Introduction to Korea-Guangdong Collaboration
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIR), led by Minister Kim Jung-kwan, has announced that Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won will visit Guangdong Province, China, from October 20 to 21. The visit aims to attend the 10th Korea–Guangdong Development Forum and engage in bilateral discussions with Guangdong’s Deputy Governor Zhang Guozhi to enhance economic and industrial partnerships with China’s largest provincial economy.
Guangdong: China’s Economic Leader
Guangdong stands as China’s top province in terms of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and foreign trade volume among its 31 provinces and municipalities. In 2024, trade between Korea and Guangdong reached approximately USD 57.6 billion, surpassing Korea’s trade with Australia (USD 45.6 billion) and constituting 18% of total Korea-China trade, second only to Jiangsu Province. The province hosts around 1,600 Korean companies, including major players like Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell plant and LG Display’s OLED plant.
10th Korea–Guangdong Development Forum
Marking its 10th anniversary, the Korea–Guangdong Development Forum serves as a pioneering platform for high-level cooperation between Korean and Chinese local governments. This year’s forum will unite government officials, business associations, and companies to discuss investment policies and explore collaboration in emerging sectors such as hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology. The event will also focus on strategies to help Korean companies penetrate China’s domestic market.
Deputy Minister Park’s Agenda
During the forum, Deputy Minister Park will deliver congratulatory remarks, highlighting the importance of deepening ties with Chinese provincial governments amid global trade uncertainties and evolving Korea–China industrial relations. He will advocate for enhanced collaboration with Guangdong, a hub for advanced industries, in areas like hydrogen, AI, and biotech to foster mutual growth through increased trade and investment.
Bilateral Talks with Deputy Governor Zhang
In addition to the forum, Deputy Minister Park will hold discussions with Deputy Governor Zhang Guozhi to address support for Korean companies in Guangdong. The talks will focus on strengthening supply chain stability and expanding cooperation in emerging industries. Park will also express gratitude for Guangdong’s efforts in maintaining stable trade relations despite tightened export controls, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.
Future Commitments
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reiterated its commitment to forging stronger partnerships with key Chinese provincial governments. This strategy aims to facilitate practical cooperation that supports the business activities of Korean companies in China, ensuring sustained economic growth and stability.
Keyword : Korea-Guangdong Cooperation
Meta Description: Korea strengthens economic ties with Guangdong, China’s largest provincial economy, through the 10th Korea-Guangdong Development Forum and bilateral talks, focusing on hydrogen, AI, biotech, and support for Korean companies.