Gwangju Mayor Shin Kye-yong is set to intensify support for local businesses aiming to enter the global market.
Mayor Shin is preparing for participation in CES 2028, the world's largest technology exhibition, to assist local technology companies in their global market endeavors.
He will conduct a preliminary demand survey for companies wishing to participate in CES 2028 until September 4, and plans to refine the scale of support, business plans, and budget based on the survey results.
CES, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is a global business platform showcasing various technologies and products leading future industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, mobility, smart home, and robotics.
According to CES, the event will take place in Las Vegas from January 11 to 14, 2028.
This preliminary survey is significant as it aims to establish a support system at the city level, enabling Gwangju's technology companies to secure competitiveness in the global market.
Mayor Shin is considering participation in group pavilions such as the 'Integrated Korea Pavilion' or 'Gyeonggi Province Pavilion' organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
Plans are also in place to provide support for booth rental fees, installation costs, transportation fees, and interpretation costs, with a maximum of 20 million won per company.
This initiative aligns with Mayor Shin's ongoing efforts to strengthen the future industry ecosystem centered around the Knowledge Information Town and to create a business-friendly city.
In January 2026, Mayor Shin attended CES 2026 in Las Vegas with representatives from companies in the Gwangju Knowledge Information Town Business Council.
His experience observing innovative technologies and industrial ecosystems from global companies at that event has informed the support for CES 2028 participation.
Mayor Shin aims to help Gwangju companies find new markets and business opportunities abroad, drawing on the innovative strategies and industry trends he witnessed at CES.
There is growing anticipation in the local community regarding the push for CES participation.
Participation in international exhibitions is seen as a way not only to expand individual companies' exports but also to promote Gwangju's technological capabilities and the competitiveness of businesses in the Knowledge Information Town.
Residents believe that if companies nurtured in Gwangju can successfully enter the global market, it could positively impact local job creation and strengthen the industrial base.
Mayor Shin plans to closely assess companies' intentions to participate and the areas of support needed through this demand survey, aiming to establish effective support measures.
He stated, "The demand survey for CES 2028 participation was initiated based on the innovations and industrial ecosystem trends of global technology companies observed at CES 2026."
He added, "We will actively support local companies' entry into overseas markets and enhance global competitiveness to make Gwangju a leading city in future industries."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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