Ambassador hails ‘Gangnam Style’ effect on S Korea
THE British Ambassador to South Korea says the country’s image has been transformed by the Gangnam Style pop phenomenon, and believe it will help encourage trade links.
Speaking at an export event in Manchester, organised by UK Trade and Investment. Scott Wightman said the pop song and dance by the artist PSY, had “changed perceptions” of Korea.
“It has been sensational – it is a massive positive and has raised people’s awareness about the dynamism of the Korea and the creativity there.
“It has helped portray to people that there is more to South Korea than the situation with North Korea – it has been incredible in terms of the publicity the song has created – I was even interviewed on the Today programme about it.”
Mr Wightman, who confesses to having attempted the Gangnam style dance, said South Korea, which is the 12th largest economy in the world, is “alive with opportunities” for North West businesses.
He said the key sectors for North West companies to enter include: nuclear, life sciences, education, automotive and medical devices.
“Companies from this region are already making progress in South Korea – we hosted a trade mission last week and one business, Performance Fluids from Nelson have already begun talking to potential distributors and are returning in four weeks to follow up.
“The Embassy in Seoul is there to help companies develop their presence in the market, grow and create more jobs in the North West.
“The country is absolutely safe – despite the North Korea situation – people just get on with business.”
Clive Drinkwater, regional director for UKTI North West said: “As the 12th largest economy in the world, South Korea is a dynamic and vibrant place to do business, boasting a 50 million strong domestic population.
“With the introduction of the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement and a passion for UK goods, this country ranks among the most fertile overseas markets for British companies of all shapes and sizes.”
UK trade in goods with Korea for the first 10 months of 2012 was worth just less than £4bn – an increase of 99% from the same period in 2011.
