Honorable Chairperson,
Distinguished governors,
Ladies and gentlemen.                                       

It is a great pleasure and honor for me to address you at the IFAD Governing Council on behalf of the Korean government, and I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all relevant staff of  IFAD for organizing this event.

      Last year, the world witnessed rapid increase in the price of corn, soybean and wheat derived from series of droughts and heat-waves in major grain exporting countries. Though there have been signs of slight decrease in the international grain price, the price has still remained at a high level.

To alleviate the problem of world food insecurity, the international community must make concerted efforts, especially to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of halving the number of people distressed by hunger by 2015. Korea has repeatedly emphasized the importance of global development partnership and strengthened cooperation with the private sector, at the occasions of the G20 Seoul Summit and the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Pusan.

It is highly welcome that the partnership for development cooperation is being discussed in depth at the present IFAD Governing Council. Establishing comprehensive partnerships and enhancing accountability between the partners, will become the firm foundation for co-prosperity of the international community The private sector including private companies and civil society should be accepted as partners for expanded cooperation and development.

Honorable Chairperson and distinguished governors, knowledge sharing is emerging as a new paradigm of development cooperation. I believe that Korea’s experience and know-how will help the developing countries find their own development model. Only around 40 to 50 years ago, Korea was a recipient of international aid due to food shortage. However, in a short period of time, Korea overcame hunger and poverty and became a donor of international aid. I am certain that these experiences may give significant implications to the developing countries.
Starting this year, Korea will implement a pilot project named the Korea Agricultural Policy Experiences for Food Security (or KAPEX), which is aimed at sharing knowledge with  developing countries. Korea plans to share its experience in agricultural development with 2 Asian and 1 African country  this year and will expand the scope of partnering countries. I would most appreciate your interest and support to our project.

I would once again like to thank the organizers of this event and convey our support toward continuous endeavors of IFAD aimed at eliminating poverty and improving food security .I  would also like to extend my congratulations to  President Kanayo F. Nwanze’s on your re-appointment. I believe that your extraordinary leadership will continue to make great contributions to further developing smallholder farmers in the developing countries.

Thank you very much for listening.