Gwangyang discussing direct service to Latin America

The joint Gwangyang Port Marketing Planning Group has commissioned a study on Gwangyang - Latin America direct services.

The group, which includes the Jeollanamdo provincial government, Gwangyang City, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, the Gwangyang Chamber of Commerce, and the Ecuadorian Embassy in Korea held a briefing session at Gwangyang City Hall on June 25th. 

Myungjae Kim, the chief researcher of the project and professor at Mokpo National Maritime University, presented the results of the study, after which the related organizations tabled discussions on the topic.

Based on the study, Gwangyang City plans to carry forward with the opening of the Gwangyang - Latin America Direct Line and submit the proposal to the government for support.

The direct network has been discussed since Ecuadorian bananas arrived at Gwangyang Port this past February.

Gwangyang mayor, Hyunbok Jung, visited Ecuador and drew up the plan for the opening of the direct line in March. The city is consulting on local firms in Gwangyang participating in Ecuadorian SOC (Social Overhead Capital) projects.

"As trade between Korea and Latin American countries is expected to increase through Free Trade Agreements, Gwangyang could arise as a hub port for Korea - Central and South America trade with the direct network" said Gitae Bang, manager at the City's Port Commerce Team.

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