Bilans d’évènement • La Chambre • Partenaires
FKCCI, KGCCI Co-hosts Special Reception with Prime Minister to Strengthen Korea- Europe Business Ties
The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-hosted a special reception with Korean Prime Minister Seongsook Han on September 22 at the Banyan Tree Club and Spa Hotel in Seoul.
The reception provided a platform to discuss recent developments in economic policy, foreign investment, and the overall business climate for French, German, and other European companies operating in Korea. Around 200 representatives of European businesses gathered to engage in open dialogue and exchange with key government and industry stakeholders.
The event opened with remarks by David-Pierre Jalicon, Chairman of FKCCI, and Hyun-Nam Park, Chairperson of KGCCI followed by special remarks from Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, who highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between Korea and Europe and reaffirmed the Korean government’s commitment to supporting greater investment and business collaboration.
“Germany, France and other EU countries have long been steadfast partners of Korea, supporting one another’s economic and industrial development on the basis of mutual trust,” Prime Minister Han said. She added, “Korea, Germany and France are trusted partners that support free trade and a rules-based international order and share the values of openness and innovation.”
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting French and German businesses, saying, “The government will do its utmost to ensure that the investments and ambitions of German and French companies lead to even greater success in Korea.”
Philomène Robin Pierron, First Counsellor, Embassy of France to the Republic of Korea; H.E. Georg Schmidt, German Ambassador to Korea; and H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Korea, emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between Korea and Europe in their welcome messages.
The program also featured a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders, including Hyun-Su Han, President of Arkema Korea, and Christoph Hamann, General Manager, Merck Ltd. Korea. Drawing on their companies’ experience in the Korean market, the speakers discussed the strategic importance of Korea in the global operations of French and German companies, while addressing pressing regulatory and economic concerns. The event was concluded by Sonia Chaieb, CEO of FKCCI, and Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President & CEO of KGCCI.
FKCCI Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon underscored France’s commitment, noting: “Madame Prime Minister, your presence is particularly meaningful for the French community this year as France and Korea celebrate the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, and as the FKCCI celebrates its 40th anniversary. These anniversaries are not only opportunities to reflect on the strength of our relationship. They are also an invitation to build new connections through concrete cooperation, investment, and innovation.”
David-Pierre Jalicon also highlighted two upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening this bilateral cooperation. On October 16, the FKCCI will organize a major France-Korea symposium at the French National Assembly in Paris to advance dialogue on strategic cooperation, particularly in innovation and technology.
This spirit of connection will also soon be embodied by Maison France by FKCCI. Bringing together the Chamber’s offices, an expanded business center, lounges and a French café. Maison France by FKCCI will provide a welcoming environment for companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and institutional partners seeking to develop new opportunities between France and Korea.
“Korea has built a remarkable global position through the strength of its industry, technology and innovation,” said Hyun-Nam Park, Chairperson of KGCCI. “The challenge now is to turn that strength into sustained investment, innovation and quality jobs. Predictability, open dialogue and internationally competitive business conditions will be key to sustaining this momentum. German companies are ready to play their part in Korea’s next chapter of growth. German Chancellor’s expected visit for the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK), to be held in Seoul next month, underscores the strategic importance Germany places on Korea and the region. We look forward to welcoming Korean business leaders to APK to engage directly with German decision-makers and turn dialogue into concrete partnerships.”
The reception underscored the strong commitment of French, German, and European companies to Korea’s economic development while setting the stage for deeper cooperation and mutual growth.
Prime Minister Seongsook Han (center) joins special guests and board members of FKCCI and KGCCI for a commemorative photo at a special reception co-hosted by the two chambers.
Prime Minister Seongsook Han speaks at a special reception co-hosted by FKCCI and KGCCI.
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