As Korea fulfills its obligation to assist countries in crisis for the seventh consecutive year, CJ Logistics is handling crucial grain transport tasks
On April 17, the Korean government prepared to send 100,000 tons of rice overseas to fulfill its commitment under the United Nations Food Assistance Convention (FAC), an international treaty to ensure emergency relief for countries experiencing food shortages. CJ Logistics Senior Vice President Ahn Jae-ho was among the participants at a departure ceremony at Pier No. 5 in Gunsan Port, North Jeolla Province, along with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong and representatives of the World Food Program and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Korea.The logistics industry plays an essential part in alleviating food insecurity arising from conflicts, climate change and other global emergencies. In this context, CJ Logistics brings valuable expertise to the task of supporting the Korean government in meeting its international obligations.
Of the 100,000-ton shipment, 15,000 tons of rice has already been shipped to Bangladesh. By the end of June, the remaining 85,000 tons will depart for different destinations in separate shipments from three of Korea’s major ports — Mokpo Port, Ulsan Port and Busan New Port.
When Korea joined the U.N. convention in 2018, it began supplying 50,000 tons of rice annually to refugees and migrants in five countries. For the past seven years, CJ Logistics has taken an active role and now has extensive experience in handling and transporting grain for Korea’s international emergency assistance programs.
This year Korea doubled the amount of rice it provided under the FAC and expanded the list of recipient countries to 11: Bangladesh, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Afghanistan and Yemen. CJ Logistics transported the rice from warehouses in Korea to the milling plants where it underwent polishing, finally delivering the polished rice to warehouses at ports around the country to await shipping. CJ Logistics is also responsible for loading the rice on the vessels.
“We are proud to be a part of Korea’s international assistance efforts, helping to support countries in need through our logistics expertise,” said CJ Logistics Senior Vice President Ahn Jae-ho. “We will continue to do our part by refining our advanced logistics technology and expanding our global network.”