If we consider the projects that these South Korean organisations have undertaken in various fields such as shipbuilding, petrochemical plants, oil and gas projects, power plants and civil engineering, it becomes clear that they possess and could transfer enormous breadth and depth of skill and technical know-how when it comes to significant infrastructure-related projects. What follows is a synopsis of how South Africa may benefit through strengthening its ties with South Korea.

South Korea’s relationship with Africa has always revolved primarily around the pursuit of diplomatic recognition and political legitimacy. Until quite recently, South Korea has maintained a rather limited and low-key engagement with various jurisdictions across Africa. Chun Doo-hwan, who served as president of South Korea from 1979 to 1988 made only one visit to Africa in 1982. A further diplomatic visit did not reoccur until 2006 when the then South Korean president, Roh Moo-hyun, visited various African countries. Five years later, in 2011, President Lee Myung-bak visited Africa.

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