Internship Report

Kieop Kim

Korea Council on Latin America & Caribbean

       In 2015, there were several big issues concerning Latin America. The first is ‘Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) Annual Meeting’, held in Busan, Korea. It was second time that ‘IDB and IIC Annual meeting’ was held in non-Latin American countries. And the second is Korean President’s visit to Latin America. It strengthened relations between Korea and Latin America.

       Fortunately, I have been intern at Korea Council on Latin America & Caribbean (KCLAC). So I participated in those important events, directly and indirectly.  I always want to do work regarding Latin America regions and it was good opportunity for my work experience. In KCLAC, I investigated economic and political trend in Latin America, prepared international conference regarding Latin American regions and Korea, as such IDB and IIC Annual meeting. I also supported the Latin American cultural events. I assisted other works like translating and writing reports.

IDB Annual meeting in Busan, Korea

       In early April of 2015, the Boards of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) held Annual Meeting in one of the Bank's member countries. This year the Annual meeting was held in Busan, Korea. This official meeting is a forum for discussion among the institution's Governors, most of whom are Ministers of Finance, Presidents of Central Banks, or other high level authorities of the member countries. Representatives of multilateral financial institutions, development agencies, and private banks also attend.

       I had chance to participate in the Annual meeting through KCLAC. KCLAC organized B2B Program which is to support Korea SMEs that intend to do business in Latin American regions. On the other sides, we operated Latin American Culture Festival during the event such as Latin Film Festival, Latin Dance Festival and Central and South America Photo Exhibition. I assisted those activities from beginning to end. I think it was great opportunities to participate in international event.

Korean President’s visit to Latin America

       President Park visited four countries in South America in April. It created huge opportunities to strengthen relationship between Korea and those countries and cooperate for development and co-prosperity. It laid a solid foundation for economic growth as a Pacific partner, and offered all countries involved a chance to pave the way forward.

        While planning presidential trip to Latin America, KCLAC researched the political and economic situation of four countries with MOTIE (Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy). I assisted it, analyzing statistical data of these countries market, searching recent political and economic issue of these countries.

        It is important and valuable opportunity to experience the business with Latin America. I have learned many things about Latin America and developed my research and interpreting skills. Also I am confident about my future career path as regional specialist.