Asian markets have been transformed since 1980, when Korea bought just 2.36 million metric tons (93 million bushels) of U.S. coarse grains, and 1985, when Taiwan’s imports were only 3.02 million tons (119 million bushels). Amid the changes, Byong Ryol Min and Clover Chang have been a key constant in the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC) programs.
The Council will be honoring its director in Korea, Min, for 35 years of service and its director in Taiwan, Chang, for 30 years, during its 12th International Marketing Conference & 55th Annual Membership Meeting in Heredia, Costa Rica, in early February.
“Dedication is the word that resounds with me when I think of Clover,” said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. “He is extremely motivated, extremely loyal and extremely protective of both Taiwan’s interests and the interests of U.S. coarse grain producers and the U.S. grain industry.”
Sleight cites Chang’s skills in maintaining the excellent connections the Council has built over its 40 years of work in Taiwan and his understanding of the unique political, economic and trade factors that affect the Taiwanese market.
“Clover has been a key part of our outreach,” he said. “It’s been a very interesting ride, and now he is helping guide us as Taiwan evolves into a new phase, a new role in international trade.”
Sleight sees Min as an outstanding example of poise in a challenging market.
“He’s seen a lot of change in the Korean marketplace and in the Council’s Korea office, and he’s handled everything with tact, understanding and efficiency. He’s certainly a staunch defender of Korean agriculture and a very able, honorable representative for the U.S. coarse grains industry in Korea.”
It’s not just his technical expertise that makes Min so effective, Sleight said.
“He handles his responsibilities with such grace that he’s able to reach people in a very pleasant way to make his points,” he said. “I think anyone who has ever worked with him has always enjoyed not only his technical skills but his diplomacy.
“He has made the connection between U.S. grain suppliers and importers really shine in Korea.”
The Council will honor nine staff and nine delegates for their longtime service to the organization. Additional reflections on these contributions will be published in this newsletter, and additional information about the meeting is available here.