South Korea-Soviet Trade Relations: Involvement in Siberian Development

Abstract

The Soviet interest in Siberia that began to emerge in the Stalin era has grown over the years into tremendous efforts to develop this economically and strategically important region. But in spite of its rich resources Siberia's harsh natural environment, its vastness, its sparse population, and the great distance between eastern Siberia and the populated centers west of the Urals have hampered efficient regional development. Enormous Soviet investment has never produced a reasonable return in output, and Soviet planners in the 1970s were enticed by the idea of utilizing the economic base of Japan. But despite mutual economic interests between the USSR and Japan, several factors have prevented the large-scale trade and investment needed for Siberian development. For this, the Soviets have found a much more eager and willing partner in the Republic of Korea (ROK). This article, after a brief look at the background and conditions of development in Siberia, will detail the trade and investment relationship with South Korea as it has progressed in the 1980s.