The French Chamber of Commerce in Korea (FKCCI) hosted a networking reception on September 16 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, coinciding with the official visit of Valérie Pécresse, the Governor of Île-de-France. The event aimed to enhance economic cooperation between Korea and France.
Co-hosted by FKCCI and Île-de-France, the reception attracted numerous officials from both governments and public institutions, as well as key business leaders, investors, and representatives from the innovation and startup sectors. The Île-de-France delegation engaged directly with the Korea-France business community to explore new collaboration opportunities across strategic industries, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors, aerospace, smart mobility, and sustainable architecture.
Notably, five promising tech companies from Île-de-France—Entalpic, GenoSafe, SpaceDreamS, WhiteLab Genomics, and XtreeE—accompanied the delegation to identify domestic partners and investors. These companies showcased their technologies on-site and initiated discussions for practical collaboration with Korean firms and institutions.
The visit of the Île-de-France delegation was particularly significant as it marked the 40th anniversary of FKCCI and the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. Additionally, it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the friendship agreement between Île-de-France and Gyeonggi Province.
In her speech, Governor Pécresse expressed her commitment to strengthening partnerships with Korea, stating, "We will create tangible cooperation results in the fields of economy, technology, and science based on the trust built over many years between our two countries."
David-Pierre Jalicon, President of FKCCI, reaffirmed the chamber's role as a key support institution for economic cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized the importance of creating a platform for businesses, research institutions, and investors to recognize each other's strengths and establish practical collaborative relationships.
The reception was a key event during the Île-de-France delegation's visit from September 15 to 16. During their stay, the delegation focused on discussing cooperation in smart city and autonomous mobility sectors with major Korean corporations and tech companies. Furthermore, Île-de-France plans to strengthen its collaboration with Gyeonggi Province, agreeing to develop new joint action plans centered on future key industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and mobility.
As economic exchanges between the two countries continue to expand, this event served as a platform to foster a collaborative model that includes businesses, local governments, and research institutions, aiming to create shared economic value.
Meanwhile, Korea and France are enhancing their diplomatic exchanges this year, marking the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Korea in April and President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to France this month, both nations have elevated their diplomatic ties to a "global strategic partnership," expanding cooperation in various fields, including economy, security, and advanced technology.
FKCCI is also actively promoting exchanges between the two countries, including the establishment of a dedicated support space for businesses called "Maison France." On October 16, FKCCI will co-host a symposium in the French National Assembly to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, reflecting on the history of their relationship and continuously seeking future cooperation opportunities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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