Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

Distinguished esteemed, honored guests from abroad and from here in Paraguay, I am deeply honored to be here in Paraguay today to speak at this monumental gathering: the 1st International Symposium,“Towards an Alliance between Paraguay and Korea”.

Here, we are seeking to foster unity between two cultures and two beautiful countries that I hold close to my heart: Paraguay and Korea. I want to thank the international participants who have traveled across the world to join us here in this symposium on Paraguay and South Korea relations.  Could we give our Korean guests a great round of applause?

And of course, for those Paraguayans who know me, you know I am an adopted son, and I consider this my second home in the American hemisphere. I would like to give all the leadership of Paraguay that are gathered here a round of applause as well.

And finally, I would like to appreciate the monumental and innovative work of IDPPS (Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada), the Paraguayan think tank, led by the able leadership of Dr. Altamirano.

Although I was born in South Korea, I was raised in the United States. Each time I visit Paraguay, I feel as if I have come back home. I have traveled this country on horseback, in trucks, by boat and by plane. I have ridden with your cowboys, debated with your political and business leaders, and eaten together with the most humble of Paraguayans in the deep Chaco region.

The more time I spend here, the more my heart is moved by your people. I am convinced that this country is truly the “womb” of America from which a great rebirth can arise.  It has a unique role to play in this region, for this continent, and this hemisphere.

Many exciting developments are taking place here in Paraguay, and the world is taking notice. This is evidenced by the Organization of American States convening its General Assembly here in Paraguay, which you’ve convened so successfully. Give yourselves a round of applause. I congratulate you for your successful hosting of this major event and urge you to build upon that momentum, leading Paraguay to aspire to even greater dreams and heights.

Potential of Paraguay  

Peace and prosperity cannot be secured in this world without nations that exemplify integrity, good governance, and responsibility, together with respect for the dignity of human beings, fundamental human rights, and the prosperity and the fundamental needs of all its peoples. I believe Paraguay has the potential, because you are a blank slate, to become such a model exhibiting the best practices around the world.

Paraguay has enormous potential to become a central hub in this region in industry, distribution, and professional services, such as banking and accounting as well as the traditional industries of agriculture and recreation. It is strategically located in the heart of South America, surrounded by the largest markets and resource centers in the region. With global concerns for meeting the basic needs of rising populations, Paraguay and this region of Latin America are well-positioned to play a major role.

Paraguay’s land is rich in natural resources, making it well-suited for farming, forestry, conservation, and eco-tourism.  This region has abundant minerals and raw materials essential for industry and energy.  Furthermore, this region has some of the most beautiful natural vistas, indigenous plant life and unique animal species. Paraguay is truly a blessed nation.

In addition, it is blessed with major waterways that are a natural source of transporting goods from the interior. The country’s ready-access to rivers allows it to generate a growing amount of hydroelectric power making it a prime candidate for industrial development.

Indeed, Paraguay has become one of the largest exporters of electricity in the world. Through the hydrocarbons explorations taking place here, I am sure Paraguay will continue to discover other alternative sources of clean energy. The most important resource, however, lies with its great human resources. The potential is in the Paraguayan people.

I observed the beauty of the Paraguayan people on my 2008 cattle drive in the Chaco. Here, traditional and spiritual values, faith in God, and trust in family and community are still very much alive and are part of your people’s daily lives.  This is a key reason why this nation can become a model nation of national transformation. A recent Gallup poll concluded that Paraguayans are the happiest people in the world. Are you? (Applause)

This goes to show that true happiness is not derived solely from material success, but is rooted, once again, in our deep faith in God, in strong families and communities, and in our love of country.  Despite the political and economic difficulties this nation has faced, these fundamental intrinsic attributes will enable the Paraguayan people to dream great dreams and will fuel great achievements, I believe, in the near future.

Most of all, Paraguay has a large youth population. With the right education, these youths can become the ethical and responsible leaders that can fulfill the Paraguayan Promise.

Developing Paraguay and South Korea Partnerships

Here in South America, Paraguay can become the center of a trading network, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts and becoming a natural conduit between Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and the rest of the hemisphere. However, Paraguay should also look outward beyond this continent. In this age of globalization, international partnerships will accelerate Paraguay’s development.

The key is to find the right partner. It is time for an emerging Paraguay to leave its past isolationism behind and step out and embrace the world by looking across not just the Atlantic, but across the Pacific, in this age of Pan-Pacific Rim. The greatest movements in terms of economic development is going to happen not east, but west, across the Pacific, in the Pan-Pacific Rim. Paraguay needs to have the right partner.

Today’s Symposium is an example of one of the important partnerships for Paraguay’s future. There is great opportunity and strategic value in a relationship between Paraguay and my birth nation of South Korea.  That is why we have invited Korean business leaders as well as Korean media. I believe there are reporters from the two top Korean business journals in Korea. Could we have them stand? The reason why they are here is to tell the story of what’s going on in Paraguay.

