South Korea's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are gradually expanding practical cooperation through exchanges with Japan and China.
The Korea Federation of SMEs (KFSME), led by Chairman Kim Ki-moon, co-hosted the 'Second Korea-Japan SME Economic Forum' on October 14 at the KFSME Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, in collaboration with the Japan National Federation of Small Business Associations, chaired by Hiroshi Mori.
The Korean delegation included over 30 representatives, including Chairman Kim Ki-moon, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Noh Yong-seok, and various industry representatives. The Japanese side was represented by over 30 participants, including Chairman Mori, Kazuo Chujo, Minister-Counselor at the Japanese Embassy in Korea, and other business leaders and officials from Japan's SME sector.
The KFSME and the Japan National Federation of Small Business Associations, as the representative organizations for SMEs in their respective countries, held the first forum in Tokyo last year and are now expanding regular exchanges between the two nations' SME representative organizations with this second forum in Seoul. The KFSME explained that, similar to high-level exchanges between the two countries, this initiative aims to establish a continuous cooperation framework through private sector shuttle exchanges.
During the forum, participants discussed key issues facing SMEs in both countries amid rapidly changing global business environments, focusing on policy responses and industry practices.
Shin Jae-yoon, Director of Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, presented on SME policies and global growth strategies, suggesting areas for cooperation that leverage the strengths of both Korean and Japanese SMEs. Following this, Hiraku Hose, Vice President of Fuji Filter Korea, shared a success story of a joint venture that combines Japan's quality control with Korea's productivity in manufacturing filters for oil and gas and petrochemical plants.
The Korea-Japan SME Forum is significant as it leads to practical cooperation between industry-specific cooperatives and SMEs. Since last year's forum, follow-up exchanges have continued among industry groups in sectors such as ready-mixed concrete, baking, and automotive parts. This demonstrates that the forum is evolving into a platform for practical cooperation beyond mere meetings between the two countries' SME representative organizations.
Chairman Kim Ki-moon stated, "As SMEs form the foundation of both countries' economies and industries, it is crucial to continuously meet and share on-the-ground concerns and solutions. The forum that began in Tokyo last year has now continued in Seoul, and with this, sectoral exchanges and cooperation are expanding. We will create opportunities for new collaboration by utilizing technology, experience, and networks between our SMEs."
The World Federation of Korean Businessmen (World OKTA) held the '30th World Korean Economic Conference and 2026 Korea Business Expo in Shenzhen' from October 8 to 10. This marks the first time the World Korean Economic Conference has been held in China.
The event attracted over 7,700 participants, including World OKTA members and overseas buyers from more than 70 countries, as well as domestic and international business representatives and guests.
Export consultations conducted with 186 domestic companies recorded a total of $486 million (approximately 6.5 billion won). Korean and Chinese companies showcased products and technologies while discussing cooperation in exports, investments, and distribution with Korean businesspeople from around the world.
To support market entry, both countries plan to leverage their local bases. The Chinese side aims to assist Korean companies in entering the Chinese market, while World OKTA plans to help Chinese companies find business opportunities through Korea and the global Korean economic network.
In his closing remarks at the '2026 Korea Business Expo in Shenzhen,' World OKTA Chairman Park Jong-beom emphasized, "Even after the conference ends, business continues. I hope you will maintain contact and discussions after consultations to develop more exports and ongoing transactions. World OKTA will also lend its support."
The Korea Federation of SMEs (KFSME), led by Chairman Kim Ki-moon, co-hosted the 'Second Korea-Japan SME Economic Forum' on October 14 at the KFSME Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, in collaboration with the Japan National Federation of Small Business Associations, chaired by Hiroshi Mori.
The Korean delegation included over 30 representatives, including Chairman Kim Ki-moon, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Noh Yong-seok, and various industry representatives. The Japanese side was represented by over 30 participants, including Chairman Mori, Kazuo Chujo, Minister-Counselor at the Japanese Embassy in Korea, and other business leaders and officials from Japan's SME sector.
The KFSME and the Japan National Federation of Small Business Associations, as the representative organizations for SMEs in their respective countries, held the first forum in Tokyo last year and are now expanding regular exchanges between the two nations' SME representative organizations with this second forum in Seoul. The KFSME explained that, similar to high-level exchanges between the two countries, this initiative aims to establish a continuous cooperation framework through private sector shuttle exchanges.
During the forum, participants discussed key issues facing SMEs in both countries amid rapidly changing global business environments, focusing on policy responses and industry practices.
Shin Jae-yoon, Director of Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, presented on SME policies and global growth strategies, suggesting areas for cooperation that leverage the strengths of both Korean and Japanese SMEs. Following this, Hiraku Hose, Vice President of Fuji Filter Korea, shared a success story of a joint venture that combines Japan's quality control with Korea's productivity in manufacturing filters for oil and gas and petrochemical plants.
The Korea-Japan SME Forum is significant as it leads to practical cooperation between industry-specific cooperatives and SMEs. Since last year's forum, follow-up exchanges have continued among industry groups in sectors such as ready-mixed concrete, baking, and automotive parts. This demonstrates that the forum is evolving into a platform for practical cooperation beyond mere meetings between the two countries' SME representative organizations.
Chairman Kim Ki-moon stated, "As SMEs form the foundation of both countries' economies and industries, it is crucial to continuously meet and share on-the-ground concerns and solutions. The forum that began in Tokyo last year has now continued in Seoul, and with this, sectoral exchanges and cooperation are expanding. We will create opportunities for new collaboration by utilizing technology, experience, and networks between our SMEs."
The World Federation of Korean Businessmen (World OKTA) held the '30th World Korean Economic Conference and 2026 Korea Business Expo in Shenzhen' from October 8 to 10. This marks the first time the World Korean Economic Conference has been held in China.
The event attracted over 7,700 participants, including World OKTA members and overseas buyers from more than 70 countries, as well as domestic and international business representatives and guests.
Export consultations conducted with 186 domestic companies recorded a total of $486 million (approximately 6.5 billion won). Korean and Chinese companies showcased products and technologies while discussing cooperation in exports, investments, and distribution with Korean businesspeople from around the world.
To support market entry, both countries plan to leverage their local bases. The Chinese side aims to assist Korean companies in entering the Chinese market, while World OKTA plans to help Chinese companies find business opportunities through Korea and the global Korean economic network.
In his closing remarks at the '2026 Korea Business Expo in Shenzhen,' World OKTA Chairman Park Jong-beom emphasized, "Even after the conference ends, business continues. I hope you will maintain contact and discussions after consultations to develop more exports and ongoing transactions. World OKTA will also lend its support."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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