Return for Contribution
New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Clare Fearnley presented to Chairman Kim Jae-chul of Dongwon Group the insignia of appointment as an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit on May 16. The investiture ceremony took place at the New Zealand Residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Chairman Kim has been New Zealand’s honorary consul in Busan since 2010 and an advocate for New Zealand-Korea trade and business relations. Chairman Kim has maintained a New Zealand Consular Office in Busan, providing notary and consular services for New Zealanders in Gyeongsang Province. He has hosted New Zealand delegations and visitors.
Chairman Kim has actively promoted New Zealand-Korea trade and business ties. During his term as Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, he worked closely with and supported the New Zealand-Korea Business Council. He also actively advocated the development of a Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in 2015.
Ambassador Fearnley said, “Chairman Kim has been a great advocate for the Korea-New Zealand relationship particularly in economic and business areas. It is in heart-felt recognition of these contributions made over many years that New Zealand has today presented the New Zealand Order of Merit to Chairman Kim.”
The investiture ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence on May 16 attended by New Zealand representatives together with Chairman Kim’s family members, close friends from the business sector and staff members of Dongwon Group. The 8th Army Brass Quartet played at the ceremony.