공장준공식

REMARKS BY CONSUL GENERAL YOUNG KUK PARK AT THE OPENING OF SK STEEL AUSTRALIA’S STEEL MANUFACTURING PLANT

EASTERN PARK, 4^TH DECEMBER 2007

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Distinguished guests, 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

It is an honour to join you at this ceremony celebrating the completion of the building of the SK Steel Australia’s steel processing factory at Eastern Park.  I would like to thank Mr. Kim for the invitation to speak today.  And I offer my sincere congratulations on the launch of SK Steel Australia’s new venture.

 

I am particularly pleased to be here today because of my own personal interest in this area.  My first job after joining the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1979 was in the steel industry division.  At that time POSCO was just completing the final phase of its Pohang steelworks. 

 

During that time, I visited many steel plants in Korea and became well acquainted with the challenges facing steel makers generally: from building plants and securing steady supplies of iron ore or scraps and coal, to marketing abroad.  As you know, steel manufacturing, often called the rice of the economy, became a vital industry in the economic development of Korea.

 

So I am excited today about the opening of this steel processing factory. I understand this Korean investment is the first of its type in Australia.  Despite this small beginning, I believe it will lay the ground for further investment in manufacturing.  I am proud to say that behind this development lies Korea’s long experience and know-how in steel production, to which I can claim to have made a contribution, albeit in a small way.   

 

This factory will bring a number of benefits.  First, I believe this factory supplies quality steel strips or plates ready for further processing to its customers, some of whom are participating in today’s ceremony.  I am sure you’ll be satisfied with having your orders filled in real time with quality material.

 

Second, it will boost the local economy in Eastern Park as it creates jobs for local workers, while at the same time gives rise to other related investments.

 

Third, more broadly, it is important for the development of the economic relationship between Korea and Australia.  It will generate steady export from Korea which records big deficits each year.  It is also hoped that the success of this venture stimulates other Korean companies to invest in Australia.

 

Fourth, it will be a positive factor for enhancing bilateral understanding.  Australia’s multicultural society will benefit through greater understanding of Korea as its employees are exposed to Korean work culture and practice.  Greater cultural understanding and mutual respect will ensue.

 

Fifth, even more broadly, this factory symbolizes how our two economies have become one.  The tyranny of distance marked by ocean is no longer a deterrent to a closer economic relationship.  Raw material and products in various stages will move without any economic bottleneck, demonstrating the complementarity of our economies. 

 

In conclusion, I would like to offer my congratulations once again to SK Steel Australia and commend them on the opening of their new factory and wish them and their buyers best wishes for the future.

 

Thank you.