“Businesses grow through trust, and communities develop through cooperation.”
Kim Jeong-ho, president of the Yantai Korean Chamber of Commerce, embodies this belief, rooted in over 20 years of management experience in China. As a businessman committed to quality and customer trust, he is now focused on supporting the stable management of member companies and fostering harmony within the Korean community.
In a written interview with Aju Economy, Kim stated, “The role of the chamber president lies in service and responsibility rather than honor,” emphasizing the importance of helping member companies collaborate and overcome challenges in China’s changing business environment.
He founded Yantai Sanshin Co., Ltd. in 2005, producing electrical and electronic products for export to Japan, Korea, and Canada. His management principles, shaped by experiences with global economic shifts, are clear: sustainable growth cannot rely solely on price competitiveness; it must also incorporate quality and adaptability to change.
This experience informs his leadership of the chamber. After serving as an executive for four years, he was elected as the 16th president in 2024 and currently serves as the 17th president. He prioritizes support and collaboration that member companies can tangibly feel.
Founded in 1994 by 12 Korean investment firms, the Yantai Korean Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year, with 170 member companies. It serves as a liaison for protecting business rights, ensuring community safety, and promoting Korea-China friendship in Yantai, where approximately 5,000 Koreans reside.
The chamber's core mission is to resolve issues faced by businesses and the community. It addresses administrative, labor, customs, and daily life-related complaints, providing support through consultations and information sharing with relevant authorities. It also works to create a stable business environment for member companies through regular communication with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Qingdao and local government agencies.
Community support is delivered close to home. The chamber shares living information and emergency notices through seven WeChat groups and provides updates on chamber activities and member news through a regular newsletter.
The Korean Sports Festival and Korean Night serve as platforms for intergenerational and professional exchange. Over 500 community members participated in the sports festival held in May. The entrepreneurship support program helps newcomers connect with local partners and offers advice, while flea markets promote recycling and expand opportunities for small businesses.
Looking ahead, Kim plans to strengthen economic cooperation functions of the chamber by expanding collaboration with Korean businesses in China. He envisions that combining the technological strengths of both countries with the industrial infrastructure of Shandong Province, which is close to Korea, can create new growth opportunities.
“The growth of a business is only possible with the support of employees, customers, partner companies, and the local community,” he said. “I will contribute to the harmony and development of member companies and the Korean community, as well as to the friendly economic cooperation between Korea and China.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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