European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea
Encyclopedia
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK), formed in 1986, is a trade organization representing the interests of the European Union
(EU) business
community in Korea
.
With initial financial support from the European Commission
, the EEC Business Group in Korea was formed, with Mr. W. Cozijnsen of ABN AMRO
Bank as its first president.
In May 1986, the organization's name was changed to European Community Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
The main purpose of the chamber was to help to develop trade, commercial and industrial relations between the EU and South Korea
. The overall objective being to achieve reciprocal treatment for EU businesses in South Korea and Korean businesses in the EU.
Since then there have been three other name changes, but the objectives remained the same. In June 1991, the organization became the EC Business Group in Korea, then in June 1993 the European Communities Chamber of Commerce in Korea and finally in June 1995 assumed its present name.
Today, the EUCCK is made up of around 850 members from the EU and local business communities. The various types of membership include Full, Associate, Local, Individual, Honorary and Special. In addition, the chamber introduced a revised membership format from 2005. Two new additional categories of membership - platinum and gold - with enhanced services and facilities are now available. While the earlier categories continue to be in force, those seeking more customized services at discounted rates, in addition to various other benefits, can apply for one of the new categories.
Having its seat in Seoul
, it is also the objective of the Chamber to promote the liberalization
of trade
and industry
in South Korea in conformity with the articles of the World Trade Organization
, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) and the framework Agreement
between South Korea and the European Union.
To this end, the Chamber is managed by the Board of Directors with one representative from each EU country having at least one full member of the Chamber in South Korea. Members of the Board of Directors should be EU nationals and their nomination should be a simple majority from amongst the full members of companies representing the relevant country.
Each Committee identifies the problems inhibiting the fair development of EU companies in South Korea and writes a Position Paper outlining the relevant issues. Every year in the first quarter, all Position Papers drafted by the Committees are compiled into a "Trade Issues & Recommendations" booklet. This document, which is now renamed as "Market Access Issues" is circulated among Government administrations and relevant authorities in Korea and the European Commission
(EC). The booklet also serves as a working tool for EC officials in Brussels
in their preparation of official meetings with the Korean authorities and can be used by individual European countries in their bilateral talks with South Korea.
Once released, this booklet is reviewed by all relevant Government administrations under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(MOFAT) and Ministry of Strategy and Finance that then provide the EUCCK with the official answer of the Korean Government, generally around mid-July, and in printed form.
This official answer is then reviewed by the Committees to track any improvement and is the main source for the drafting of the following year's "Trade Issues & Recommendations" booklet.
Of the 27 sectorial committees, there are a few which require more attention, and for this matter, are organized as separate entities with separate budgets. They include the Automotive Committee, Cosmetics Committee, IPR Committee, Food & Beverages Committee and Beer sub-committee, HR Committee, Real Estate Committee and Energy & Environment Committee.
The magazine began as a bi-monthly newsletter which was then transformed into a monthly business magazine starting January 2005.
Rich in content, with 150+ pages, INFOMAG has notched up an impressive circulation of 20,000 printed copies, in addition to which, an electronic version of the magazine is distributed by email.
office in 1998 to respond to the growing demand from EU companies doing business in this city as well as Gyongsang Province to be represented locally. As like the Seoul Office, the overall objective of the Busan Chapter is to defend the interests of EU businesses in the Busan region and promote closer relations between the municipal authorities of Busan
, the Regional authorities of Gyongsan Province and EU officials and companies from its 25 member states.
In order to achieve this general objective, the Busan Chapter has the following specific aims:
The primary objective of EACA is preserving, advancing and enhancing the community of EU industries and for the advancement of our collective interest by engaging in programs and projects, which are designed to strengthen positioning and activities of EU industries interfacing with Korean industries and government agencies or ministries.
EACA now offers full-fledged services, offering proactive assistance to European companies seeking business projects in Korea, and Korean companies wanting to expand operations in Europe.
The services include:
EKF provides scholarships for students from both South and North Korea
who wish to study at universities all throughout the European Union. EKF also organises a wide variety of training seminars for North Koreans in Asia and Europe. These seminars focus on business
, economics
, international law
, and English help promote a greater understanding of international business practice.
Furthermore, the EKF is doing its utmost to help form a genuine partnership between Korea and Europe, and engage in activities that promote global peace and friendship, thus helping to bring about peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula
.
To commemorate its twentieth anniversary in 2006, the EUCCK announced a new awards program to honor member companies and government authorities who have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between EU and Korea.
The event represents an important milestone for EUCCK in the overall strategy of raising the profile of the EU business community in Korea. The Awards will be an annual feature of the Chamber's activities, and EUCCK will also be looking at increasing the categories in the future.
