South Korea appoints consul and agrees to exchange tax info

The Government of the Republic of South Korea has appointed an honorary Consul to Vanuatu with the concurrence of Vanuatu Government. The post was entrusted upon well known and highly respected businessman, Jongkook Hong.

Mr Hong’s appointment was followed by the opening of the South Korean Honorary Consulate Office in Port Vila yesterday afternoon at Hong’s business premises opposite Daily Post. The event was witnessed by the Korean ambassador (non-resident) Whiejin Lee and Vanuatu Foreign Affairs Minister, Alfred Carlot and other dignitaries.

“The opening of the Honorary Consulate Office of the Republic of Korea in Vanuatu indicates the significance of the growing and closer links between our two countries and an addition to the Diplomatic Community in Vanuatu,” said Foreign Affairs Minister, Carlot.

He said “Vanuatu values the contribution both past and future that the Republic of Korea has provided and looks forward to a closer working relationship with the Honorary Consul”.

The honorary consulate reflects the growing bilateral relationship between the two countries, as both sides commit to further enhance and strengthen diplomatic as well as economic and social ties.

On the same note, the Korean Government expressed its concurrence to the appointment of Mr Jongmyen Choi as honorary consul of Vanuatu to Korea in February this year.

Meanwhile Ambassador Lee has also taken the opportunity on behalf of the Government of South Korea to seal an agreement with Minister Carlot on behalf of the Vanuatu Government for the exchange of information relating to tax matters.

The agreement allows respective financial ministries of both countries to share any tax related information in order to understand and complement each structure and institution.