New South Korean envoy says hello Oman

Muscat: Newly appointed South Korean Ambassador to Oman conveyed his greetings to the people of Oman and said he anticipates enhancing the annual trade volume between Oman and Korea, and introducing direct flights that will help boost Korean arrivals in Oman, during his stay in Oman.
“Annual trade volume between Korea and Oman is U.S.$4 to 5 billion a year,” Doho Kang, the Korean envoy told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.
“Our two countries have huge room to develop future trade,” he added. He hoped Omanis can find more high quality products from Korea, such as cosmetics, cell phones, textiles and high-end electronics.
“Competitive products of Oman, such as petrochemical products, fishery goods and etc. can also be exported to Korea, thus enhancing the mutual trade volume,” Ambassador Kang asserted.
The two countries can deepen their friendship, support each other, pursue mutual prosperity, and share a splendid cultural heritage, which indicates great potential for future cooperation, according to the ambassador.
Korean companies have participated in major government projects in Oman, ranging from petrochemical, desalination, power generation, civil engineering to infrastructure construction, with a good example of a Korean company building the Duqm dry dock, the ambassador said.
“I hope that more reliable Korean companies can play a part in Oman’s economic development schemes, contributing to the successful realisation of the 2020/2040 vision of Oman.”
He also pointed out that many Korean companies are interested in investing in Oman and to expand their business in Oman.
“I would like to encourage the exchanges of scholars of both countries, who will help shape our future,” Kang added.
Tourism between Oman and Korea has witnessed steady growth; with lots of Korean people interested in visiting Oman.
“As a tourist destination, Oman has a lot of potential to be unfolded and it also can act as a gateway to modernising the Arabic region,” the ambassador said. “For Koreans, Oman is a country where people are adventurous, enterprising and open minded.”
Speaking about a direct flight between both the countries the ambassador said, “If there is more demand for a direct flight from the public, a direct flight will be gradually discussed between the airline companies of our two countries.”
Korea had signed a 25 year-long LNG contract with Oman in 2000.
“Annual LNG imports from Oman to Korea amount to approximately 4 million tonnes, which constitute the largest portion of the LNG exports of Oman,” the ambassador said.
Speaking about the Korean community in Oman, Ambassador Kang said, “The number is estimated to be about 600.”
“I personally wish that more Koreans get job opportunities in Oman and dedicate their hard working spirit and skills, especially in the IT, education and new renewable energy sector,” he added.
He also confirmed that the construction of a new embassy building is expected to be completed within three months.