KISDI President Lee visited Colombia

President Lee making a speech.

President Lee made a speech on "the Korean Experience in the Implementation of Digital Networks"

President John H. Lee attended the fifth International Telecommunications Conference "Opportunities without Limits", which was held in Bogota, Colombia from August 2 through August 4, 2004.

President Lee made a speech on "the Korean Experience in the Implementation of Digital Networks" in the conference, which was hosted by the Ministry de Communications of Colombia and organized by the Comision de Regulation de Telecomunicaciones(CRT).

President Lee with members of the CRT

President Lee talked about the backgrounds of Korea's advance as an IT powerhouse and presented his vision and insights on major IT issues. His speech was applauded by 500 experts from industry, academia, and public organizations.

This conference drew experts from countries around the world including the U.S., India, Spain, Chile, and Bolivia. Among the participants were Korean Ambassador to Colombia Sang Gyun Park, employees of LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics in Colombia, and KISDI researcher Dr. Kyoung-won Rhee.

President Lee having conversation with Minister Harta.

Jefe Secretaria de Communicaciones Dr. Lopez made an opening speech, the President of the Castro Engineering Association a welcome speech, and Information and Communications Minister Harta a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony.

President Lee paid a courtesy call on Information Communications Deputy Minister Maria Pola before the conference. Deputy Minister Pola showed great interest in the development process of Korea's ICT policy and talked about Colombia's e-Government Initiative and issues related to U.S.-Colombia FTA.

President Lee with Deputy Minister Pola

President Lee promised to give helping hand for "Building ICT Policy Development Process," if Colombia officially requests. He also talked about bilateral cooperation with Minister Harta.

President Lee also exchanged opinions on regulatory policy with Mr. Lopez. Dr. Lopez talked about Colombian communications policy to introduce new services and the Colombian wireless communications market monopolized by Comcel. Mr. Lopez expressed his thanks to President Lee for introducing Korea's cases and principles in allowing integrated services (bundling).

President Lee visited the Agenda de Conectividad and exchanged opinions with President Escoba on Colombia's e-Government project and how to induce Korean SI companies into the project.

President Lee with Mr. Lopez

In particular, KISDI agreed to actively participate in the project to building internet infrastructure in schools, hospitals, armed forces, and official buildings, which would be funded by the EDCF. Korean embassy in Colombia will help KISDI develop detailed plan for this project with the Colombian government.

President Lee talked about the economic conditions of South America and Korea's strategy to enter the South American market at the dinner with Ambassador Park, who helped KISDI researchers attend the conference and visit Colombia.

President Lee with President of the Agenda de Conectividad Escoba

Ambassador Park said that he hoped the Ministry of Information and Communication of Korea to transfer Korea's ICT technology to Colombia and participate in various information project in Colombia. Among the dinner guests were KOTRA Director Hyungdo Lee, President of LG Electronics in Colombia Bangwon Lee, and Economic Secretary Snagwha Lee.

At the dinner in the Korean Embassy in Colombia. Korean Ambassador to Colombia Park (sixth from the left)