I hope the discussions you engage in during your time together can open up new opportunities and inspire new possibilities of how these respective nations, and the resources they bring, can help fuel the potential that is Paraguay.

I have written a speech, but I’m going to go off my speech now, because I was impressed by our Paraguayan counterparts, especially with this new administration in terms of the direction they want to think about in development, and, of course, some of the comments that our Korean guests have made. So, I would like to conclude by offering some of my thoughts.

I think for our Korean guests, they should not look at Paraguay as a nation alone, but as one of the nations that make up the region of South America. The value of Paraguay is as a hub, for industrialization, distribution, and all the service fields that support that activity. If you look at Latin America, with the new thrust that this new administration is bringing, building a business-friendly environment, a tax-friendly environment, a trade-friendly environment, it becomes an obvious choice for multi-nationals to build and invest industrial complexes that can service not only the Paraguayan market, but the entire Latin American market. Already what is happening is that a lot of the agricultural industry in Brazil is moving into Paraguay, and so there is actually a greater integration and cooperation on a business level. This goes one step down below trade agreements within this region. There is a greater consolidation that’s actually happening right now, and Paraguay sits in a tremendously opportune and advantageous position.

I hope that, not only our Korean partners but others as well, could recognize that the potential of Paraguay does not come just in its natural resources, natural markets and indigenous markets, but more importantly, as a hub for the entire Latin American market. I think it is going to be obvious when you research how it is like, in terms of the environment, for investment, for business, in terms of taxes and regulations, etc., in its neighboring countries. I would like to emphasize that point.

For the Paraguayans, however, you are on the right track, and I would encourage you and this administration. One of the reasons why I helped to start this think tank was to build a consistent road map so that subsequent administrations will carry on these good policies that will make Paraguay an ongoing partner for investment and development. Then, I believe that by the end of this Cartes administration, this nation is going to be a different nation. I believe that if subsequent administrations carry this road map, Paraguay will far surpass your 2030 Plan.

“Paraguay should also look outward beyond this continent. In this age of globalization, international partnerships will accelerate Paraguay’s development. The key is to find the right partner. “

One of the reasons why Korea is such a good partner for Paraguay is because it is a modern miracle. The nation of Korea transformed itself in 50 years. Within one century, Korea went from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. In terms of the experiences of developed nations of the world today, no nations that I know of have had such an accelerated growth, and have raised the standard of living of its citizens, as Korea has.

One of the things that I’ve noticed as I travel around the world is that many nations are looking for models or precedents to follow. The past-existing paradigm of the Western model of development has been considered to be the European experience or the U.S. experience. But I think now, in the 21st century, the landscape is starting to change. Especially many developing nations are starting to think, “Look at all the problems that those nations are having. Are there other models of development that we should to follow?” I think this is really where Korea can shine.

Korea is the leader in terms of high-technology companies. I know Samsung was mentioned here, and also, one of the top five largest car companies is also in Korea. This is because Korea had a plan in terms of how they wanted to develop, and I think Paraguay can learn tremendously from this experience through building this relationship. You don’t need to go through the basic, unplanned type of growth process that many of the developed Western nations follow. You could have a clear plan, and you can start seeing transformations leap-frogging past the development that other Western nations took.

I believe the models that Latin American countries should look to for development is actually in Asia, because that’s where the quickest growth actually came about, and I think Korea is a stellar example of this. And of course, because I’m Korean, and I’m also a Paraguayan, I’m your adopted son, it brings joy to my heart that these two nations are coming together. Paraguay and Latin America has what Korea needs. Korea is a peninsular nation, it’s resource-poor. Latin America is a resource-rich region, but it does not have the industry, the technology, and the professional capabilities that Korea has.

Being a man of faith, I don’t think things happen by chance. I’ve always believed that Paraguay was the “womb” of Latin America. This nation, at one time, was considered the basket case of Latin America. The reason why I came to Paraguay in 2008 was out of crisis. And yet, look how much this nation has changed. I’ve seen this nation go through three administrations, from Nicanor to Cartes. I’ve seen you tackle fundamental issues on whether or not you will be a democratic state or not, and you passed that trial. You stayed true to the principles upon which successful democracies are built: recognition of human rights, recognition of private property; and look where you came to now.

This is an inflection moment in the history of this nation. For all you business leaders gathered here today, this is a time in which you should be acting bold for the sake of this nation Paraguay. To uplift the future of Paraguay and South Korea relations, we must work with our Korean partners, and build a new tomorrow for this nation, your families, and the regions of Latin America.

Thank you very much.

