The World On arirang

On December 12, 2014, the ASEAN-Korea Summit took place in Busan, Korea. The representatives of each country came to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and Korea. However, Korea is not the only country to have such friendly relations with the 10 ASEAN member states. Other countries around the world are trying to develop and maintain a deep relationship with this influential group. Why is the world paying so much attention to ASEAN? "Land of New Opportunities, ASEAN" delves into the importance of ASEAN and the reason it is attracting global attention. It also shows how Korean companies are benefiting from mutual growth with ASEAN nations and the partnership between Korea and ASEAN.

Myanmar launched a new government in 2011 and it has been actively practicing reform policies. World powers have been coming to Myanmar because of its rich natural resources and geographic advantages in international trade. China's attempt to secure a harbor and Japan's market history in Myanmar exemplify how fierce the competition is. Even Korea's Daewoo International explored the sea off Myanmar for 13 years to hit a gas reserve.

ASEAN is full of natural resources, manpower, and potential for economic growth. It is planning to launch an Economic Community in 2015, which would create a market of 600 million people and GDP of over US$ 2 trillion. Not surprisingly, the United States, China, and Japan are eagerly investing in ASEAN. How about Korea? GS Engineering & Construction and Hawseung Vina located in Vietnam tell their stories of success in Vietnam.

ASEAN and Korea established their partnership in 2010, and they have been maintaining a relationship deep enough for security dialogues. What made this relationship possible? The history of ASEAN reveals the similarities it shares with Korea. Also, Korindo Group explains how it achieved success in ASEAN through its localization strategy. Korindo's efforts to protect ASEAN's natural resources and return profits back to its local community reveal the reason ASEAN and Korea need each other.

ASEAN and Korea are closer than they seem. ASEAN is Korea's second biggest trading partner, and they both went through the tragedies of war. "Land of New Opportunities, ASEAN" explores the ways in which ASEAN and Korea can become trusting partners through cooperation.