"If young entrepreneurs from Korea and China share their strengths and collaborate, they can create new opportunities beyond their markets and into the wider global market," said Park Jong-beom, chairman of the World Federation of Korean Business Associations (World-OKTA), during his speech at the '2026 Korea-China Young Entrepreneurs Exchange' held in Shenzhen, China, on October 9, attended by over 200 young entrepreneurs.
The agreement signed by representatives of both sides included provisions for trade transactions and investment connections, as well as technology exchanges and joint research and development in advanced technology, smart manufacturing, and digital transformation.
The exchange event was part of the '30th World Korean Businessmen's Conference and 2026 Korea Business Expo,' which concluded on October 10.
This was the first time the World Korean Businessmen's Conference was held in China. The 'Korea-China Young Entrepreneurs Exchange' aims to expand support for young startups and mutual visits among entrepreneurs, as well as to jointly host forums, exhibitions, and export consultations.
Participants discussed topics such as cooperation in the science and technology industry, innovation and overseas expansion in the beauty industry, and K-content and Chinese consumer trends, exploring market demands and collaboration possibilities in each field.
Additionally, they plan to leverage their local bases to support entry into overseas markets. The Chinese side will assist Korean companies in entering the Chinese market, while World-OKTA will help Chinese companies find business opportunities through the Korean economic network in Korea and around the world. This initiative aims to create a network where companies can share market information and collaboration needs, leading to actual transactions and joint ventures.
Based on this agreement, World-OKTA plans to continue exchanges between the global next-generation business network and Chinese young entrepreneurs, expanding cooperation in joint startups and technology and industry exchanges, as well as support for entering overseas markets.
Choi Won-jun, chairman of World-OKTA's Next Generation Committee, stated, "If the innovative capabilities of Shenzhen and the local business networks in China combine with the global business network that World-OKTA has built worldwide, it can develop into a sustainable cooperation platform."
The World-OKTA Expo in Shenzhen also yielded significant results. Over 7,700 participants, including World-OKTA members and overseas buyers from more than 70 countries, attended the event, which included domestic and international business representatives, dignitaries, and visitors.
The export consultation results for 186 domestic companies reached $486 million (approximately 6.526 billion won). Korean and Chinese companies showcased their products and technologies and discussed cooperation in exports, investments, and distribution with Korean businesspeople from around the world.
A notable achievement was the signing of a $100 million export contract on October 9. Eight companies participated, including two Korean companies, two Japanese companies, and four Chinese companies, with the total contract amount combining agreements with six companies from Japan and China.
This contract, driven by the long-standing business relationships of Shin Sang-yun, vice chairman of World-OKTA, aims to expand overseas supply by connecting the production base of seaweed in Gunsan with the processing capabilities in Korea and the manufacturing and distribution networks in Japan and China, and is included in the overall actual contract results.
The third World-OKTA Global Startup Competition was also held, allowing participating companies to showcase their business ideas and competitiveness while exploring possibilities for overseas expansion.
World-OKTA plans to continue exchanges and support through its member network to ensure that consultations and business agreements made during the event lead to follow-up transactions. In April next year, a global representatives' conference and export consultation will be held in Yeosu to facilitate meetings between domestic companies and overseas Korean businesspeople.
In his closing remarks, Chairman Park Jong-beom emphasized, "Even after the conference ends, business continues. I hope you will maintain contact and discussions after consultations, leading to more exports and ongoing transactions. World-OKTA will also lend its support."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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