The "EU-KOREA AWARDS" will be presented, every year, to the most responsive, efficient and globalized government authorities and EU companies in Korea.
As every foreign investor in Korea is aware, without adequate cooperation from the government authorities, it will be near to impossible to smoothly conduct operations here. Many times, the EU companies have been amazed at the efficiency and responsibility displayed by the respective government agencies. However, their contribution is hardly given adequate attention. In order to fill this gap and give credit where it is due, the EUCCK has initiated an annual awards program for government authorities.
The categories of awards for Government Authorities are:
1. GLOBALIZED PARTNER
This award is presented to the Government authority/division, which is most global in its outlook. EU member companies who frequently interact with the government authorities and find them to be on par with international standards are identified and honoured.
2. EFFICIENT PARTNER
In the day to day running of their business operations, EU companies often interact with various government authorities/divisions. Many times they are amazed at the level of efficiency that they encounter, and this award is to show our appreciation.
3. RESPONSIBLE PARTNER
There are many times when the EU member companies have to partner with the government authorities. In such cases, the proactive behaviour and responsibility of the concerned authorities is quite appreciable and deserves to be highlighted.
4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNER
The business-friendly policies of the local governments and their proactive role in helping foreign investors certainly deserve appreciation. This award is to show the local governments that EU investors are really thankful for the support.
Many EU companies have shown exemplary performance in their investment initiatives and social responsibilities, contributing immensely to the closer relationship between EU and Korea. To appreciate their contribution, EUCCK has initiated the following three categories of awards:
1. LEADING INVESTOR
This award is presented to a company which has shown remarkable corporate behavior in terms of the quantum of investment made, technology brought into Korea and employment generation in 2006. The Awards Committee also takes into account the industry sector in which the company operates and the benefits it brings to the local economy.
2. SOCIAL BENEFACTOR
A company that worked voluntarily towards the development of society during the year is presented this award. It has to demonstrate a clearly defined, measurable long term plan of social responsibility. The scope of work could be in areas like community development, empowerment of vulnerable groups, environmental preservation, education, family welfare, or promotion of arts, crafts and culture.
3. GREEN PIONEER
With climate change taking utmost priority in countries around the world, this award is given to European companies which take active leadership in driving the ‘green agenda’ in Korea.
4. SME STAR
The award is given to a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) which has shown agility in overcoming various difficulties and establishing a viable business in Korea in 2006. The potential for future growth is also be taken into account.
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
(EU) business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
community in Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
.
With initial financial support from the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
, the EEC Business Group in Korea was formed, with Mr. W. Cozijnsen of ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is a Dutch state-owned bank with headquarters in Amsterdam. It was re-established, in its current form, in 2009 following the acquisition and break up of ABN AMRO Group by a banking consortium consisting of Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Santander and Fortis...
Bank as its first president.
In May 1986, the organization's name was changed to European Community Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
The main purpose of the chamber was to help to develop trade, commercial and industrial relations between the EU and South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. The overall objective being to achieve reciprocal treatment for EU businesses in South Korea and Korean businesses in the EU.
Since then there have been three other name changes, but the objectives remained the same. In June 1991, the organization became the EC Business Group in Korea, then in June 1993 the European Communities Chamber of Commerce in Korea and finally in June 1995 assumed its present name.
Today, the EUCCK is made up of around 850 members from the EU and local business communities. The various types of membership include Full, Associate, Local, Individual, Honorary and Special. In addition, the chamber introduced a revised membership format from 2005. Two new additional categories of membership - platinum and gold - with enhanced services and facilities are now available. While the earlier categories continue to be in force, those seeking more customized services at discounted rates, in addition to various other benefits, can apply for one of the new categories.
Objectives
The Chamber has the following specific aims:- To provide its members with general information regarding any developments that may influence their operations in South Korea.
- To coordinate discussions among its members in addressing common problems and opportunities regarding their business activities in South Korea.
- To maintain contacts with high ranking Korean government officials from key ministries as well as other government administrations, local business associations and other lobbying groups.
- To confront the respective Government officials with problems encountered by Members and to recommend changes in the regulations to the appropriate authorities, while monitoring changes in the related legislation.
