World-OKTA chairman sees expo as new bridge for China-ROK business

The first Korea Business Expo held in China is expected to create new opportunities for cooperation between Chinese and South Korean businesses, with Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem and the upcoming APEC meetings providing fresh momentum for closer ties, Park Jong-bum, chairman of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA), said in an interview with Shenzhen Daily during the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen today.

“We decided to hold the expo in Shenzhen to support the APEC meetings taking place here in November,” Park said. “We believe businesspeople from China and South Korea should meet more openly and develop business opportunities for mutual benefit.”

Park Jong-bum (R), chairman of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Economic and Trade Associations (World-OKTA), interacts with participants during a tour of the 2026 Korea Business Expo Shenzhen. Photo by Shao Jingfeng

Founded in 1981, World-OKTA marks its 45th anniversary this year. The Shenzhen event is the 30th Korea Business Expo and the first held in China. Park said the decision reflected the momentum toward closer economic relations following meetings between the leaders of China and South Korea at last year’s APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

World-OKTA has members in more than 70 countries and regions, and Park said its members had come to Shenzhen to explore the city’s business environment and identify potential partners. He also highlighted Shenzhen’s strengths in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, robotics and drones.

“Shenzhen is a leading city in new business and high technology. I would call it China’s Silicon Valley,” he said, referring to the city’s rapid development in innovation and advanced industries.

Park said he was optimistic about the expo’s business prospects. “I firmly believe the results will be very good and the expo will be a success,” he said.

Chinese and South Korean business representatives pose for a group photo at the Korea Business Expo Shenzhen. Courtesy of event organizer

Beyond the expo, World-OKTA is looking to establish a lasting partnership with Shenzhen. The association has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce to promote long-term cooperation, Park said.

He praised the warm welcome extended by Shenzhen business representatives and said World-OKTA members were pleased with the choice of this host city. The agreement is expected to pave the way for more frequent exchanges and closer business collaboration.

Park also sees the expo as a way for World-OKTA to contribute to the wider goals of APEC, which brings together economies across the Asia-Pacific to promote regional cooperation.

“With members around the world, we need to cooperate with Shenzhen and Chinese businesspeople for a better future,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the November APEC meetings in Shenzhen would be a great success, adding that closer connections between businesses could help turn regional cooperation into tangible business opportunities.