From August 20 to 25, 2024, Dr. François Mbongo Rafemo, Gabon’s Minister of Industry, led an official delegation to South Korea as part of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, particularly in the area of industrialization. Accompanied by Mr. Milandu Keith Moussavou Boussougou, President of the Samba-Corée Association, and some diplomats from the Gabonese embassy in Korea, the delegation received diverse support to ensure the smooth running of the visit. “It was truly an honor to accompany this important mission and contribute, even modestly, to its successful outcome,” said Mr. Moussavou Boussougou, expressing his pride in representing the Gabonese community in Korea. This visit, aimed at diversifying Gabon’s economy, allowed the Gabonese representatives to discuss with their South Korean counterparts the opportunities for sustainable cooperation with South Korea, a model of technology and industrialization.
Promoting Investments and Strengthening Partnerships with KOTRA
The delegation’s first major meeting took place with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Discussions focused primarily on organizing an economic forum between Gabon and Korea. This forum, scheduled for the near future, aims to attract South Korean investors to key sectors in Gabon, including agro-industry, renewable energy, and mining.
Visit to the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ)
The delegation, led by François Mbongo Rafemo, next visited the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), a successful model for industrialization. This crucial step allowed the delegation to explore the advantages of creating similar economic zones in Gabon, aimed at attracting international businesses and boosting exports of Gabonese processed goods. The delegation’s interest in this zone strongly indicates Gabon’s commitment to following proven models to accelerate its industrial development.
A Technological Partnership to Modernize Gabon
The Gabonese minister also met with his South Korean counterpart, Mr. Inkyo Cheong, Minister of Commerce, as well as the Vice President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce. These discussions focused on the role that South Korea could play in modernizing Gabon’s industrial infrastructure, particularly through the transfer of technological skills and the training of Gabonese workers. With its proven expertise in technological industries, South Korea could become a key player in the development of Gabon’s industrial capacities.
A Promising Cooperation for Gabon’s Industrial Future
This strategic visit, marked by strong commitments from both nations, opens up promising prospects for Gabon’s industrial future. South Korea, as a model of innovation and technology, will provide Gabon with the tools and key skills needed to accelerate its industrialization. The upcoming Gabon-Korea Forum should help to realize these ambitions, further strengthening the economic and technological ties between the two nations.
The ministerial visit laid the groundwork for deeper and more pragmatic cooperation between Gabon and South Korea, while opening up investment opportunities beneficial to Gabon’s economy. The partnership announced between the two countries, especially in the industrial sector, promises to strengthen Gabon’s position on the global stage of innovation and trade.