Having its seat in Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, it is also the objective of the Chamber to promote the liberalization
Liberalization
In general, liberalization refers to a relaxation of previous government restrictions, usually in areas of social or economic policy. In some contexts this process or concept is often, but not always, referred to as deregulation...
of trade
Trade
Trade is the transfer of ownership of goods and services from one person or entity to another. Trade is sometimes loosely called commerce or financial transaction or barter. A network that allows trade is called a market. The original form of trade was barter, the direct exchange of goods and...
and industry
Industry
Industry refers to the production of an economic good or service within an economy.-Industrial sectors:There are four key industrial economic sectors: the primary sector, largely raw material extraction industries such as mining and farming; the secondary sector, involving refining, construction,...
in South Korea in conformity with the articles of the World Trade Organization
World Trade Organization
The World Trade Organization is an organization that intends to supervise and liberalize international trade. The organization officially commenced on January 1, 1995 under the Marrakech Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade , which commenced in 1948...
, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an international economic organisation of 34 countries founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade...
(OECD) and the framework Agreement
Framework Agreement
Framework Agreement is a term that can refer to a number of international accords, including:* The Baker Plan on Western Sahara* The Agreed Framework between the United States of America and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea...
between South Korea and the European Union.
To this end, the Chamber is managed by the Board of Directors with one representative from each EU country having at least one full member of the Chamber in South Korea. Members of the Board of Directors should be EU nationals and their nomination should be a simple majority from amongst the full members of companies representing the relevant country.
Organisation
| Position | Name | Job and Company |
|---|---|---|
| President | Jean-Luc Valerio | President & CEO, EADS Korea |
| Vice President | Wolfgang Slawinski | Country Representative, Frequentis |
| Vice President | Andre Nothomb | Chief Financial Officer, Solvay Special Chemicals |
| Treasurer | Hans-Bernhard Merforth | Advisor, DW Consulting Inc. |
| Secretary General | Jean-Jacques Grauhar | |
| Deputy Secretary General | Jee Dong-hoon | |
Past Presidents of EUCCK
| Name | Company | Date of Assuming Office |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Marie Hurtiger | Renault Samsung Motors | May 2008 |
| Carl-Johan Hagman | EUKOR Car Carriers | November 2006 |
| F. Hampsink | UTS UTS -Computing and Science:* Tensile strength, also known as Ultimate Tensile Strength, the stress at which a material breaks* Time-sharing, known as Unix Time-sharing System when abbreviated in the source code of many Unix-like operating systems... /Worldwide Movers Korea |
June 2004 |
| M. Gomez | Bayer Bayer Bayer AG is a chemical and pharmaceutical company founded in Barmen , Germany in 1863. It is headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and well known for its original brand of aspirin.-History:... Korea |
June 2003 |
| F. Hampsink | UTS UTS -Computing and Science:* Tensile strength, also known as Ultimate Tensile Strength, the stress at which a material breaks* Time-sharing, known as Unix Time-sharing System when abbreviated in the source code of many Unix-like operating systems... –R&L |
January 2003 |
| D. Zieger | Robert Bosch Robert Bosch Robert Bosch was a German industrialist, engineer and inventor, founder of Robert Bosch GmbH.-Biography:... Korea |
July 2002 |
| X. Smekens | Oriental Brewery Oriental Brewery Oriental Brewery or OB is a South Korean brewery established by the Doosan Group in 1952. It was purchased by InBev in 1998. In 2009, it was sold by Anheuser-Busch InBev as the parent company sought to reduce its debt. It was sold to an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.... |
September 2001 |
| J. Beyssade | Crédit Lyonnais Crédit Lyonnais Crédit Lyonnais is a historic French bank. In the early 1990s it was the largest French bank, majority state-owned at that point. Crédit Lyonnais was the subject of poor management during that period which almost led to its bankruptcy in 1993... |
June 2000 |
| W. D.Graessle | Lufthansa Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating... |
October 1998 |
| A. Bellissard | Société Générale Société Générale Société Générale S.A. is a large European Bank and a major Financial Services company that has a substantial global presence. Its registered office is on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, while its head office is in the Tours Société Générale in the business district of La... |
April 1997 |
| J. Enters | Akzo Nobel Akzo Nobel Akzo Nobel N.V., trading as AkzoNobel, is a Dutch multinational, active in the fields of decorative paints, performance coatings and specialty chemicals. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company has activities in more than 80 countries, and employs approximately 55,000 people. Sales in 2010 were EUR... |
January 1995 |
| A. Twist | ICI Imperial Chemical Industries Imperial Chemical Industries was a British chemical company, taken over by AkzoNobel, a Dutch conglomerate, one of the largest chemical producers in the world. In its heyday, ICI was the largest manufacturing company in the British Empire, and commonly regarded as a "bellwether of the British... |
September 1993 |
| U. Hartig | BASF BASF BASF SE is the largest chemical company in the world and is headquartered in Germany. BASF originally stood for Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik . Today, the four letters are a registered trademark and the company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, and Zurich Stock... |