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The following is an unofficial English translation of an article that appeared in the Korean Business Daily featuring an interview with Global Peace Foundation Chairman, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon about Paraguay’s central role in Latin American development. The original article can be found at: http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2014&no=906877

GPF Chairman Hyun Jin Moon “SOC* Enterprises will Pour in Millions Annually”

“Paraguay is a nation with potential for development of all of Latin America”

Korea – Business Daily (06-19-2014)
On June 19 (local time), editors and reporters of Korea Business Daily met with the Global Peace Foundation Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Moon in the Bourbon Convention Hotel in the capital city of Paraguay, Asuncion. Dr. Moon said that although Latin America has other more developed nations with larger populations like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina, “Paraguay has the most favorable environment for businesses.”

Dr. Moon emphasized that Paraguay will be the center for Latin America’s development.  “You cannot approach Paraguay as simply a single nation,” he said. “Because of its inexpensive energy and human resources, it will not only create wealth, but it will be a hub for development throughout Latin America.”
Dr. Moon is also working on efforts to mitigate political instability and social conflicts creating “national risk” that has been a hindering factor for economic development throughout Latin America. He said that “Paraguay, as a small nation with short history of democracy, is like a blank sheet,” and “a social transformation in Paraguay can expand to all of Latin America.”

The Global Peace Foundation is a non-profit social organization carrying out social change and peace activities in developing nations like Paraguay, Mongolia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia.

“Only 6 years ago when I first visited Paraguay, Dr. Moon explained, “the government had proposed a bill to confiscate land and the United States even listed Paraguay as one of the nations categorized as dangerous. However, today, it is standing at the center of transformation and even the surrounding, more powerful nations in Latin America are focused on Paraguay.”
ⓒKorea Maeil Business Daily mk.co.kr

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Experts Present National Parallels and Lessons for Prosperity at Groundbreaking Symposium in Asuncion

Business and government leaders at a symposium highlighting Korea’s development model for Paraguay.

Leading Korean government ministers and private sector leaders said Korea’s postwar model of development holds essential lessons for Paraguay, a nation, like Korea, in the shadow of large and powerful neighbors. Speakers from Korea and Paraguay addressed a landmark International Symposium, “Towards an Alliance between Paraguay and Korea,” in Asunción on June 17, 2014.

Welcoming government and business leaders and film and print media from Korea, Director of Paraguay Institute for Development of Thought Dr. Jose Altamirano encouraged Paraguayan leaders to learn from Korea’s example, a small nation that was devastated by war and crushing poverty, yet has risen in just 50 years to become a prosperous society and world economic power.

Dr. Altamirano noted favorable global economic factors for domestic growth but said, “We are tripping on the same stones. So many projects are left midway. With scarce resources, why not take advantage of a good example?”

Hak Lae Son, former president of Korea Expressway Corporation and the Korea Rail Network Authority (above), and Cho Woo Hyun, former vice minister of Korea’s Ministry of Construction and Transportation, discuss the relevance of Korea’s experience to the development challenges of Paraguay.

Hak Lae Son, former president of Korea Expressway Corporation and the Korea Rail Network Authority, told the forum that with technology developed in Korea, engineers are not only constructing roads and railroads in Korea but in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.

He said the 1968 highway project connecting Seoul, to Busan, Korea’s second largest city, was “a historical project that cost one fourth of the budget of Korean government at that time but has been a foundation for Korea’s economic development.”

Son said that the economy and technology for the highway construction project at that time was much inferior to that in Paraguay today, but it succeeded because of “the dedication of national attention and care.” He called the expansion of infrastructure such as roads, ports and railroads “essential for national competitiveness.” 

Former vice minister of Korea’s Ministry of Construction and Transportation and chief of Incheon International Airport Cho Woo Hyun noted that Paraguay has one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants, as well as extensive lands for the development of agro and livestock industries.

But he also said it was essential to improve competitiveness by upgrading transportation capacity and reducing the costs of logistics. Expanding highways, railroads, and airport service, he noted, “will not only make all the territory of Paraguay a one-day life zone but also improve the efficiency of its economy and contribute to industrial development.”

The 1968 highway project connecting Seoul, to Busan, Korea’s second largest city, was “a historical project that cost one fourth of the budget of Korean government at that time but has been a foundation for Korea’s economic development.”

Carlos G. Fernández Valdovinos of the Central Bank of Paraguay presented a detailed analysis of challenges and opportunities facing Paraguay in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis in 80 years. Over the past decade, policy frameworks and economic fundamentals have been strengthened, he pointed out. “Government finances are sound, inflation is low, banks are strong, buffers are large, and a flexible exchange rate regime allows financial the sector to be prepared for external pressures.”

Carlos G. Fernández Valdovinos of the Central Bank of Paraguay (above)and José Molinas Vega, Paraguay’s Minister of Planning for Economic and Social Development, emphasize economic data that support a model for growth and development in Paraguay.

