The Shenzhen Korean Chamber of Commerce is expanding its information and exchange network connecting Chinese and Korean businesses in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
The chamber aims to assist Korean companies in understanding the Chinese market and identifying potential partners through the publication of the 'Shenzhen Korean Business Directory,' which incorporates local Korean business experiences and networks.
Jin Ik-hwa, president of the Shenzhen Korean Chamber of Commerce, introduced the directory as a practical guide that combines company listings with policy and industry information. It focuses on helping Korean businesses navigate Shenzhen's industrial ecosystem and find business opportunities amid changes in the Chinese economy.
The APEC summit will take place in Shenzhen on November 18-19, preceded by a CEO Summit on November 17-18. The chamber plans to distribute the directory to domestic and international companies and institutions during this peak period of visits from policymakers and economic stakeholders.
The directory was published in its second edition on September 24, following the first edition released on August 15. It serves as a sequel to the 2021 publication 'Shenzhen and Korean Businesses,' updating local economic information in line with China's medium- to long-term planning cycles.
This year's directory includes policy directions and development plans for Shenzhen, reflecting the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and compares and analyzes the achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It provides essential information for business and daily life, covering regional industries, representative companies, universities, as well as cultural, tourism, and transportation details.
The directory centers on information about member companies of the Korean Chamber of Commerce, allowing users to explore potential partners for entering or expanding in the Chinese market while examining local industry trends and company data. This initiative is significant as it connects the accumulated field experience of Korean businesses with new opportunities for domestic companies.
Young people's involvement also contributed to the publication process. Korean university students shared insights from their industry tours in Shenzhen, highlighting the artificial intelligence and robotics sectors. Korean international students participated as interns, assisting with planning, data research, organization, and editing, gaining practical experience while learning about the Chinese economy.
The directory has been distributed to Korean diplomatic missions and economic-related institutions, as well as member companies in China, and has also been sent to relevant institutions and universities in Korea.
During the '2026 Korea Business Expo (Shenzhen)' held on October 9-10 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the directory was also provided to participating companies and visitors with support from KOTRA's Shenzhen Trade Center.
Under Jin's leadership, the Korean Chamber of Commerce is evolving from merely gathering business information to facilitating connections based on that information. It remains to be seen whether the heightened interest in Shenzhen due to APEC will translate into sustained business cooperation and youth exchanges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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