Korean Minister impressed with economic gains

Accra, Jan. 30, GNA - The Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Korea, Mr Ban-Ki Moon on Monday observed that Ghana had made impressive strides in her effort to build a formidable economy. He praised the country for the tremendous leadership role it had exhibited in dealing with the myriad of problems that had bedevilled the African Continent adding that Ghana's contribution to the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union could not be underestimated.

Mr Moon, who made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Ghana's Foreign Minister Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Accra, said the government of Korea was pleased with the present economic environment, political stability and good social policies.

He noted that his government intended to expand economic cooperation to Africa with Ghana being the primary focus, saying that he was gratified to see Korean technology exploited at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Mr Moon, who is the first Korean Foreign Minister to visit Ghana, asked for the country's support in his attempt to vie for the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) in 2007. Nana Akufo-Addo assured the Mr Moon that Ghana would not hesitate in rendering her support to him in case he contested for the UN highest office.

He said Korea was a great model for Ghana as they all started at the same level but with prudent economic policies and efficient management they developed rapidly, saying: "We are determined to pursue the Korean success and become the African Tiger."

The Foreign Minister applauded the Korean government for investing in various sectors of Ghana's economy especially in the fishing industry adding the country was now better placed for business.