Positive outlook

Mr. Valdovinos also noted recent statutory reforms in taxation and fiscal management. “Paraguay experienced eight consecutive years of fiscal surpluses,” he told the forum. “This had allowed the country to decrease its public external debt from more than 50 percent of GDP to less than 10 percent, the lowest percentage among peers.”

Paraguay’s Minister of Planning for Economic and Social Development, José Molinas Vega, gave an upbeat assessment of Paraguay’s economic performance in recent years. Athough Paraguay is a relatively small country, “it is the first exporter of electric energy to a worldwide level, second exporter of stevia, third biggest merchant fleet after USA and China, fourth biggest soy exporter, and eighth biggest meat exporter.”

Mr. Vega moreover, presented realistic projections for development and noted that from 2003 to 2013 poverty had diminished by 50 percent. He argued that Paraguay can eliminate extreme poverty, increase life expectancy, reduce maternal and infant mortality, graduate 95 percent of Paraguay youth and elevate at least one university into world-class center of learning—all by the target date of 2030. Paraguay offers a young workforce, he said, quality raw materials, fertile soil, a strategic location, and cheap and abundant electric energy.

“We would like to use the advantages our workforce offers,” he concluded, “and for that, we are aware that we need to improve infrastructure. We need energy transmission lines, roads and waterways to connect with the world.”

Human potential

Global Peace Foundation Chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Moon expressed his deep respect for Paraguay and his recognition of often unremarked internal qualities that can decisively shape a nation’s destiny. He explained how the Korea development model is an example for Paraguay.

“I have ridden with your cowboys, debated with your political and business leaders, and eaten together with humble families in the Chaco.  The more time I spend here, the more my heart is moved by your people. I am convinced that this country . . . has a unique role to play in this region, for this continent and the entire hemisphere. 

“This region has abundant minerals and raw materials essential for industry and energy. The most important resource, however, lies with the great human potential of the Paraguayan people.  I observed the beauty of the Paraguayan people on the 2008 cattle drive across the Chaco.  Here, traditional and spiritual values, faith in God, and trust in family are still very much alive and a part of your people’s daily lives.  This is a key reason why this nation can become a model for national transformation.

Global Peace Foundation chairman Dr. Hyun Jin Moon emphasizes the importance of character and vision as the foundation for national transformation. The Global Peace Foundation was a co-sponsor of the symposium.“

A clear national vision, rooted in fundamental spiritual principles and shared moral values, is the essential starting point for national transformation. A solid moral foundation is the basis for building a just society, which is the prerequisite for successful long-term economic growth. 

“Paraguay can provide economic development and material prosperity to all its people without compromising the spiritual and moral traditions of this nation and its roots in strong family values.”

The International Symposium, “Towards an Alliance between Paraguay and Korea,” was hosted by the Institute for Development of Thought and Global Peace Foundation Paraguay.

Ground-breaking for a road construction project in Paraguay by the Korean Il Sung Construction company, the first Korea-Paraguay development initiative, is scheduled for June 18, and a railroad feasibility study by the Korea Rail Network Authority has been completed and presented to the Paraguayan Ministry of National Development and is under review.

Original article from: http://www.globalpeace.org/newsapp/korea-development-model-an-example-for-paraguay

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Mr. Thomas Field and representatives of the Global Peace Foundation and Paraguayan Think-Tank IDPPS host a press conference announcing the upcoming symposium.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation will be attending a significant symposium on Paraguay-South Korea relations. Ultima Hora and ABC Color, two of Paraguay’s major news outlets, announced that the symposium will be held at the Copa America Hall of the Bourbon Hotel at Luque, Greater Asuncion in Paraguay on Tuesday June 17.

Entitled “Towards an Alliance between Paraguay and Korea”, the symposium will convene high-level representatives of the business sector and government from the two countries in order to develop avenues to bolster current and future relations between the two countries. Special sessions will also examine the economic activities that contributed to the rapid development of South Korea into a top ranking economic power.

Anticipated representatives from South Korea include the former minister of construction and transportation, the former President of Korea Expressway Corporation, the Vice President of Woori Bank, representatives of the Asia Asset Management, Korea Rail Network International Railway and the President of Il-Sung Construction Company. Representatives from Paraguay will include the Ministry of Industry and Commerce as well as the Central Bank of Paraguay.

The symposium is hosted by the Global Peace Foundation and Paraguayan Think-Tank IDPPS.

For the original stories in Spanish visit:

http://www.ultimahora.com/simposio-enfatizara-una-alianza-paraguay-y-corea-n803535.html

http://www.abc.com.py/nacionales/simposio-empresarial-por-la-alianza-con-corea-del-sur-1254788.html

http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/economia/exploraran-oportunidad-de-negocios-con-corea-1255935.html

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