Chinelo Chikelu
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Korean Ambassador Kim Pankyu |
Korean Ambassador Kim Pankyu has urged Nigeria to develop her tourism sector stating the current tourist landscape holds little space for relaxation for both foreigners and Nigerians.
Pankyu who had spent a little over fifty days shuttling
between the Lagos and Abuja, meeting with Korean companies and Nigerian
institutions, had earlier gushed over the colourful space of the Nike Art
Gallery Foundation, Dunes and entertainment/cinema in Abuja, and the coastal
area of Lagos.
He, however, noted that both cities lack a place for
relaxation during weekends, and tour guides are hard to find.
“I have been in Nigeria fifty days but it is difficult to
find a tour guide in Nigeria. You must develop your tourist course. Abuja has
no place to tour. It is just only for those doing business. You can be business
person but during the weekend you should have a place to visit. There is no
place to visit and that’s a problem.
“I think your government should make a plan towards that,
which then, Korean companies can come aboard with some assurance of security
that their investment is protected,” said Pankyu.
He further noted that upcoming Korea Africa Summit (KAS)
will provide side events such as the Korea Africa Consultancy Forums, as well
as forums on ICT, Tourism and Energy, that will offer opportunities for both
Korea and Nigeria to expand cooperations in these areas.
“Nigeria’s delegation participation at the summit will
translate discussions reached to particular operations and initiatives. Many
Korean companies are interested in the Nigerian market and considering doing
business in Nigeria. However, there are certain obstacles that should be
addressed, such as the problem of double taxation, profit repatriation are
major concerns.
“During the summit, Nigerian government can share what it
has been doing to address these and assure Korean businesses that the business
environment in Nigeria is improving. I believe it will facilitate Korean
companies’ investment in Nigeria”.
The largest International gathering of Korean government,
expected to set a milestone between Korea and Africa, the Korea Africa Summit
will hold June 4thto5th, 2024, at Ilsan and Seoul, Korea.
Meantime, Nigeria is in talks with Korea, to join the Korea
Rice Belt Initiative. The initiative aims to support African countries in
improving their self-sufficiency in rice farming and production, through the
provision of varieties of rice, seed supply and technical training support. Ten
African countries have signed an MoU to the project.
Nigeria’s joining of this initiative when realized, Pankyu
said will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.