Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Ethiopia eager to follow Korean way of development

(11-29-2011, Korea Times)--Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Tuesday his country would strive to emulate Korea’s development model under the late President Park Chung-hee administration.

“I am really interested in the experience of Korea’s development,” said Meles in a press interview held at the Lotte Hotel, Seoul. “I believe there is something to learn from former President Park Chung-hee.”

The government-led economic development also known as “Saemaeul (new village) Movement” was carried out in the 1970s. It is considered a milestone for Korea’s economic development which turned an agricultural society into an industrialized nation in a short period of time.

Asked about the dark side of the economic drive, Meles said “I am not interested in Korea’s domestic policy. I believe development doesn’t have to sacrifice democracy.”

During the interview, the Ethiopian prime minister also urged Korean companies to invest in Ethiopia, citing the lower labor costs of African countries. Concerning methods in giving aid to poor countries in Africa, Meles emphasized the importance of providing quality assistance.

The Ethiopian leader arrived in Seoul Monday to attend the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in the southern port city of Busan from Tuesday. On the day of his arrival Meles held a summit with President Lee Myung-bak. 

Source: Korea Times

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