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Korea's leadership guides

Muhammad Zamir
South Korea believes in moving forward through technology innovation. One of the most wired countries in the world; it has recently been ranked second among 110 countries in 'innovation leadership1, a report published by the Boston Consulting Group in April 2009.
The world -- and Asia -- has been watching with great care developments in the Korean peninsula. There is the unease associated with the irresponsible decisions adopted by North Korea and fascination about how South Korea is responding to these challenges and, at the same time, trying to expand its sphere of influence in the neighbouring region and also in the Middle East
I have watched South Korea evolve over the last forty years - from a developing country with a per capita income less than Pakistan to its present status of a developed country, which is a member of the OECD and G-20. We have seen how South Korea has associated itself as a development and business partner of Bangladesh over the last thirty years.
Entrepreneurs from that country have invested not only in our economic paradigm and created employment opportunities but have also urged other foreign units to participate and share in our efforts to achieve our latent potential. It is this positive attitude that has taken Korea to where it is today and made possible their extended presence in many other countries in the Far East, in Southeast Asia and also in Australia.
South Korea believes in moving forward through technology innovation. One of the most wired countries in the world; it has recently been ranked second among 110 countries in 'innovation leadership', a report published by the Boston Consulting Group in April 2009. Singapore was first, Switzerland third and the USA eighth. The study measured innovation in two categories: inputs and outputs. Input factors included government policy and outputs included R&D efforts, advanced technology and the impact of innovation on the country’s economic growth.
This use of innovation in its approach towards manufacturing, trade and economic activity has also found its way in recent times into its management of international relations. The last few months have seen several interesting and pragmatic initiatives that have not only expanded its political frontiers but also comprehensively facilitated the growth
and dimensions of its economic planning in the field of diplomacy.
Korean President Lee Myung-bak demonstrated this re appraisal and shifts in the focus of Seoul's foreign policy by initiating, earlier this year in March, a decision to engage more actively with Asia-Pacific nations. Such a step was consistent with earlier steps taken with regard to Korea's involvement in Iraq and relationship with Japan and China.
It may be recalled that this approach of forward-planning started with Korea ending its four-year peacekeeping mission in Iraq and pulling out its troops from that country. It would be important to
note here that Korea managed to stay out of controversial waters in that country by not participating in military engagements but restricting itself to offering free medical assistance and vocational training courses to Iraqi residents living in and around the northern Iraqi city of Irbil.
This astute move and its past goodwill gestures have now evolved into a more pro-active engagement with that oil rich country. On February 24 this year, South Korea and Iraq agreed on a $3.35 billion oil-for-development deal that will enable Korea to participate in the construction of power generation facilities in Iraq, in return for a stake in oil fields in Iraq's
This has been an example of an attempt to establish tailored economic cooperation relationships. To this end, Korea has decided to effectively use its technology in information, telecommunications and defence (by meeting special needs in this sector in Indonesia) in return for energy and natural resources. The use of such a strategic approach was part of my learning experience during my recent visit to Korea on the invitation of the Korea Foundation.
.. J. must admit, that. President Xee'f innovative approach is an example that we could follow in South Asia in general and in Bangladesh in particular. Our policy planners also need to think of innovative steps. Our new leadership in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should also consider using their visits to countries in different regions for convening regional meetings of our envoys and providing our diplomats with tailored tasks after receiving de-briefing from them on existing issues.
We must not forget that each diplomatic mission has its own special area of engagement and also strategic needs that need to be addressed. A more hands on approach, as exemplified by Korea, is what we need. Innovation should be the buzz word of the day for future strategic planning not only pertaining to our bilateral relationships but also in meeting of our commitments in the multilateral sphere.
southern region of Basra. The deal will also allow Korea eventually to access to 2 billion barrels of crude oil -- an amount enough to cover roughly three years of its oil demand.
Similarly, there was, late last year in December 2008, a realistic step to widen economic ties with Japan and China. An unprecedented trilateral summit was convened in Fukuoka, Japan between the leaders of these three countries. It concluded with the leadership agreeing to expanding areas pf eppperatiqo, in pro-... moting free trade, fiscal expansion and currency swaps to weather the then emerging global economic crisis.
Another element that emerged from the meeting was the view that closer cooperation among the three would enhance the development of the 'entire world, as well as the region.' Such strategic planning was probably one step better than what was taking place at that time within the European Union.
I will now refer to the latest efforts introduced in March this year. I am taking special note of these initiatives because we talk so much about the need for economic diplomacy in Bangladesh. We have a lot to learn from the South Korean leadership and policy-planners in this regard.
Last year, Korean diplomacy was concentrated on the four global superpowers that affect Korea the most —USA, China, Japan and Russia. A conscious effort has now been introduced to reach out to some of Korea's important neighbours — New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia.
Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador Email: mzamir@dhaka.net