AustCham Korea - Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Founded in early 2009, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) vision is To lead Australian business growth in Korea. With a legacy spanning nearly two decades, AustCham Korea continues a rich history of formal groups that have represented Australian business interests in Korea. From humble beginnings as the Australian Business Group in Korea (ABGIK - 1990 to 2001) and then the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ANZCCK - 2001 to 2008), AustCham Korea was created to give an independent voice for Australian business in Korea.

AustCham Korea Mission:
"To promote Australian business and AustCham member interests in Korea through being an effective source of information, connections and representation."

AustCham Korea continues to grow in terms of relevance and importance in Government, media and business advocacy circles in Korea. In particular, the recent move to a formal negotiation phase for the Australia - Korea Free Trade Agreement will provide new opportunities for the Chamber to proactively support business.

I warmly welcome all members, old and new, to our Chamber in 2009. I hope you will get good practical value from various forums and events that we organise and our publications. I encourage members of the Korean business community with ties to Australia to join our Chamber, as well as all Australians who will be posted here in the course of the year or are already here, to come along to our events in Seoul.

Four particular categories of our membership need to be acknowledged and thanked. Firstly I thank our Patron, H.E. Sam Gerovich, Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. Since its inception as a Business Group in 1990, the Chamber has enjoyed the full support of the Embassy and we look forward to working closely with them again this year.

Secondly, there are those members elected to our Board of Directors who give up so much of their time to serve AustCham members by facilitating initiatives that strengthen trade and services between our two countries. My special thanks also go to the Chamber's Executive Director, Pilar Perez-McKay.

Thirdly, my appreciation to our 2009 Gold sponsors - Australian Education International (AEI), Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), BHP Billiton, GS Caltex, Macquarie, McDonald's, Mercedes-Benz, Meal & Livestock Australia (MLA), POSCO, Rio Tinto, Tourism Australia and Woodside Energy and; our Silver Sponsors - AGS FourWinds, ANZ Bank, BADA Education, DIAGEO, Hyatt Hotels Seoul, KOKOS, KPMG and TIMESTUDY. Their financial contribution and support ensures the Chamber continues to flourish.

Finally, you will see from this year's AustCham Korea Directory, details of what I refer to as "Australia's Allies" who are closely aligned to our Chamber. These hardworking organisations include Austrade, Australia Education International (AEI), Australia Korea Foundation (AKF) and the Korea Australia Friendship Society (KAFS). I urge all members to actively participate in the Chamber's various forums and events. Let's work together to lift the profile of Australian business in Korea.

Sincerely

Sean Rodrigues
Chairman