First Korean elected as head of the IMO
- Contents
-
Busan Port Authority (BPA) President Lim Ki-tack was elected as secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The IMO is a United Nations agency that focuses on shipping policies and marine safety.
Lim is the first Korean to take such a position. This marks as an exceptional feat because it has been 53 years since Korea joined the IMO in 1962.
Lim was in a close race with Andreas Nordseth from Denmark during the IMO board meeting in London last month, but he ultimately garnered more votes.
The election this time was especially heated since there were candidates from six countries-Korea, Denmark, Cyprus, Russia, Kenya and the Philippines.
Since the IMO is part of the UN, its influence is extensive. Its international measures hold significant economic ramifications in the fields of maritime and shipping. Also, the IMO's roles and responsibilities will be amplified as the issues of the development and preservation of the North and South Poles and climate change become more important.
"Thanks to the unsparing support from Busan citizens, media and relevant organizations, I won the election. I would like to deliver my deep gratitude to Busan citizens. I will strive to fulfill my duty as a link between Busan and the central government regarding maritime issues," Lim said during the press conference on July 2. He also vowed to effectively act as a bridge between the IMO, Korea and Busan.
The secretary general-elect, who will take office in January of next year, also said, "As a person in charge of the UN agency, I will faithfully do my duties to enhance the global maritime industry and establish necessary rules." He also pledged to do his part in raising the competitiveness of the local shipping and maritime industries.
With a 30-year career in the maritime industry under his belt, he took various positions in the field after he graduated from Korea Maritime and Ocean University in Yeongdo, Busan.
Lim's advancement at the IMO is expected to bring positive repercussions in the local maritime and shipping industries. The secretary general's term starts from January 2016 and lasts four years.
The source of News: Dynamic Busan
