Korea-Africa Investment Conference on the Development of Infrastructure and Energy, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) of Korea and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), was held in the Renaissance hotel, Seoul from 15 to 16 December 2009, under the organization of Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS).
The purpose of the Korea-Africa Investment Conference was to promote investment and public-private partnership (PPP) in key strategic sectors, in particular in the areas of infrastructure and energy development in 8 selected African countries; Cameroon, DR Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
On 15 December, the conference provided country presentations and panel discussions on Korea-Africa business opportunities, and regarding entry/cooperation strategies in infrastructure and energy. All the findings from the field mission of July 2009 by the team of experts of KDS and ECA to the seven SADC countries - Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia – were also disseminated to the Korean business consortium through various means including the result report.
More than 160 participants including high-level representatives of Investment Promotion Centers and National Development Institutions from 8 selected African countries, as well as relevant personnel from both public and private sectors of Korea participated in the Conference.
Furthermore, on 16 December, 1 to 1 business consultation meetings were held between African development agencies and Korean business consortium to share the information on the practical business opportunities and establish networks. More than 80 meetings for 30 Korean companies including Hyundai Engineering & Constructions, Daewoo International, Hyosung, KEPCO, and Korea Water Resources Corporation were carried out.
In sum, the Conference has provided useful and practical means to support the endeavors of Korean companies strongly willing to cooperate with Africa, thus explore the possible channels; and also those who further need on-field facilitation of African governments on the already ongoing projects or project applications.
