Korea and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have discussed ways to expand cooperation in the tourism sector.
Ministers and vice ministers from ten ASEAN member countries, and from Korea, China and Japan, gathered for the 15th meeting of ASEAN+3 tourism ministers in Manila on Jan. 22. At the meeting, they talked about current issues in the tourism sector and discussed measures to boost regional cooperation and tourism.
As co-chair countries, Korea and the Philippines discuss ways to boost cooperation on tourism among ASEAN countries and Korea, China and Japan, at the 15th meeting of the ASEAN+3 tourism ministers. Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Chong (third from right) speaks at the event in Manila on Jan. 22.
As a co-chair with the Philippines, Korea signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on tourism among ASEAN members and Korea, China, and Japan. As part of the MOU, these countries will substantially promote cooperation on the tourism sector between those countries.
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Chong (center) signs an MOU to cooperate on tourism among ASEAN, Korea, China and Japan, at the15th meeting of the ASEAN+3 tourism ministers.
After the meeting, Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Chong held a meeting with Vice Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration Wu Wenxue. In the meeting, the two vice ministers discussed measures to closely cooperate on tourism, such as opening more tour companies’ branches in both countries in order to mark “Visit Korea Year 2016-2018.”
After the meeting, Second Vice Minister Kim held a series of meetings with the chief of the Philippine Basketball Association and the head of the Philippine Taekwondo Association. Considering many Filipinos’ strong interest in basketball, some even considering it to be the national sport there, Vice Minister Kim discussed with his Filipino counterpart ways to expand exchanges between basketball leagues in the two countries, which could also boost the Korean basketball league.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
arete@korea.kr
