Park urged the food community to stage a fair and virtuous competition for saving companies and to collaborate for the advancement of the food industry. To this end, he appealed for the food community to aggressively participate and cooperate with the KFIA, taking the initiative or running an errand for member companies.
Minister of Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MIFAFF) Chang Tae-pyong said in his speech, “As the global economic center is shifting into Asia, we see good opportunities to develop the food industry, and this year is an opportune time for making a pitch for our foods during the upcoming G-20 Summit.”
The minister said his ministry will establish a plan to develop a national food cluster by November, calling for the creation of a food hub of Northeast Asia by integrating the national food cluster, now under construction, food companies and research institutes.
He said makkeoli, traditional Korean wine, made a strong showing in Korea and abroad last year, and riding on the feat, the government plans to foster profit-making agricultural items, including sun-dried salt, which has a competitive edge.
Among approximately 200 people on hand at the meeting were the MIFAFF minister; Vice Minister of Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Ha Young-je; Yun Yeo-pyo, commissioner of the Korea Food & Drug Administration; Park Ha-jung, deputy minister of the Office for Healthcare Policy at the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs (MIHWAF); Park Seung-bok, KFTA honorary chairman and concurrently chairman of Sempio Foods Co.; Nongshim Co. Vice Chairman Lee Sang-yoon; Dongwon F&B CEO Kim Hae-kwan; Daesang CEO Park Sung-chil; Ottogi CEO Lee Kang-hoon; and Korea Yakult Corp. CEO Yang Ki-rak. nw

w(clockwise) Minister of Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries Chang Tae-pyong,; KFDA Commissioner Yun Yeo-pyo,; KFIA Chairman Park In-ku,; and participants of a New Year’s gathering for the Korean food industry.