South Korean Deputy Minister for Public Administration and Security, Mr Chung Jang-Sik, yesterday commended Nigeria for introducing reforms capable of wealth creation and value reorientation.

The minister was addressing eleven Nigerian government officials attending an economic development strategy training programme at the Central Official Training Institute (COTI) in Seoul yesterday.

Jang-Sik said the successful implementation of any reform depended on the dedication of public officials and the strong will of the people.

The minister said "in sharing common experiences, it is my hope that this programme helps to create the necessary synergy for both Nigeria and Korea to achieve sustainable economic development while realising good governance".

Jang-Sik said both the public and private sectors should strive for change and reform to remain globally competitive, warning that "the forces of globalisation affect political, economic, social and technological processes."

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Korea joined other industrialised nations after achieving rapid economic growth within 30 years.

South Korea, with a population of 48 million people, has an annual growth rate of 30 per cent for more than 30 years and a foreign reserve of more than 200 billion dollars (about N22.4 trillion).

(NAN)