September 1991 |
| R. Sleijffers | Philips Philips Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. , more commonly known as Philips, is a multinational Dutch electronics company.... |
June 1990 |
| B. Nielsen | EAC EAC EAC may mean:Organizations in North America:* Editors' Association of Canada* Election Assistance Commission U.S.* Eastern Arizona College* Eastern Athletic Conference, a high school sports conference in Massachusetts* Electronic Arts Canada... |
June 1988 |
| D. Bailey | Unilever Unilever Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products.... |
May 1986 |
| W. Cozijnsen | ABN AMRO ABN AMRO ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is a Dutch state-owned bank with headquarters in Amsterdam. It was re-established, in its current form, in 2009 following the acquisition and break up of ABN AMRO Group by a banking consortium consisting of Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Santander and Fortis... |
February 1986 |
Committees
The Sectorial Committees (numbering 28) are the backbone as well as the main lobbying tool of the EUCCK. Each Committee is organized around one industry and run by an elected Chairman, sometimes assisted by one Vice-Chairman or Co-Chairman. The Committees develop ideas and thoughts that establish the EUCCK's overall position on relevant matters in each industry and are essential in outlining main trade barriers to EU companies in South Korea.Each Committee identifies the problems inhibiting the fair development of EU companies in South Korea and writes a Position Paper outlining the relevant issues. Every year in the first quarter, all Position Papers drafted by the Committees are compiled into a "Trade Issues & Recommendations" booklet. This document, which is now renamed as "Market Access Issues" is circulated among Government administrations and relevant authorities in Korea and the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
(EC). The booklet also serves as a working tool for EC officials in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
in their preparation of official meetings with the Korean authorities and can be used by individual European countries in their bilateral talks with South Korea.
Once released, this booklet is reviewed by all relevant Government administrations under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (South Korea)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in charge of diplomacy for South Korea, as well as handling external trade and matters related to overseas Korean nationals. It was established on 17 July 1948. Until 1998, the ministry was known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; its jurisdiction over...
(MOFAT) and Ministry of Strategy and Finance that then provide the EUCCK with the official answer of the Korean Government, generally around mid-July, and in printed form.
This official answer is then reviewed by the Committees to track any improvement and is the main source for the drafting of the following year's "Trade Issues & Recommendations" booklet.
Of the 27 sectorial committees, there are a few which require more attention, and for this matter, are organized as separate entities with separate budgets. They include the Automotive Committee, Cosmetics Committee, IPR Committee, Food & Beverages Committee and Beer sub-committee, HR Committee, Real Estate Committee and Energy & Environment Committee.
Publication
The flagship publication of EUCCK, INFOMAG is a high quality monthly magazine developed and targeted at foreign and domestic business as well as governmental leaders hungry for information across a variety of sectors. The content provides perspectives on the European and Korean economy, business affairs, latest news and reports, high standing personalities, trends, culture, society and lifestyle.The magazine began as a bi-monthly newsletter which was then transformed into a monthly business magazine starting January 2005.
Rich in content, with 150+ pages, INFOMAG has notched up an impressive circulation of 20,000 printed copies, in addition to which, an electronic version of the magazine is distributed by email.
Busan Office
The EUCCK opened its BusanBusan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
office in 1998 to respond to the growing demand from EU companies doing business in this city as well as Gyongsang Province to be represented locally. As like the Seoul Office, the overall objective of the Busan Chapter is to defend the interests of EU businesses in the Busan region and promote closer relations between the municipal authorities of Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, the Regional authorities of Gyongsan Province and EU officials and companies from its 25 member states.
In order to achieve this general objective, the Busan Chapter has the following specific aims:
- To provide its members with general information regarding any developments that has an influence on their operations in Busan and the neighboring provinces.
- Co-ordinate discussions among its members in addressing common problems and opportunities regarding their business activities in Busan and the neighboring provinces.
- Maintain contacts with high ranking Korean municipal and provincial officials as well as other government administrations, local business associations and other lobbying groups to confront the respective Government officials with problems encountered by Members and to recommend changes in the regulations to the appropriate authorities, while monitoring changes in the related legislation.
EACA
The Europe-Asia Cooperation Agency, is the European liaison office of the EUCCK. EACA http://www.eaca.asia acts as the major player in the development of bilateral business relations, trade promotion and industrial cooperation projects between the EU and the Korean Peninsula.The primary objective of EACA is preserving, advancing and enhancing the community of EU industries and for the advancement of our collective interest by engaging in programs and projects, which are designed to strengthen positioning and activities of EU industries interfacing with Korean industries and government agencies or ministries.
