REMARKS 
BY H. E. GONG RO-MYUNG 
AT 
THE CEREMONY FOR THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT 
ON THE INVITATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA 
TO ACCEDE TO THE CONVENTION OF THE OECD

October 25, 1996  Paris

Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor for me to be here in Paris today on behalf of the Korean Government to sign the 
agreement on the invitation to the Republic of Korea to accede to the Convention of the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 


Nineteen months have passed since Korea submitted an application to join the Organization, and indeed 
the path to full OECD membership has proven a long and rewarding journey for the Korean Government. I 
believe that Korea's accession to the Organization will be remembered as an important turning point in the 
annals of Korean diplomacy and economic history. 


On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the OECD Member countries for 
their cooperation and support during our accession procedure. My special thanks also go to the Honorable 
Johnston and the OECD Secretariat for their assistancethroughout the lengthy process.

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The OECD is a global body which has made its mark on the world by establishing sound principles and
guidelines for the international economy. By striving to harmonize policies among the developed and
developing countries of the world, the OECD has led the evolution of international economic order since the
Organization's inception in 1961. To this day, the Organization plays a pivotal role in our everchanging world. 
I am convinced that the OECD will continue to be a driving force well into the next century, unearthing and 
tackling global economic issues in a wide range of fields, including the environment, science and 
technology, and international investment.

Today, as we approach the 21st century, the global community is continuously in flux. In fact, the world is
advancing so rapidly, in substance and in form, most evidently in the fields of technology and 
communication. Thus, there is a compelling need for a mechanism to effectively channel the momentum of 
these changes, and respond to them in timely and appropriate ways. It is the OECD that has ably served the 
international community in this capacity, by further strengthening international cooperation and steering the 
world economy to new heights of prosperity. 


It is with this mindset that Korea launched its efforts to accede to the OECD. The Korean Government along 
with the Korean people are delighted and privileged to have been invited to join this prestigious institution 
at this particular juncture.

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Up until the 1960s, Korea was a typical underdeveloped agrarian society. But after successfully undergoing
rapid industrialization over the last three decades, Korea has emerged on the world stage as a leading 
newly industrializing country. 


During this period, the Korean economy maintained robust growth until 1995. But this year our economy 
experienced a slowdown and other difficulties. With intensifying competition in the international market, the 
Korean economy is in need of comprehensive structural readjustment. 


To this end, the Korean Government has carried through sweeping policy reforms. Though there is no single
panacea which can redress the economic problems within a short period of time, the Korean Government
has implemented various policy measures to curb inflation, enhance industrial competitiveness, and further 
liberalize the Korean market while maintaining macroeconomic stability. 


Korea's joining this fraternity of the most advanced economies in the world marks a further integration of 
Korea into the global economy. Korea is keenly aware that OECD accession does not represent the 
culmination of a goal in itself, but rather, perceives accession to be a starting point from which further 
liberalization and reform will be pursued. We understand that Membership in this Organization will require 
Korea to actively fulfill its role and to assume more responsibility in the rapidly changing world economic 
order, commensurate with her enhanced economic capabilities. 


Any entrant to an established club must first learn the standing rules of the group. Though a late starter, 
Korea shall prove to be a quick learner. We are confident we will benefit from the valuable experiences 
accumulated and shared by Members within the Organization by actively engaging in continued dialogue 
and discussions on various international agenda. 


With our intense determination to uphold the ideals of the OECD, we will not sit contently as a benchwarmer 
within the Organization. I am confident that with our dynamic synthesis of aptitude and enthusiasm, Korea 
will actively contribute to the Organization through every possible mode and channel. 


I would like to applaud the OECD's outreach policy toward major developing countries. Korea is very proud 
to be the first Dynamic Asian Economy to join the OECD. It is a testament to the unique achievement of the 
Korean people, who rose from war-stricken poverty to become a beneficiary-turned-donor in terms of Official 
Development Assistance. 


As a member of both APEC and ASEM, Korea will continue to play an active role in the OECD's noble 
endeavor to promote globalization. It is my high hope that Korea will be able to make its due contribution to 
the ongoing works of the OECD.

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Six years ago, the world watched with deep emotion as the Berlin Wall tumbled down and the two Germanys 
were reunited. Continents away, however, the Korean people are today still divided, and the DMZ remains a 
formidable reminder of frigid Cold War confrontation. 


The recent infiltration by North Korean commandos into our territory constitutes a serious threat to the peace 
and stability of the Korean peninsula. It is my most sincere hope that Korea will be able to accomplish 
reunification by a peaceful means in the near future. In this respect, we wish to count on the full 
understanding and support of the OECD Member countries.

Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to take this opportunity to confirm the Korean Government's commitment to the basic principles
of the OECD; particularly pluralistic democracy, open market economy and respect for human rights. We
believe that these values are interrelated and inseparable from one another. The Korean Government, under 
President Kim Young Sam's leadership, has vigorously implemented reform and liberalization policies 
which foster these shared principles. 


In line with this, the Korean Government's Globalization Initiative (or Segyehwa in Korean) has served as the 
main vehicle driving Korea's deepening integration into the international community. I am certain that 
Korea's accession to the OECD will spur further reforms that will foster the economic, social and democratic 
development of Korea. In closing, I would like to reconfirm Korea's desire to build solid partnerships with all 
Member countries.Korea, as a new Member of the OECD, will work together with other Member countries to 
open a new and brighter chapter in the Organization's endeavors for globalization and liberalization around 
the world.

Thank you.