The geo-political and economic bloc known as ASEAN is an organization of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. With a combined population of over half a billion people, ASEAN represents South Korea’s 3rd largest trading bloc for its exports. In recognition of this important relationship, in 2009 an ASEAN-Korea Centre was established in Seoul. The Centre aims to increase trade, accelerate investment flow, invigorate tourism and enrich cultural exchanges between South Korea and the ten ASEAN member states.
My guest on this week's show is Mr. Cho Jae Hyun, the Director of the Development Planning and General Affairs Unit at the ASEAN-Korea Centre. A career diplomat, Director Cho was Counsellor and Consul to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal, Canada and Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He was awarded the Presidential Citation in 2008 for his service. During our interview, I talk with Director Cho about Korea’s special relationship with ASEAN, his Centre’s activities, and his favorite travel destinations in Southeast Asia.