About 300 business representatives from China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) gathered in Guangzhou on May 27 for a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The event was co-organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangdong Committee and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Guangzhou. It was hosted by the China Chamber of International Commerce Guangdong Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured four parallel matchmaking sessions focused on biomedicine, smart electronics, green energy, and fashion and beauty. These sessions enabled companies from both sides to engage in targeted discussions.
In his address, Kang Sang-wook, Consul General of ROK in Guangzhou, noted that bilateral relations have expanded rapidly across various sectors since the establishment of diplomatic ties. “Guangdong has always played a central and unifying role in this process, and it continues to do so to this day,” he said.
Hwang Jae-won, Chief Representative of KOTRA China, highlighted Guangdong’s transformation from a traditional manufacturing base into a hub for high-tech industries, including intelligent equipment, new energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced information and communications technology. “This is precisely where ROK companies can find opportunities,” he added.
Kim Ihn Kee, Vice President of HTWO Guangzhou, spoke about the company’s strong ties with Guangdong. In 2021, Hyundai Motor Group established HTWO Guangzhou—its first overseas hydrogen fuel cell production, R&D, and sales base—in the province.
This month, HTWO Guangzhou was recognized as a leading company in Guangzhou’s hydrogen energy industry chain, becoming the only foreign firm among the 96 selected enterprises. “I believe the future of our group’s hydrogen energy business lies in Guangzhou,” said Kim.
“The ROK is highly advanced in display technology, and we have naked-eye 3D technology,” said Xu Liqin, Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Golding Technology Co., Ltd. “If we could collaborate with ROK companies by combining their advanced display panels with our technology, I believe it would be a perfect match.”
More than 1,600 ROK companies are currently operating in Guangdong, covering displays, new energy, cosmetics, and electronics. In 2025, trade volume between Guangdong and ROK exceeded 61.9 billion USD, while the two-way investment stock reached nearly 40 billion USD. From January to April this year, Guangdong’s imports from ROK increased by 32%.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | Nanfang Plus