EACA now offers full-fledged services, offering proactive assistance to European companies seeking business projects in Korea, and Korean companies wanting to expand operations in Europe.
The services include:
- Sector/region specific information about Korea for European clients and similar information on Europe for Korean clients;
- In-depth customized research studies;
- Identifying potential targets and customer prospecting ;
- Developing business opportunities for companies looking for suppliers, distributors and partners in both regions.
- Establish contacts between companies willing to invest in specific sectors or companies, and to organize professional meetings.
- To promote the image and strengthen the brand identity of the European companies, the regions, the provinces, institutions, federations, fair organizers through EUCCK publications and Internet websites to increase the visibility on the Korean market.
- To organize missions to Korea for EU companies and similar trade mission to EU for Korean companies.
- To offer logistics, legal and interpretation assistance.
- To facilitate interaction between companies and local authorities
EKF
The Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF) http://www.ekf.or.kr is the charity arm of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK). It was established in May 2001. EKF undertakes a variety of programs to further its goals of promoting greater friendship and understanding between the two Koreas and the European Union. EKF programs include scholarships, training seminars, and the support of South Korean charity organizations.EKF provides scholarships for students from both South and North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
who wish to study at universities all throughout the European Union. EKF also organises a wide variety of training seminars for North Koreans in Asia and Europe. These seminars focus on business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
, economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
, international law
International law
Public international law concerns the structure and conduct of sovereign states; analogous entities, such as the Holy See; and intergovernmental organizations. To a lesser degree, international law also may affect multinational corporations and individuals, an impact increasingly evolving beyond...
, and English help promote a greater understanding of international business practice.
Furthermore, the EKF is doing its utmost to help form a genuine partnership between Korea and Europe, and engage in activities that promote global peace and friendship, thus helping to bring about peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
.
Awards programmes
"EU-KOREA AWARDS"To commemorate its twentieth anniversary in 2006, the EUCCK announced a new awards program to honor member companies and government authorities who have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between EU and Korea.
The event represents an important milestone for EUCCK in the overall strategy of raising the profile of the EU business community in Korea. The Awards will be an annual feature of the Chamber's activities, and EUCCK will also be looking at increasing the categories in the future.
The "EU-KOREA AWARDS" will be presented, every year, to the most responsive, efficient and globalized government authorities and EU companies in Korea.
As every foreign investor in Korea is aware, without adequate cooperation from the government authorities, it will be near to impossible to smoothly conduct operations here. Many times, the EU companies have been amazed at the efficiency and responsibility displayed by the respective government agencies. However, their contribution is hardly given adequate attention. In order to fill this gap and give credit where it is due, the EUCCK has initiated an annual awards program for government authorities.
The categories of awards for Government Authorities are:
1. GLOBALIZED PARTNER
This award is presented to the Government authority/division, which is most global in its outlook. EU member companies who frequently interact with the government authorities and find them to be on par with international standards are identified and honoured.
2. EFFICIENT PARTNER
In the day to day running of their business operations, EU companies often interact with various government authorities/divisions. Many times they are amazed at the level of efficiency that they encounter, and this award is to show our appreciation.
3. RESPONSIBLE PARTNER
There are many times when the EU member companies have to partner with the government authorities. In such cases, the proactive behaviour and responsibility of the concerned authorities is quite appreciable and deserves to be highlighted.
4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNER
The business-friendly policies of the local governments and their proactive role in helping foreign investors certainly deserve appreciation. This award is to show the local governments that EU investors are really thankful for the support.
Many EU companies have shown exemplary performance in their investment initiatives and social responsibilities, contributing immensely to the closer relationship between EU and Korea. To appreciate their contribution, EUCCK has initiated the following three categories of awards:
1. LEADING INVESTOR
This award is presented to a company which has shown remarkable corporate behavior in terms of the quantum of investment made, technology brought into Korea and employment generation in 2006. The Awards Committee also takes into account the industry sector in which the company operates and the benefits it brings to the local economy.
2. SOCIAL BENEFACTOR
A company that worked voluntarily towards the development of society during the year is presented this award. It has to demonstrate a clearly defined, measurable long term plan of social responsibility. The scope of work could be in areas like community development, empowerment of vulnerable groups, environmental preservation, education, family welfare, or promotion of arts, crafts and culture.
3. GREEN PIONEER
With climate change taking utmost priority in countries around the world, this award is given to European companies which take active leadership in driving the ‘green agenda’ in Korea.
4. SME STAR
The award is given to a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) which has shown agility in overcoming various difficulties and establishing a viable business in Korea in 2006. The potential for future growth is also be taken into account.