Korea eyes bigger investment in NZ

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Korea is keen to use its technology skills in partnership with New Zealand companies in the agricultural, science and higher education sectors, says New Zealand-Korea Science Ambassador, Dr Jung-Uck Seo.

Dr Seo attended the Korea Australia New Zealand Broadband Summit in Auckland this week.

The main purpose of his visit was to get a better understanding of New Zealand's technology capabilities, and promote investment opportunities in Korea.

Dr Seo is the former vice-chairman of Korea's largest mobile firm SK Telecom, and a former minister of science and technology of Korea.

He spent two months at Massey University as a Massey Foundation Fellow in 2006.

Korea is eyeing investment opportunities in the Oceanic region, including New Zealand, after spending years focused on Europe and the United States, he said.

"Korea must open our eyes and minds to your country, because there are many valuable resources available in New Zealand for any investment partnership to be mutually beneficial."

Dr Seo is impressed by New Zealand's expertise in ecological and agricultural science, higher education and media content.

He also enjoys the country's natural environment: "That's one thing I'd like to steal but I can't."

Korea is New Zealand's sixth largest export market.